Lenny and I have mentioned some colorful stories from MU's BB past, especially under Al. I know there are lots of stories in this naked city. I was overseas, pre-internet, for the Joe Nethen era. There must be a lot from Rick's Reign.
MU has one of the most fascinating histories. We were the Raiders before there was Raider Nation! It would be great to collect then archive that glorious past.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1085704/1/index.htm
It was a game made not so much in heaven as in an emerald corner of hell; the coaches mean and hungry, the combatants bred on asphalt playgrounds and nurtured in the slinky, scar-tissue ways of the sport. All of the Irish gags were trotted out. The game should be played behind barbed wire somewhere in the shadows of Ulster. Sean O'Casey would throw up the first ball. Everyone would wear green, and how was the closed-circuit crowd in Belfast taking it, anyway?
But when the jokes and psychology were over, after the deception and the guile, it was time for the McGuires of college basketball to get right down there into the pit and slug it out in that fashion familiar only to alley fighters.
Along the sidelines it was as Frank, the older and perhaps wiser of the McGuires, had said it would be: "The shanty Irish against the lace-curtain crowd." When Al heard that, he roared. "Lace!" he said. "We lived in the back of a bar where drunks interrupted dinner looking for the men's room."
Whatever the case, when Marquette met South Carolina high atop the national standings, it was more than just the personalities of the coaches dominating the scene. It was, instead, everything that makes the college game bristle—region against region, style against style, speed against power and, yes, black against white.
Most of these are well-known but I will offer them anyway:
1) Al celebrating a win over Wisconsin in front of Old Man Hughes, who flipped him off.
2) Al taking on the NCAA in March 1977 after a narrow win against Cincinnati or Kansas State.
3) Al's two technicals in the Marquette/North Carolina State National Championship game in 1974.
4) Al responding to being called "son" by Adolph Rupp by calling Rupp "pops," demanding to be put in Rupp's will then storming off a live television show and going out and kicking Kentucky back to Lexington in 1968.
5) The South Carolina fight -- the moment that made Marquette the tough, nasty school it was.
6) Al telling Father Raynor at contract time, "you took the vow of poverty, Father... I didn't."
7) Buzz dancing at mid-court against West Virginia after beating the Huggie Bear.
8) Digger slipping Al a package of mustard when they shook hands (or vice versa).
The South Carolina fight was a fascinating game. Al's teams didn't take crap off of anyone and South Carolina was no exception. We were watching the game on a Sunday afternoon when my refined, elegant Mother called us all to dinner. The TV came in with us in one of the few times she allowed a television in HER dining room. Then the fight broke out and Mom was horrified. Dad and I were cheering on our guys as the fight broke out. After all, they were our guys and OUR Marquette -- even though I wasn't going to show up on campus for a couple of years.
The double technical fouls were probably the only time in NCAA Tournament history a coach ever had two technical fouls in the same game! Al's were seconds apart and there are some that think that might have cost us our first national title. But Al was Al and you rode the horse that got you there... oh and BTW, we lost because David Thompson was the first incaration of Michael Jordan.
I can only imagine what would happen on these boards if Buzz got two technical fouls in 30 seconds. For shame, for shame, for shame.... it'scarey what some of the folks here today would say. The good news -- I would love it, especially if Marquette ended up winning!!!!!
Quote from: warthog-driver on May 01, 2012, 01:20:00 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1085704/1/index.htm
It was a game made not so much in heaven as in an emerald corner of hell; the coaches mean and hungry, the combatants bred on asphalt playgrounds and nurtured in the slinky, scar-tissue ways of the sport. All of the Irish gags were trotted out. The game should be played behind barbed wire somewhere in the shadows of Ulster. Sean O'Casey would throw up the first ball. Everyone would wear green, and how was the closed-circuit crowd in Belfast taking it, anyway?
But when the jokes and psychology were over, after the deception and the guile, it was time for the McGuires of college basketball to get right down there into the pit and slug it out in that fashion familiar only to alley fighters.
Along the sidelines it was as Frank, the older and perhaps wiser of the McGuires, had said it would be: "The shanty Irish against the lace-curtain crowd." When Al heard that, he roared. "Lace!" he said. "We lived in the back of a bar where drunks interrupted dinner looking for the men's room."
Whatever the case, when Marquette met South Carolina high atop the national standings, it was more than just the personalities of the coaches dominating the scene. It was, instead, everything that makes the college game bristle—region against region, style against style, speed against power and, yes, black against white.
Terrific article from the pen of the legendary Curry Kirpatrick. SI was the undisputed champ of national sports media back then. The magazine hit the newstands (or arrived at your home) on Thursday and covered the top stories from the previous weekend - a day greatly anticipated from Sunday on by sports crazies like myself.
5.1) After Pat Smith was ejected from a 1968 contest, DePaul coach Ray Meyer said Marquette had lost a player who "couldn't throw a ball in the ocean if he were standing on the beach." Al got a photographer to show Pat aiming a ball toward Lake Michigan. Al stands just to the north, pointing to the water. The picture is in Pat's 2007 obituary: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/goldeneagles/29259894.html
What was the story with the Soviet game? Didn't we play them soon after we lost the Olympics, and beat them? 72 or something?
