This month, YRB magazine features the story of Muggsy Bogues, the NBA’s little guy who made it very big. What we find in this article is that Muggsy is remarkable on all fronts throughout his life.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
You can read the feature story here, but in the meantime, here’s a brief bio for background.
All About Muggsy Bogues. Briefly.
Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues, born on January 9, 1965, in Baltimore, Maryland, is renowned as the shortest player in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Despite his height of just 5’3″, Bogues managed to carve out an impressive career in a sport dominated by towering figures12.
During his childhood in Baltimore’s rough east-side housing projects, Bogues faced challenging circumstances. He used a milk crate as a makeshift basketball hoop, honing his skills amidst the danger of drugs and gunfire3. His talent for the sport saw him rise above these hardships and make his way into Wake Forest University, where he became one of the great point guards in the university’s history45.
A Career No Fan Will Ever Forget
Bogues’s professional career was no less remarkable. One of the most celebrated players in Baltimore city, Wake Forest, and Charlotte Hornets history, Bogues played four years in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during his time at Wake Forest. He then went on to play for the Washington Bullets, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors in the NBA67.
Despite his stature, Bogues proved himself a formidable opponent on the court. His agility, speed, and exceptional skill allowed him to compete with and often outperform much taller players. His career highlights include leading the Hornets to their first-ever appearance in the NBA playoffs in 1993 and ranking 23rd in the NBA’s all-time assist leaders.
After his retirement from playing, Bogues didn’t stray far from the sport he loved. He transitioned into coaching, taking up the position of head coach for the United Faith Christian Academy varsity basketball team7. He also authored a memoir, providing an insightful look into his life from his challenging upbringing to his unlikely success in the NBA8.
In summary, Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues is a testament to the power of determination and skill, proving that physical limitations are no match for a heart full of passion and a mindset on success.
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