YouTube Superstars

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Gay posts request for All-Star dunk inspiration on YouTube
ESPN.com news services

Rudy Gay has turned to the Internet for extra inspiration for this year’s slam dunk contest at NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans.

The Memphis Grizzlies swingman has posted his request on the video sharing site You Tube, asking dunkers around the world to submit their best throw-down. Gay plans to emulate the best of those dunks at the contest.

Gay had two requests of his You Tube audience: Don’t do anything unsafe, and no props.

“They have to perform dunks I can do,” Gay said Tuesday on ESPN First Take.

As for the submissions he’s seen so far?

“They jump very high … they get up, it’s crazy,” Gay said.

Toronto Raptors power forward Chris Bosh has already used YouTube in connection with All-Star Weekend — and it’s one of the reasons he’ll be joining Gay in New Orleans.

Bosh posted a clip of himself as a Texas car salesman in a bid to get All-Star votes, and though he didn’t overtake Kevin Garnett in the voting, he was added to the Eastern Conference team as a reserve.