Future Hoops Star Prints

'Don't worry, Mikey. Lots of kids fail to get drafted into the NBA right out of sixth grade, and they go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.'

'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!'

Exercising

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

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

"What do you want to be when you blow up?"

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

Danae's Celebrity Career: 'Don't you know who I am?...I've decided to pursue a career as a celebrity, so I'm developing the basic language skills used in the industry.'

Midnight Basketball

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

Future Wrestler

"If there is no more American Idol what am I going to do to become famous?"

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

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

'I won't bother to bath Mum, we're playing again tomorrow!'

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

'The team we're playing tonight is good 'cause I heard they know how to turn and stop!'

'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.'

Not The Real Me

"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.

'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.'

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

"I promised myself I would never let this happen to me."

Athletic Darwinism.