Thursday, March 8, 2007

KU’s Self always showed promise

High school coach hardly surprised at KU coach's success

By Ryan Greene

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Oklahoma City — The huddle 26 years ago, consisting of a gaggle of teenagers and a wet-behind-the-ears head coach, would have made anyone a believer.

The setting was the Oklahoma Class 5A state boys basketball tournament, and Mike de la Garza had called a timeout prior to an opponent hoisting a one-and-one free-throw attempt.

The fifth-year Edmond Memorial High coach scurried through strategy with his team trailing by a point and just a few precious seconds left. As his players rose from the bench to return to the floor, they sat right back down. It was the idea of Bill Self - who led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists and was its top defensive stopper.

"We're getting ready to get up off the bench and go, and Bill goes, 'Take another timeout, coach. Let's freeze him,'" de la Garza recalled. "So we take another timeout, freeze him, they miss it, we're down one. Boom, (Self) sticks it, we win."

That break in the action is just one reason de la Garza will be far from surprised when fourth-year Kansas University men's basketball coach Self wins his 100th game as the Jayhawk leader, which could happen as soon as Friday's Big 12 quarterfinals, to be played at 11:30 a.m. in the Ford Center.

Now, sitting on a sun-drenched late morning in the Bricktown district of Oklahoma City, eating lunch and overlooking the downtown ballpark from the left-field restaurant windows, de la Garza sharply recalls such memories for as long as you want to hear them. For example, that was the last of six final-second game-winners Self hit as a senior in 1981.

Now the athletic director at Edmond Memorial High School, de la Garza has watched the suburb 15 miles north of Oklahoma City go from a one-high-school, 35,000-resident town to a 90,000-occupant, three-high school city.

Before assuming his current position following the 1997-98 season, de la Garza spent 22 years as the school's boys basketball coach, bringing home countless victories and ultimately a state crown in 1993.

He'll also be in the Ford Center stands to watch the action this weekend, as Self returns to his roots, the No. 2 college basketball team in the land swinging by his belt. Even when Self was in high school, de la Garza knew his star guard's life 26 years later would involve the game he loved.

"He was all about basketball," de la Garza said. "For him to have chosen anything else (as a profession) would have surprised me."

Speaking of Self with conviction is easy for de la Garza, as he was there for years after to see the impact Self had on Edmond, even as his playing career moved to Oklahoma State, and then as his name grew in the coaching ranks.

Self isn't the only prominent college coach today with Edmond Memorial in his rearview mirror. Oklahoma women's basketball coach Sherri Coale, one of the top coaches in the women's game today, and Missouri State coach Barry Hinson both were at the school in the mid-1980s. Coale was a girls assistant, while Hinson held a similar post on the boys side. Hinson later coached with Self at Oral Roberts.

But no name in Edmond is bigger than Self's, de la Garza contends.

"If we ever did an alumni Hall of Fame, which we've never done at Edmond High, Bill would be one of the first guys in," he said. "He's one of the most prominent people to ever come out of Edmond. He's literally big-time."

Self even formed new traditions in the state of Oklahoma.

Ray Soldan, a legend in Oklahoma as a prep sports writer, used to select the state's Player of the Year each season, until he hit a wall in 1981. The choice was too tough to make between Self and his future Oklahoma State teammate, Joe Atkinson, who played for tiny Class B Coyle.

Soldan ultimately split the title, awarding a Player of the Year award to each of them, labeling one the small-class POY, and one the large-class winner. It's been done every year in Oklahoma since.

While Self always had the numbers to prove himself legit, de la Garza recalls his impact as a whole, calling Self the missing ingredient Edmond Memorial needed to become a contender. He started from the beginning of his sophomore year, taking his team to the state finals once and the semis twice. He was the heady type of player who could carry a team so deep year-in and year-out.

"When he was playing for me, we had a good relationship," de la Garza said. "You get tired of people saying 'coach on the floor,' but Bill literally knew what to do the whole time he was out there.

"To me, he invented the phrase 'thinking two passes ahead.'"

When win No. 100 at KU comes for Self, de la Garza, who still talks to his former player a handful of times a year, won't need a photo or trophy in the hallway to remind him of how Self got to that point. He's got plenty more stories ready for the telling.

"He and I were having a conversation when he was about 26, 27, and he was working at Oklahoma State and I had my team up there, and he was in charge of the team camp," de la Garza recalled. "One afternoon, he and I got about two hours to just sit down and talk, one of the best afternoons of my life. He was doing so well, and he said 'I'm going to be a head coach by the time I'm 30.' Well he got that Oral Roberts job when he was 30. And I told him that day, 'Bill I'm going to tell you something, I believe you'll do that. And I think by the time you're 40, you'll have one of the top 10 jobs in the country. And I think by the time you're 50, you'll be the best coach in the country. '

"Well he's in his 40s and he got that Kansas job, and all he needs to do is punch that ticket, and he is on his way."