NCAA changing rules due to MU. Two with uniforms, one with the tournament. First, the bumblee uniforms were outlawed, next the untucked uniforms became illegal and finally MU rejecting a bid to the NCAA Tournament to play in (and win) the NIT.
I think somebody on Notre Dame's team gave the packet of musturd Gary "Goose" Brell. It may have been all the Notre Dame starters giving it to the MU starters when they shook hands. I did not think it was coach giving it to coach, but I could be wrong.
Quote from: warrior07 on May 01, 2012, 02:13:15 PM
What was the story with the Soviet game? Didn't we play them soon after we lost the Olympics, and beat them? 72 or something?
I have always heard this game was the very first Midnight Madness. It was at Midnight on Nov. 1 and all the kids wore their Halloween costumes to the game.
6.1) I forget the date, but not the moment. Travis Diener had a one-and-one for which he was the only person who was truly ready. He missed the first, and the instant after it was clear that the other players were exhaling and turning their heads side-to-side, while the referees waited for the band to resume playing, he took one quick step, put the ball up and signalled to the table to "score it." The refs and opposing players dropped their jaws. I laughed and applauded for the next minute.
Is anyone aware of any video from the USC game?
Al fighting Bernard Toone? My two favorite Al stories are 1. Giving the figurative finger to the NCAA and going to the NIT because he didn't like his regional. 2. Throwing the game on the overseas trip because he feared for the safety of his team.
The brother of a Providence player calling a 20-second timeout before he walked from the stands onto the court to protest a call.
Quote from: WI_inferiority_complexes on May 01, 2012, 02:39:18 PM
The brother of a Providence player calling a 20-second timeout before he walked from the stands onto the court to protest a call.
While wearing a fur lined parka
Quote from: dgies9156 on May 01, 2012, 01:40:35 PM
Most of these are well-known but I will offer them anyway:
1) Al celebrating a win over Wisconsin in front of Old Man Hughes, who flipped him off.
2) Al taking on the NCAA in March 1977 after a narrow win against Cincinnati or Kansas State.
3) Al's two technicals in the Marquette/North Carolina State National Championship game in 1974.
4) Al responding to being called "son" by Adolph Rupp by calling Rupp "pops," demanding to be put in Rupp's will then storming off a live television show and going out and kicking Kentucky back to Lexington in 1968.
5) The South Carolina fight -- the moment that made Marquette the tough, nasty school it was.
6) Al telling Father Raynor at contract time, "you took the vow of poverty, Father... I didn't."
7) Buzz dancing at mid-court against West Virginia after beating the Huggie Bear.
8) Digger slipping Al a package of mustard when they shook hands (or vice versa).
I only know it from legend, but wasn't there a time when MU was playing DePaul in the Snake Pit and he was so disgusted by the Warriors' play that he walked off the court and through the doors that were behind one of the baskets? I am sure y'all can embellish.
Quote from: dgies9156 on May 01, 2012, 01:40:35 PM
7) Buzz dancing at mid-court against West Virginia after beating the Huggie Bear.
Buzz's little jig at WVU was nothing compared to Mike Deane's fist pump at center court at Louisville after Brian Wardle drained a 3 at the buzzer to beat the Cardinals. Louisville fans booed him all the way to the locker room and an assistant coach got into a screaming match just off the floor with a LU fan.
The game against the Soviets was one of my favorites. Game was played at midnight, because preseason games could not start until certain date and only way it could happen was a midnight start. I was in grade school and remember how drunk every student was and knew that day I was going to MU. Al invented midnight madness but never got the credit due.
Al calling a time out so Larry McNeil could go up into the stands to stop a fight between his wife and a fan who was heckling Larry.
Remember Larry leaving after his wife's fight with a great leather overcoat over his uniform. It was a great day to be Warrior fan.
Quote from: Goose on May 01, 2012, 05:03:16 PM
The game against the Soviets was one of my favorites. Game was played at midnight, because preseason games could not start until certain date and only way it could happen was a midnight start. I was in grade school and remember how drunk every student was and knew that day I was going to MU. Al invented midnight madness but never got the credit due.
The game was played on 11/1/76 at 12:01 am. The background story is that the dreaded Soviet team was beginning a post-Olympic North American tour of 4-6 big time college programs. The tight schedule called for them to open the series against MU on Halloween night but by NCAA rules MU was prohibited from playing until November, hence the midnight start 'the next day'. I was 15 years old and in attendance with my late father, himself a '57 grad. At the other end of the Milwaukee Arena, thousands of MU kids were in costume, having spent the entire evening pre-gaming. It was a sight to behold. I know current university administrators who were part of that throng but will protect their anonymity now that they are Dr. WhatsTheirName.
At that moment, I KNEW where I was going to school. The image remains crystal clear.
