Category

Old School

04.09.11

Original Old School: Shining Star NBA, Old School, Suns News | (0)
From holding down the point guard position to trying to hold the Kings in Sacramento, Kevin Johnson has always been a leader. The former Phoenix Suns’ staple is still one of only three NBA players to ever average at least 20 points and 12 assists in a season (the others: Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas). Johnson spoke with Alan Paul for this SLAM 104 interview that occurred a year before Johnson’s Sacramento mayoral campaign. The 6-1 guard was elected mayor the following year (2008), and maybe this story had something to do with his victory. Okay, maybe not. But we’d ...
02.20.11

Original Old School: 100 Proof NBA, Old School, Suns News | (0)
Straight from SLAM 106 (April 2007), here’s a dope Q+A with Charles Barkley. Why run it now; what’s the occasion? Happy born day, Chuck!–Ed. by Khalid Salaam Few people in this country’s recent history have made as much impact and caused as much ruckus as Charles Barkley. When he came out of Auburn University in 1984, Barkley was known primarily as a shy, overweight kid with a knack for rebounding. That in itself was remarkable, because at 6-4, he manned the power forward position and was always at a height disadvantage. Still, his ability was obvious and he started 60 games ...
06.26.10

Original Old School: New York Undercover NBA, Old School, Other Ballers, Suns News | (0)
The journey that Connie Hawkins took to get to the NBA was inspiring to say the least. Foul, an autobiography by David Wolf, told the tale of Hawkins darker days–his ban from the NBA and his struggle for the right to show his skills to the world. Hawkins was a pioneer for the game of basketball as we know it today. The forward was a high-flyer who could do a little bit of everything and got his flavor from the streets of New York. In SLAM 12’s Old School, Hawkins sat down with Scoop Jackson to discuss his career and his story.–Ed. ...
05.01.10

Original Old School: Road Rules NBA, Old School, Suns News | (0)
As we inch closer to the Finals, it’s time to look back at one of the all-time Finals classics, Game 3 of the ‘93 Finals. MJ, Sir Charles and Pip. 3 OTs. Published in SLAM 29, you forget just how colorful Barkley was before he got into the booth.—Ed. by Jeramie McPeek “I don’t remember that game,” says current Phoenix coach Danny Ainge, then a guard for the Suns. “I remember we won. I remember it was exciting, but that’s all I remember.” Or not. Perhaps the stresses and pressures of being a head coach have played havoc with Ainge’s memory. Or maybe ...
04.10.10

Original Old School: DJ Shadow NBA, Old School, Suns News | (0)
Dennis Johnson suddenly and sadly passed away in 2007 at the young age of 52. This past Monday in Indianapolis, three years after his passing, DJ was voted into the Hall of Fame. The well-deserved recognition was long overdue. Read Alan Paul’s Old School story from SLAM 95 if you need a little reminder… by Alan Paul Dennis Johnson might be the most underrated player of the last 30 years. The 6-4, 200-pound combo guard played every second of every game not only like it was his last, but as if he might die if he didn’t win. He was a complete ...