What does it take to become a pro athlete? (Split)

[star18]

"practice, not before game shootarounds, I was seriously shocked and surprised myself...we went to a practice 2 years ago, in the championship season - Ray Ray didn't miss a 3, he took about 30, Scal missed 2 or 3 shots, Eddie House was lights out, etc. etc. etc.  You'll have to take my word for it, or go check one out yourself"

So why do so many NBA players shoot less than 70% from the FT line, if what you are saying is true?  Ben Wallace is like .430 career from the line.   So what you are saying isn't true.

[Redz]

"practice, not before game shootarounds, I was seriously shocked and surprised myself...we went to a practice 2 years ago, in the championship season - Ray Ray didn't miss a 3, he took about 30, Scal missed 2 or 3 shots, Eddie House was lights out, etc. etc. etc.  You'll have to take my word for it, or go check one out yourself"

So why do so many NBA players shoot less than 70% from the FT line, if what you are saying is true?  Ben Wallace is like .430 career from the line.   So what you are saying isn't true.

Because that's not practice.

[Redz]

The truth is out there somewhere...night night

[star18]

A free throw is a free throw, whether you are in a game, practice or shootaround.  Sure you can be more tired during a game, however you get to take your time at the line.  If what cdif911 is saying is true, every NBA player would shoot 85% or better at the line.  Nobody guards you when you take a free throw and you don't have to rush the shot.  You take your time and its just you and the basket.

[cdif911]

"practice, not before game shootarounds, I was seriously shocked and surprised myself...we went to a practice 2 years ago, in the championship season - Ray Ray didn't miss a 3, he took about 30, Scal missed 2 or 3 shots, Eddie House was lights out, etc. etc. etc.  You'll have to take my word for it, or go check one out yourself"

So why do so many NBA players shoot less than 70% from the FT line, if what you are saying is true?  Ben Wallace is like .430 career from the line.   So what you are saying isn't true.

re-read, I said guys whose job it is to shoot, guys like Ray Allen, Eddie House, etc. But you'd be surprised even a Ben Wallace or a Shaq is going to be much better in practice shooting from FT than in a game, its highly psychological and because of the running involved in the game, going from full speed to stopping to take FTs is tough... I shoot about 80% when I practice (FT's) and closer to 60 in games

[vitaminC]

I'm not being sarcastic.   I believe I am a great basketball player.  I am in great shape and am athletic.    Again I'm not saying I'm Michael Jordan, so please understand that.   What I am saying is that if you look around the NBA, guys like Bobby Jackson, Jose Barea, Earl Boykins, they are in the NBA too.  And I'm not saying they aren't great players, because they are amazing players.  I'm just saying I don't think there is a difference between night and day with some of these guys.   And I'm not saying I would make an NBA team, I'm just saying that talent wise I am at least somewhat competitive, and if I had all the other things around me that NBA players have I would have a much better and possibly realistic chance to be an NBA player for one year.

I think i know part of the problem. Maybe because you have never played organized sports at a high level, you have not had the opportunity to be humbled by a truly talented player.  I imagine, due to your limited athletic exposure, you have not played against a pro talent/prospect before.


It's cliche to say, but they really do make it look easier than it is.  I know you blame your early exit from athletics to your slowly maturing body as a kid, but keep in mind that resembling them physically doesn't now make you comparable...especially at your advanced age.

[Fafnir]

A free throw is a free throw, whether you are in a game, practice or shootaround.  Sure you can be more tired during a game, however you get to take your time at the line.  If what cdif911 is saying is true, every NBA player would shoot 85% or better at the line.  Nobody guards you when you take a free throw and you don't have to rush the shot.  You take your time and its just you and the basket.

Its really not, pressure makes things more difficult. Free throws in games count, free throws in practice don't.

[cdif911]

ok here's a good measure of your athleticism...can you dunk?

I have sealed what I think will be the response in an envelope (pm to DL) which will be revealed after your response

[dark_lord]

ok here's a good measure of your athleticism...can you dunk?

I have sealed what I think will be the response in an envelope (pm to DL) which will be revealed after your response

he cant just dunk....he can win the dunk contest at all star weekend 

[star18]

Thanks dark lord that was a good one.   I can almost dunk I'm only 5'11.   Again I'm not trying to be the greatest player in the world.  I am just saying that talent wise I can hold my own against these players.   Most of you keep looking at the negatives over and over again, instead of believing that you can accomplish things and think positively.

[star18]

All this talk reminds me of one thing.   The ORL-CLE series.   All 10 ESPN experts picked the Cavs, and before the series started I had all this information about Orlando, and the responses were simliar to this thread.   Sometimes what the media and TV reports is misleading and people hop on the bandwagon and say that certain things are 100% going to happen and other are 0% to happen.   This is a similiar issue.   You are just looking at the negatives of me being a basketball player, instead of looking at the positives.  Because no way the Magic can beat the Cavs, and no way can I be a great basketball player?  I mean the media woudln't allow it, now would they?

[star18]

"Maybe because you have never played organized sports at a high level, you have not had the opportunity to be humbled by a truly talented player."

And why am I not a truly talented player?   Because EPSN and the TV say such a player doesn't exist?

[Edgar]

Ok
Let me put it this way

Who other than u say youre a skilled NBA talented like player?

[star18]

I'm sure a few of my friends that I played with when I was 19-21 would say I was a great player.    That doesn't matter.     If I'm not playing with anybody with NBA talent, no one will know until I actually play. 

That is what I am talking about.  It is similiar to athletics at a younger age.   People say, "you can't play", "you can't shoot" etc.  Well until that happens everything is speculation.   For all the reasons some of you are saying I can't play well, is all the same reasons for me to say that I can. 

[dark_lord]

i legitimately though this thread was tongue in cheek, but now i think he might be serious.

ok star, i dont wanna be rude saying this, but it needs to be said.....

dont sing it, bring it.  enough of all this egotistical and pretentious writing on a blog.....be like nike and just do it.  no one cares about ur bragging and arrogance.  to be honest, anyone on this blog could do exactly what ur doing in this thread.  sorry if its harsh, but this is kinda out of control.