Column: The Jump Shot

With the cancellation of sporting events across the county, ESPN has really had to get creative to fill content not only on their network but as well as on their web site.

One thing the network has always done well at not many people know about is their documentaries and "30 for 30" series which is high-quality television. They have also captivated viewers and earned big ratings the past couple weeks for the documentary "The Last Dance" which details the final world championship run of the Michael Jordan era Bulls.

While this is certainly compelling, there was also a documentary recently released of someone who much like Jordan played a huge role in the rise in popularity of basketball.

"Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story" was released earlier this month and tells the story of a player not known to many but whose impact will live on in the game forever. Many historians believe Sailors was the first to utilize the jump shot and the film was produced by Stephen Curry who wants Sailors to be remembered for all he accomplished. I also like to tell the story of Kenny Sailors because it has a small personal connection.

My grandfather Jack M. Smith was a star athlete in high school and would later go on to the University of Wyoming where he played on both the football and basketball teams. Looking back on it now, that is incredible he was able to do that, something you rarely see anymore.

He played for the legendary coach Everett Shelton who won a national title with the Cowboys in 1943.

My grandfather would often talk fondly of his time on the team and he would glow as he told stories of riding on the train to the NCAA Tournament in Kansas City. This was a different era and for a young kid from a small town, this was a really big deal.

He would also tell the stories of playing with Kenny Sailors. I cannot remember if it was one or two years they played together but he one time joked he taught Kenny the jump shot. I remember him saying he tried it a few times but was never able to utilize it much. It's kind of crazy to think, that if he did try it, my grandpa could have been one of the first players to ever shoot a jump shot.

As a kid, it never really sunk in the impact that Sailors had made to a game that I love to watch so much, but I certainly understand it now. The fact that my grandpa was able to play with him is mind-boggling to me.

I'm sure if it wasn't Sailors, it would have been someone else who revolutionized the shot that revolutionized basketball, but it does not make his impact on the game any less. I've seen film on games from that era and there were a bunch of people taking set shots and it was kind of bizarre to see.

My grandfather would go on to pilot a B-17 in World War II, then have a decorated career as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. I loved listening to all of his stories about growing up and how in the war he'd always knew they were going to have a mission over Germany when they had a great breakfast.

But most of all I loved the basketball stories, and that all started with those early years of playing with Sailors.

If you are looking for something to watch that is inspiring, I would recommend the documentary about Sailors.

Not only does it talk about the jump shot, it tells his personal story and journey to Alaska, far away from playing in Madison Square Garden in the National Title game and the NBA.

Seeing this movie released not only made me proud of my alma mater but also brought back some great memories.

Go Pokes!