Dunker's dream: 'Skywalker' introducing MJ
Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 9:54 AM
Filed Under:
ACC, Greatest ever
Michael Jordan being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame surprises no one. In fact, the announcement was months ago.
But MJ selecting David Thompson, the original ACC high flyer and dunk king, was a surprise. Jordan, the former North Carolina star, could’ve gone with Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen or his college coach, Dean Smith -- Smith seemed like the odds-on favorite – not the greatest player in N.C. State history.
But his Airness did just that. And when you read Marc Spears’ Y! story, it makes perfect sense. After all, Jordan is a guy with a sense of history.
“I got a call from the Hall of Fame and they asked me if I was willing to be a presenter for someone,” Thompson recently told Yahoo! Sports. “I said, ‘Yeah.’ I didn’t know who it was. … They said Michael Jordan. I was like, ‘Wow.’ He told them that he was a big fan of mine and I was the one that really inspired him. Being that there was so many North Carolina people he could’ve chose, I was honored.
“I was kind of surprised, and also was really flattered that he chose me over Coach Smith. You know how important he is?”
Sounds like Thompson also has a sense of history. The ACC’s greatest player introduces the greatest NBA player. Sounds about right.
The rest of the story does what it’s supposed to do: Make me want to watch highlights from Thompson’s and Jordan’s college careers. (Pro highlights for Thompson and Jordan)
Maybe I’ll spend the rest of the day idly dreaming about the prospective dunk contest these two could’ve had if they were both in their primes. “Skywalker” vs. “Air Jordan”? Two of the greatest athletes, leapers and dunkers we’ve ever seen, throwing it down?
(Shudders in sheer joy.)
Maybe I’ll throw in Dr. J for kicks.
