Few basketball players have left as lasting an impression as Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues in basketball history. Despite being far shorter than his peers at just 5 feet 3 inches, Bogues managed to build a successful NBA career that lasted 14 seasons.
Bogues’ career started off with the Charlotte Hornets after debuting with the Washington Bullets in the 1987–88 season, where he had an outstanding decade of play alongside legends like Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning. Bogues’ inspiring story is filled with a powerful combination of speed, agility, intelligence, and determination as he overcomes the odds in a sport that normally favors height and reach.
However, despite the praise and impressive numbers highlighting his abilities (averaging 7.7 points and 7.6 assists across 889 regular-season games), one question seems to dominate the narrative surrounding Bogues – “Could he dunk during his playing days?”
How Many Dunks Did Muggsy Bogues Have?
For those who have questioned if Bogues could actually overcome gravity to score a dunk, the answer comes directly from the source. Although no video evidence exists to support Bogues’ aerial capabilities, he has personally confirmed his ability to dunk a basketball, although not in an NBA game.
In a 2000 interview with NBA.com, when he was nearing the end of his illustrious career at the age of 35, Bogues admitted to having “tipped” in college and dunked during his high school years.
“I tipped one in college and dunked in high school,” Bogues said. “I can still touch the rim. I’ve always been a guy who has been able to get off my feet. I’ve still got a little hop to my game.”
In a subsequent 2016 interview with Coach magazine, Bogues reaffirmed his dunking capabilities, stating, “I never dunked in an NBA game… but I can dunk a basketball no problem.” When asked about the secret behind his jumping ability, Bogues credited it to genetics.
Despite the lack of solid evidence in the form of video footage, these interviews shed light on Bogues’ extraordinary ability to rise above the rim. A quality that, coupled with his outstanding basketball skills, helped solidify his legendary status in the NBA.
THROWBACK: 6’ 6” Michael Jordan & 5’ 3” Muggsy Bogues during a Bulls vs. Hornets game on Feb. 22, 1989. pic.twitter.com/HJ7AEZsYFU
— Bulls Nation (@BullsNationCP) February 23, 2015
His journey remains a testament to aspiring athletes, showing that with the right amount of determination, skill, and possibly a bit of genetic magic, one can achieve incredible heights in the game of basketball.