Spud Webb

Despite his impressive high school record, colleges showed little interest in Webb. Unwilling to give up on his dream of college, he enrolled at Midland Junior College and in 1982 led Midland's basketball team to the national junior college championship. After seeing Webb play for Midland, Tom Abatemarco, assistant basketball coach at North Carolina State University, suggested to his boss—the late Jim Valvano—that they invite the diminutive player to visit N.C. State. Despite his initial misgivings, based on Webb's small stature, Valvano was impressed enough by the Texan to offer him a scholarship. It proved to be a wise decision, for Webb in 1985 led N.C. State's Wolfpack to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

Passed over in the NBA draft because of his size, a disappointed Webb played briefly for the United States Basketball League. Finally, in the fourth round of the 1985 NBA draft, he was selected by the Detroit Pistons, only to be cut by the team before the season began. Given an opportunity to try out for the Atlanta Hawks, Webb impressed the team's coaching staff with his incredible jumping ability and was signed to a contract. For the next six years, he teamed with Doc Rivers to average over ten points and five assists a game. In 1986, Webb blew away the competition—including high-flying teammate Dominique Wilkins—to win the NBA Slam Dunk Championship.