The slam dunk comp legend is our Throwback legend
Spud Webb was famous for his performance in the slam dunk comp but let's check out some other great facts about Anthony Jerome "Spud" Webb!
What's your excuse for not being able to dunk?
NBA.com lists him at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. In college, his vertical leap was measured at 42 inches (1.1 m).
He got his chance to play in high school by accident!
He received a chance to play on his junior high team only after two players forgot to complete their physical exam requirements in time for the first game. Webb scored 20 points in that first game.
Webb kept his dunking ability under wraps before the dunk comp.
Webb's participation in the dunk comp shocked everyone including his teammate and defending dunk champion Dominique Wilkins, who had "never seen me dunk before," Webb said. He defeated Wilkins with two perfect 50-point scores in the final round. Atlanta coach Mike Fratello said, "Spud kind of duped him. He told Wilkins he never had anything prepared, didn't practice for it. So, Wilkins thought his normal assortment would be good enough to get through".
Webb coached Nate Robinson
Twenty years after Webb's victory in the Slam Dunk contest, he trained New York Knicks point guard Nate Robinson (who stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall) to win the event. Webb tossed the ball to Robinson, who leaped over Webb and dunked, earning 50 points from the judges.