Currently, there are NBA memorabilia items up for auction on ebay that are both priced higher and more ridiculous – for example, a framed, vinyl-copy of the Thriller album signed by Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan. However, this has to be the most curious case of trying to cash in on a superstar’s early accolades that I’ve seen since last year when I found someone selling eight scrapbooks of Lebron James complete press clippings for $250 K. For just under five grand you can purchase a set of four yearbooks from Lower Merion High School, in Ardmore Pennsylvania, from 1993-96.

It’s no coincidence, that during that four year span, the Lower Merion “Aces” varsity basketball team was led by Kobe Bryant. He was also voted to Homecoming King and Most Likely to Succeed his senior year. (A+ to the seller for including every single shot of Kobe from each book in the listing.)

Redacted: Bears mentioning that First Cuts posted this find yesterday – someone selling an 8th grade yearbook that Kobe signed for $9,995.00! His message: “Blosom, you are a good dancer and very sympathetic. Love, Kobe Bryant.” (H/T @chrislittmann)

That Malcolm X by Edward Jackson is part of Grant Hill’s extensive collection of fine African American art. But first off, wasn’t he fantastic last night? I can’t remember a game where I saw someone disrespect Kobe with so many mid-range jumpers. His team is still going to lose the series, but I’d love to see Hill keep up.

Even though the Suns appear to be on their way out of this year’s NBA playoffs, Grant Hill, painting and sculpture aficionado, is just starting to pique as a renaissance man. For instance, we recently learned that Hill signed on to executive produce a documentary about Duke basketball. He discussed his philosophy on having passions outside the game with USA Today this week:

Hill doesn’t believe he’s the exception among NBA players in his unique interests, which include exhibits for 20th century African-American art.

“A lot of times they’re scared to comment on it or to share their interests with the public,” Hill says of other athletes. “We should. It’s encouraging to see that. When I shared my art collection there were a lot of positives that came from that. Hopefully it showed a lot of other athletes it’s OK if you have a hobby or interest you’re involved in. Use your platform as an athlete to expose, to share, to bring knowledge to people.”

That was deep Let’s be honest, Hill’s going to have to have another assassin’s game and Phoenix needs to win game three in anyone other yours truly is going to acknowledge that Grant Hill, film auteur, art connoisseur is in the midst of a renaissance. Otherwise, it’s just an aging athlete doing stuff with money.

I’m no Sammy Columbo, but I’m guessing Kobe is going to at least get referenced? (And hopefully…capped.)

The Broadband Motion Picture Who Shot Mamba is being billed An Epic Nine Part Saga Told in 12 Parts. Sounds like the sort of irreverent and haphazard production that I could get behind.

Or you could just check out the plot summary:

When he’s accused of murdering a charismatic snake named Mamba, Merri Sherman sets into motion a chain of events that could result in the world’s takeover by a cult that worships a magic basketball, known only as the Orange Roundie. His only hope to stop this is by following the instructions of an ancient prophesy, which may also be predicting his own doom. (IMDB)

Some of the key players behind WSM:

Dustin Pearlman – the director, as noted on the IMDB page. Past projects he’s been involved in include: “30 Days of Night: Dust to Dust” and “Hood of Horror” (aka “Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horror”)

Brian Spaeth – the writer, and a man who, if nothing else, deserves your adoration for owning the domain www.madpropstobakedpotatoes.com

Calvin Stadiums - the faux-likeness of the facebook profile linked up on WhoShotMamba.com, with interests such as having the world’s largest and most valuable collection of size D batteries.


Anxious to see how this plays out (hopefully, not in Kobe’s favor).

follow Who Shot Mamba? on twitter

Following last night’s underwhelming NBA Finals clincher, The Big Eloquence had this to say via Twitter…

Sincere? Backhanded? Full-on slight? H/T to Nah Right for the screen grab.


And when the The Real Shaq gets on a roll, he does not quit…

Shaq Tweets: Congratulates Kobe, Tweaks Stan Van Gundy One Last Time (Pacman Jonesin’)