Almost three years after hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is proud to be hosting one of the greatest - and in my opinion - the most entertaining winter sporting events: the 2008 NBA All-Star game. No stranger to housing some of the greatest athletic feats, like the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the BCS Championship Game, the city is ramping up for what promises to be yet another unforgettable game.
Starting for the West are Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Tim Duncan, and Yao Ming.
And up until last night, the East’s starters included Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, and Dwight Howard. But, don’t hold your breath, sources are now reporting that Boston’s Kevin Garnett will no longer be taking part due to a strained abdominal muscle.
Also missing from this year’s lineup, but not for medical reasons, is Shaq, which is generating a fair about of buzz in the world of sports.
Aside from the game, all stars will also be taking part in the Skills Challenge, the Three-Point Shootout, and the renowned Slam Dunk Contest, where each athlete longs to defy gravity for just a little longer than the last. After all, who can forget Jordan’s famous free throw line dunk!?
Some of my personal favorites will be headlining in the 3-point shooting contest, including Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash .
And hailing from Syracuse, I have to give props to Carmelo Anthony, SU’s National Freshman of the Year in 2002-2003. He never fails to deliver a stellar performance for the Denver Nuggets.
Now, if you’re lucky enough to be heading to New Orleans for the week, like my sister and her sports marketing class at Niagara University, (ahem...no, I’m not at all jealous!) be sure to soak up some of Louisiana’s most delectable dishes, its rich history, and, most importantly, donate to the continuing rebuilding and development efforts.