And MU won that not so friendly exhibition and went on to capture the national championship later that season. And the first ever Midnight Madness had occurred thanks to Coach Al.
Quote from: Marqevans on May 01, 2012, 05:18:09 PM
Al calling a time out so Larry McNeil could go up into the stands to stop a fight between his wife and a fan who was heckling Larry.
Another absolutely true story.
Jsglow
Thanks for adding to the Soviet game. I was 13 at the time and never will forget that memory. I remember being a small time celebrity in my 7th grade glass at St. Jude for being at that game. Best part was St. Jude was big time MU school and I was only kid from my grade at the game.
Quote from: Goose on May 01, 2012, 07:43:36 PM
Jsglow
Thanks for adding to the Soviet game. I was 13 at the time and never will forget that memory. I remember being a small time celebrity in my 7th grade glass at St. Jude for being at that game. Best part was St. Jude was big time MU school and I was only kid from my grade at the game.
Way past my bedtime too. Wish I could thank dad for scoring us 2 tickets. Don't specifically recall but I'll bet he took me to Chili too.
Quote from: jsglow on May 01, 2012, 07:47:59 PM
Way past my bedtime too. Wish I could thank dad for scoring us 2 tickets. Don't specifically recall but I'll bet he took me to Chili too.
Sounds like a great Dad with impeccable taste.
Quote from: warriorchick on May 01, 2012, 03:25:38 PM
I only know it from legend, but wasn't there a time when MU was playing DePaul in the Snake Pit and he was so disgusted by the Warriors' play that he walked off the court and through the doors that were behind one of the baskets? I am sure y'all can embellish.
Took place at old Alumni Hall. Al walked out past his entire bench with about 2 minutes to go in the half to the absolute shock of all in attendance, including the MU players then in the game. They had played poorly up to that point and Coach decided to wait for them in the locker room. During the second half our Warriors answered any questions about which team was superior. Can't peg an exact year but it was the early 70s.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on May 01, 2012, 07:58:09 PM
Sounds like a great Dad with impeccable taste.
Yes sir. To that end, my own daughter insisted on Chili for lunch her Frosh move-in day at Cobeen. One more 'new beginning' this coming August with my son.
Did Tex Winters invent the Triangle offense at MU in early 1950s?
Jsglow
You really hit home with me with your posts. My Dad passed away last summer at age 90 and miss him dearly. He took me to every home game and alto of road games from 1968-1990 and memories to last a lifetime. Before games at Al's joint, which became Goolsby's, to post games at Real or Angelo's. My Dad did not attend college but sent four kids to MU, countless grandkids and has his name on three buildings, including The AL. He was a humble man that loved MU more than words could describe and I inherited his passion for the program.
I was lucky enough to know almost every player and every coach on my lifetime but nothing beat talking MU ball with my Dad. Three years I took him to a game and had courtside seats and we both cried during the National Anthem, my Dad said "Give 'em Hell Al" to me and I knew it was my last game with him. That game beat the Lucas shot, Soviet game, Doc's buzzer beater and every other great one I saw.
Hate to say this, but this really brings some closure in my life and MU ball. My memories of the past are not shared by everyone and probably time to move on.
Quote from: Goose on May 01, 2012, 08:13:11 PM
Jsglow
You really hit home with me with your posts. My Dad passed away last summer at age 90 and miss him dearly. He took me to every home game and alto of road games from 1968-1990 and memories to last a lifetime. Before games at Al's joint, which became Goolsby's, to post games at Real or Angelo's. My Dad did not attend college but sent four kids to MU, countless grandkids and has his name on three buildings, including The AL. He was a humble man that loved MU more than words could describe and I inherited his passion for the program.
I was lucky enough to know almost every player and every coach on my lifetime but nothing beat talking MU ball with my Dad. Three years I took him to a game and had courtside seats and we both cried during the National Anthem, my Dad said "Give 'em Hell Al" to me and I knew it was my last game with him. That game beat the Lucas shot, Soviet game, Doc's buzzer beater and every other great one I saw.
Hate to say this, but this really brings some closure in my life and MU ball. My memories of the past are not shared by everyone and probably time to move on.
Never give up the memories Goose.
Good stories jsglow and goose. Old man's a badger but I take him to one game a year. Best game of the year.
I may be getting too old and can't remember everything these days but was the Soviet game the first game Al did as analyst for NBC. I know for the first few games Al was in a room in arena and watched the game on a monitor and they would cut to him on occasion to give insight. Enberg said on a number of occasions about the second game they figured out Al had great insight and needed to be on the court and not in a back room.
I was a junior at MU for the Soviet game and don't remember much of the game or much these days unless I write it down.
Quote from: sailwi on May 01, 2012, 08:40:25 PM
I may be getting too old and can't remember everything these days but was the Soviet game the first game Al did as analyst for NBC. I know for the first few games Al was in a room in arena and watched the game on a monitor and they would cut to him on occasion to give insight. Enberg said on a number of occasions about the second game they figured out Al had great insight and needed to be on the court and not in a back room.
