The Sci-Fi Cast

I know what you’re thinking, “There’s no sport in science fiction!” You’re wrong, bucko. There’s a fine tradition of athletic competition in the genre we love, from variations on basketball to fencing and what can arguably be described as “polo on brooms.” Here are six of my favorites.

Pyramid/Triad – Battlestar Galactica

Pyramid is a close-quarters ball game played by two teams or two individuals on a pyramid-shaped court. Points are scored by getting the ball into the top of one of several triangular goals along the court’s edge. Full contact is allowed (unless a player is in one of three designated “neutral zones”), and any player holding the ball can only take “three paces” without shooting, passing or grabbing a rebound.

In the re-imagined series, Starbuck and Sam Anders often played pickup games of Pyramid aboard the Galactica (they’re playing on Caprica above*). Before the second Cylon War, Anders played Pyramid professionally with the Caprica Buckaneers. Other pro teams included the Picon Panthers (Adama’s favorite team) and the Tauron Bulls.

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Actor Rainn Wilson, best known for his portrayal of Dwight Schrute on the American version of The Office, is apparently quite the science fiction fan. He recently showed off some of his favorite books. In fact, he picked the ten with the best covers. He’s got some awesome examples of pulp art, including The Eyes Of The Overworld by Jack Vance (above).

Well done, Rainn, and thanks for sharing. Look for Rainn in Super on DVD August 9.

[Via Hero Complex]