Cardell “Since 9-years-old” Dudley reviews some of the top players in the DMV. Big up to Cardell who cipher sounds…

Cardell, DMV — **The Release**

With the next issue of Bounce being a D.M.V Spotlight Edition, I will highlight players from the area. With the Goodman League exploding on the national scene, it’s only common sense to start and end there. First up is one of the DC area’s finest, Hugh Jones better known as Baby Shaq.

“Baby Shaq can play, Shaq can play in the league.” – Shaquille O’Neal.

Watching the And 1 tour on ESPN, I saw Shaq say that and I was shocked. Not that I felt Shaq was trippin’, no, I was shocked that an all time top 50 player, at the time the most dominant player in the NBA, said exactly what I was thinking when I saw Baby Shaq destroy all in his way on the tour. That was always the criticism of the tour – yea they can do tricks but can they really hoop.

Baby Shaq stood out and his name always comes up during “who is the best in the area not in the NBA” debates amongst the ball players in the DMV. Then the conversation goes to what is keeping players like Shaq from getting a legitimate look from the NBA.

I’ve heard various answers. One is that Shaq has an attitude problem. My reply to that is what ball player from here don’t hoop with a little chip on their shoulder? Besides I can give a list of players in the league that act a fool on the regular.

Another reply to his non-NBA status is that The And 1 tour is keeping Shaq from the league. NBA scouts and GM’s think all he can do is crossovers and dunks.

Hmmm, that can have something to do with it no doubt, but I remember seeing A.O from the same tour getting a workout with the Sixers to try an get signed, so you can’t fully blame the And 1 tour. Then I saw and shared a video of Shaq getting interviewed saying he has NEVER got a look from not only the NBA but even overseas teams. That’s just ridiculous to me. I’ve seen Shaq hoop in organized games and he dominates those games as well, against established NBA and Overseas stars. So what’s the real reason?? That’s a question to be answered by the powers that be in the NBA and Overseas. But its NO question Shaq deserves a shot, I will let the footage validate my point. Like he said ” If I get the opportunity you’d never see me again in the states.” NBA, Overseas GM’s where ya’ll at?