Malia, Sasha Obama Hit Basketball Court With Dad; Obama to Greet Lakers

2 years ago

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The Obama daughters, Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8 have basketball in their genes.

President Obama has played hoops since he was boy and follows the NBA avidly, and their uncle, Craig Robinson, the brother of First Lady Michelle, was a star when he played basketball at Princeton University and is currently the head coach for the men's team at Oregon State.

So it's no surprise that the girls are interested in the game.

They shot hoops with their dad on Sunday, motorcading over to the Department of Interior gym at 10:34 a.m. and departing at noon, according to the pool report. On Saturday, the First Couple traveled just over the city border to the Jane Lawton Community Center in Chevy Chase, Md., to watch Sasha's basketball game.

I asked an East Winger if Mrs. Obama plays basketball and was told "she is more of a basketball fan than a player. She did not play in high school or very much since then."

Now, if the Obama girls are really big fans as well as players, there's a treat in store. On Monday the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA champions, are visiting the White House. Obama will greet Lakers Coach Phil Jackson, the former Chicago Bulls coach who reigned during the glory days of Michael Jackson and serial Bulls championships.

The girls probably can get more than enough tips from their dad or uncle -- although Coach Robinson is having a tough year out in Corvallis, Ore. Just like his brother-in-law's political party, Robinson suffered a stunning defeat last week as Oregon State got creamed by Stanford by 24 points. Then, on Saturday, the Beavers dropped a close one to Cal.

FLASHBACK: Last October, President Obama caught flak when he played basketball with Cabinet and House members on the South Lawn of the White House because the players were all male, something that is not an issue when he hoops it up with his own kids.

Filed Under: The Daily FLOTUS with Lynn Sweet

Tagged: dailyguidance

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