When basketball fans talk about great moves, they usually talk about something that happens above or near the rim.
For example, maybe it's Michael Jordan's dunk over Patrick Ewing or Dr. J's soaring, reverse layup that captivated fans and often shows up on highlight clips. Or, in a previous blog, it could be a New York playground legend's "double dunk" when he dunked the ball twice before coming down. And yes, there is video-tape of the amazing move.
However, a former NBA point guard from the 1950s named Slater Martin had a move in a pro game that I've never heard anyone else do in competition. Martin played for the George Mikan-led Minneapolis Lakers, was a seven time all-star and is the only former University of Texas player in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Martin's main rival was Boston Celtics star Bob Cousy, who won six NBA titles compared to Martin's four. Cousy was nicknamed "The Houdini of the Hardwood" for his clever ballhandling skills, including the "wrap-around layup" when he would drive and wrap the ball from the front, around his back, and then finish the layup.
Martin could also do that move. But one game he accomplished his own fantastic finish -- the "double wrap-around layup" -- that would challenge even today's Chris Paul or Kobe Bryant to do in a game.
On the drive, Martin wrapped the ball around his back twice and finished off the layup without traveling. It's a difficult move to do in "H-O-R-S-E" with no defenders, so you can imagine how tough it would be to do in a game.
I first read about Slater's move many years ago in a biography on Cousy. So the move is documented in print.
So next time you're on the playground or in the gym, try the "double wrap-around layup" and see how close you can come to getting it right without traveling. It can be done, but it takes a lot of practice.
Final notes:
... RC, if you try the move, be careful and bring a pair of crutches along since you could pull a muscle.
... OldG, if you try the move, use one of those mini-basketballs because it's easier to wrap around. Most of us are not the slender player we were in high school.
... Luna86, Don't even try it! You might hurt yourself or knock down one of those basketball support poles. (lol).