BASKETBALL
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Classy Hawks import Lance Hurdle says he will channel his inner Michael Jordan this weekend for a one-off exhibition match in Adelaide.
Hurdle, Adris Deleon and Oscar Forman have all been selected for the NBL All-Star game - playing for the well-represented North outfit, coached by Gordie McLeod.
For Hurdle, the match presents an opportunity to "let it all hang out" and attempt manoeuvres that wouldn't ordinarily make the cut under McLeod's business-before-party-tricks blueprint at the Hawks.
"I think Gordie would pull me out if I tried to do some of the stuff I'm planning in the All-Star game for the Hawks," Hurdle joked.
"The T-mac [former NBA star Tracey McGrady-inspired] throw it off the glass and dunk it - if I tried to do that in a real game, Gordie would probably send me back to the States."
Jordan, along with fellow NBA great Vince Carter, revolutionised the game of basketball with their signature dunks and on-court theatrics.
It was a common backdrop for Hurdle growing up in San Diego, before eventually enjoying a three-year stint in the NBA's competitive D-League.
"I used to watch the NBA All-Star game when I was young and took a lot out of that," Hurdle said.
"I grew up watching Jordan, Vince Carter - all those guys. I'm a huge Jordan fan and then when Carter did the 360 windmill, everybody was trying to do that. So this weekend should be fun.
"The first half is more so tricks and playing around, but in the second half - especially if you're down - the game can get a little more serious."
The league's 20 best players, as voted by fans, will battle it out in Saturday's All-Star match.
In addition, Forman has been selected for the three-point shootout, and Hurdle has been selected for the crowd-favourite slam dunk contest, an element of his game which needs no introductions.
Remarkably, Hurdle is undefeated in dunk comps from his five attempts.
"I'm the shortest guy in there but I've always been the shortest guy in the dunk contest and that doesn't bother me at all," Hurdle said.
"I look at it like a challenge.
"I got a few tricks up my sleeve that I hope to bring out."
How the benches line up for Adelaide Arena
All Stars, Adelaide Arena, Saturday, 2pm AEDT.
TV: Live on One
North: Adris Deleon, Oscar Forman, Lance Hurdle (Wollongong Hawks), Ben Madgen, Darnell Lazare, Corin Henry (Sydney Kings), Cameron Tragardh, Clint Steindl (Cairns Taipans), Gary Ervin and Peter Crawford (Townsville Crocodiles).
South: Cedric Jackson, Thomas Abercrombie (New Zealand Breakers), Seth Scott, Jonny Flynn, Chris Goulding (Melbourne Tigers), Daniel Johnson, Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, Jason Cadee (Adelaide 36ers) and Shawn Redhage (Perth Wildcats).