A-O!!! That’s pronounced like “Hey Yo,” but with a street slang accent. That’s also not a greeting or slang term, in fact it’s a nickname, just like Hot Sauce, Skip To My Lou, and The Professor. Yup, they’re some of the biggest players from the And-1 Street Ball Tour you may have heard of.
Despite the non-existent rules of carry or travel, they were wizards with the ball. They dazzled the crowd and broke they defenders’ ankles, literally, but besides being street ball players, what do they all have in common? They wouldn’t have been who they were without “Pistol” Pete Maravich – whose awesome nickname belongs among the all-time great names:
Origin Announce Their Spring 2017 Roster
Once Origen announced their roster for the 2017 Spring Split, it became immediately apparent that the team would struggle to stay in the EU LCS. The roster included Satorius, Wisdom, NaeHyun, Tabzz and Hiiva.
sOAz and Amazing Leave Origen
xPeke was left as the last man standing from the original roster. sOAz and Amazing left the squad after becoming dismayed with the team's performance.
xPeke Steps In As AD Carry
The team's new bot lane duo simply did not work out. Forg1ven left the squad mid-split, with no replacement available, xPeke stepped into the ADC role. His infamous play is a harrowing memory for all Origen fans.
It all started when xPeke left Fnatic…
Origen was founded by xPeke in 2014 after he left Fnatic following the World Championship. With no prior experience running a team, nobody could have predicted just how far the team would go.
Origen Become the EU LCS’ Worst Ever Team
Without a single series win to their name, Origen's 2017 Spring Split roster will go down in history as the EU LCS's worst ever team.
Zven and Mithy Leave to Join G2 eSports
The dagger in the back of Origen. The team's bot lane duo departed the team unexpectedly ahead of the 2016 Summer Split.
Origin Heartbreak featured
Julius Erving – “Dr. J”
Nicknames don't get much cooler than "Dr. J", that's basically the pinnacle of nicknames. Everyone knows you're cool, and probably really good at basketball, both of which Julius Erving was. And for what's it's worth, his afro was as cool as his nickname. (Source: Twitter)
Fred McGriff – “Crime Dog”
I absolutely love everything about Fred McGriff's nickname of "Crime Dog", because I absolutely have no idea what it's even in reference to. Crime Dog? Like what the hell does that even mean? My response is who cares, because it's freaking awesome. (Source: Twitter)
Gordie Howe – “Mr. Hockey”
That's right, I'm showing hockey some love here. Now I'm not really a Redwings fan at all, and Gordie Howe was way before my time, but I mean come on, he has an awesome nickname. "Mr. Hockey" is the stuff of a legend, they literally made him the face of hockey because he was so unbelievable at it. (Source: Twitter)
NighT – Probability: High
One of the most talked about possible moves, NighT could soon find himself on another team. The reigning EU Rookie of the Split, NighT is highly sought after as a mid laner. Do not be surprised to find him on a team such as Team Liquid when the next split begins.
Adrian – Probability: Moderate
Once an All-Star for the NA LCS, Adrian now finds himself as a free agent after his departure from Team Liquid. While the talent is undeniable, many of Adrian's pocket power picks are currently out of the meta, and rumoured team issues may cause other teams to think twice before signing him.
Rekkles
Probability: Low
A mid season slump found Rekkles pushed to the edge of retirement or leaving Fnatic once again. Once one to the more talked about players looking to move, with Fnatic's late season surge any type of trade or retirement seems highly unlikely.
LirA – Probability: Low
The most valuable member of EnVyUs's line-up , any rebuild will likely be built around him. If he didn't count as an import, LirA's value would be through the roof as one of the best junglers in NA. With limited teams that have import slots open and his immense value to NV, do not be surprised in LirA stays put.
Piglet – Probability: Moderate
After switching from ADC to mid, Piglet had an up and down season in his new role. For the upcoming split, Piglet may retire or be replaced by another import in the mid lane. If he stays with Team Liquid for next split, do not be surprised to see him move back to his former role of ADC.
FeniX – Probability: Low
The mid laner for Gold Coin United has been regarded as possibly the NA CS's best player this split. After GCU's failure to reach the LCS, he could be an option for teams looking to upgrade their mid, and who have an import slot available. Outside of Team Liquid and NV however, options are limited.
Ninja – Probability: High
Likely the most criticized member of Team EnVyUs, much of the blame for their struggles this split has fallen on Ninja. Currently occupying a valuable import slot, his performance has likely not warranted him staying with the team. Do not be surprised to see him replaced very soon.
Unfortunately this writer is way too young to have witnessed him play, but highlights on YouTube are not fairytales. They’re real. If you haven’t watched any of his highlights, you’re gonna want to check them out. He was amazing. He revolutionized the game. He changed what it meant to be a point guard and the rules of ball handling and passing.
SEE ALSO: C-3PNO – Why Chris Paul isn’t an elite point guard
Pistol was Magic Johnson before Magic, he was the And-1 street team before the tour, he was Kyrie Irving before Kyrie! If you yourself have ever done a behind the back pass, or dropped off a pass between the legs, then you are channeling your inner Pistol, not Steph Curry or Chris Paul.
The only thing flashier than the Pistol himself was maybe his iconic mop-top hair. But don’t get it twisted; this 6’5 scrawny white dude could ball. Besides being a masterful passer and ball handler, he could flat out score.
Before his pro days, he had one of the most prolific scoring runs ever, averaging 43.8, 44.2, and 44.5 points per game in three years at Louisiana State University. He even scored 50 or more points in 10 of LSU’s 31 games his senior year. Say it with me, BALLER!
His scoring woes didn’t stop in college, oh no, they transferred over to the pros. In the 1976-77 season, his best season, he averaged 31.1 ppg and scored 40 or more 13 times, including a 68-point effort against Walt Frazier and the New York Knicks.
So next time you lace up your kicks and step on the hardwood or blacktop and you decide to make a pass behind your back or through your legs, don’t call out Magic or Curry, instead, yell out Pistol!
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