Quotes from George Mikan

Heck yes; a center always likes to shoot like a guard. But that just wasn't my thing to do.

With the 24-second clock, they throw up the shot so fast you don't see plays worked very often. With the extra six seconds, you can regroup after a missed shot and work another play. It would put more coaching in the game.

My lefty hook became better than my right, and it was hard for anyone to stop me.

Kareem copied my hook shot.

Most players have a basic shot with which they do most of their scoring. Mine is the hook shot and I suppose you could call me an authority on that.

Most guards and forwards don't really know how to play with their back to the hoop. It's more and more an outside game.

It's nice to be remembered.

The pro playoff system doesn't cause the same tension. Suppose a team has a bad night? It can bounce back in the next game. In college tournament all they can hope for is the consolation, maybe.

To be chosen Mr. Basketball, I couldnt believe it. To be honored with Ty Cobb, Bobby Jones, Jack Dempsey... its pretty mind boggling.

I'm allergic to smoke.

They amputated my my right leg right below the knee. It was a tough decision, but it had to be done.

My true love is the Lakers - once a Laker, always a Laker.

We are proud of the Lakers, proud to be a part of the organization's history.

I advocate that schools should put a value on what a scholarship is worth and then pay the athlete monthly.

Madison Square Garden was always one of my favorite places to play because of the great enthusiasm of the fans. They were always fair to an out-of-town guy like me.

New York is the center of commerce news media, television, advertising dollars.

They should forget about tradition and start doing things for the fans, especially women. Have lights flash after a basket. Have uniforms designed by Dior.

When they widened the lane to prevent me from staying so close to the basket that just created more opportunity for me to pass the ball around.

Sports provides the chance for the athlete, unlike the ordinary person, to open the door and meet people.

The only time I would shoot from the outside was in practice, and then it was only when we were shooting for milkshakes. And as far as ball handling goes, I always said that when I dribbled, it was two bounces and a kick.

I couldn't shoot with both hands until I was a junior in college. I was strictly right-handed until then.

You just don't turn your back on a going business and strike out in a new one if you don't think it has a chance.

Basketball players, the good ones, are no one-shot specialisls. This is a game which puts a premium on your ability to hit that hoop consistently, and to excel in it you've got to have a variety of shots.

We used to dunk in pregame practice, not in the game.