He certainly looks the part of the distinguished politician he hopes to become one day. Washington Bullets` forward Tom McMillen, 32 years old and prematurely gray, isn`t supposed to dominate in the world of pro basketball, even for only a week.
But that`s exactly what McMillen did. He was named the National Basketball Association`s Player of the Week for the week ending Jan. 27.
In five games McMillen, normally a forgotten fourth forward, filled in for injured All-Star center Jeff Ruland and averaged 23.4 points, including 37 against Phoenix, McMillen`s best as a pro. In 10 NBA seasons, McMillen never had averaged in double figures.
In six games, various components of the Bullets` front line–Ruland, Rick Mahorn and Cliff Robinson–were missing because of injuries. The Bullets won five of them because of McMillen. Ruland and Robinson still are sidelined.
”It`s really refreshing to get out and play,” said McMillen, a Rhodes Scholar who will run for Congress when he retires. ”I`ve been delighted. With both those guys out, I`ve been called upon to play 48 minutes.”
Teammate Frank Johnson good-naturedly rushed an oxygen mask to McMillen after a full-game stint recently against Golden State.
”I told him I need the whole tank,” McMillen said. ”There`s no question I have no pretenses. I don`t know what will happen when everyone comes back.”
Bullets` coach Gene Shue does. ”Even when all our players are back, I`m going to find time for him in the lineup,” Shue said.
