Brent Barry: A White Man that can Jump

Since 1984, opinionated judges have crowned twenty-five NBA Slam Dunk champions.  Of these twenty-five past winners, only one has been Caucasian (white).  At 6-7′ and 210 pounds, the lanky shooting specialist Brent Barry captured the title as a rookie in 1996. His one-handed free-throw line flush pushed the white Los Angeles Clipper to a victory over Michael Finley of Phoenix.  Barry is one of four Pac-10 alums to win the competition (Nate Robinson, Harold Miner, Freddie Jones).

1996 Slam Dunk Contest Results – NBA All-Star Game: San Antonio, Texas

1. Brent Barry, Los Angeles Clippers – 45.5, 1st round/49, finals                                                 2. Michael Finley, Phoenix Suns – 45.0, 1st round/ 46.2 finals                                                     3. Greg Minor, Boston Celtics – 41.0 first round/ 40.0 finals                                                       4. Jerry Stackhouse, Philadelphia 76’ers – 40.0 first round                                                           5. Doug Christie, New York Knicks – 39.5 first round                                                                   6. Darrell Armstrong, Orlando Magic – 25.5 first round

The son of NBA Hall of Fame small forward Rick Barry, the Concord, California prep attended Oregon State University from 1990 until 1995.  Barry averaged 21.0 points, 3.9 assists, and 5.9 rebounds his senior year before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 15th selection of the 1995 NBA Draft.  He was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and played for a total of six teams during his 14 NBA seasons.  Barry holds a career average of 9.9 points per game, 3.2 assists per game, 3.0 rebounds per game and a 3-point percentage of 40.5%. Here is to Brent Barry for proving that a few white men can jump.

~ by philip d. on May 19, 2010.