Chamberlain was also known for his leaping skills. For example, he was known for his unmatched ability to dunk free throws without a full running start. In an interview with Scott Ostler of the Los Angeles Times, Chamberlain recalled "When I was a freshman, I fooled around with shooting free throws this way: For some reason, I thought you had to stay within the top half of that free-throw circle, so I would step back to just inside the top of the circle, take off from behind the line and dunk." [2] Chamberlain was also able to dunk on an experimental 12-foot-high basket set up by Phog Allen at the University of Kansas.[2] This often forgotten achievement matches the world record "set" by Michael Wilson in 2000 (who had the advantage of being provided with an alley-oop pass).
and wasn't he a high-jump champion and a track star as well?
Wikipedia isn't always accurate though, and I think a lot of people will doubt the validity of what you said without proper documentation
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LOL. He also claimed he could beat up Muhammed Ali. Don't believe the hype. Watch old clips of him play (there's video available on him when he was as young as 17). He was a good athlete, quick, and strong, but even I could out jump him (when I was in HS, I'm slow now). He had a 34-36 inch vert, at best.
It looks like the wikipedia article cites a real source, and I'd like to know what it is. From all I've read on Wilt, none of it is new, and has been said numerous times in several books by various authors. Didn't know about the 12 foot hoop being a record though.
and wasn't he a high-jump champion and a track star as
Yes he was. I believe he was also a volley ball player and many top volley ball players have tremendous verticals.
But there is a lot of "myth" surrounding Wilt and often it is hard to distinguished what is real and what is myth when we talk about Wilt and his supposed feats. The problem with the validity of oral tradition is the tendency for humans to often exaggerate their initial observations.
Didn't Dwight Howard just mark off 12'6" on the board in the dunk contest? Not the same as actually dunking on a 12'6" rim, of course.
I think saying Wilt's vertical was 34-36 is more accurate than some sources claiming it was 46' or so...
As far as run up time and finishing free throw line dunks, the length of a player matters greatly. Dr J didnt need to start at the opposite free throw line like MJ preferred. Dr J was significantly longer. It isn't surprising that Wilt could do it with just a two or perhaps even one stride run up; he was so long he just had to be somewhat off the ground to finish the dunk and could finish it from further back.
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LOL. He also claimed he could beat up Muhammed Ali. Don't believe the hype. Watch old clips of him play (there's video available on him when he was as young as 17). He was a good athlete, quick, and strong, but even I could out jump him (when I was in HS, I'm slow now). He had a 34-36 inch vert, at best.
Seriously doubt you've watched those clips then. While Wilt was not the best dunker ever, his vertical was certainly higher than 36'' before his surgery. I'm sure I posted about his athletic ability before, with sources, so I feel no need to back up my opinion. If you'd like, search for it in here. It should be under a Wilt thread.
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Wilt Chamberlain best dunker ever
