But alas, Larry missed the tourney because of an injury. He felt that "The Hick From French Lick" was ducking him. "When he won, he beat me (in 1988), he didn't even come back," Ellis said.

Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, in Boston at night, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1987 during warm-ups prior to NBA game against Dallas, was named on Thursday as The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.

Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, in Boston at night, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1987 during warm-ups prior to NBA game against Dallas, was named on Thursday as The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.