Christian Laettner Sets Up the Giants' Win

December 3, 2011

By:  Joe Miller

LAETTNER SETS UP THE WIN 

FOR THE JACKSONVILLE GIANTS

 On December 3, 2011, the Jacksonville Giants faced a formidable foe, the Gulf Coast Flash, which last year eliminated the Giants in the ABA National Playoffs in Texas.  Throughout the game, it was evident that the two teams were evenly matched.  In the final seven minutes, the Gulf Coast Flash narrowed the Giants' 18 point margin to lead in the final three seconds by two points.  Some saddened Giants fans felt defeat was seemingly obvious and left the Arena.  But, those fans who remained for the last three seconds of the game were not disappointed and were treated to a miracle finish!



In the final timeout of the game, Head Coach Kevin Waters explained his strategy to the team.  His facial expressions revealed his never-give-up attitude and level of competition.  On Friday, December 2nd, when Waters was interviewed on Miller on Sports, he expressed his admiration for the talent of Gulf Coast Flash and acknowledged that the game would be close and highly competitive.  He also confessed that, with such competition, it could result in the Giants' first loss ever at home, but that he and his players approach every game as one that is winnable, especially with this year's talent.  And, Head Coach Waters was right.  This year's talent was able to narrowly beat the Gulf Coast Flash in a game that will truly go into the history books, not only for the Giants, but for forty-three year old former NBA star Christian Laettner who played and contributed greatly to the win.  For those fans who left the Arena early, they missed an amazing finish.

Last night at the Arena, former NBA star Christian Laettner, in a leadership role, drove the Jacksonville Giants to a victory over the Gulf Coast Flash in the final seconds of the game.  The energy in the Arena by the fans at the sight of Currye Todd's 28-foot 3-point shot to win the game and Laettner's planned and targeted pass to set up that shot will truly be remembered by the fans, players, and coaches as one of those amazing "sports moments."  CW 17 Television Host Richard Miller described it as a "storybook ending."  In the photograph below, Laettner was captured moments after the win, receiving accolades from his long-time endearing fans.

When asked by staffers if they could bring Laettner anything following the game, he replied, "only a bucket of popcorn."  It seemed that this outstanding win had rejuvenated him to his youth!  In last night's game, Laettner displayed the same winning spirit of the 1980s.

According to Richard Miller of Miller on Sports, the obvious MVP of the game was Sherod "Hot Rod" Harris.  Throughout the game, Harris's speed and ball handling skills kept the Giants in the game.  In what appeared to be a split second, Harris could change direction and magically move the ball from side to side.  On defense, Harris continuously stole the opponent's ball.  Nevertheless, the three players who wrapped up the win while facing insurmountable odds against an opposition that was just as determined were:  Christian Laettner, Mike Polyte, and Currye Todd.

RICHARD MILLER 

However, in reviewing the videotapes of the game, it is clear that the entire Giants team with unmatched coaching (Head Coach Kevin Waters, Assistant Coach David Graham, Assistant Coach Jerry Williams, and Assistant Coach Willie Ponds) pulled together to give a "Giant Victory" to the City of Jacksonville.  The Giants have done their part, as expected.  So, now, it's time for the City of Jacksonville to come to Game 2 and show support for this amazingly talented team throughout Season 2.  Looking forward to see you for Game 2 on December 14 at the University of North Florida as the Giants face the Atlanta Aliens (time to be announced).  Game 3 will be back at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on December 17 at 7:00 p.m.        

The Audio and Photographs by:  Miller on Sports.