Kstat
03-28-2006, 04:31 AM
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060328/SPORTS0102/603280352/1127
Fresh start
Coming to Detroit has been a fresh start for Wallace and his family. The slate was wiped clean. And a few months later, the Pistons won the NBA title and Wallace was positively woven into the city's sports history.
No longer was Wallace viewed simply as an obnoxious talent. Now he was a world champion.
"Everything has changed for us being in Detroit; the people here have opened their hearts," Fatima said. "It's been such a blessing for all of us because of how people are here. They're kind, they see Rasheed for who he his and they gave him a chance to be himself."
Fatima always has seen the potential in her husband, on and off the court. She's a pretty savvy judge of basketball, knowing full well what Wallace is capable of on the floor. And she's also a smart woman in terms of haircuts, encouraging Wallace to get a flattering close-crop last month.
Yes, hoops and haircuts do have a connection.
"I tell him I am not saying this because you are my husband. 'There are many good players in the NBA, but you are one of the best,' " Fatima said. " 'You are very, very gifted. Don't ever throw away your gift. You have got to make the most of what you have. Don't ever settle for less. Reach for it. Because you don't ever want to say I could have done this or that. Do it. You can't go back. Whatever it is you want to do, reach for it right now.'
" 'How many people can actually say they were the best, a champion? Not too many people, and you are one of them.' "
Fatima uses other methods to encourage Rasheed.
"I make him sign a contract, I write it before games, 'Rasheed has to score 20 or more points,' " Fatima said. "If not, there will be no dinner. (She laughs.)
"He needs a challenge to get that fire in his eyes. If he doesn't have that spark if he's not burning hot, it's too easy for him."
Fresh start
Coming to Detroit has been a fresh start for Wallace and his family. The slate was wiped clean. And a few months later, the Pistons won the NBA title and Wallace was positively woven into the city's sports history.
No longer was Wallace viewed simply as an obnoxious talent. Now he was a world champion.
"Everything has changed for us being in Detroit; the people here have opened their hearts," Fatima said. "It's been such a blessing for all of us because of how people are here. They're kind, they see Rasheed for who he his and they gave him a chance to be himself."
Fatima always has seen the potential in her husband, on and off the court. She's a pretty savvy judge of basketball, knowing full well what Wallace is capable of on the floor. And she's also a smart woman in terms of haircuts, encouraging Wallace to get a flattering close-crop last month.
Yes, hoops and haircuts do have a connection.
"I tell him I am not saying this because you are my husband. 'There are many good players in the NBA, but you are one of the best,' " Fatima said. " 'You are very, very gifted. Don't ever throw away your gift. You have got to make the most of what you have. Don't ever settle for less. Reach for it. Because you don't ever want to say I could have done this or that. Do it. You can't go back. Whatever it is you want to do, reach for it right now.'
" 'How many people can actually say they were the best, a champion? Not too many people, and you are one of them.' "
Fatima uses other methods to encourage Rasheed.
"I make him sign a contract, I write it before games, 'Rasheed has to score 20 or more points,' " Fatima said. "If not, there will be no dinner. (She laughs.)
"He needs a challenge to get that fire in his eyes. If he doesn't have that spark if he's not burning hot, it's too easy for him."