Latest news with #Wilt
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dolph Schayes said 76ers players resented him for giving Wilt Chamberlain special treatment: "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York"
Dolph Schayes said 76ers players resented him for giving Wilt Chamberlain special treatment: "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York" originally appeared on Basketball Network. In 1963, the late Dolph Schayes went straight from a 15-year Hall of Fame career to become the Philadelphia 76ers' player-coach. Expectations were high, but like many ex-athletes before and after him, it didn't take long for the former 12-time All-Star to learn a hard truth: success on the court doesn't automatically carry over to the sidelines. Schayes' early struggles are certainly noteworthy because, on paper, he had the perfect setup. Remember, Wilt Chamberlain — a once-in-a-generation talent — anchored the Sixers' roster at the time. While this might sound like a dream start for any basketball coach, the 2004 book "Wilt: Larger Than Life" reveals the challenges behind it. Chamberlain's impact In the early NBA years, it was almost impossible to find a bigger superstar than Chamberlain. Joining the league in 1959 as Philadelphia's territorial pick, the former Harlem Globetrotter made an immediate impact, winning MVP and Rookie of the Year, earning All-Star honors and leading the league in scoring (37.6 points per game) and rebounds (27.0 per game) as a first-year. But Chamberlain's dominance on the court wasn't the only thing that drew attention — his off-court stories did, too, ultimately boosting his superstar status. Chamberlain, known for his larger-than-life persona and rumored to have been with over 20,000 women, fully embraced the spotlight and became a cultural force beyond basketball. Wilt's star allure tested team chemistry The towering 7'1" center stood out on Schayes' roster — not just for his height, but for his star power, the kind of status that often came with special treatment. It's certainly a double-edged sword that can create friction within a team. Of course, that's not always the case — some former MVPs, like Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan, kept a low, grounded profile and were beloved by their teammates. But Chamberlain, who won the award four times during his storied 14-year NBA career, wasn't wired that way. He gladly accepted the extra perks that came with his heightened status in the league and within the Sixers organization. If anyone deserved them, it was him. Still, other players on the team resented it — especially when success was hard to come was caught in the middle Schayes, who had to manage it all, recalled key moments when this challenging dynamic came to a head. "I got in trouble with the team because Wilt lived in New York," the 1966 Coach of the Year admitted. "One of the conditions, I think, for Wilt to come back to Philadelphia from San Francisco was that he could live in New York. Wilt was a night person. I think Wilt felt he wasn't as noticeable at night. He didn't like to practice in the morning. The guys wanted to practice early, to get it over with, so they had the rest of the afternoon off. But because of Wilt, we'd practice late in the day, at 4:00. The guys held it against me." Ultimately, his hands were tied. Schayes recalled team owner Ike Richman telling him to side with Chamberlain, saying, "There's no other way," likely fearing the fallout for the franchise if their cornerstone player decided to walk away. Tensions flared again during the 1965 playoffs against the iconic Boston Celtics. After winning Game 3, Dolph called for practice, but Wilt, citing fatigue, stayed in New York City. Boston took Game 4 in overtime, putting Philadelphia on the brink of elimination. Before Game 5, the Big Dipper missed another morning practice. While frustration ran high, the 76ers' head coach publicly defended his star player. "Wilt killed himself yesterday. He played a great game. So I excused him from practice… Before Tuesday night's game we're going to hold a strategy session. And Wilt will be there," he said. However, not every Sixer shared that support, as one anonymous player disclosed to the press. "Sure, he should have been here [at the practice]. Isn't Wilt just like you and me?" he was quoted. "Today was the same as it's been all year long. Wilt misses a practice and it sort of aggravates the guys." Ultimately, basketball is a team game. No matter how dominant a player is, no one wins alone, making team cohesion essential for sustained success. It's clear the Sixers lacked that unity in 1965, which played a major role in their 4-3 loss to the Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals. Afterward, Boston's superstar Bill Russell, known for his leadership and locker room presence, highlighted that very issue. "This may sound trite, but it's very true," the NBA icon explained. "I think this is a team game. I'm not saying anything bad about Wilt Chamberlain. He had a great and I voted for him for Most Valuable Player. But any time you take this game out of the team realm, you foul up your team."This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jerry West explained why he doesn't believe Wilt slept with 20000 women: "Wilt had a tendency to elaborate things and make him bigger than life"
