Is Moochie having a good hairday?

02/21/2002 - Updated 02:03 AM ET

A 20-second timeout with Moochie Norris

Rockets' Norris becoming NBA's 'hair' apparent


By Mark J. Terrill, AP
Moochie Norris opted for the Afro style in a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Braided hair is the latest fashion statement in the NBA, and Houston Rockets point guard Moochie Norris is among the league's most fashionable players. Norris, who alternates wearing his hair in braids and in an Afro, talked to USA TODAY NBA writer Roscoe Nance about his hairstyles.

What made you start wearing braids?

My mom always got my hair braided when I was younger. When I got older and saw one of my younger pictures, I decided to let my hair grow out and braided it. I wore it like that for a minute in college. Then I went bald. Then I let it grow back again. But for the most part I've had braids.

Has there been a time when your coach has tried to get you not to wear braids during games?

I had some situations where my coach thought it wasn't appropriate. When I got drafted (1996), they thought nobody in the league at that time was wearing braids. They said I needed to go to the clean-cut look. People were trying to give me advice, looking at things that might help me (because) I wasn't a high draft pick or superstar. They were thinking I shouldn't give anybody any reason to doubt me.

Did you listen to that advice?

Yes I did. I ended up cutting my hair. I wanted to give myself the best chance possible. But after I cut it off, I felt kind of bad because I wasn't being me.

You're one of the few who switch between braids and an Afro. What determines how you wear your hair?

It just depends on how I feel.

When you have your hair in an Afro, what's your mood?

That's when I might have had a rough week with my family or games I played. I come with my hair blown out. That's when I'm serious.

What about when you wear it partially braided and partially blown out?

That's when I'm feeling just so-so. Sometimes I go with my ponytail when I'm feeling real cool about myself.

How long does it take to get your hair braided?

It depends on what I do. I get so many different designs. I get straight backs (braids in a row), it takes 20-30 minutes. When I get spiders (more intricate style), it takes an hour and half, two hours. The longest it has taken is 2 1/2 hours.

Who does your hair?

Terry Castix in Houston at a salon called A Cut Above. (Teammate) Steve Francis gave me her number.

How long do you stay with a particular style?

Sometimes I get my hair done on Monday and take it out right after the game and come back with something new. The longest I've gone with one style is three weeks.

Has anyone ever told you that with your hair blown out, you look like a shorter version of Artis Gilmore?

Rudy (Tomjanovich) tells me that all the time. Sometimes I'm at the (free throw) line, he calls me Artis Gilmore.

Who do you think has the best hairstyle in the league now?

Me, by far. I have so many varieties. I give you braids. I give you half in, half out. I give you flat-out Afro. I give you the ponytail. I got a new style I'm going to bring out next week. It's pretty wild for somebody out there playing basketball.

After you, who has the best hairstyle?

Ben Wallace in Detroit. He has the dreads sometimes, Afro, the nappy look. He kind of reminds me of myself, "Don't worry how I look, just watch my game."

 

I think he plays better with the Fro!