Occupation: Author, ex-basketball star.
Birthday: April 16, 1947.
Birthplace: New York City.
Current home: Los Angeles.
Marital status: Very happily divorced.
Children: Habiba, 18; Kareem, 13; Sultana, 11; and Amir, 8.
Working on: Promoting my book ”Kareem” (Random House) and serving as a spokesperson for L.A. Gear, a sportswear company.
The last good movie I saw was: ”Glory.”
The book I`ve been recommending lately is: ”Caribbean,” by James Michener.
Favorite performer: Thelonius Monk.
Favorite childhood memory: Going to Rockaway Beach and Coney Island with my parents.
Prized possession: My collection of compact discs. I`ve got a lot of jazz.
Personal hero: Jackie Robinson. I got to meet him, and it was a real pleasure. He`s a class guy.
I`ve never been able to: Spin a basketball on my fingertip.
I`m better than anyone else when it comes to: Identifying Oriental rugs.
I`d give anything to meet: Sophia Loren.
My fantasy is: I`m on a beach in Brazil drinking a cool drink.
People who knew me in high school thought I was: Skinny.
I knew I was a grownup when I: Got my first car. I was 19, and it was a
`58 Mercedes.
Nobody would believe it if they saw me: Wind surfing.
The best time of my life: Winning the NBA championship in 1985. We celebrated over several days, in Washington, D.C., at the White House, with parades in Los Angeles. We had a good time.
The worst time of my life: Watching my house burn down in 1983.
My friends like me because: I have maintained some of my humility.
Behind my back they say: ”He should party more.”
Major accomplishment: My basketball career. It was about as major as it could be.
My most humbling experience: Unsuccessful seasons were always humbling.
Three words that best describe me: Tall, smart and handsome.
