Spud Webb: The Little Engine That Could...And Did!

Have you ever tried to dunk a basketball?

Me?

Never been close. Even though I am 6’1”, it would appear that I have a vertical leap of just under 12 centimeters. The adage that 'white guys can’t jump' has never so thoroughly borne out as it is with me. With the basket fixed there at ten feet even, assuming that my arms over my head give me another two feet, I would need to elevate another two plus feet to be over the rim.

Not happening.

But Spud Webb—at FIVE FOOT SEVEN---not only can dunk it—but moreover, won the NBA’s Slam Dunk competition on this date twenty five years ago. He did it by outdunking (is that a word?) fellow Atlanta Hawks teammate Dominique Wilkins, who was the reigning champion from 1985.

Dominique, by the way, is 6’8”.

Nothing short of amazing, but that’s the life and career of Spud Webb, who overcame incredible odds to even make it to the NBA. Coming out of high school with a 26 point per game average, he was ignored by Division One colleges due to his stature—or lack thereof. He went instead to Midland Junior College in his home state of Texas. There, his play attracted the attention of the coaches at North Carolina State University. He transferred there and played for two years.

Despite his college resume, he again was ignored by the NBA. Really, how could anyone nearly a half foot short of six feet actually compete against the sequoias who pace the pro arenas? Hard work, talent and persistence finally earned him a roster spot on the Atlanta team—and the rest is pro b-ball lore.

Here’s a short clip of that memorable 1986 Slam Dunk performance:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5wBI98NXEE

OK, so there’s nothing particularly useful about the ability to dunk a basketball. It won’t cure cancer or stop global warming, but it is a physical feat that can only be appreciated after attempting to do it yourself.

Spud went on to play in the NBA for 12 seasons—and is credited with paving the way for even SHORTER players who made it., including Muggsy Bogues, who is 5’3” and Nate Robinson, who was the second shortest player to win the slam dunk competition in 2006 at all of 5’9”. Spud Webb was on hand for that competition in Dallas—and Robinson LEAPED OVER Webb to slam dunk the ball!

Here it is:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv_F0zS-e20


The lesson for all of us is obvious: don’t let obstacles get in the way of your dreams! Webb (and Robinson) were the Little Engines that said “I think I can, I think I can….”----and DID!!

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