No Fear for the 'Fro

At 6’9”, 240 lbs., the Detroit Pistons’ afro-sporting big man Ben Wallace looks like he should terrorizing NFL quarterbacks, rather than patrolling the paint for the best team in the NBA. Coming out of high school with a scholarship offer to play football at Auburn, that was almost the case. But for the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year (an award he’s won three of the past four years,) Wallace’s heart has always been on the hard-court – and Piston fans are grateful.

Related Content

• The King Takes on the Jester
  January 19, 2012
• Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats
  April 12, 2012
• The Good Heated Ladies
  February 2, 2012
• Miami Heat Versus Orlando Magic
  December 15, 2011
• Heat, Bulls, and Hormones
  January 26, 2012

More About

• Ben Wallace
• NBA Central
• National Basketball Association
• Detroit Pistons
• NBA Finals

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

As the anchor of a team that was originally built around a stifling defense, Wallace has lead Detroit to an NBA title, within a game of a second, and currently has the team off to the best record in the league. It also probably doesn’t hurt that the Pistons have had the same starting five for the bulk of this run, or that their other four starters are all averaging over 14 points per game. But make no mistake about it, when Sunday’s game tips off at 3:30 p.m. at the American Airlines Arena (601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami), in what could be a preview of this year’s Eastern Conference Finals, the key for the Miami Heat will be minimizing Wallace’s contributions. Tickets start at $10. Call 1-800-4NBA-TIX, or visit www.heat.com.
Sun., Feb. 12