Scola, by far, is one of the most hated players in the NBA by the people having to guard him. The opposition sees the long hair and hears the gentle argentine accent and automatically assume they can push him over. By quarter four, they realize that they have just been out hustled by someone that plays every possession with passion. It's during this time that the defender will resort to taunting and cheap shoting. In a league where douchebaggery is rampant, Scola is on a class of his own. Viva scola!
Luis Scola, Mr. Hustle Could Luis Scola be the scappiest player in the NBA? Fabricio Oberto had this to say about Scola after the quaterfinal win against Brazil in the World Championships: "He's so thirsty, playing basketball, never tired of running and fighting for the ball, that we've got to follow him," center Fabricio Oberto said. The man is relentless. His numbers on back to backs actually go up. He dives for a ball at least once a game. He is ALWAYS in the game. He's like Pete Rose, except he's not an *******. I couldn't think of anyone more worthy of the Dave Cowans award of Mr. Hustle than Luis. Of course, I bleed Rockets Red and idol worship Daryl Morey. It's not an exact science but neither is the determination of the MVP. Criteria for this award includes the following factors: (1) willingness to dive for loose balls (2) always willing to take a charge (3) runs the floor (4) applies ball pressure whenever possible (5) flopping (set your morality aside) (6) intentionally dangerous moves (by intentionally dangerous, I mean a kinda reckless that puts yourself in danger through position)
This was a great game to watch... I am so glad I recorded it. Brazil played well, but Scola just played better.
LOL at the Spurs fans. They should remember it's the Rockets team culture that helped turn Luis into who he is today as well as Luis Scola helping define that culture. It took Scola about 3 months of Rockets big man coaching in his rookie year before he got the hang of NBA basketball. And it took the Feb trade of Landry to enable Scola to fully spread his wings for us. The Rockets invested time and faith in Scola. He reciprocated with unflinching loyalty and dedication. Luis became a team leader on the Rockets last season. Remember his inspiring interviews after several wins, especially the Boston win? Now he's taken over the leadership of the Argentinian squad from Ginobili. And even though their team is shallow, they are doing well because he has carried them.
I think Luis has competition on his own team- Kyle Lowry. He fits every single one of the criteria you described, perhaps even more so in his minutes because he doesn't have to play as many minutes as Luis. Kyle is a beast.
Whoa, what caused you to start this thread? Did Scola have a good game today? No one seems to be talking about it.
If everybody played the way Scola does (with all the heart, and getting every ounce out of his physical talent) this sport would almost bring me to tears. Guys like J.R. Smith and Stromile Swift would be MVP Candidates if they had Scolas spirit. Frankly, if everyone played like Scola, Scola wouldn' t be good enough to play in the league.
He's not only Mr. Hustle, he's Mr. Hustle Brains. He makes the most of his limited athletic abilities. He's a joy to watch, if players like Stromile Swift and Josh Smith had this guy's bball IQ, they'd be superstars.
Ok, I think I get it. That would Make Tiago Splitter Leia, his b**** and Rubén Magnano Admiral Ackbar.
[youtube]r5BoYsP7Ka4[/youtube] Here are the full game highlights. Well 2nd quarter on. Every basket by both teams.
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