Very tough loss, but James playing today really did a lot for his legacy in my opinion for the big Marquette fans, just like playing with the injured back in game 6 of the 1998 Finals changed Pippen's legacy for Chicago Bulls fans.
Scottie Pippen let a migraine headache keep him from performing well in the playoffs against the Pistons in 1990. From then on, he was thought of as somewhat soft. When James was a freshman, he acted like he got shot every time he hit the deck. They always had to stop play while he laid on the ground, and Crean had to take him out only to have him recover within 5 minutes. Some announcers called him tough all the time, but many of us considered James soft when he was younger.
But, in Pippen's last game with the Bulls (I don't count his return after being on Portland) and James' last game as a Golden Eagle, they both played through some serious injuries all for the team. neither really did much statistically in those games, but lots to boost team morale and confidence.
Casual fans will remember these players for their cool dunks and their winning (and rightfully so) but those of us who take basketball very seriously will remember these guys for playing through pain for the team.
Only wish the Golden Eagles could have won like the Bulls did... But, it was great to see a guy like James mature into a tough player and a good teammate. It says a lot about the way MU's program can develop these guys as people. Can't wait to see what Buzz does with these newcomers next season.
James, his teamates and his coach have all addressed his growth as a person and a teamate this year. Today was evidence it wasn't just talk.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on March 23, 2009, 02:37:17 AM
James, his teamates and his coach have all addressed his growth as a person and a teamate this year. Today was evidence it wasn't just talk.
Absolutely. I hope the NBA scouts agree.
Except for the time Da Pip had sand in his vajay and refused to enter a game.
Quote from: reinko on March 23, 2009, 10:19:43 AM
Except for the time Da Pip had sand in his vajay and refused to enter a game.
It was a playoff game and he was mad that the play wasn't called for him. Pip sat on the bench and watched as Toni Kukoc became the hero. I hope and believe Dom will go on to be a better person than Pippen. He has already shown more character during this injury than Pippen did during his whole career.