DIDSBURY - I've always wondered about the correlation between genetics and athletic ability. Now I'm not a science major at all but it seems obvious that those who are athletic would have athletic siblings and offspring.
In my university days in Victoria, I coached against and played spring league basketball with Steve. Nash is undoubtedly the greatest Canadian basketball player ever, having won two NBA MVPs and eight-time all-star. He has a brother, Marty, who was a great soccer player, having played professional with the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Canadian national team. Steve was also a pretty good soccer player although not at the same level.
There have been a few brother acts in the NHL such as high scoring forward Phil Esposito and goalie brother Tony. I guess since Phil was older he got the nickname "Espo." Both were standouts. There were also Montreal legends Maurice "Rocket" Richard and younger brother Henri, who got the worse of the nicknames, "Pocket Rocket." The Sedin brothers have been the Vancouver Canucks' top players for several years.
In the NBA Marc and Pau Gasol have played at a high level in the league for a number of years. Funnily enough, Marc was traded for Pau when first coming in the league. Jon, Brent and Drew Barry, three sons of underhand free throw shooter Brent Barry, all played in the NBA. Unfortunately, oldest brother Scooter never made it. Yes that's his real name. Of course, the NHL's Sutter brothers had them beat with an amazing six Sutters suiting up in the 1980s.
You can definitely say that athletics is in the blood for all these people. It also makes sense that plenty of children of great athletes make the big leagues. NBA champion Golden State Warriors' dynamic backcourt of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson both have all-star lineage. Steph's dad is Dell Curry, while Klay's is former Laker Mychal Thompson. Point guard Austin Rivers of the LA Clippers is actually coached by his father Doc, a former NBA star. I think it's tough enough coaching your kids in elementary school. I can't imagine at the pro level.
In the NHL, legend Gordie Howe actually got to play with his sons Marty and Mark. Gordie was 50 by that time. I can tell you at 50 it's hard enough to play rec hockey with 20-year-olds much less at the pro level. Although they didn't play together, Bobby Hull's son Brett put up big numbers just like his pops did 30 years prior.
It's certainly not uncommon to be watching sports on TV and hear a familiar name and then realize that person played a few decades back - it must be his son. It certainly doesn't hurt to have a father or older brother to practise and play against on a regular basis. That would undoubtedly not only help improve your skills but also give you a target to focus on. But when it comes down to it, it still takes a lot of hard work and dedication.
- Craig Lindsay is the reporter for the Mountain View Gazette