Jerry West explained why he doesn't believe Wilt slept with 20000 women: "Wilt had a tendency to elaborate things and make him bigger than life" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Wilt Chamberlain shattered basketball records at a pace the sport, and quite literally, the whole world, had never seen before. From the night he dropped 100 points to the absurd stat lines that still sit untouched, the man was a walking myth. But how much of this is actually true? His dominance felt almost fictional, even when it was backed up by box scores and game film. For all the absurd feats he put together on the hardwood, the one number that continues to follow him didn't happen on a court. In his 1991 autobiography "A View From Above," Chamberlain claimed he had slept with over 20,000 women in his lifetime. The math alone was enough to make headlines. The story, whether intended as truth or self-made legend, instantly became part of the Wilt persona. And for decades, people have gone back and forth on whether it was even remotely possible. Jerry West, one of Chamberlain's closest teammates during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers, wasn't buying it. "In our last two or three years together, once Elgin Baylor retired, we played two more years. He and I, when we were on the road, he was a really nice guy…" the man behind the NBA logo explained in his interview on the "JAXXON PODCAST." "Wilt has a lot of serious talks about things, and we would have dinner in each other's room after games and stuff, that's why I don't quite believe the story. Wilt had a tendency to elaborate things and make him bigger than life. And he told me that he drove from New York City to San Francisco in 24 hours. No chance!" West added. West made it clear that he admired Wilt as a teammate and friend. But even with all the time they spent together, there were things he never quite bought into. West and Wilt were close as teammates During their time in Los Angeles, West and Chamberlain helped carry the Lakers into a new era. After Elgin Baylor retired early in the 1971-72 season, the West-Wilt duo steered the team on a historic run, winning 33 games in a row and eventually securing the NBA title. That championship would be the first and only title of West's playing career, and it marked Chamberlain's second ring after his lone win with the Sixers in 1967. The two legends were the faces of the franchise for those final years and spent countless hours together, from plane rides, in hotels, to dinners on the road. And while West has always spoken candidly about Chamberlain's accomplishments on the hardwood, he also remembers the not-so-shiny moments that revealed a different side of the big man. Which is why, when it comes to stories that feel stretched beyond belief, West isn't afraid to call it what it is. A bit overblown, out of proportion. Related: Pau Gasol on how difficult it was to tell Kobe Bryant he would leave the Lakers: "He was very supportive and he understood" Shaq also isn't buying this crazy statistic The Logo isn't the only Hall of Famer who has called "cap" (modern lingo for a lie) on Wilt's most infamous claim. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the few who genuinely tried to follow in Wilt's footsteps in the City of Angels, but even The Diesel isn't quite convinced the most infamous claim holds up. While he's always respected Wilt's game, Shaq simply can't stay silent about the almost impossible math behind this "statistic." "Nope, that's impossible. Because first of all, he didn't have no cell phone. So how you meeting 20 women a day?" O'Neal said a while back on "The Big Podcast." It's a fair point. In today's world, with dating apps, direct messages and personal branding, the idea of meeting that many people still feels ridiculous. In Wilt's time? It pushes past even the most ludicrous imagination. In the end, the legend of Wilt the Stilt is already big enough. The numbers he put up on the court still feel surreal. Whether or not the off-court total is even remotely close, we'll never know for sure. We'll leave that one to the reader's fantasy. Related: "It wasn't two minutes" - Jerry West on how long he watched Kobe Bryant's pre-draft workout before deciding to pick him This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaq on why Wilt Chamberlain saying he had sex with 20,000 women is a lie: "How you meeting 20 women a day?"
Shaq on why Wilt Chamberlain saying he had sex with 20,000 women is a lie: "How you meeting 20 women a day?" originally appeared on Basketball Network. As widely known as legendary center Wilt Chamberlain was for his on-court exploits, his off-court claims were just as shocking. Advertisement In 1991, Chamberlain boldly stated in his autobiography that he had slept with over 20,000 women in his lifetime. This number quickly became a topic of debate and fascination among fans and media. Fast forward to today, and Shaquille O'Neal decided to weigh in on Wilt's claim. In an interview on "The Big Podcast," he shared his thoughts on his outlandish assertion, calling it nothing but an exaggeration. An impossible feat The early days of the NBA were a different time, one where players allegedly engaged in promiscuous behavior and lived lavish lifestyles. Chamberlain, known for his larger-than-life personality, often made headlines with his incredible feats of basketball brilliance, highlighted, of course, by his 100-point game — an achievement that no player in the league has come close to doing. Advertisement However, O'Neal drew the line on Chamberlain's statement that he slept with 20,000 women in his lifetime, calling it an impossible act. "Nope, that's impossible. Because first of all, he didn't have no cell phone. So how you meeting 20 women a day?" O'Neal argued on his podcast. "If he would've said like 7,000, like 'I got it documented,' maybe. Like 19,400 letters or something. But he just went straight to 20?" Shaq continued. "No. Ain't nobody busting seven times a day out here. Hell no. No, they not. They don't have no way. A day, every day? Doing it seven times a day?" Related: "If this team was in the playoff race, I'd love to be here" - John Starks on why he played only four games for the Chicago Bulls Nobody knows that many people During the height of his NBA career, Wilt was nothing short of a legend — a towering figure admired by countless fans and celebrated as a sports icon. But despite his fame, Shaq doubts anyone can know that many people in a single lifetime. Advertisement "I did the math one day. I like to simplify it — 1,000 women a year for 20 years. That's what the f**k he did?" the 2000 league MVP shared. "Who the f**k knows 20,000 people? Nobody. Hell no. I probably only know 200 people. 200 people that I know. And then, like, I probably know another 700 associates that I've seen before. Ain't doing 1,000 women a year for 20 years. Get the f**k outta here. Hell no." Wilt previously explained how he came up with that figure, saying he was merely looking for a nice, round number to demonstrate how big a role sex had on his life as a professional basketball player. "We're all fascinated by the numbers, as we were about the 100 points. So, I thought of a number that was a round number that may be close and may be whatever, and I used that number," Wilt said. "But the point of using the number was to show that sex was a great part of my life as basketball was a great part of my life." The 10-time All-NBA Team member, though, had a change of heart later in life, saying having a playboy lifestyle was nothing compared to being in a committed relationship with the right woman. Advertisement Related: Gary Payton says he warned Shaquille O'Neal not to beef with Dwyane Wade like he did with Kobe Bryant: "I had to pull him aside" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Two Altoona residents plead guilty in drug trafficking case
