Hoop Dreamers Mugs

"The worst thing about getting shorter is you can't get those rebounds any more."

'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."

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

'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."

'He's gonna dunk on me. I just know it.'

"And the award for the best use of AI in a movie goes to..."

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

'It's too early to say but my lad may be good enough to swim professionally.'

Basketball

"We both see Ben as this summer's breakout child."

Midnight Basketball

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

Basketball.

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

Baseball Dreams

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

'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.'

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

'Well, I guess it's your father's fault for mounting that backboard on the barn in the first place. ... OK, one game...'

'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.'

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

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

Not The Real Me

'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?'

"You want England to win what!? Put me back in the lamp!"

'I'm feeling a little remiss about missing both free throws.'

Penalty

Athletic Darwinism.