Samb speculations

The answer is right there in the part you quoted: "your DNA gives you the raw materials to start with." Your DNA gives you the potential to become a more or less successful basketball player; actual basketball skills are learned.

Because they don't work as hard. Pete Maravich said over and over

"You don't get to this level by wishing"

Baloney.

How many guys do you know worked harder than Michael Curry? A guy with no talent that worked his way into the NBA, but with all his hard work he was still a marginal NBA player, who only stuck around because of his hard work.

How hard did Wilt work, compared to Bad Boy Bill. I guarantee you that Wilt never worked hard at anything on a basketball court.

Babe Ruth was a perfect example of an athlete who succeeded beyond any of his contemporaries without working at anything baseball. The only things that Ruth ever worked hared at were womanizing, eating and drinking.

Obviously there is a physical component where sports are concerned, but you can't deny the work part. No one has natural basketball skills. Some people are better runners, jumpers, etc. but that doesn't make them better basketball players.

Here's an example. Jimi Hendrix had enormous hands. When you play guitar, having big hands and long hands certainly makes things easier. Wilt Chamberlain also had very large hands, but I bet he couldn't improvise a solo to Red House. (not a good one, anyway)

I wonder if Jimi could dunk a basketball?

I bet he could. If he practiced.

So you're saying that Jimi Hendrix had to work really hard to get big hands?

This certainly enters into the ultimate result. Do not over estimate technique, and yet again, do not underestimate it. With the latter, you need an almost abnormal intensity and pre-occupation on an intense goal. This goal is your vision and conception of yourself. It will be the only friend you have when things go against you....and, they will go against you. I have no argument against those who insist that it can make you into an NBA player, but it will never get you into the level of say...Steve Nash. Some things just can't be taught.

The tacit components of life's twist continually stretch one's boundaries. Life, ultimately, becomes a wonderful surprise.

I think he would appreciate it.

Lets email him this thread!!!

Maybe Cheikh could start a blog. Grandy has one on ESPN of all places.

Got to remember that Jimi showed up.......Experienced..............

No one has natural basketball skills?

Are you kidding?

Do you know how many NBA players have the natural skill of being able to play "The Matador Defense". Oleh!!

From Marc Stein of all people:

ESPN - Stein: The best of Vegas, halfway through - NBA

Henry Abbott at TrueHoop attended yesterday's game and talked to some scouts about Samb. He gives Samb a mixed review. It's a long post, and worth checking out.

Hobbs looks more effective than Samb.