The NBA wasn't a big deal at that time, so it wasn't really in my career plans.

We hung out on the streets, played stickball, and did all of the things that other kids did.

These days I smile benignly at the fights that I see in NBA games. There aren't any broken noses or black eyes, which happened quite often when I played.

I had endured six years of frustration so I think winning it all meant more to me than most of the others on the team.

I grew up in the heart of the Depression.

Race wasn't an issue. My family was French, but Yorkville was a melting pot of races and cultures.

Sports create a bond between comtemporaries that lasts a lifetime. It also gives your life structure, discipline and a genuine, sincere, pure fulfillment that few other areas of endeavor provide.