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Ladies and gentlemen: The most iconic NBA nickname of the past quarter-century!
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The nickname 'Big Country' was born during Reeves' freshman season in college after he was awed by his first cross-country flight.
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Unlimited ginger ale and peanuts must have had quite the effect on him.
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He was a two-time All-American at Oklahoma St and led the Cowboys to the 1995 Final Four.
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America quickly fell in love...
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The Vancouver Grizzlies drafted Big Country with the 6th overall pick in the 1995 draft.
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He embodied the ferociousness of a grizzly bear...
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As well as the cute playfulness.
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In 1997 Big Country was a budding star, averaging 16.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.08 blocks per game.
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The workhorse from Gans, Oklahoma seemed destined to carry the Vancouver Grizzlies to greatness.
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Look at that focus...
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That's the kind of focus that earns you a massive $61.8 million contract.
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And one of the most inexplicably dominant characters in sports video game history.
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However, his back problems and weight issues eventually caused him to lose a step.
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And his contract became known as one of the worst in NBA history.
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Forcing him to declare early retirement in 2001. The world wept.
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But an athlete with a great nickname never truly retires.
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Big Country became a gift that just kept giving.
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Reeves' place in history is secure as the man behind the BEST facial expressions in card history.
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Big Country will always be in demand!
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He still has time for his fans.
