Willie Wise is one of Salt Lake City’s best-kept secrets: A three-time ABA all-star, bull-shouldered, 6-foot-6 forward with a pro career average of over 20 points per game, a man whom Dave DeBusschere calls one of the finest two-way ballplayers in basketball.
Tag Archives: New York Nets
Checking in with Bill Melchionni
Bill Melchionni, a three-time ABA all-star with the New York Nets, recently joined the podcast No Weak Stuff to talk about his basketball career, from Villanova University to the pros (NBA and ABA). Melchionni discusses the 1973-1974 Nets, the youngest ABA title team, and its similarities with last season’s young Oklahoma City Thunder squad. MelchionniContinue reading “Checking in with Bill Melchionni”
Julius Erving: Basketball’s Most Valuable Pro, 1984
He is 34 years old now. He has won the NBA title. If things go according to plan, 1985 will be his final season. It’s a cause for concern inside the game.
Balls of Confusion: Signing Lew Alcindor, 1969
Brown handed him the certified check from Chemical Bank. Alcindor fingered the paper, eyed his name printed as clearas day across the middle, and handed it back. “Mr. Brown said to me, ‘We’ll give you a million dollars,’” recalled Alcindor, but without mentioning a timeframe.
Lou Carnesecca: Now Playing at the Island Garden, 1971
The car pulls into the driveway, and the inner tension reaches a peak. Defeat is too fresh in Carnesecca’s mind for it not to show on his face.
Lou Carnesecca: Are the Pros Ready for Looie? 1971
“Wait a minute,” he whispered after losing his voice during a practice session, “who am I that the pros should be ready for me? Am I ready for them? That’s the question.”
Dr. J and the Champion New York Nets, 1975
Erving is young. So is his coach, Kevin Loughery. If they can stay together, the Nets will become as great as their talent allows.
Willie Sojourner: That Tall Carpenter in Elko, 1990
Sojourner had his moments as a rookie. Like Red Robbins Night in the Salt Palace.
Jim Chones: Learning to Live with the Pressure
“I always wanted to get a degree. I’ve been going back to school every summer to get my degree in philosophy. I don’t know what good it will do me, or if I’ll ever use it. But it’s something I want to have.”
Charlie Scott: The Next Big O, 1972
“He makes all the big plays,” said Lou Carnesecca, the fiery coach-general manager of the Nets. “He reminds me so much of Oscar Robertson that I hate to think what he’s going to do as he gains pro experience.”
From Way Downtown 