Star Wars Day: NBA stars and their Star Wars counterparts

NBA stars and their Star Wars counterparts: Jalen Rose = Lando Calrissian

We are leaving the modern NBA to take a brief trip back in time to the 1990s and 2000s. Jalen Rose, a member of the famous freshman Fab 5 at the University of Michigan, parlayed that college stardom into NBA fame at a level even higher than his play. Rose’s infectious smile and smooth-talking personality made him plenty of friends and surely opened up post-playing-career opportunities.

Infectious smile, smooth talker? Ring any Star Wars bells? Lando Calrissian and Jalen Rose are clearly parallel figures. Lando tries to smooth talk himself into any place he wants to go, whether or not he should be there. Nothing seems to rattle him as he takes life in stride, always trusting on his luck and his charm to see him through.

One of Rose’s “sticks” is knowing the best club to attend in every NBA city. Lando absolutely can match him for Star Wars establishments. Where is the best place to play and win at Sabacc? What bartender makes the best Tatooine Sunset? You can be sure that Lando Calrissian knows just where to send you.

Rose and the Fab Five made waves at Michigan for a number of reasons, and one of them was their elite fashion sense. They dressed in a particular way both on and off the court, and thousands of kids followed their lead. Lando is likewise a connoisseur of fine fashion, rocking a silk shirt and cape during his first movie appearance. Jalen and Lando are two peas in a carefully crafted luxury pod.