I was a junior at MU for the Soviet game and don't remember much of the game or much these days unless I write it down.
Nope. It was his last year as head coach. I believe he announced his retirement effective the end of the year in either December or January.
Quote from: jsglow on May 01, 2012, 08:50:34 PM
Nope. It was his last year as head coach.
I don't think so.
11-2-1975 Marquette 67 – USSR 56
If you want off-beat...Majerus taking a dump in a towel and handing it to a student trainer would probably be right up there....
Basketball related....I was at MU from 84-88 (hard now to believe that was only 7 years removed on the front end from a national championship and the program was spiraling down so badly). Freshman year and sophomore year the team was talented enough to make the tournament but could never pull it together (highlighted by a near win over #1 UNC at the MECCA). On to the bizarre....by 1987-88 the team was near division iii level in talent and we got to witness a wild bench clearing brawl against Northwestern of all schools. Joe Nethen, Anthony Candelino...other "traditionals" from the all star wrestling world (not college basketball) having it out on the court with punches thrown, benches cleared including an MU player ( I think it was Tony Reeder?) who had a knee injury running on the court waiving his crutches around as if they were a weapon. I think Dukiet soiled himself instead of the towel ala Majerus. It is possible the Mecca was only half full and not a sell out because several of us were seeing double due to wonderfully cheap keg of red white and blue that we had managed to kill before gametime.
God we sucked by my senior year.
Butch Lee playing for the Puerto Rican National team at the 1976 Olympics. Almost beat the US team coached by Dean Smith. Smith had about 5 guys from UNC on that squad as well as a number from other ACC schools, snubbing a lot of more deserving players. I would count Butch Lee in that category.
http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/national/moly_1976.html
http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1976/BAS/mens-basketball.html
The USA's quest for the gold was nearly thwarted by a Puerto Rican team led by Marquette University's Butch Lee. Lee, a New Yorker who was born in Puerto Rico, made the Puerto Rican Olympic team only after failing to be invited to the USA Olympic Trials. Trying his best to make the U.S. pay for its oversight, Lee scored 35 points on 15-for-18 shooting from the field to help lead a gutsy Puerto Rican team in its near upset of the U.S. squad. Tied 51-51 at half, the game remained a tight affair until the end. With the U.S. ahead 93-92 and eight seconds remaining, Puerto Rico's dream of the monumental upset ended when Lee was called for a charge. Phil Ford hit a pair of free throws and the U.S. held on for a 95-94 victory. Ford finished with 20 points and Kupchak added 19.
Quote from: jsglow on May 01, 2012, 07:28:13 PM
The game was played on 11/1/76 at 12:01 am. The background story is that the dreaded Soviet team was beginning a post-Olympic North American tour of 4-6 big time college programs. The tight schedule called for them to open the series against MU on Halloween night but by NCAA rules MU was prohibited from playing until November, hence the midnight start 'the next day'. I was 15 years old and in attendance with my late father, himself a '57 grad. At the other end of the Milwaukee Arena, thousands of MU kids were in costume, having spent the entire evening pre-gaming. It was a sight to behold. I know current university administrators who were part of that throng but will protect their anonymity now that they are Dr. WhatsTheirName.
At that moment, I KNEW where I was going to school. The image remains crystal clear.
And MU won that not so friendly exhibition and went on to capture the national championship later that season. And the first ever Midnight Madness had occurred thanks to Coach Al.
I was at the Soviet game and it may have been the greatest game I saw at the Arena. I too was a junior at Marquette that night. MU was playing the vaunted Soviet Olympic team and yes, Al was the head coach. We absolutely drilled those commies -- they never knew what hit them. We destroyed them and we went home late that night knowing we had something special. Five months later, we did... it was a great team and we knew that our talent was world class.
Quote from: warthog-driver on May 01, 2012, 09:26:21 PM
The USA's quest for the gold was nearly thwarted by a Puerto Rican team led by Marquette University's Butch Lee. Lee, a New Yorker who was born in Puerto Rico, made the Puerto Rican Olympic team only after failing to be invited to the USA Olympic Trials. Trying his best to make the U.S. pay for its oversight, Lee scored 35 points on 15-for-18 shooting from the field to help lead a gutsy Puerto Rican team in its near upset of the U.S. squad. Tied 51-51 at half, the game remained a tight affair until the end. With the U.S. ahead 93-92 and eight seconds remaining, Puerto Rico's dream of the monumental upset ended when Lee was called for a charge. Phil Ford hit a pair of free throws and the U.S. held on for a 95-94 victory. Ford finished with 20 points and Kupchak added 19.
I believe Butch got even about seven months later!
Quote from: dgies9156 on May 01, 2012, 09:28:57 PM
I was at the Soviet game and it may have been the greatest game I saw at the Arena. I too was a junior at Marquette that night. MU was playing the vaunted Soviet Olympic team and yes, Al was the head coach. We absolutely drilled those commies -- they never knew what hit them. We destroyed them and we went home late that night knowing we had something special. Five months later, we did... it was a great team and we knew that our talent was world class.
