I have so many great memories of Tim Duncan. I called a number of his games at Wake Forest, and I was so impressed with him from the first time I laid eyes on him.
Duncan has decided to retire after 19 incredible years with the San Antonio Spurs.
When he went to Wake Forest, he was not a McDonald's All American. Coach Dave Odom saw potential in the player later known as The Big Fundamental. Duncan was a swimmer from the Virgin Islands at the time, and he took coaching to heart.
Duncan responded to teaching and worked so hard to improve his game. The staff at Wake Forest did a great job with him. It did not happen overnight.
As a freshman, he averaged fewer than 10 points per game. Then he was a double-double machine over his last three seasons, including 20.8 ppg. and 14.7 rebounds per game as a senior.
Duncan was a warrior on both ends of the court. In my estimation, he became the best power forward in the history of the game. He was super, scintillating and sensational.
I love stories of athletes who came out of nowhere. He wasn't told at age 14 or 15 that he was the greatest player. He went into the gym and busted his gut, worked out, developed his body and his skills.
The result was superstardom.
Think about his career in San Antonio. Beside all of the personal accolades, he won five NBA titles and did it within the team concept. Gregg Popovich got the most out of him in a positive way, both offensively and defensively.
It is great to see a guy with his class and stature go out with greatness.
The VBDI (Vitale Bald Dome Index) says he is the greatest power forward in NBA history. He had a great, great career. I remember when it all started at Wake Forest. I watched hm grow into a great player.
Congrats on a hall of fame career.
