AP News Wire Story

Dateline January 25th, 11:41 PM
From the Associated Press
"Amazing growth spurt has College Coaches buzzing"

Dallas, Tx: A newborn infant has turned up on a number of college basketball programs watch lists, which may have fans asking what the heck is going on? It seems that in an effort to get a jump on the competition, scouts are leaving no stone unturned, with some going to the extreme to find the next big man. One potential gem has been found in the NICU at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. His name is Thomas Alexander Elliot, and upon first site, to the untrained eye, he just looks like a cute, if somewhat undersized baby. Closer examination reveals little more that should draw the frenzy of attention that Thomas and his parents have received in the last week. Thomas has fielded 43 "unofficial" verbal offers from division 1 schools, even though he weighs less than 2 pounds and cannot shoot or dribble, let alone stand.

I caught up with Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski in the lobby of Baylor. Asked why Thomas had peaked his interest, Coach K was cagey. "Well, first I'm not saying I am interested." said Coach K. After a pause, he looked around and added in a hushed tone "OK, here's the deal. My scouts told me that Thomas grew an inch and a half in 3 weeks. Now I know that only makes him 11 and half inches tall, but if we project out, at this growth rate, he'll be 6 feet tall in less than 2 and a half years, 7 feet in 2 and 3/4 years and 8 feet in 3 and a quarter years. I'd be a fool not to go after that kind of raw talent." Asked if he was concerned about Thomas' lack of ball skills, he said "if I can get him into my program when he's 9 feet tall, I'll teach him everything he'll need. He won't be spending alot of time outside of the paint."

Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, was contacted to comment on this development happening in his backyard, and if he planned to get in on this in case Thomas decided to skip college and go straight to the NBA. He issued a statement: "While the prospect of a 10 foot tall swingman that could clog up the paint is certainly intriguing, I've drafted enough white stiffs to know when to sit one out, and this one seems like that type of situation."

Thomas' parents are remaining guarded about Thomas' plans. His dad was caught on camera pushing a reporter out of his way while yelling "Get a life you idiots, he's 3 weeks old." The mother was a little more pragmatic, "Well you know, if this is what's going to happen, I hope Thomas remembers that I've taken care of him all his life. That ought to be worth a house or one of those big ski boats, or something."

We will continue to follow this story as Thomas develops.