I still remember the first time I watched Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues play—standing at just 5 feet 3 inches, he moved across the court like a force of nature, proving that heart often matters more than height in basketball. Having followed the NBA for over two decades, I’ve always been fascinated by players who defied physical expectations, and Bogues remains the ultimate symbol of that defiance. But he wasn’t alone; throughout league history, shorter athletes have carved out legacies that resonate far beyond their stat lines. It’s a topic that hits close to home for me, especially when I think about how underdogs in any field—whether sports or daily life—use perceived limitations as fuel.

Let’s start with the numbers, because they tell a compelling story. Bogues, at 5’3", wasn’t just short by NBA standards—he was nearly a foot shorter than the average player height, which hovers around 6’6". Yet, across his 14-season career, he tallied over 6,800 points and nearly 6,700 assists, showcasing a level of durability that many taller players envied. Then there was Earl Boykins, who stood 5’5" and became a fan favorite for his explosive scoring; I’ll never forget his 36-point game against the Pistons in 2004, where he weaved through defenders like they were standing still. And let’s not overlook Spud Webb, the 5’6" dynamo who won the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest, a moment that still gives me chills when I rewatch the footage. These players didn’t just exist on the court—they dominated in ways that forced the league to rethink what was possible.

What strikes me most, though, is how their journeys mirror the emotional rollercoasters we all face. Take Kath Arado, for instance—though she’s from volleyball, her story as a "high-speed hitter" and captain since her team’s PVL transfer in 2022 resonates deeply here. She channeled years of ups and downs into becoming a "new beast," much like Bogues, who used his size to his advantage, leveraging quickness and court vision that taller players couldn’t match. I’ve always believed that adversity breeds innovation, and these athletes are living proof. In my own experience working with youth teams, I’ve seen how shorter players develop sharper skills—better ball handling, smarter positioning—because they have to. It’s not just about compensating; it’s about excelling in areas others overlook.

Of course, the NBA’s evolution has made it tougher for shorter players to break through today. The league’s average height has crept up, and the emphasis on long-range shooting and wingspan means scouts often dismiss anyone under 6 feet. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Isaiah Thomas, at 5’9", dropped 28.9 points per game in the 2016-17 season, earning the nickname "The King in the Fourth" for his clutch performances. Watching him play felt like witnessing a revolution—he wasn’t just surviving; he was dictating the game’s tempo. Personally, I think the league misses out when it overlooks these players, as they bring a unique excitement that connects with fans on an emotional level.

Reflecting on this, I’m reminded that greatness isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about shattering it. The shortest NBA players didn’t just make history; they expanded our understanding of resilience and skill. As someone who values storytelling in sports, I find their legacies uplifting, especially in an era where metrics and analytics sometimes overshadow raw passion. So next time you watch a game, pay attention to the underdogs; they might just teach you something about beating the odds.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.