Jordans last all-star appearance was right place, wrong way

As a sports fan who grew up in the Michael Jordan era, it was impossible for mw to write a column that didn't focus on MJ's final all-star basketball game.

I will offer you the following questions and answers:

Should Jordan have been a starter in last weekend's NBA all-star game in Atlanta? Yes!

Is he one of the top five players in the East division? Maybe not, but it was a close call, and considering everything he's meant to the league, it was appropriate for him to start in his last all-star game.

Also, Vince Carter should be ashamed. Some people will praise him for finally giving his starting spot up to Jordan, but Carter only did it because all of his teammates applied the pressure.

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Carter didn't step aside because he wanted to, but because he felt he had to.

Why was Carter an NBA all-star starter anyway? Because the NBA can't monitor how many times a fan votes, and because Carter plays in Canada. Toronto is the only NBA squad in Canada, so every fan north of the border voted for Vince.

Even if Carter played in the 33 games he missed this season, he still was a borderline all-star. He plays shoddy defense, and was a much better performer three years ago.

Who do the Atlanta Hawks need to help them make a playoff run?

What about Mariah Carey? Did you see her at halftime of the all-star game? Don't get me wrong, she's not unattractive, but with those legs and backside, she could box out anyone in the league.

And finally:

Why is Michael Jordan the greatest to ever lace them up? First of all, he is the most talented NBA player of all time, as well as the toughest competitor ever, but he also had the biggest impact on our society (both good and bad).

There's the shaved look - other than Kojak, name one other famous bald guy before Michael Jordan displayed the polished dome.

Baggy is better.When Michael started wearing his shorts long and floppy, everyone followed suit.

Golfing is cool. Not many NBA players spent much time on the golf course before Michael; now I can't name one who doesn't (including Allen Iverson).

On the other hand, there's thetongue-wagging. This was one MJ trend we could have lived without. Keep your bacteria to yourself.

But imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - You know you're the man when half the guys in the all-star game are wearing shoes named after you.

Thanks for the memories, Mike!

Marshall solid in return

The Greenbrier High School basketball team was winless in his absence, so when Wolfpack senior Eric Marshall returned to the floor for Friday's game at Glenn Hills, the Pack was in a must-win situation.

Despite still being hobbled by an ankle injury, Marshall poured in 29 points to help lead the Pack past Glenn Hills. With the Region 3-AAAA victory, Greenbrier secured the No. 5 seed in this week's region tournament.

If the Pack tops Hephzibah in Thursday action at Cross Creek, Greenbrier will earn its first trip to the state tournament.