The CrossOver
The second matchup in the 2009 Ball St. Journal Handlez Tournament provides the first upset, with #7 Seed Jason Williams knocking off Rucker Parks Finest, Rafer Alston. J-Will was definately not afraid to let the playground come to the league, while a few people felt Skip didn’t really attempt to let his natural abilities take over. The third matchup in the first round is should be a nice battle. Tim Hardaway aka “The Utep Two-Step,” versus Baron Davis aka “B-Diddy.” The unique thing about Baron Davis is that, even though he’s on this crossover list, along with Steve Francis, they could find themselves in the Dunk Tournament as well. Both have crazy handles, and are both former Golden State Warriors, so let’s get it…
Tale Of The Tape
Tim Hardaway "The Utep, 2-Step" 6 ft. 175lbs Chicago, IL University of Texas at El-Paso 12 Year NBA Career Claim To Fame : Had one of the first ever "Killer Crossover," moves in the league
No contest here…Tim Hardaway patented that move. He busted it out anywhere on the court at any time and no one could stop it; he was just too quick, fast, and explosive. He’d have been a first ballot Hall Of Famer had his knee held up no question.
Baron has the sick handles, too..but because of his size is more of a post up point…he never really needed to create as much space as timmy and can sort of body his way into the lane. He’s probably more explosive, but nowhere near as quick -and that’s what determines how effectively you can pull the cross up
Have to give it to my man B. Davis even though Timmy had it down to the science and probaly one of the ppl B-Diddy based his crossover on.
I would consider Hardaway the pioneer of the killer crossover other players did a variation mainly a change of direction dribble to keep defenders off balance. Timmy made sure you knew what he just did to you, embarassed you with a setup move that was the smoothest (non-carrying) cross I have ever witnessed.
Now B-Diddy could do more than cross you he could jay you up, post you, posterize you or drop dime. I feel like he was more versatile of the two plus he has a bigger frame than Timmy. I have seen him make people fall with his cross and than dunk on them. He even played at the Rucker and was making defenders look silly. His handle was and still is elite.
My vote has to go for Baron, even though Timmy should get a pass to the final four because he was the crossover pioneer. If I was on the schoolyard and I had to pick b/t Tim and Baron all signs point to B.