So I have my year correct? I was just doing some internet surfing to see if I could find the actual record of the game. I do know that the Russians toured other years as well but I believe this was their first trip.
Looks like it was '75. Story remains the same except that it was even further past my bedtime!
Quote from: jsglow on May 01, 2012, 09:40:54 PM
Looks like it was '75. Story remains the same except that it was even further past my bedtime!
Now I'm not certain. I'm thinking perhaps MU played the Soviets in both 75 and 76.
Quote from: murobrob on May 01, 2012, 09:24:57 PM
If you want off-beat...Majerus taking a dump in a towel and handing it to a student trainer would probably be right up there....
Basketball related....I was at MU from 84-88 (hard now to believe that was only 7 years removed on the front end from a national championship and the program was spiraling down so badly). Freshman year and sophomore year the team was talented enough to make the tournament but could never pull it together (highlighted by a near win over #1 UNC at the MECCA). On to the bizarre....by 1987-88 the team was near division iii level in talent and we got to witness a wild bench clearing brawl against Northwestern of all schools. Joe Nethen, Anthony Candelino...other "traditionals" from the all star wrestling world (not college basketball) having it out on the court with punches thrown, benches cleared including an MU player ( I think it was Tony Reeder?) who had a knee injury running on the court waiving his crutches around as if they were a weapon. I think Dukiet soiled himself instead of the towel ala Majerus. It is possible the Mecca was only half full and not a sell out because several of us were seeing double due to wonderfully cheap keg of red white and blue that we had managed to kill before gametime.
God we sucked by my senior year.
Except it didn't happen at MU. Utah, I think.
Quote from: dgies9156 on May 01, 2012, 01:40:35 PM
Most of these are well-known but I will offer them anyway:
1) Al celebrating a win over Wisconsin in front of Old Man Hughes, who flipped him off.
2) Al taking on the NCAA in March 1977 after a narrow win against Cincinnati or Kansas State.
3) Al's two technicals in the Marquette/North Carolina State National Championship game in 1974.
4) Al responding to being called "son" by Adolph Rupp by calling Rupp "pops," demanding to be put in Rupp's will then storming off a live television show and going out and kicking Kentucky back to Lexington in 1968.
5) The South Carolina fight -- the moment that made Marquette the tough, nasty school it was.
6) Al telling Father Raynor at contract time, "you took the vow of poverty, Father... I didn't."
7) Buzz dancing at mid-court against West Virginia after beating the Huggie Bear.
8) Digger slipping Al a package of mustard when they shook hands (or vice versa).
The South Carolina fight was a fascinating game. Al's teams didn't take crap off of anyone and South Carolina was no exception. We were watching the game on a Sunday afternoon when my refined, elegant Mother called us all to dinner. The TV came in with us in one of the few times she allowed a television in HER dining room. Then the fight broke out and Mom was horrified. Dad and I were cheering on our guys as the fight broke out. After all, they were our guys and OUR Marquette -- even though I wasn't going to show up on campus for a couple of years.
The double technical fouls were probably the only time in NCAA Tournament history a coach ever had two technical fouls in the same game! Al's were seconds apart and there are some that think that might have cost us our first national title. But Al was Al and you rode the horse that got you there... oh and BTW, we lost because David Thompson was the first incaration of Michael Jordan.
I can only imagine what would happen on these boards if Buzz got two technical fouls in 30 seconds. For shame, for shame, for shame.... it'scarey what some of the folks here today would say. The good news -- I would love it, especially if Marquette ended up winning!!!!!
At the press conference after the Kansas State game, McGuire went into a 15 minute tirade saying that NCAA tournament officials had to be "brainwashed" before his games to expect him to commit technicals since he was given a technical during the game when he made a choke gesture "to tell his team that Kansas State was tightening up." "Guy calls a technical foul on me when I'm talking to the team, and the only way the guy can do it is because subconsciously he's been told..."
The vow of poverty line wasn't said to Fr. Raynor, nor was it said at contract time. Al got an offer to coach the Milwaukee Bucks, but MU wouldn't let him out of his contract, so he couldn't take it. Al then made a comment along the line that "the Jesuits act like I took a vow of poverty too."
Quote from: Goose on May 01, 2012, 08:13:11 PM
Jsglow
You really hit home with me with your posts. My Dad passed away last summer at age 90 and miss him dearly. He took me to every home game and alto of road games from 1968-1990 and memories to last a lifetime. Before games at Al's joint, which became Goolsby's, to post games at Real or Angelo's. My Dad did not attend college but sent four kids to MU, countless grandkids and has his name on three buildings, including The AL. He was a humble man that loved MU more than words could describe and I inherited his passion for the program.
I was lucky enough to know almost every player and every coach on my lifetime but nothing beat talking MU ball with my Dad. Three years I took him to a game and had courtside seats and we both cried during the National Anthem, my Dad said "Give 'em Hell Al" to me and I knew it was my last game with him. That game beat the Lucas shot, Soviet game, Doc's buzzer beater and every other great one I saw.
