You Tube Gold: The Big O

Oscar Robertson’s brilliance has been lost to an extent. He played before video was ubiquitous and when the game was, in one way, easier. It was tougher in many ways but you can see below that he doesn’t always have to use all of his athleticism. Don’t kid yourself - this guy was hugely athletic. In our opinion, this is probably the greatest basketball picture ever taken. Look at what he’s doing: look at his legs, what a perfect line they make. Look at how far off the ground he is. And look at the power of his thighs. Ballet instructors could point to this as a perfect example of balance and power.

And ask yourself this too: what the hell led to this? It almost has to be a rebound but there’s no one else after it. What got him in that amazing position? It’s an incredible picture. Next time they send a spacecraft with human imagery off into the cosmos they could do worse than including this one.

This guy was an incredible athlete.

Watch the passes too. Sometimes he strikes quick as a cobra.

Bonus for the aspiring hoops historians out there: a documentary.