Remember that Philly powerhouse that slapped teams

around in the 76-77 season. Ponder the club led by Dr. J, Chocolate Thunder,

Bob Mcadoo, Bobby Jones and company. That team clubbed their way

through the East and into the World Championship Finals against the

underdog Portland Trailblazers. The championship was as good as won.

The 76er's had the high flying, supremely skilled players who dazzled

NBA fans and pundits alike. Their unparalled skills and power dunking

prowress could not be contained by Bill Walton and a bunch of no name

players from the distant Northwest. If only Kareem and the former Minneapolis

club were there to give that once in a generation club a battle. Now that would

be a matchup to be remembered. Well, at least the parade of dribble drive

finger rolls and visits to Lovetron would make this a short series before

a FANtastic parade through the streets of the City of Brothery Love !

        Oooooops ! The pundits and east coast sportswriters got

a wake up call from a scrappy team led by the ultimate team

player. Big Red, Luke, Dr. Jack and the guys showed those

supremely talented individuals how to play and win as a team.

Bobby Gross moving without the ball, David T hounding the

ball handler and Lionel hitting the pullup 15 footer. Of course,

Luke throwing some well placed elbows and helping Walton

control the boards and paint didn't hurt either. The recollections

of Schonz throwing down the "Rip City & Lickety Brindle's" while

listening on the radio, help to cement memories from 30 + years

gone past. These memories help me recall how team, defense, hustle

and togetherness will overcome superior individual talent !

     Does this current TEAM have the beginnings of those special

ingredients to become champions ? Will this squad develop those

 "Old School" traits in order to rise to the top ?