"You know, a lot of people ask me, how do we do it? Four championships in nine years? Not everyone realizes that our team goes through a rigorous off season program where we are able to perfect the flop," said Spurs Coach Greg Popovich.
The rigorous program Popovich talks about takes place at the Vlade Divac Flopping Academy.
Vlade Divac, former NBA All Star, who is credited by many as being the best flopper ever, opened the Academy in the summer of 2000, shortly before the Spurs second championship.
"Everybody wants an edge these days. Just imagine the advantage of flopping. Who wouldn't rather shoot from the free throw line, who wouldn't want the other team's best player fouling out," said Vlade Divac.
"Vlade's techniques are the best, being a foreign player I was taught flopping at a young age but nothing like this. If you want to raise your flopping to a new level, there is nowhere to go but here," said Manu Ginobili.
If anybody has ever watched a Spurs playoff series, it is obvious to see that flopping can change a game. Whether its Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Ginobili, Bowen, or any other Spur, they all know how to throw their bodies around with even the slightest bit of contact.
After four championships in nine years who can argue with success?
"I feel that I can honestly say that without the help of the Vlade Divac Academy, those four championships would not have been possible."
The Vlade Divac Academy opens classes in June and is now accepting applications.
It is a can't miss opportunity according to Duncan, "Just go, you won't regret it."
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5 months ago
PICK OF THE DAY!
5 months ago
four championships in nine years.
and u happen to be a bitter suns fan perhaps?
5 months ago
sorry about that, you are right 9 years. can you honestly tell me that the spurs dont do alot of flopping? im not a suns fan, just hate the spurs because of their constant flopping and arguing after every call. im sick of duncan's same stupid reaction after every foul he is called for. hes got to be the only hall of famer who thinks he never commited a foul, ever.
5 months ago
im also not a suns fan, i just hate the spurs. they flop more than any team i can ever remember, and argue every call like the refs are out to get them. im just praying the lakers take care of them so i dont have to see them in the finals again. they make me sick. great article!
4 months ago
Surfing around on BR, I found this. Great article. FYI: It used to be called the VD Academy, but, at the request of a small medical board in Idaho, is now known as the VDA.
from 4 months ago
Sorry Bryan, it was originally the VD Academy, but at the request of a small medical board in Idaho, is now know as the VDFA.
4 months ago
this is a wonderful article. i am a celtics fan, but feel the spurs do flop a lot, as do the pistons. but why blame the teams? blame the refs and david stern for turning a blind eye for years. i wish players simply would not do it, but these refs let them get away with it, so players figure, "hey why not?"
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