[Update] I just talked to Brian on the phone. We had a bad connection so I don't have too many direct quotes, but I got some more very interesting details on this absurd story.
First, his one-line reaction: "That was the coolest thing I have ever done." He said he'd never imagined he could pull that off.
The play happened in the middle of practice after they ran drills and before they were going to scrimmage. They were just shooting around and Carson Sullivan told Fitzpatrick to go up for an alley-oop.
"I just caught it and dunked it. I didn’t dunk it hard. I didn’t hang on the rim. The minute I dunked it the whole thing just shattered and I fell to the ground with the rim in my hand," Fitpatrick said. "I didn’t know what happened. It took me like five seconds to realize… I was kind of a little confused at first, then I got up and I was bleeding a bit."
He couldn't tell me what the other players' reactions were because he was in such shock himself after the play, and then realized he was bleeding and wanted to get it taken care of. Jack Eggleston - the team's big brother figure - walked him to the training room to get him cleaned up.
"I was all confused. I was sitting there, glass everywhere, the rim right next to me, and I’m like ‘What the f*** happened?’"
There was actually a downside to the whole situation. Fitzpatrick said yesterday was his first day practicing fully for the last six weeks or so. He had been out with tendinitis in his knees. It got cleared up and then this happened, and he'll be out for another couple of days because he actually went to the emergency room and got four stitches in his elbow. (So much for the Twitter feed saying "Everyone is ok".)
More sad developments for all the fans and regular attendees of games: Fitzpatrick said he doubts he could ever pull this off again in a game. "I doubt it... That'd be really cool, but it doesn't happen very often." He said the hoops in Weightman Hall are really old (maybe they should fix all of them?) and the ones in the Palestra, as I mention below, are really well supported.
Because of the bad connection we only talked for a few minutes and I didn't get a chance to ask him about a nickname for the dunk. What are some of your ideas?
[Original post]
Most of you probably already heard from the Penn Basketball Twitter about freshman Brian Fitzpatrick's ridiculous dunk at practice yesterday that tore down the rim and shattered the backboard. I found out today that it was actually in the gym in Weightman Hall, not in the Palestra. I mentioned yesterday in a comment on my last post that I thought it probably was in the Palestra, since that is the team's normal practice venue. I actually learned today that it is nearly impossible to shatter a Palestra backboard because they are reinforced with a special type of glass to prevent that from ever happening. Anyway, here are some pictures of the aftermath of Fitzpatrick's freakish power. Forgive the poor quality; I took these with my cell phone.
Two Penn facilities employees (one not pictured) were already fixing the backboard in the Weightman Hall gym when I went down there to check it out today. They've got a new backboard already, but still waiting on the rim.
Unfortunately most of the mess was cleaned up before I got down there today. It took three trashcans to hold all the glass and rubber that Fitzpatrick brought down.
Tags: basketball, Brian Fitzpatrick
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September 30th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Noah - Please inform Brian of the Philadelphia tradition - started by the great Darryl Dawkins - of naming thunderous dunks. Especially ones that destroy backboards.
Most of us won't mind it if Brian tries breaking a few backboards during the season. In fact we'll be downright giddy.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Noah - Another glorious post! Just the answer I was looking for.
You really rolled up your sleeves and chased down the info!
I thank you profusely!
Nicely done.
Best,
FOJL
September 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Noah, awesome recent posts cataloguing the basketball recruitment situation. The great news about Jok is that we can expect him, certainly by his sophomore year, to be 7 feet.
Also, I think it's time you took credit--not passing it on to Fitzpatrick--for taking that rim and backboard down. Your hops, from what I here, are legendary, Noah. I've seen the YouTube videos and they don't lie.
I should also note that while Jok is distantly related both to Bol and Deng, I'm his Uncle (and 7'2").
September 30th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Steven - Thank you for your contribution. You have been missed in the recent week or so.
The fine young men on the staff of the DP, specifically Noah, Zach, David(Ben) and Eli have been on a major roll as of late.
They are stepping up to the plate and connecting with "timely hits".
FOJL
September 30th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Steve - you did read the main DP sports page today, didn't you? If not, please do so immediately. There is a pleasant surprise for you!
September 30th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Rodney: Thank you for your contribution The story on Ibrahim was wonderful. Another boffo job by this staff of fine young men.
This "team" that has been assembled is really starting to gel.
We are seeing some excellent stories, posts, and dialogue.
Hopefully Steven enjoys this piece as much as the rest of us.
Hats off to the DP for another tremendous job!
BRAVO MEN!
FOJL
September 30th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Yes, Rodney...thanks. Great piece.
FOJL, hello...and I agree that "The Buzz" has been buzzing lately. These guys. proverbially, are on fire...on a wicked, dominating run. I'm impressed.
September 30th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Steven - Thank you for your contribution.
You nailed it. The men are on fire....
I am quite proud of their recent endeavors. They really are earning their stripes, despite all the demands of the college life.
FOJL
September 30th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Rodney....seriously...great piece. Thanks.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
FOJL, the paternal-like pride you take in the journalistic development of our "The Buzz's" brethren is quite moving and, alas, inspiring.
I apologize, FOJL (in retrospect), for the some of the acerbic shots I aimed at you last month. We are all part of "The Buzz" family; and many of your prolific contributions, FOJL, belong on the walls of The Palestra (if I had a vote).
September 30th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Steven - Thank you for your contribution.
I am not looking for praise or accolades. I am happy, rather, to give
credit where credit is due. These men continue to rise to the challenge
with their journalism.
The piece on Ibrahim was a wonderful read.
Glad you were able to enjoy it!
FOJL