Over the weekend NBA legend Spud Webb was in Pocola, Oklahoma at Choctaw Casino and Resort to support the grand opening of Trophy’s Bar and Grill, the new sports bar at Choctaw.
Standing at five feet, seven inches tall, Spud Webb won the 1986 dunk contest at only 22 years old. Even though his monstrous leaps jump started his career, don't let that be the only thing that you remember about him.
“People probably forget I played in 800 games, with 4,000 assists” said Webb.
It’s understandable for those to look over Spud's stats when he is the shortest player in NBA history to be crowned dunk champion. These days Spud is traveling and signing autographs for fans of all ages when he’s not busy as President of basketball operations for the D-League team, the Texas Legends. But the success did not come easy. He had to work hard and practice to accomplish the feats that he did.
“You have to keep believing in yourself first of all,” said Webb. “Once you hit the floor, no matter what the statistics are or what people say it’s all about how you produce. That’s something I prepared myself for. Always play and practice and when those situations came, it was easy because I worked on it hard."
And for those who play the game in college, this time of the year is when the hard work and practice is put to the test. Although, Spuds best advice to the kids is to just enjoy the ride.
“A lot of people don’t get to that position. So you just try to enjoy the moment and suck it in.”
Just don't ask him about his bracket.