Google
 

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Where Basketball Without Borders Should Go Next

While we're on the subject of David Beckham and his influence on young boys, I just read the ESPN the magazine cover story on him. In the article, he says,

"I wouldn't have minded being a basketball player. I think they are the best athletes in the world. My wife always jokes that she wishes I could bounce a ball."
That got me thinking, why aren't there any British players in the NBA? And Steve Nash doesn't count...Canada's already claimed him. And then I thought, well people who are really gifted in one sport often just have a tremendous natural ability that makes them great all-around athletes. (I was thinking of Steve and his header to Amare during the Dunk Contest, and people like AI and T.O.) What does he mean he can't even bounce a ball. That's probably just false English modesty.

Nope. This is what he means:

I haven't seen a dribble that high since elementary school!

I know David Stern wants the NBA to reach the furthest spans of the world, but damn, let's send a little love and assistance across the pond. Round up Steve and Dikembe for some international flavor and Kyle Korver for his pretty boy looks the Brits seem to favor and let's get this rolling. Next stop for BWB: the UK!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Luol Deng comes to mind. He is a proud Brit.

Courtside said...

I thought he was Sudanese.