Basketball Hopeful Mugs

'Well, this is your lucky day, Sheedy.Go in for Moore... He just blew out his knee.'

Not The Real Me

'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.'

Exercising

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

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

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

"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."

"Hey, there's Sara, padding her college-entrance résumé!"

Midnight Basketball

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

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

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

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

'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.

“I’ve always wanted to learn to swim, but it’s never been more than thirty minutes since my last meal.”

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

'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?'

'I told my teacher that I won't be returning to school. I'm trying out for a pro basketball team, and her services are no longer required.'

'I want to be a professional Polo player too when I grow up... Can I have your autograph please?'

'When I grow up, if I don't become a pro basketball player, about about 'spin doctor'?'

"To be honest, it just collects dust."

'I want to be a professional Polo player too when I grow up...Can I have your autograph please?'

'We're going to insist that he at least finish kindergarten before entering the NBA draft.'