Slam Dunk in Wheelchair Basketball Game Leaves Fans Standing, Players Sitting
October 5, 2008 by Kevin Brockman
In what will go down as one of the most incredible moments in sports history, Ichiro Orochi of Team Japan pulled off a full slam dunk during Sunday’s wheelchair basketball game against Team USA. An event that is already sending shockwaves throughout the sports world, Orochi kissed the rim at the 2:23 mark of the 3rd quarter in what can only be described as unbelievable.
“I don’t know what happened,” and excited Orochi told the reporters in the dressing room after the game. “I just saw the opening and drove hard to net. Next thing I knew I was hanging from the rim and there was a deafening roar. It was exhilarating.”
Orochi’s teammates weren’t surprised the talented center was able to pull off the move once thought impossible in the North American Wheelchair League. Team Japan guard Philip Morris was quick to speak up for his teammate. “He’s a player that is just so naturally talented. I’ve always known he was good, but now everyone knows. I’m happy for him.”
As the NAWL doesn’t broadcast games it is unfortunate that the event was recorded and will likely never be seen again in our lifetimes. Fortunately, Bobby Joe from Burnaby was in attendance and accidentally snapped a shot of the historic moment using his phone camera. “I just got super lucky with the timing,” Joe beamed, “I was actually trying to get a picture of the super cute blonde sitting front row. I still got that picture too, so it was an awesome day.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to do it again.” Orochi confesses. “But it’s times like this I’m glad I had that trampoline accident.”
I’m happy for him.