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I get completely hooked up by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It was probably the coolest thing that has ever happened to me. The Minnesota Timberwolves decided to use the DeROK.Net original movie "One Shot" as their theme for the 2003 NBA Playoffs. Apparently one of the people in the Timberwolves marketing department found a link to the movie on an ESPN.com message board. It was shown to head coach Flip Saunders who decided to use the movie as a motivational tool before the Wolves took to the court to face the Lakers. In addition, the movie was shown in the Target Center during the home playoff games. In return for using the movie, the Timberwolves sent me a basketball autographed by the entire 2002-2003 squad. They also sent me customized "One Shot" t-shirts and howl towels. Here are some pictures of the things they sent me.
If that wasn't enough, the story continues on July 7th, the day that I finally met my hero. I was getting ready to leave for the day from day camp, when my buddy Dan told me that Adidas had some of their NBA players doing a commercial shoot at Fairleigh Dickinson University. I knew Kevin Garnett had recently signed a deal with Adidas, so I hurried over to see if I could catch a glimpse of the big ticket. Sure enough, he was there, but the shoot was over. KG, along with T-Mac and Duncan were all in a back room hanging out. I looked through the window and could see the giant bald head I knew so well. We couldn't get into see them so we waited outside by the line of nice SUV's which we figured were for them. After about 20 minutes, T-Mac headed out. I just said what's up as he walked by. I wasn't there to see him. Finally the doors opened and out walked the giant. I'd been close to him at Wolves games before, but the size of this guy just doesn't completely sink in until he's standing there next to you. His hand can just completely wrap around yours. It's like shaking a baseball glove. And to talk to him you have to look straight up, and I'm not short by any means. I put my hand out and said "What's up Kevin!" He shook my hand and was just going to be nice and walk by. After all, who was I? But then I said "Hey Kevin, I made "One Shot" the movie for the playoffs." And he stopped and said, "One Shot?...One Shot...OH SHOOT, that was you? For real man?" So then he really opened up and starting talking to me and asking questions to Dan and my sister. It was completely beyond belief. How often do you get to meet your hero face to face. And how often is it that when he meets you, he actually has some mutual respect back. You just won't find anyone else like KG. A total class act. So as we parted ways I turned and said "Hey Kevin, we're getting a championship this year!" And he turned, smiled and said "We'll see, hopefully!"
I managed to find a picture on the internet of the shoot that day. I did meet Tim Duncan afterwards too. I shook his hand just to be able to say I shook Tim Duncan's hand. I really wanted to spit in it first, but I like life outside of prison, so I stayed under control. That's about all there is to this story. But it goes to show that when you support something long enough, your reward will eventually come. It's good to be the #1 fan!
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