His new name translates from the Arabic into the generous servant of the all-powerful—Kareem (generous), Abdul (the servant), Jabbar (all-powerful or subduer).
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Tom Meschery: Bard of the Backboards, 1969
What follows are 13 poems penned by the NBA great Tom Meschery.
A Coffee Shop Conversation with Robert Reid, 1985
“You have loved ones who are not interested in money and fame, they’re just concerned about your soul,” Reid says.
Allen Leavell: The Little Sparkplug, 1981
“The only thing I was worried about was if I would get a real chance or not,” Leavell said. “I knew if they gave me a chance, I would make it.
Half Dollar Bill Melchionni, 1971
There is nothing fancy about Melchionni’s game. He leaves showtime ballhandling to those who must resort to it in order to build up their game, and Billy’s game is as pure as Dionne Warwick’s vocal range.
Super John Williamson: Nothing But Net, 1979
While Williamson was just one of a number of sideshows to Julius Erving’s main act during those winning seasons, he was now looked upon by his teammates as the Nets’ leader, the one to go to in clutch situations, and Williamson has proven that he thrives under those conditions.
Ode to a Rookie Referee in Two Takes, 1967
Moser, about to hand the ball to the Celts’ John Havlicek, looked at the agonized Holzman—the Knicks were 16 points behind—and said firmly, “That’s enough,” without exclamation point.
Lonnie Shelton: Reeding His Future in New York, 1977
Maybe Shelton will learn to love the Big Apple, just as he’s learning to cope with the big centers in the NBA.
Jack Sikma: A Less-Natural Star, 1997
Long before grunge, coffee, and Microsoft became Seattle pop icons, there were just the Space Needle and Sikma’s less-natural act—two vertical symbols, solitary, timeless, and unique unto themselves.
Alvin Attles Works Miracles, 1974
There are times when it seems that the only real adult in the organization is the head coach. Defeats come and defeats go, but Alvin Attles, age 38, stays cool.
From Way Downtown 