A League of His Own

Tim Bug’s still not shy

Comments (0) By Deirdra Funcheon Thursday, Feb 9 2006

When we asked basketball star Tim Hardaway if there are any players he’ll be scared to face during today’s ABA All-Star game, he straightened us out right quick. “First of all,” he said, “Tim Hardaway is not scared of nobody. Second, I’m the one who puts the fear in everyone else’s hearts. Third of all, playing in the All-Star game is a privilege, and I’m going to make the most of it. Fourth of all, I’m gonna go out there and try to win the MVP. And fifth, I’m happy we have the game here in Miami at the BankAtlantic Center.”

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For those of you who didn’t start paying attention until Shaq steamrolled into town, Hardaway was the man to watch on the Miami Heat from 1996 through 2001. In fact, Hardaway explains, “Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway put the team on the basketball map and carried [the Heat] to where they need to be at. Without Tim Hardaway, The American Airlines Arena would not have been built. They would still be playing in that shitty-ass Miami Arena. And you can quote me on that.”

After leaving the NBA due to a knee injury, Hardaway opened a car wash, a chicken wing joint, and some preschools in Chicago before returning to the basketball world as player/coach of the Florida Pit Bulls. He’ll join teammate Terrance Shelman as the Bulls’ reps in the All-Star game. From 1:30 to 3 p.m., the players will sign autographs, high school students will put on a “Battle of the Bands,” and actors from the Disney channel hit That’s So Raven! will mingle with the crowd at the BankAtlantic Center (One Panthers Pkwy., Sunrise). Then the action moves to the court as the best ballers from the East and West divisions – players who might turn up in the NBA next year -- face off. Tickets cost $15 to $50. Visit www.floridapitbulls.com.
Sat., Feb. 11