Quote Originally Posted by somebodyshotmypaw View Post
I disagree. The committee wanted a college player. And Laettner is a HOF player. He was inducted into the college basketball Hall of Fame. Remember, we are talking about a collegian, not a pro. Certainly we can question why the committee didn't just use all professional players.

The real factor came down to Laettner's willingness to play whenever and wherever his country asked him to, while Shaq would not. Imagine for a moment you were going to dig a backyard swimming pool with a shovel in July in Mississippi. Every weekend you call your friends Shaq and Christian to come over and help. Every weekend Christian shows up and digs all day in the 98-degree heat, while Shaq always has an excuse as to why he can't come. When the pool is finally finished and you have two hot blondes with bikinis coming over to swim, who deserves to get the invite to swim with you and the ladies? Is it your friend Christian or your friend Shaq?

At the time, even though I disagreed, I can understand the argument.

Now in 2020, knowing one would be an NBA HOF player, and the other would make the all star game one time. It's dumb to include Lattner.

Also, your timeline is messed up.

Shaq is 3 years younger than Lattner. Shaq was 15 when Lattner played in the 1987 Goodwill games and 17 during the Pan Am Games.

To use your analogy, Lattner is a 18 year old who is the best pool digger in Noxubee County. Shaq is 15 but would go on to be the one of best pool builder ever.

To go further, you are arguing for a house designed by Jeff Seabold, and I'm saying I got the Unity Chapel.