Aspiring Hoop Hero Gifts

'Anything is possible in our great country, son. If an Afro-American can become president, a white man can become a pro basketball player.'

'Reading, writing and arithmetic are important, son. Someday you might sign autographs for money.'

'They were hoping to gradually introduce him to the pro game, but injuries left them no choice.'

"College basketball recruiters are after him."

"I wanted to be a baseball player 'til I found out they send you to the showers."

'Wow! That's some growth spurt!'

'Wait!... I don't want to take Brady out right now. He's just getting into rhythm.'

Before getting a basketball scholarship, Jack worked at a pancake house.

"I'm less a role model than a cautionary tale."

'I know I'm still in the Juniors, but I already need a therapist.'

'And when your mother said that you would never be an Olympic gymnast, how did that make you feel?'

"Because when you're drafted by the pros, you'll have to be able to sign your contract. That's why you have to attend first grade."

Basketball

Midnight Basketball

Basketball.

'Billy! Set your homework aside and get down here. There's another basketball recruiter here to see you.'

'Hey guys?. . . Help us think what Dale could do for his '15 minutes of fame.''

A backup plan might be a good idea, in case 'being a celebrity' doesn't work out...

'My long-range goal is to turn pro and lead the league in product endorsements.'

"I'm running away to join the W.N.B.A."

'Billy - no! Do not ask for his autograph. He'll lose his natural fear of fans, become a nuisance, and then he'll need to be tranquilized and relocated to Europe.'

'He followed me home, Mom. Can I sign him to a five-year, $80-million contract?..'

'This game is going to be a character-building experience.'

"I'm going to shoot some hoops with members of the Flat Earth Society."

'He's got a good attitude, and he's tall. But he's got to get into the weight room.'

Charlie's medical advice always went in one ear and out the other.

"Behind the back, between the legs, around my disappointed parents, nothing but net."

Not The Real Me

'He'll be a great basketball player someday -- he already dribbles all over the place.

'It's great that you want a career in football, Timothy, but don't you think being a striker would be more fun than being a goalpost.'

'When you talk about playing, 'at the next level', you mean lawyering, right, not the NBA?'