First there was MJ, then Carter, and now Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry.  The job of mentor that Charles Oakley has taken in over his career is well documented, especially with the latest task still fresh in our minds.  But what about the influence that we are unaware of on players we had no idea he had even had an association with?

One such player was his opponent last night, the same player who is leading the NBA in blocked shots and is tied for sixth in rebounding.  It has been said that Ben Wallace may not have even been in the league if it wasn't for Oakley.  The two met at one of Oakley's training camps 10 years ago and they bonded.  Oakley even helped Wallace land a scholarship at Virginia Union, Oakley's alma mater.

Wallace, like Bulls chief Jerry Krause, believes Oakley is the right man for the job with the Bulls' teenage toddlers.  "He's going to be a good influence," Wallace said. "He brought me along. But then again, he's one of those guys who doesn't pull punches. If he has a problem with you, he lets you know. I hope they can take constructive criticism."