An in-depth analysis of a few favorite jams
As an additional element to today’s story on shattered backboards, we put together a list of some of the more notable ones in basketball history.
Here’s a closer look.
THE LEGENDS
Darryl Dawkins, Philadelphia 76ers, 1979
Here’s what separates Dawkins from every other dunker who’s broken a backboard:
Both times he does it, he knows he’s ripping the rim off the backboard. He’s not trying to score two points, he’s trying to cause destruction.
And that is fantastic. Even more fantastic? His dunk’s name:
“The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Teeth-Shaking, Glass-Breaking, Rump-Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Wham-Bam, Glass-Breaker-I-Am-Jam.”
“The Tomahawk” and “The Honey Dip” should be ashamed of themselves.
Shaquille O’Neal, Orlando Magic, 1993
I’m not sure how the artist formerly known as The Shaqtus hasn’t shattered a backboard in a game. He probably did in high school. Dwight Howard broke a shot clock in last year’s playoff series against the Cavs, but I don’t think you’ll see anyone literally tear down a goal ever again. If they do, my money is on Dwight.
Michael Jordan, Some italian team, 1986
I really thought I knew everything there was to know about Michael Jordan. I’ve got the Sam Vincent trading card that caught MJ wearing No. 12 for a game in the 1990-91 season against the Magic. I know he scored 49 points in that game. I know his career high is 69 against the Cavs and that he batted .202 with the Birmingham Barons when he played AA minor league ball.
I did not know he shattered a backboard during an exhibition game while playing for an Italian team. Call it an error of my youth.
That said, I think he’s an outlier on this list, other than Dawkins. The rim he broke looked pretty shoddy. The best part is MJ gets almost none of the glass on him, but dumps it on a pair of poor, trailing Italians.
Darvin Ham, Texas Tech, 1996
The only impressive thing about Ham’s dunk itself is it came off a tip slam. It’s the venue that lands him on this list. Shattering a backboard in a postseason game against one of college basketball’s great programs and earning a spot on the cover of SI with one slam is unprecedented. The third-seeded Red Raiders won that game, 92-73, over the sixth-seeded Tar Heels to advance to the Sweet Sixteen, by the way.
Also, his last name is Ham. Delicious dunk all around.
Jerome Lane, Pittsburgh, 1988
Bill Raftery, I sense this dunk would have been prevented by a 2-3 zone with…mantomanprinciples. My real wish? Someone shatters a backboard at the 2010 NCAA Regional in Oklahoma City and I’m within shouting distance of Gus Johnson, who would, ideally, be assigned to call games here. Nirvana.
THE LOCALS
Tiny Gallon, Oklahoma, 2009 (barely)
It’s going to be hard for Tiny to shake not scoring, or touching the ball, for that matter, on the play. You just don’t see guys breaking backboards anymore, though, especially in nationally televised games. His reaction said, “I’m just as shocked as you are, except I have glass all over me.”
Jason Keep, Oklahoma State, 2000
I love that he knows exactly what he’s done, and takes pride in it. Solid fist pump, Mr. Keep. Points for dumping most of your glass on an opponent.
Bryant Reeves, Oklahoma State, 1995
I tried, unsuccessfully, to get Bryant to talk to me for this story. He loses points for not doing it in a game, but supposedly, he did it three other times in high school, so I’ll let that detail slide. I’m sure he wishes the shattered backboard had intimated UCLA a little more heading into the national semifinal. The No. 4 seed Cowboys were knocked off 74-61 by the eventual champs the next day.
Daniel Orton, Bishop McGuinness, 2008
I tried to keep backboards shattered in high school off this list, but if you can break one within a 10-mile radius of The Oklahoman tower, guess where it lands you?
Right here.
Video: What to expect from the Sooners
Video: Sam Bradford Uncut
Here’s full video of Sam Bradford’s press conference yesterday.
He talks about how he’s done in reaching the goals he came back to acheive, the Sooners’ new receiving corps, the shuffling offensive line, the insurance policy he took out on himself and more.
Video: Jermie Calhoun, OU-Tech highlights
A couple of great videos from NewsOK.tv.
First, Blake Jackson put together a report talking to folks about OU recruit Jermie Calhoun, including some highlights.
Second, new reporter Damon Fontenot reports from the OU-Texas Tech game.
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