Bob Cousy & Bill Russell                           Larry Bird & Magic Johnson                               Steph Curry & Rick Barry

MY ALL-TIME “FAB FIVE” BASKETBALL PLAYERS

1. BOB COUSY – Boston Celtics
2. BILL RUSSELL – Boston Celtics
3. MAGIC JOHNSON – Los Angeles Lakers
4. LARRY BIRD – Boston Celtics
5. STEPH CURRY – Golden State Warriors

Based on overall skill, championship wins, and contribution to basketball, the Celtics in the 1950s won 13 NBA championships in 12 years, led by Russell and Cousy. Russell “invented” blocking shots from all around the key and pinning would-be layups to the backboard. Cousy “invented” the behind-the-back pass and dribble, as well as the “no-look” pass as regular parts of the game. His behind-the-back pass to himself was a once-in-a-lifetime feat to see.

Magic Johnson was not only an exceptional scorer and passer, but he could play any position. Once, he scored over 20 points while playing center. He constantly challenged Larry Bird in friendly contests when they met in championship games. Bird, of course, was the complete all-around player: scoring, passing, and rebounding. His intensity and skills have become legendary.

Steph Curry is, as everyone knows, the best three-point shooter by far, and he is not done yet. He also brings a lot of joy and humor to the game. Starting as a skinny college star, Curry transformed himself into one of the greatest players of all time.

Rick Barry is my top substitute. He was an excellent scorer and held the free-throw record.

The Great Gaza Pyramid   

 I ONCE CLIMBED THE GREAT GIZA PYRAMID

 Archaeologists are discovering all kinds of large objects, secret openings, and shafts around the Cheops Pyramid in the desert near Cairo. I find this quite interesting, not only in itself but also because I have had the privilege of visiting this great monument multiple times over the years. It truly is an incredible monument of ancient history, and now, historical archaeologists have begun exploring its structure more deeply, especially its underground sections

While teaching at The College of Saint Rose, Mari and I had the privilege of leading a group of students on several Semester Abroad trips to Greece, especially Crete. We managed to include an affordable two-day boat trip from Crete to Egypt, visiting Alexandria, Cairo, and the Pyramids. These were truly special experiences, to say the least. A few students even rode camels around the pyramids. Exploring the narrow, vibrant streets of Alexandria was worth the entire journey. 

However, for me, my first trip to these magnificent monuments was back in 1966. My family and I were on our way to briefly study in Jerusalem before heading off to explore Europe. When we visited Egypt, we naturally saw the Pyramids. At that time, it was possible, with the help of an official guide, to climb the great Cheops pyramid, and my 12-year-old son and I seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We were assigned an elderly guide, and we started climbing the side of the pyramid over what were initially four-foot-high sandstone blocks. As we ascended, the blocks became smaller and much easier to climb, but there were many, making it challenging, especially for my 10-year-old son. The guide held my son’s arm tightly and kept saying “slowly, slowly” as we moved upward.

The Great Pyramid is 400 feet tall, and it took us nearly an hour to reach the top. It was, in fact, a pretty scary experience, but neither of us would have traded it for anything, especially once we stood at the summit and took in the view around us. It seemed a shame to have to come down to the desert when the vista from the top was so vast and breathtaking. We made our way back down, with the guide still repeating his warning, “slowly, slowly.” The entire adventure was both exhilarating and tiring. Just a few years later, we learned that climbing the Great Giza Pyramid would no longer be allowed due to numerous accidents, some of which were fatal. Once you looked down the steep steps from the top, it was clear how a fall could be deadly.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to visit and even climb this stunning and impressive monument. I will stay attentive to updates on the ongoing excavations at the Great Pyramid, and I’m thankful for having had the chance to climb it. The Qumran Caves, located in the cliffs above the Dead Sea, will always be my most treasured personal archaeological experience.