All-Star Dunk Contest: Rudy Fernandez Will Not Disappoint

On Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, Portland Trail Blazer guard/heart-throb Rudy Fernandez will no doubt capture a few more corizones.

That's the day of the NBA All-Star Dunk Contest. Fernandez will join Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, the New York Knick's Nate Robinson and the Memphis Grizzlies' Rudy Gay in what many consider the premier event of All-Star Weekend. Update: Rudy Gay (hip injury) has been replaced by J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets.

Some fans may be wondering what a player known more for his nifty passing and long-range shooting is doing in the dunk contest. Well, the fans voted him in this year, based primarily on one play: the dunk seen 'round the world—his emphatic Olympic flush around none other than one Mr. Howard in last summer's gold medal game.

That memorable event alone sets up a tense drama custom made for television.

But there's yet another twist: Fernandez will be showcasing his talents in front of a large Phoenix, AZ crowd. The Suns originally drafted the young Spaniard before trading him to Portland...

And, in Portland, word has it that Fernandez has been secretly working on some very creative moves intended to attract maximum style points. It has something to do with a skill every Spanish boy is familiar with: futbol.

In true Spanish tradition, Fernandez will not win you over with raw force. He will lull you into a hypnotic trance with a silky, fluid ballad then sweep you off your feet with a hearty flamenco crescendo.

Basketball fans, on Feb. 14, hold on to your hearts.