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In the early 1980s, Alabama was home to one of the most unique spectacles in the history of basketball. Running up and down the courts at Auburn, a basketball force that could only be described as a short, “fat guywho can play like the wind” was dominating college basketball.

Charles Barkley might be the most famous of Alabama’s basketball heritage, but its tradition goes far beyond him. Andrew Toney, Larry Kenon, and Robert Horry are just a few of the names whose humble beginnings in this great state led to fame in the NBA.

Today, that tradition continues.Confused? Here ‘s a little help . Ben Wallace continues on, having cemented his place in history as a champion with the Detroit Pistons”a blue collar star if there ever was one. Theo Ratliff, a player of Wallace’s defensive intensity if not durability or fame, is also at a point where he can reflect back on his career, even as he attempts to extend it with the Los Angeles Lakers.

But it is the new guard of Alabama players that should have their hometowns salivating.

Gerald Wallace, Crash by nickname and disposition, helped spark an injury depleted Portland Trailblazers team after a midseason trade took his frenetic style of play to his second consecutive playoff appearance, one as the All-Star captain of the Charlotte Bobcats and last season in Portland.

In Los Angeles, Eric Bledsoe turned in a promising but uneven rookie season. A blur of an athlete still trying to find a skill set to harness a wealth of raw basketball talent. Bledsoe, should he rise to the challenge, can join Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin as the core of the first relevant Clippers team since, well, ever.

And most promising is DeMarcus Cousins. A giant of a man whose game and maturity are still trying to catch up to his body. To say his talent is untapped would do his game injustice. There is a pipeline harnessing his talent into production. But it’s diluted. Held back by a horrid shot selection and worse attitude. But should he find some peace of mind, the size, the footwork, the passing acumen, the big, strong hands with a soft shooting touch are all there to revitalize a Kings team with their best player since the Chris Webber.

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