Pete Maravich

Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, is considered one of the most dominant centers to have ever played in the NBA. Standing at a towering 7 feet 1 inch and weighing over 300 pounds, Shaq impacted the game of basketball with his unique blend of size, strength, and skill. Throughout his career, Shaq left a major mark on the sport and changed the way basketball hoops were viewed and played. In this Chapter, I dive into the historical context of Shaquille O'Neal's impact on basketball hoops, explore key figures in his life and career, the influence he had on the sport, and discuss the positive and negative aspects of his career. Shaquille O'Neal burst onto the basketball scene in the early 1990s after a successful college career at Louisiana State University.

Scottie Pippen, it’s hard to describe a man who for many people believed that he was a mere sidekick to Michael Jordan. By spending most of his career as the secondary option behind Jordan, many people fail to realize that without Pippen the Chicago Bulls potentially wouldn't have achieved a dynasty. Pippen once said: ‘’ Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.’’ He preferred it this way, quietly racking up impressive statistics while giving his teammates the spotlight. The 6-Time NBA Champion and all-leader in steals and assists among forwards, was one of the most versatile players in NBA history. He averaged over 20 points a game alongside with 7 rebounds, yet was continually overlooked due one person, Michael Jordan. It wasn’t until when Pippen was assigned to guard Magic

King of the Court: Bill Russell and the Basketball Revolution brings a fresh perspective to the life of one of the National Basketball Association’s most iconic and prominent players of all time. Bill Russell is known for his tenacious and innovative style of basketball play, but rarely does his background get much attention. Aram Goudsouzian takes a detailed look into the life of 6’10” Bill Russell, making note of not only his authority on the court, but also his background, culture, and attitude off the court.

Bird had a rough road to success, “when Larry Bird entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) he was the Hick from French Lick, a country boy coming to live in the big city” (“Larry Bird”). Throughout Bird’s basketball career he was known as the white boy that came out of the heart of the Indiana basketball world (Katzeff). Scouts believed that he wasn’t extremely fast, not tall enough, and not a primetime jumper. Bird proved scouts and critics all over the world wrong due to his extreme dedication to the game. He shot five-hundred free throws on a daily basis because he knew that if he committed to becoming great, he would indeed do so. Bird spent hours upon hours studying the finer details of the game. To become a good rebounder, he learned all he could about how the ball would deflect off of the backboard, studying every angle possible until he mastered the art of the rebound (“Larry Bird,” 3). Larry never thought that he was skilled enough, so he would use every off-season to work through his weaknesses and strengthen his strengths. Even though he rapidly established himself as an NBA superstar, he always hustled for loose balls, played rugged defense, and dominated inside the paint (under the hoop). Most big time NBA players are remembered solely for their offensive play, but not Larry Bird. Larry described his work ethic in one of his most famous quotes, “Push yourself again and again. Don't give an inch until the final buzzer sounds” (“Larry Bird”) Bird was truly an inspiration to all, without hardly any naturally given talents, he was able to prove to the entire world that a little bit of practice can go a long way. With a work ethic like no other, Larry Bird will be remembered for an eternity by friends, family, fans, and people all over the

Gordon Hayward. Wow, Amazing, Great and how. How does he do it. He is an awesome player. I love the way he plays. I just would love to spend a day with him. He is an awesome player and person. I would just ask him to tell me how he got so good and in shape.

He excelled at what he pursued, and he always stayed true to himself. He was everything I wish I could be in a man.” That is how Cannon would have wanted to be remembered, as an absolute stud. Growing up, Cannon really enjoyed the sport of basketball. He started basketball when he was eight years old.

Russell Westbrook was born on November 12, 1988. He is the oldest of two children in his family. He has one younger brother, Raynard Westbrook. His parents names are Russell Sr. and Shannon Westbrook. His mother played a very supportive role in his life. She made sure that both of her boys studied hard and had good grades.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994 in Sepolia, Athens. His parents came from Nigeria to Greece because they wanted a better life. He has two older brothers, Francis and Thanasis, and two younger brothers, Kostas and Alexis. Giannis originally lived in Athens and later moved to Sepolia, Greece. He was very poor and often worried about being deported back to Nigeria. He didn’t go outside to play because he was scared. In the 60 minutes interview he said, “He was very poor and he helped his family by selling sunglasses and watches for money.” His dad was a football player and his mom was an athlete. Giannis liked playing

Rose was born in 1941 in Cincinnati, to Harry and LaVerne Rose. Pete’s father, Harry, played a number of sports himself at a semi-professional level. One of which was baseball. This born athletic talent would set Pete on a course of greatness in the game of baseball. The sport that was his first love.

As soon as Magic Johnson announced he had HIV, he immediately was a role model for others to get tested and have hope of living a long and fulfilling life. In 2011, Magic Johnson talked about living with AIDS/HIV for 20 years, and how this disease is not a death sentence. He encourages others to get educated and get tested. However, when Johnson first found out he had the AIDS/HIV virus, his concern was not how did he get the disease or what is going to happen or how will he afford the medical expenses, but rather, “How am I going to live a long time?” (Moughty).

Karl Malone also known as the “ mailman” grew up on a small family farm in Summerfield, Louisiana. He faced many challenges like his father committing suicide when he was only three years old. He worked very hard to help make up for his father's absence. Karl started to play basketball at a very early age and he was good at it. He struggled to get good grades but his mother told him “grades before basketball”. After he improved his school work he lead Summerfield High School to three consecutive state titles. When he finished his successful time In high school It was time for collage.

During the 1950s and 1960s, a number of important civil rights' activities occurred that helped position the Civil Rights movement for greater recognition. They also led either directly or indirectly the passage of key legislation. Following is an overview of the major legislation, Supreme Court cases, and activities that occurred in the Civil Rights movement at the time.

rowing up Jimmy butler experienced a lot of pain. His father left his mother and him at an early age. Once he was 13 he was kicked out by his mother and living on the streets with nothing but a dream to play basketball. He tried to play basketball in high school but kept getting denied, in college he played for Marquette and showed everybody he is worth it by being a visual learner and learning from his mistakes. He began to refer to himself as “Baby Mike” according to article (10 things you didn’t know about Jimmy Butler).Being in the National Basketball Association (NBA) you need to try to be the best at all times. You have to a work ethic, the type of mentality to keep going through it all, you have to have the skills to be great, and a good team player. Jimmy Butler’s ability to score in clutch moments, have great defense, and the team to back him up makes him the an All-Star player in the league.

Have you ever wondered who truly was the greatest NBA player of all time was? There are very many players that could be selected for this title. Some names that you would be likely to see when discussing this topic are: Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan (Top 10 Players in NBA History). Most people can recognize most of these names but one of these people may be the most well known people in all of sports. The reason for this is because he is you doubtfully the best person to every play the game of basketball. This man is Michael Jordan and he was the greatest player to ever be apart of the NBA because of his accomplishments in basketball, his impact on

“Basketball is my favorite sport, I like the way they dribble up and down the court” – Kurtis Blow. My love for basketball started when I was very young, fifth grade to be exact. Growing up I always wanted to try out for my school’s basketball team. When I was young I use to always hear stories about my mom playing basketball throughout junior high and high school. Some of which made me want to play and do something that she loved to do. I eventually started loving the sport as much or even more than she did. This story goes way back to the fifth grade when I first tried out for the basketball team at my elementary school.