He was once one of the most reviled athletes in the entire country. Accused of rape and severely criticized by former teammates, especially Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant faced obstacles and challenges that would have forced many to give in and give up. However, the perseverance that Bryant has shown by rebuilding his image and his team, the Los Angeles Lakers, has transformed him into a champion on the court and in life as well. The Lakers recently captured their 16th NBA championship and fifth with Kobe Bryant as its star shooting guard. “It’s so tough to win a championship, to have to start over from scratch,” said Bryant.
Basketball fans know him as MJ, the champion shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls, and others know him for his Air Jordan brand or role in Space Jam, but Michael Jordan wasn’t always a success. He once said, “I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying” (Smith 162). Starting at a young age he faced many obstacles on his path to greatness, but never caved. Michael Jordan’s superior desire to win throughout his life led him to nineteen magnificent seasons for the Chicago Bulls, becoming the best basketball player in the history of the National Basketball Association. Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in a Brooklyn, NY hospital.
Lebron put up 37 points to tie for the most points in NBA finals game seven history, they got the win along with another championship ring for the second straight year. From Watching Lebron James growing up, I have seen many of his accomplishments along with everyone else watching him strive for greatness. I remember when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, I loved watching him play so much that my parents bought me a Lebron James jersey for Christmas. When
He was named the Rookie of the Year in 2006, which began a career that includes five consecutive All-Star game appearances from '08 until now, named twice to the All-NBA first team, and two Olympic gold medals with team USA (NBA.com: Chris Paul bio). In a game that is generally dominated by the taller and stronger players, Chris Paul exemplifies how the game should be played 'below the rim' so to speak. Peyton Manning is an NFL quarterback for the Denver that is known for making his career based off being intellectually on another level in his sport, making up for his lack of speed and athleticism with precision and seeing things on the field before they happen. Chris Paul has been compared as the 'Peyton Manning' of the basketball court, based on his craftiness and advanced intellectual understanding of the sport. Two off-seasons ago, Chris Paul was the cornerstone piece in a trade that placed him with the Los Angeles Clippers with fellow young superstar, Blake Griffin.
In 1991, the Fab Five of Michigan University men’s basketball team impacted America’s traditions and morals. These five young, outspoken, rash African Americans not only stormed the court, but the media too. Making Americans question all that they knew, the Fab Five’s “us against the world” attitude and controversial decisions revolutionized basketball, for better or for worse, all while leaving behind a legacy of family and love. Coming off a championship season in 1989, the Michigan Wolverines acquired what is coined to be the best recruiting class in college history. In 1991, Michigan signed five of the nation’s top fifty high school recruits, and thus began the Fab Five era.
He is a professional American basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant enjoyed a successful high school basketball career at Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, where he was recognized as the top high school basketball player in the country. He decided to declare his eligibility for the NBA Draft upon graduation, and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the thirteenth overall pick in the 1996, and was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. As a rookie, Bryant earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and a fan favorite by winning the 1997 slam dunk contest. Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000-2002, and their loss in the 2004 NBA finals led to O'Neal's departure from the team, in the following the 2003-2004 season.
He has become one of the most recognized people in the entire world. (http://www.africanaonline.com/michael_jordan.htm) Already having his popularity soar in the United States since being drafted into the National Basketball Association, Michael’s worldwide popularity began at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He and his teammates were dubbed the “Dream Team,” as all of the players were NBA all-stars and destined hall-of-famers. Coming off his second consecutive NBA championship, the world began to take notice of his talents and marketability. His second trip to the Olympics would be his last Olympic performance and undoubtedly his greatest.
His coach Jim Johnson told him to play near the end of a game giving him an opportunity he hasn’t been able to uphold. Jason ended up surprising everyone by making six shots in a row, giving the team a victory and an incredible experience for everyone there. “I felt like a celebrity”, Jason exclaimed. After all his life feeling and acting different from his surroundings, he finally felt apart of something and important (CBS News, 2006).
Here’s where people say “But after Kobe lost Shaquille O’Neal he struggled to find another championship win.” This is a true statement but at the same time what is player without there big man? How could you expect to win if you don’t have anyone you trust enough to throw the ball too and expect him to finish under pressure
By playing with the mentality that every game was his last, he played each game with no regrets. His mentality helped him reach many of his career goals like his goal from his rookie year of winning a championship ring. Michael Jordan, “the greatest basketball player of all time” succeeds because he is able to overcome failures, and learn from his mistakes. Learning from our short comings has allowed mankind to evolve to what we are today. I share similar beliefs with Michael Jordan in the sense that most of the time we learn lessons through things we