July 12

From Hoopedia

• 1889 - Early pro player Max Friedman (right) is born in New York City. He played for many teams, including the barnstorming New York Whirlwinds and the ABL's Cleveland Rosenblums. He also played in the Inter-Allied Games in Paris in 1919.

• 1943 - Paul Silas, who will play for 16 seasons in the NBA, is born in Prescott, Arizona.

• 2003 - Seattle's Sue Bird, leading a fast break during the WNBA All-Star Game, drops a spectacular no-look pass between the legs to her trailing teammate, Lauren Jackson, for a score. In 2006 WNBA fans voted it the "Greatest Pass in WNBA History." The Western Conference beats the East for the fifth consecutive game, 84-75. Los Angeles Sparks star Nikki Teasley wins the MVP Award for her 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and five steals.

• 2004 - The WNBA takes a month-long break so that players may participate in the Athens Olympics, so the traditional All-Star game is cancelled. Instead, the U.S. Senior National Team plays the WNBA All-Stars, winning 74-58. Team USA's Yolanda Griffith scores 11 points and grabs 15 rebounds while on the way to game MVP honors.

• 2006 - Katie Douglas of the Connecticut Sun scores 16 points en route to being named the game's MVP as the East finally defeats the West in the seventh WNBA All-Star Game, 98-82.