Hate to say this, but this really brings some closure in my life and MU ball. My memories of the past are not shared by everyone and probably time to move on.
Too Soon The Sun Sets In The West.
Quote from: Marqevans on May 01, 2012, 05:18:09 PM
Al calling a time out so Larry McNeil could go up into the stands to stop a fight between his wife and a fan who was heckling Larry.
More than anything else this might capture the spirit of those old Warrior teams. This is absolutley priceless. You could not make this shyte up.
Quote from: Goose on May 01, 2012, 08:13:11 PM
Jsglow
You really hit home with me with your posts. My Dad passed away last summer at age 90 and miss him dearly. He took me to every home game and alto of road games from 1968-1990 and memories to last a lifetime. Before games at Al's joint, which became Goolsby's, to post games at Real or Angelo's. My Dad did not attend college but sent four kids to MU, countless grandkids and has his name on three buildings, including The AL. He was a humble man that loved MU more than words could describe and I inherited his passion for the program.
I was lucky enough to know almost every player and every coach on my lifetime but nothing beat talking MU ball with my Dad. Three years I took him to a game and had courtside seats and we both cried during the National Anthem, my Dad said "Give 'em Hell Al" to me and I knew it was my last game with him. That game beat the Lucas shot, Soviet game, Doc's buzzer beater and every other great one I saw.
Hate to say this, but this really brings some closure in my life and MU ball. My memories of the past are not shared by everyone and probably time to move on.
Never let go of that which has true meaning.
Anyone remember Lloyd Walton arguing with Al as he would bring the ball upcourt? This happened several times and there was a lot of emotion coming from both Al and Lucky Lloyd. Walton would actually stop moving forward and stand there yelling at Al.
We opened the season against the Sovs once. After that we always opened against Athletes in Action (a Christian team of former college players) or Marathon Oil. I never figured out why an oil company needed a hoops team. Evidently those amateur teams went away due to an NCAA ruling against them.
http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2004/12/crossed_off.html
Sir Lawrence
Thanks. Indeed it does!!!,
Warthog
Lucky Lloyd and Al going at during play was the best. Watching Lloyd stop by Al and jac jack him was priceless. Also,used to love Lloyd's hand slapping during introductions. He was helluva of a player and let Al know it.
Quote from: jsglow on May 01, 2012, 09:40:54 PM
Looks like it was '75. Story remains the same except that it was even further past my bedtime!
That's a relief because I was a freshman in 1976 and had NO RECALL of the USSR game when you first mentioned the date and I
know I would have gone to it! Sounds like it was a great time.
I remember the ad in the Milw Sent (used to be the bettter of the 2 papers for sports and business) "the Russians are coming, the Russians are coming!" The 12:01 am tip really made it exciting.
Quote from: augoman on May 03, 2012, 10:26:38 AM
I remember the ad in the Milw Sent (used to be the bettter of the 2 papers for sports and business) "the Russians are coming, the Russians are coming!" The 12:01 am tip really made it exciting.
I thought it was 1975 as well. I didn't want to debate common belief here for fear of exposing my senility. Either way, it was one hell of a game! But it had to have been 1975 because they were preparing the Soviet team for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montreal.
And I repeat my point that the night we played the Russians, we went home to campus and realized we had something really SPECIAL in our team.
It was too bad Bobby Knight had something even more special that year -- the nation's last undefeated Division 1 college basketball team -- but the game five months later for the Mideast Regional Championship was one for the ages. We were great and they were just a tad greater.
A year later though, we saw what we knew we had that night against the Russians.
just read an article on the jsonline archives, the Milwaukee Sentinel dated 11/01/1975 has a preview of the match-up with the Soviet team
http://www.jsonline.com/historicarchive/search/?searchBy=date&searchText=&dat=19751101&fromDate=11%2F01%2F1975&nid=wZJMF1LD7PcC&s.x=25&s.y=14
there are no results when searching 11/02/1975 for either the Journal or Sentinel but the Sentinel has a post game coverage 11/03 with a cover story and then sports page coverage http://www.jsonline.com/historicarchive/search/?searchBy=date&searchText=&dat=19751102&fromDate=11%2F02%2F1975&nid=wZJMF1LD7PcC&s.x=20&s.y=11
Quote from: warthog-driver on May 02, 2012, 07:43:29 PM
Anyone remember Lloyd Walton arguing with Al as he would bring the ball upcourt? This happened several times and there was a lot of emotion coming from both Al and Lucky Lloyd. Walton would actually stop moving forward and stand there yelling at Al.
The argument between them was usually about Walton shooting the ball. It was unusual, because Walton did not want to shoot after missing a few in the row, but Al wanted him to keep shooting. Seems odd, but Al believed you beat a zone by shooting from the outside. Of course Walton's teams had Larry McNeal and Lucas and then Lucas and Ellis to go after rebounds, so it was not that crazy of an idea.
