McNabb delivers passes, laughs

If the NFL didn’t work out, Donovan McNabb could have had a solid career with the Harlem Globetrotters.

The former Syracuse point guard showed he was more than capable on the court Saturday, throwing fast break lobs to Eagles teammate and Clovis native Hank Baskett throughout the charity game at Rock Staubus Gymnasium.

But he was just as adept at comedy. In the locker room, he threw on a Wildcat tote bag and did an impression of a young Baskett.

During the game, he was hassling referees, refusing to shake hands with Wildcat alumni during player intros and completing comedy routines like they were slant routes.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection answered a few questions before the game.

So, what are your impressions of Clovis?

Donovan McNabb: Like (rapper) Flavor Flav, “Wooooowwww.”

You know what, Clovis is all right. You go to different places and you hear country sounds and you’ve got to ride an hour and a half from the major airport in Lubbock, (but) then you come out and everybody loves Hank Baskett, you’ve gotta love it. It shows the appreciation of the families out here, the fans, the kids who grew up watching Hank have the success he had. We’re just happy to be a part of this.

He’s done positive things. He’s taking time out of his schedule to come back and run his charity. We’re here to participate in Clovis. Clovis is a wonderful town.

What kind of ...

DM: (Joking) I thought you said one question.

What kind of pull does Hank have, getting all of you guys out here?

DM: Hank has a lot of pull. It really doesn’t go to how big your name is. It’s the impression you leave. You talk about an individual who has continued to work hard. He learned a lot here, continued to learn in the NFL. He’s going to continue to flourish.

Clovis fans watch the Eagles all the time, and they’re particularly focused on Baskett. What does he need to do to improve this season?

DM: Hank has done wonderful things for us right now. Hank just has to be Hank. He has a great work ethic, catches the ball really well, runs great routes. Hank just needs to be himself and continue to get better.

He’s heading into his third year. It’s an exciting year for him, an opportunity for him to make a big impression. People across the world will see. We know as his teammates what kind of player he is.