So Cal's All-Time Roster: No. 21
No. 21:
Our pick:
==Michael Cooper, Lakers (1978-'90)
At 6-foot-5 and maybe 170 pounds, the Pasadena native played all 12 of his NBA seasons with the Lakers during "Showtime" as the defensive specialist -- no matter if it was the point guard, power forward or center. Larry Bird has always said that Cooper was the best defender he played against.
He never started more than 20 games in a season, and his career average of 8.9 points per game was incidental. The '86-'87 NBA Defensive Player of the Year got his due when it mattered, and could knock down a 3-pointer when it was needed. From 1980 through '88, he was on the NBA's All Defensive first or second team. In six seasons, he played an entire 82-game schedule, which ranked him either first or tied for first in the league. From '83 to '88, he was in the top 10 in 3-point baskets.
The fans picked up on it and would chant "Coooooop" upon his entry into a game. He was also responsible for the "Coop-A-Loop" dunk off a lob pass, usually from Magic Johnson. he was a special assisant to Lakers GM Jerry West for three years, joined the coaching staff and then went on to coach the WNBA's Sparks, leading them to back-to-back titles. After coaching the Denver Nuggets, Cooper came back to coach the Sparks in 2005.
First runner-up:
==Wally Joyner, Angels (1986-'91, 2001)
You don't get a city's name changed to "Wallyworld" for nothing.
Runner-ups:
==Maurice Drew-Jones, UCLA football ('03-'05)
==LenDale White, USC football ('03-'05)
==John Hadl, Rams ('73, '74)
==Nolan Cromwell, Rams ('77-'87)
==Cliff Branch, Raiders ('82-'85, wore it for Oakland since '72), L.A. Cobras Arena League ('83)
Other No. 21s:
==Eddie Meador, Rams ('59-'70)
Four-time Pro Bowl
==Milton Bradley, Dodgers ('04-'05)
==Jim Brewer, Dodgers ('64-'75)
==Jim Hardy, USC football ('42-'44)
==Mark Pryor, USC baseball
==Liz Masakayan, UCLA women’s volleyball
==Eric Ball, UCLA football ('84-'88)
==Shon Tarver, UCLA basketball ('90-'94)
==Cedric Bozeman, UCLA basketball ('01-'06)
==Dominique Wilkins, Clippers ('94)
Sports Illustrated's pick for the all-time No. 21: Roberto Clemente
Did we miss anyone?
You've got our vote, now let's see yours:
Comments
Eddie Meador, Rams ('59-70)
Posted by: BaseballSavvy.com
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October 20, 2007 12:21 PM