And The D-League All-Star Mascot Is....

Actually, technically, there is no D-League All-Star mascot.  What a shame.  But since we all love the D-League, I figured why not look at a few of the D-League mascots and see who most deserves to be the D-League All-Star mascot.

First up is my personal favorite, Dunkie (I may be biased. As our good friend and D-League All-Star Event Blogger Du Jour Phoenix Stan says, I'm North Dakotian). Dunkie, the mascot of the Dakota Wizards, has been with the Wizards for quite awhile, replacing Biz The Wiz, the original mascot that didn't look so friendly, but more like an 80-year old in a retro Wizards jersey.  Dunkie though... Dunkie's cool.  He keeps things upbeat at the games, hits his drum, and every so often, he dunks off the trampoline.  Rather, dunked.  Here's an excerpt from the great Lou Babiarz of the Bismarck Tribune:

Notes: This time of year everybody in the D-League tends to be banged up - in the Wizards' case, even their mascot. Mike Offerdahl, who also serves as Dakota's director of media relations, was playing the role of Dunkie during Saturday's game against Fort Wayne. While attempting a dunk, Offerdahl landed awkwardly, apparently suffering a torn ACL.

After Dunkie went to the doctor once the swelling started going down, the official aftermath was ... Drumroll please.... Torn ACL, Torn Meniscus, partially torn MCL and a cracked femur. ... surgery in 6 weeks... GO BIG OR GO HOME!  

The following is youtube footage of Dunkie's three dunks that night:

Third Dunk = Ouch.  Especially the mat folding as he's cringing in pain.

Next up is the Austin Toros mascot, Da Bull.  Now, Da Bull doesn't need nearly as much of a backstory from me, because his story is pretty much out there.  He is by far the most famous D-League mascot, thanks to this.  Great video of it here, and finally, anice little reenactment here.  Wow.  Interesting to say the least.

Last, but not least, is the Fort Wayne Nightmare Ant.  I'm fairly certain that's his name.  That's how he's known.  Heck, his boss has even posted on this very website under Nightmare Ants Boss, so that's what I'm sticking with!  Anyway, I don't know too much about the Nightmare Ant either, but he is popular.  He's had things written about him on Deadspin and in ESPN the Magazine!  Plus, he's got sweet dance moves:

Honorable Mention: William T. Goat of the Colorado 14ers.  That's one scary goat.  And one not so clever name.

Now, for my least favorite mascot: Surge, of the Iowa Energy.  Not impressed.  Awkward?

Don't forget to vote for your favorite mascot over there to the right!  If "Other", let me know who I missed!