We learned today that Ward 9 Council Member Gary Schiff is a bit of a basketball fan--at least when a certain player is on the court.

This revelation came to light midway through the council’s agenda when the matter of a new bar’s liquor license approval came up for a vote. The establishment, called NBA City and located in the Target Center, where our Timberwolves play, caught the attention of CM Schiff, who suggested the council place a rather peculiar condition on its liquor license approval.

“They should be made to put up a permanent display of Wally Szczerbiak’s jersey,” he said, explaining to his colleagues the lamentable trading of Mr. Szczerbiak to the Boston Celtics--a move that apparently was harshly condemned by a certain noteworthy local sportswriter.

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing with Sid Hartman for once,” CM Schiff added, inferring that our local pro basketball team would sorely miss Mr. Szczerbiak’s scoring and all-around excellent play.

“Not to mention his good looks,” noted council president Barbara Johnson, who knows something about basketball herself (her daughter is a college star).

CM Schiff, who knows something about handsome men, smiled broadly, doing little to disguise the real reason for his desire to require some remembrance of the departed player. “That goes without saying, Madam chair,” he said.