NBA Dunk Predictions

by T.J. Cowell, Alestle Sports Reporter

I never thought I would blog about the NBA again. I’m not sure what it is about it this year, but I can’t stop watching the NBA, and the NBA’s Dunk Contest is coming up on Feb. 13. As participants go, you have Nate Robinson, Gerald Wallace of the Charlotte Bobcats, the Lakers’ Shannon Brown (who mentioned who would win even if MJ was in it), and the Dunk-In winner of either DeMar DeRozan or Eric Gordon.

Krypto-Nate Robinson:

• Two time NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner (2006, 2009)
• Is listed as 5’9 with his shoes on
• Vertical leap of almost 44 inches

Shannon Brown:

• not a big fan of the Lakers, but this guy is from Maywood and even was teammates with Dee Brown at Proviso East High School.
• Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2003
• Played his college ball at Michigan State (woo Big Ten)

Gerald Wallace:

• One of the most versatile guys in the league
• 2010 marks his first NBA All-Star appearance
• 2002 NBA Slam Dunk Contest runner-up

DeMar DeRozan:

• Will face the Clippers’ Eric Gordon in a dunk-in at halftime of the NBA Rookie Challenge. This marks the first year doing this. The winner of that face-off is the final participant in this year’s contest.
• On tape, one of the most impressive dunkers in the NBA. This guy is so raw.
• 2009 Pac-10 Tournament MVP for USC
• Only 20 years of age

Eric Gordon:

• 2007 Indiana Mr. Basketball
• 2008 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, also made first team All-Big Ten that year
• 2009 NBA All-Rookie Second team

Check out the website see highlight reels of all of this year’s dunk participants. From what I have seen, Wallace and DeRozan look the most impressive heading into this year’s endeavor.