[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 48 (Wednesday, April 4, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H1467-H1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1700
               A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MIKAN: MR. BASKETBALL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Graves). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Ramstad) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a true Minnesota 
legend. George Mikan, who was acclaimed Mr. Basketball in 1950 for his 
remarkable performances at DePaul University and with the former 
Minneapolis Lakers of the National Basketball Association has reached 
legendary status in the game of basketball and in life because of his 
hard work, integrity, leadership and character.
  George Mikan will be honored at a nationally televised halftime 
ceremony during next Sunday's NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers 
and the Minnesota Timberwolves. A life-sized bronze statue of George 
Mikan will be unveiled at the Target Center in Minneapolis. It will be 
a special moment for a truly special man who is most deserving of this 
recognition.

[[Page H1468]]

  At 6 feet 10 inches tall, George Mikan was the first big man to 
display the agility, touch and skill to dominate basketball games. He 
was called the trunk of the NBA family tree and he helped the fledgling 
league draw record crowds in every city. Mikan's mere presence changed 
the rules of the game because he was so dominant. In fact, in an effort 
to stop George Mikan, the Mikan rule was invented which widened the 
lane underneath the basket.
  With Mikan in the middle, the Minneapolis Lakers won six NBA 
championships in the late 1940s and early 1950s, including five of the 
first eight titles in the history of the NBA. On five separate 
occasions, George Mikan led the NBA in scoring. George Mikan is a 
charter member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the 
Professional Basketball Hall of Fame. He was chosen one of the NBA's 50 
greatest players.
  But, Mr. Speaker, George Mikan's accomplishments outside basketball 
are just as impressive and reflect perhaps even greater determination. 
A successful attorney, business owner and civic leader, George Mikan 
was the first commissioner of the American Basketball Association. In 
that position, he once again helped revolutionize the game of 
basketball by implementing the three-point shot and other exciting 
changes. George Mikan has also overcome a great deal of difficulty in 
his lifetime. Today, George is taking on a very imposing opponent, the 
disease of diabetes. Again, George Mikan is showing great courage and 
determination and is a true inspiration to us all.
  The original Mr. Basketball continues to make us proud. Today we 
salute him for his public service, leadership, inspiration and courage. 
Mr. Speaker, George Mikan is a great American and a legendary 
basketball player. Please join me in honoring this outstanding 
Minnesotan for his many contributions to the game of basketball and his 
many accomplishments off the court as well. George Mikan is truly 
deserving of this special congressional recognition.

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