For a little over a year in the late '80s, I worked at a furniture factory in Greenwood. I shared an office with an older gentleman (about the age I am now). He was probably about 6-3 and slender, and looked to be in pretty good shape for his age. He was a very quiet and unassuming individual. He had lived in California earlier in his life. One day we were discussing basketball, and he casually mentioned that when he lived in Calif., he frequently had played pick-up games that included Nate Thurmond. Needless to say, I was impressed.

Along with Wilt and Russell, Thurmond was one of three to have had 40 rebounds in an NBA game. He averaged 15 points and 15 boards per game over an 11-season career.

That pretty strong credentials.