Jamario Moon Dunk Contest

[ub94]

Rookie sensation relishes chance to slam fellow NBAers in annual all-star weekend contest
Jan 13, 2008 04:30 AM
DOUG SMITH
SPORTS REPORTER
This isn't quite the same as finally getting into Grade 7 but it's still got Jamario Moon pumped up.

Moon, who is becoming one of the feel-good stories of not only the Raptors but the entire NBA, has been invited to compete in the dunk contest as part of next month's all-star weekend, capping a meteoric rise from minor leaguer to something akin to a cult hero.

And the last time he was so juiced about getting a chance to dunk was 15, 16 years ago.

"My first dunk was actually in the sixth grade," the 27-year-old Moon said yesterday. "I was short, but I could jump. Actually, when you're in the sixth grade, you can't play yet. I was anxious for that next year to come so I could get on the court and try to dunk one. It was a little fingertip dunk, but it still counts."

There will be much more than fingertip dunks Feb. 16 though, when Moon competes against a handful of other players yet to be announced by the NBA. The 6-foot-8 forward said he's "got some ideas, but I'm not sharing them with anybody right now. I've probably got a couple you never saw before."

Actually, few people had seen anything at all from the native of tiny Goodwater, Ala., before this season, when he burst on the scene after spending six years trolling through myriad basketball minor leagues.

No one had any idea if he could play any role at all with the Raptors when he signed as a free agent last summer. But his combination of athleticism and the ability to learn from what his coaches hammer home every day has made him not only a regular with the Raptors, but their starting small forward for the last 30 games.

"I didn't think Jamario Moon could help us until the second half of the season," coach Sam Mitchell admitted yesterday. "I thought it was going to take 41 games for him to just get used to being in this type of environment. I think it was too quick for him mentally, not necessarily physically, but he's caught up. You can just see, every game it seems like he does something, and he gets a little bit better."

Moon was invited to the dunk contest in a telephone conversation with NBA senior vice-president Stu Jackson on Friday. While he had that night's game against the Knicks on his mind, he had to have spent some time realizing how far he'd come. And what he'd be able to accomplish on all-star weekend in New Orleans.

"Everybody likes to dunk, everybody who has a dream to play in the NBA and can dunk the basketball always wanted to be in the dunk contest," he said. "It's going to be great."

There's a chance Moon will be chosen to play in the rookie-sophomore challenge that's also part of the weekend. He's among the rookie leaders in points (8.2), rebounds (6.4), blocked shots (1.7) and minutes (29.3) per game, which should be enough to get him invited.

"I'm going to get my rest regardless," he said.

"I always get my rest. I'm not the type to hang out and party, and try to go sightseeing or whatever. I'm always in my room with my video games."

Moon becomes the first Raptor to take part in the dunk contest since Vince Carter won it in 2000, beating a field that included Toronto teammate Tracy McGrady. Moon was at home, watching that one.

"He had some of the craziest dunks, man," Moon said of Carter. "I hope I can go to the dunk contest and beat some of his dunks. I know if I beat some of his dunks, I can bring the trophy back to Toronto.

SOURCE: Toronto Star

[LUIGI]

yea hes good but if nick young goes in it... its over baby.

[Clear_Matt]

man thats awesome not only for him but the Raptors in general. its funny though that part were he said im not into sight seeing just playing video games i love doin that after games its relaxing.

[DeVoN]

Moon is crazy, i hope that Super Jamario wins it.