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — A pair of Altoona residents have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges after investigators tied them to a methamphetamine distribution ring operating across four Pennsylvania counties. Lesley Wilt, 38, and Jason Lynn, 39, entered their guilty pleas before U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines following a six-month wiretap investigation into a network distributing meth, heroin and fentanyl in Blair, Cambria, Centre and Clearfield counties. Prosecutors said Lynn was the leader of the organization, coordinating shipments of methamphetamine and heroin from a New York supplier and redistributing them throughout Western Pennsylvania. During the investigation, federal agents seized nearly two kilograms of pure methamphetamine and multiple firearms from Lynn's home and two storage units. In total, Lynn was linked to over 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 65 grams of heroin. He pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges and firearm possession as a convicted felon, with prior offenses including strangulation, unlawful restraint and drug possession. Wilt pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Both defendants remain in custody pending sentencing, scheduled for Sept. 22. Wilt faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, while Lynn faces a minimum of 10 years and up to $10 million in fines. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from multiple federal, state and local agencies. It was prosecuted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Historic judicial race on the ballot in Huntingdon County
HUNTINGDON, Pa. (WTAJ) — Voters in Huntingdon County will head to the polls to cast their ballot in a historic race during Tuesday's primary election. For the first time ever, voters will decide who sits in the second judge's seat in the Court of Common Pleas in the race between current Huntingdon County Judge Ray Ghaner and Julia Wilt, an Assistant District Attorney in Blair County, both lifelong Huntingdon residents. Ghaner currently holds the seat after Governor Shapiro temporarily appointed him in February. He is the first person to have served in this seat. He said the time he spent practicing in all areas of law makes him a strong candidate. 'I basically have handled every type of law that a small town, rural judge would hear. And I think that's what really sets me apart is my experience,' Ghaner said. 'It's not just one area of the law, but it's in everything. So I've done everything from custody to civil. I've done criminal defense. But probably what I'm most proud of is I spent a lot of my career protecting children and the elderly.' Voters set to select new council for City of DuBois If elected, Ghaner hopes to preside over a veterans specialty court to connect veterans facing criminal charges with the resources they need. He said he's inspired to do this after seeing the way veterans in his own life support one another through hardship. 'They have a veterans food bank. It's called 'Military Share' and it happens once a month down at the football field. It's just a wonderful experience. You get all of these veterans there and the brotherhood and the camaraderie that they have. And of course, they're needing each other,' Ghaner said. When he's off the bench and not on the campaign trail, Ghaner enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and helping coach the Huntingdon High School football team. Wilt, his opponent, said she's running to put the choice of who should be judge in the hands of Huntingdon County, not Harrisburg. Wilt is hopeful to be the first woman to ever serve as judge in the county's history. She said her experience in the courtroom and the lessons she learned from her father, a former lawyer and magisterial district judge have prepared her to rule from the bench. 'I remember being very little and asking him one time what he was doing and he said he was preparing for his meeting with the inmates. And I thought that's very scary, are you not scared? And he said no, I always treat people with respect and that was a very important lesson for me to learn as a young child that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, deserves to be treated with respect,' Wilt said. Wilt said, if elected, she'd want to focus on using specialty courts to support families navigating the legal process and to make sure teens in the juvenile system receive the support they need. 'There are a lot of children living under the poverty line so they may not have the resources family–wise. As far as you know, mom and dad may not be able to provide support. They may be requiring some sources outside such as juvenile probation or mental health counseling or anything like that. That's a huge issue I think in Huntingdon County,' Wilt said. Outside of the courtroom, Wilt can be found on the road, helping transport rescued pugs to shelters or to their new homes. Both Wilt and Ghaner said they'll be strict on drug traffickers coming to Huntingdon for the sole purpose of committing crime. The candidates are cross-filed, running on both the Republican and Democratic tickets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
