NEW YORK -- No. 99 on my scorecard while growing up during the NBA's infancy, but No. 1 in almost everything else related to professional basketball, Mr. Basketball passed away last week at 80 when life is supposed to begin.
For several years George Mikan had suffered from kidney disease and diabetes that cost him a leg several years ago.
Voted to the NBA's all-time Top 25, 35 and 50 he's the fourth member of the 1996 commemorative team -- Pete Maravich, Wilt Chamberlain and Dave DeBusschere -- to make us pick up our dribble and reminisce about their greatness and what a breathtaking spectator sport they made the game.