I did not see anyone mention Dave Delsman (walk on) punching Al McGuire.
Quote from: bilsu on May 03, 2012, 04:14:30 PM
I did not see anyone mention Dave Delsman (walk on) punching Al McGuire.
I had forgotten about that! What triggered Delsman's rage?
BTW, I thought Delsman was a scholarship guy.
"When a guy takes off his coat, he's not going to fight. When a guy takes off his wristwatch, watch out!"
Al McGuire
Quote from: warthog-driver on May 04, 2012, 08:14:43 PM
I had forgotten about that! What triggered Delsman's rage?
BTW, I thought Delsman was a scholarship guy.
"When a guy takes off his coat, he's not going to fight. When a guy takes off his wristwatch, watch out!"
Al McGuire
Nothing, McGuire dared him to, never thought he'd have the balls to do it.
"Can you imagine that little squirt putting me on the floor? I should have just hit him on the top on the head and been done with it."
--Al McGuire
Dave was a walk-on originally but earned a schollie cuz of his fine play. For my bread, the best walk-on we've ever had, at least in the modern era.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on May 04, 2012, 08:44:20 PM
Dave was a walk-on originally but earned a schollie cuz of his fine play. For my bread, the best walk-on we've ever had, at least in the modern era.
I knew Mark Lavin. Gotta respect the time commitment the walk-ons make. Of course, he did get a seal skin coat.
And priceless memories to last a lifetime
Quote from: 4everwarriors on May 04, 2012, 08:53:10 PM
And priceless memories to last a lifetime
Indeed. I always wondered why Mark wasn't in that famous Tux photo of the 76-77 team since he was most definitely on the squad, and very well liked by the guys.
DGIES -- Remember MU against DePaul. Joey Meyer guarding Jeff Sewell, Meyer sort of punched him and was ejected. The game was about 30 seconds old. MU killed them.
How can we forget about this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqVGMLBOqnY
Quote from: KipsBayEagle on May 06, 2012, 12:06:13 PM
How can we forget about this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUVGMLBOqnY
No joy. Bad link
After Jim Chones left for the ABA, the Warriors slipped at the end of the season and lost a few. It was very uncertain if MU would make the NCAA field, there were also rumors that Lackey had signed a contract with the Nets (I believe) in secret making it a must that he sign papers with the NCAA that he hadn't. The last game at the Arena and the place was tense as we were to find out if MU made it sometime during the game. After halftime Al came out the the locker room with a yellow jacket (I believe, it was 40 years ago) swinging it over his head like a lasso and the Arena erupted! we knew we had made it. I can't remember ever hearing the Arena that loud.
Quote from: mu72warrior on May 06, 2012, 01:53:55 PM
After Jim Chones left for the ABA, the Warriors slipped at the end of the season and lost a few. It was very uncertain if MU would make the NCAA field, there were also rumors that Lackey had signed a contract with the Nets (I believe) in secret making it a must that he sign papers with the NCAA that he hadn't. The last game at the Arena and the place was tense as we were to find out if MU made it sometime during the game. After halftime Al came out the the locker room with a yellow jacket (I believe, it was 40 years ago) swinging it over his head like a lasso and the Arena erupted! we knew we had made it. I can't remember ever hearing the Arena that loud.
With all due respect 72, you've got your facts all confused.
Then correct me
The Warriors were 21-0 when Chones left for the Nets after defeating Jacksonville at the Arena. Their next game vs. Creighton pushed the record to 22-0. Yes, they did lose before the Tournament, but their inclusion was never in doubt.
Bob Lackey was required by the NCAA, prior to the start of the Tournament, to sign an affidavit stating he had not enlisted the services of an agent. Thereby, foregoing his amateur status. Al advised him not to sign without legal representation. The NCAA threatened Lackey with disqualification from the Tourney if he didn't validate his amateur standing. MU and Lackey successfully fought the NCAA and he played. Became a mute point as Marquette lost to IU in the Mideast Regional in Nashville. They then beat Fly Williams and the Austin Peay Govenors in the Regional consolation game.
As for Al celebrating the Warriors invite, you may be thinking of 1977 whereby MU was informed of their inclusion during halftime of their nationally televised game vs Michigan in Ann Arbor. Al wore his lucky outfit on their march to the Omni in ATL.
4ever
What was the year we lost to IU in Nashville?
1973
Come to think of it, I believe the Lackey incident vs NCAA was in 1972, which was his junior year
Quote from: 4everwarriors on May 04, 2012, 08:44:20 PM
Dave was a walk-on originally but earned a schollie cuz of his fine play. For my bread, the best walk-on we've ever had, at least in the modern era.
Given that he ended up being a starter at center, the best walk on would have to have been John Mueller.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on May 06, 2012, 03:19:00 PM
The Warriors were 21-0 when Chones left for the Nets after defeating Jacksonville at the Arena. Their next game vs. Creighton pushed the record to 22-0. Yes, they did lose before the Tournament, but their inclusion was never in doubt.
