Bring it Back, Turiaf: Asking Ronnie and Crew to Break Out the ‘Fros

Back in the 70′s, the ABA helped make afros and high-socks the hoops fashion trend of the decade. In 1997, at a League reunion, former ABA star Darrell Hilman was recognized for his tremendous ‘do with the coveted “Biggest ABA Afro Award.” Of course, Dr. J also rocked a tremendous helmet of hair in his early days in that same league.

But, in today’s game, the afro has largely disappeared. Sure it seems unruly, annoying and requiring countless hours of maintenance, not to mention potentially hampering one’s ability to perform on-court. But c’mon, it looks awesome. For instance, we’d become so accustomed to the cornrows of Lakers reserve Ronnie Turiaf that the tremendous ‘fro he rocked at Gonzaga escaped our memory. It needs to make a comeback, and so does the afro on a broader level.

In that spirit, we decided to take a quick tour around the League and identify some of the keepers of the ‘fro flame. Hit us up with some of the current players we’re missing.

Ronnie Turiaf, L.A Lakers
While we love his hustle and his story, we’d prefer Ronnie bring back the Zags-days ‘do. He would definitely appear even more the wildman hitting the boards with this tremendous accumulation.

Josh Childress, Atlanta Hawks
Here’s another guy whose game we like. Childress was a big part of the game six win that pushed Hotlanta’s opening round series to a game 7 in Boston. He chipped in 15 points and six boards along with a well-sculpted afro that gets points for overall roundness and maintenance.

Ben Wallace, Cleveland Cavaliers
He may not be able to consistently hit a free throw, but Big Ben can pick out that ‘fro to heights that few in the NBA can match. Sorry Ben, totally not making fun of you on the whole charity strip thing. Please don’t hurt me…

Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
The new kid on the block, Noah’s afro is perhaps the most unwieldy of the lot. It’s also more Cypress Hill than Dr. J in its style. On a complete side note, there is still something about the combination of his bountiful hair and his mock grin on draft day that tends to make me question his overall mental health.

After these guys, the pickings get slim. Shaun Livingston, Moochie Norris and Ricky Davis are a few of the folks who’ve at least occasionally traded in rows for ‘fros in recent years? But who else? And is there anyway we can get this formerly smokin’ hot trend to start making a comeback? I know at least one man who has the marketing power to jumpstart a movement. Think about it. You probably know the answer, too.