The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America. The NBA is one of the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. There are many shortest dunkers in the NBA – that includes Spudd Webb.
Anthony Jerome Webb, also known as Spud Webb, was born in Dallas, Texas, on July 13, 1963. Despite his incredible basketball talents for his height, Spud Webb’s vertical jump propelled him to fame. Spudd Webb’s height is 1.68 m or 5’6 ft. He stunned the world as he stood taller than 5’7″ to try his first Slam Dunk at the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Spud Webb grew up in a low-income family. He has a 46-inch vertical leap having that power and quickness in play.
Read more in this article as we provide you with interesting information about Spud Webb.
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History of Spud Webb
Spud Webb, who at 5’7″ was one of the smallest players in NBA history, won the NBA slam dunk event on February 8, 1986, defeating his Atlanta Hawks teammate and 1985 dunk champion, Dominique Wilkins, who was 6’8″. Anthony Jerome “Spud” Webb was born in Dallas, Texas, on July 13, 1963.
He had his first taste of collegiate basketball at Midland College (in Midland, Texas), where he helped the Chaparrals won the junior college national championship in 1982. Midland won the final game 93-88 in double overtime over #1-ranked and previously unbeaten Miami-Dade North of Florida.
Coach Blakeley was sacked in May 1983, which was a concern for Webb. Coach Blakeley had such high regard for Webb that he contacted a friend who was an assistant coach at North Carolina State University.
After seeing Webb play in a summer league game at MLK Recreation Center, a North Carolina State University assistant coach requested a meeting with Head Coach Jim Valvano. Coach Valvano met with Webb and was so pleased by his talent that he gave him a scholarship.
Spud Webb’s academic achievements drew the attention of North Carolina State University, which awarded him a scholarship. Webb scored 36 points in that game, hitting 10 of 15 shots from the field and 16 of 18 from the free-throw line. Webb received national recognition and a write-up in Sports Illustrated for his success in the event. He was selected as an NJCAA All-American in 1983.
How Tall is Spud Webb? (Vertical Leap Height)
Despite his incredible basketball talents for his height, it was Spud Webb’s vertical propelled him to fame. Spud Webb’s height is 1.68 m or 5’6 ft and he has a 46-inch vertical leap which is the secret to all of this success.
It was one of the finest verticals in NBA history at the time. When he stepped up to slam the ball, he possessed a lot of explosiveness and force. He appeared to be floating in mid-air. Each subsequent dunk improved on the last, with Webb apparently leaping off the ground each time.
Consider how tall Webb would be if he were six feet or taller. That’s almost four feet tall, or around the height of a small kid. Who knows what his vertical would have been if he hadn’t died. When he was 5-3 in high school, Webb was dunking, so he understood how to put it down early in his career. He is presently the third smallest player in league history.
When did Spud Webb first dunk?
Dallas, Texas, prepares for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on February 8, 1986. It was a return voyage for Anthony “Spud” Webb. The Atlanta Hawks point guard grew up in the Lone Star State’s northern hub and excelled on the basketball court in high school.
Webb’s dunk contest victory during the NBA All-Star Game Weekend in Dallas on February 8, 1986, was one of the most memorable moments of his career. Webb, the shortest player to ever compete in the sport, was up against guys who were up to a foot taller in certain situations. Size didn’t matter in the end. Webb wowed the audience with his flying dunks, defeating teammate Dominique Wilkins, who had previously won the 1985 tournament by defeating Michael Jordan.
Spud Webb’s NBA Career
When Webb entered the NBA Draft, the cards were stacked against him. The majority of scouts predicted that Webb would not be picked and would instead play basketball in Europe. Instead, the Detroit Pistons picked Webb with the 87th overall choice in the fourth round of the draft.
Despite having a guard-heavy squad, the Pistons chose Webb. As a result, the Pistons were forced to release players before the season began.
Bill Blakeley, Webb’s current agent, arranged for a tryout with the Atlanta Hawks. Webb surpassed several of the team’s more experienced guards to secure a spot on the roster.
Webb spent six years in Atlanta as a sixth man before being moved to the Sacramento Kings and thrust into the starting lineup. Webb averaged 7.7 points per game at Atlanta. Webb increased his scoring to 13.7 points per game in four years with Sacramento. After four years in Sacramento, he was sent back to Atlanta, where he played 51 games before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the season.
He played for two teams in his NBA career: Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings. In the 1997-98 NBA season, Webb was a member of the Orlando Magic, where he completed his career. Before retiring, he only played four games for the Magic.
Webb’s NBA career resembled that of a typical NBA player. He rose to prominence not during an NBA game but at the ever-popular Slam Dunk Contest held during All-Star Weekend.
He retired with career averages of 9.2 points per game and 2.4 assists per game.
Final Words
Spud Webb became famous for his high-flying act, which included dunks from distances other players could not even jump from. His history, career, and height are just an indication that with hard work and dedication – a dream can be achieved.