Bob Lackey was required by the NCAA, prior to the start of the Tournament, to sign an affidavit stating he had not enlisted the services of an agent. Thereby, foregoing his amateur status. Al advised him not to sign without legal representation. The NCAA threatened Lackey with disqualification from the Tourney if he didn't validate his amateur standing. MU and Lackey successfully fought the NCAA and he played. Became a mute point as Marquette lost to IU in the Mideast Regional in Nashville. They then beat Fly Williams and the Austin Peay Govenors in the Regional consolation game.
As for Al celebrating the Warriors invite, you may be thinking of 1977 whereby MU was informed of their inclusion during halftime of their nationally televised game vs Michigan in Ann Arbor. Al wore his lucky outfit on their march to the Omni in ATL.
Actually, Al said MU needed to win out to get to the tournament. He was superstitious and wore the same suit on the winning streak. At halftime of the nationally televised game at Michigan, he found out MU made the tournament. MU was leading at the half, but lost the game. Al changed his suit at half and came out in a different suit - announcing to the world that MU had made the tournament.
Exactly correct. Al then put the lucky suit on for all 5 Tourney games. I, too, was superstitious during the NCAA run by wearing the same tidy whiteys throughout.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on May 06, 2012, 03:19:00 PM
The Warriors were 21-0 when Chones left for the Nets after defeating Jacksonville at the Arena. Their next game vs. Creighton pushed the record to 22-0. Yes, they did lose before the Tournament, but their inclusion was never in doubt.
Bob Lackey was required by the NCAA, prior to the start of the Tournament, to sign an affidavit stating he had not enlisted the services of an agent. Thereby, foregoing his amateur status. Al advised him not to sign without legal representation. The NCAA threatened Lackey with disqualification from the Tourney if he didn't validate his amateur standing. MU and Lackey successfully fought the NCAA and he played. Became a mute point as Marquette lost to IU in the Mideast Regional in Nashville. They then beat Fly Williams and the Austin Peay Govenors in the Regional consolation game.
I was at that regional game in Nashville. It was Bobby Knight's first tournament win over anyone and was the first of Knight's mastery of Marquette. I was devastated, but Indiana was a good team and well coached.
Al was on TV in Nashville that week because on WLAC-TV5, the local talk-show host was formerly of Green Bay and WLUK. Those southerners in nashville got their first taste of Al 101.
The Lackey/Chones incident was the year before. The game in question was against Miami of Ohio in Knoxville on the campus of the University of Tennessee. After Chones left, we lost 70-49 to Detroit. It was awful.
I forgot the year...but some of you may remember also. My favorite......fans dumping beer on digger...as he was giving them the finger as he walked out of the arena..
Quote from: MUINGB on May 06, 2012, 09:26:17 PM
I forgot the year...but some of you may remember also. My favorite......fans dumping beer on digger...as he was giving them the finger as he walked out of the arena..
Unbelievable, we give the jerk free beer, and now he always picks against us in the tourney!
Quote from: 4everwarriors on May 06, 2012, 07:30:45 PM
1973
Come to think of it, I believe the Lackey incident vs NCAA was in 1972, which was his junior year
The Lackey amateur status was 1972 and he was a senior.
Also an earlier post referenced Lloyd Walton and Larry McNeil on the court together. McNeil left early for the NBA after the 1972-1973 season and Walton sat-out as a JUCO transfer that season.
Quote from: RealChiliWarrior on May 07, 2012, 02:03:36 PM
The Lackey amateur status was 1972 and he was a senior.
Also an earlier post referenced Lloyd Walton and Larry McNeil on the court together. McNeil left early for the NBA after the 1972-1973 season and Walton sat-out as a JUCO transfer that season.
Correct, that Lucky Lloyd and Bone Chipper McNeill never played together at MU. Incorrect that Walton sat out a year.
http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/021510aaa.html
Quote from: bilsu on May 06, 2012, 07:51:57 PM
Given that he ended up being a starter at center, the best walk on would have to have been John Mueller.
This is a joke, right?
Quote from: TribalRage on May 10, 2012, 01:34:12 PM
This is a joke, right?
Probably not. The part you think is a joke is that he was a walk-on?
Quote from: LittleMurs on May 10, 2012, 04:48:42 PM
Probably not. The part you think is a joke is that he was a walk-on?
No. That he was our best walk-on ever.
Quote from: TribalRage on May 11, 2012, 12:22:22 AM
No. That he was our best walk-on ever.
You got anyone better than Dave Delsman to put forward?
Quote from: LittleMurs on May 11, 2012, 08:28:37 AM
You got anyone better than Dave Delsman to put forward?
Delsman was very good on a substantially much, much, much better team.
Sam Worthen snorting coke in the McCormick cafeteria. Brazen.
Quote from: warthog-driver on May 14, 2012, 11:09:20 PM
Sam Worthen snorting coke in the McCormick cafeteria. Brazen.
Humor? I missed it again.