Towering totals

HE isn't faster than a speeding bullet, or literally able to leap tall buildings at a single bound. But skyscraping Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a Superman on the basketball court: Last week he became the professional game's greatest scorer of all time.

With a sweeping skyhook, his offensive trademark, he surpassed Wilt Chamberlain's record that many had thought would never be broken. It is the basketball equivalent of breaking Babe Ruth's once-invincible 60-home-run mark.

In his 15 years in the league Abdul-Jabbar has been more than just a scorer. He's also an excellent all-around player, adding defense, rebounding, and consistency to his 31,420 points.

And he knows how the game should be played - with teamwork. It's a lesson many of today's hot-dogging young players, especially at the college level, have yet to learn.

He's proved that sights can always be set higher. Even previous skyscraper achievements can be topped.