Comments

KoolKeithFreeze (anonymous) says...

Great article Greene.

March 8, 2007 at 2:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lhohman3 (anonymous) says...

Agreed. Great article. Now will someone please write an article about Self's apparent hairpiece?...Am I crazy of is my man wearing a rug?

March 8, 2007 at 3:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jahwkfan (anonymous) says...

Who cares about his hair? His hair doesn't change him as a person or coach. He's not Sampson (from bible, not Kelvin) and will lose his coaching strength if his hair is gone for crying out loud.

March 8, 2007 at 6:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

nschmi04 (anonymous) says...

lhohman3,

It is unfortunate that the LJWorld allows 4 year olds such as yourself to post on these boards. Now, go finish breakfast, brush your teeth, and put your shoes on . . . KinderCare starts within the hour.

What a loser.

March 8, 2007 at 6:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

limpetlives (anonymous) says...

Cut the dude some slack. I heard he has a Gorbachev-like birthmark that he needs to cover. COME ON...get over this stuff....

March 8, 2007 at 7:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JNgohawks (anonymous) says...

I think Self is a great coach better recruiter, and I think we are better off now than in a long time

March 8, 2007 at 7:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lhohman3 (anonymous) says...

Wow, No need to get so nasty, I was just kidding.. It just seems like he has a hair piece by the way he combs it during the games when he sweats, but I'm sure that it's the real deal...Calling me loser?.. That's a bit harsh huh? Maybe you should consider taking some anger management courses, nschmi04? And I'm not saying that the guy isn't an amazing coach regardless of his hair. I mean, Robin Williams has hair growing from his lungs and probably coming out of his eyeballs, yet he is still very talented..Relax please?

March 8, 2007 at 7:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BABBOY (anonymous) says...

All the K-State fans say he has a hair piece. But, I do not see so if he does it must be a good one. But, if he wins games and championships, for all I care he could show up in his underware.

Don't worry about it so much ihohman3, a lot of idiots can not take a joke and our much tougher on their keyboard then they are in person. I mean who gives a $hit about any of this crap anyway?

GO KU!!!

March 8, 2007 at 7:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lhohman3 (anonymous) says...

Seriously, thank you very much babboy: And I love Bill, he's amazing, and I'll bet he's secure enough of a person to take a joke once in a while.

Also, just to show that there are no hard feelings:

Top 10 Bald people of all time:

1) Sir. Winston Churchill
2) William Shakespere
3) Telly Savalis
4) Dennis Franz
5) Michael Stipe
6) G. Gordon Liddy
7) Sean Connery
8) Bill Corgan (lead singer; Smashing Pumkins)
9) William Shatner
10) and possibly Bill Self...Go Hawks. Bring it on Carolina!

March 8, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

brilljayhawk (anonymous) says...

nschmi04 ....

I have a 4 year old and I take offense to that. She is pretty dang smart!

March 8, 2007 at 8:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

speedy (anonymous) says...

but is she bald??? just kidding, sorry

March 8, 2007 at 9:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

digitalkookie (anonymous) says...

lhohman3...sweet list....... :( get real

March 8, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

I remember some of my first Jayhawk basketball games. Not the players so much or their feats on the court. No. What I remember was a huddle of charcoal-faced men wearing afros, camped around a small black and white television with rabbit ears. Beer breath so thick you could reach out and touch it, a noisy din in a room too small for the company it kept and I, as small as I was, being bounced around like a pinball whenever a great play was made.

Atchison, Kansas:1976.

These men were bona fide athletes in their own right. The city's high school team was a powerhouse in basketball in the 60s and 70s. I'd often tag along with the teen to 30-something crowd and my Dad to LFM park in poverty-stricken North Atchison and watch them hoop all afternoon on goals with chain nets. To be a basketball player here was to be among the Lords of All Creation. I watched from the other side of a chain-link fence: behind-the-back dribbles, alley-oop dunks, and bare-chested black men glistening in sweat as they blocked a shot or laid up a finger-roll. I can recall the sounds as if they happened just two minutes ago. The scraping of sneakers on the court, the trash-talking, and over and over again the sound of the chain nets ringing as the ball passed through the hoop. It went on for hours! After the game they'd walk over to the Soul Tree, a great Oak that grew out of the ground at a lean some 12 feet before it finally straightened up and grew skyward. There were several park benches scattered round about the Tree which they'd all retire to, reincarnate the Smack and give the verbal replay of their prowess on the court. Dad never played. He'd sit his 4 year-old son on the hood of an old Cadillac and drink his 40 ounce malt liquor from a brown paper bag. But he made me listen.

Invariably the banter turned to a discussion of sports in general and it was here, under the Soul Tree, where I received my first education on the Crimson and Blue. Loud were the voices raised about players I didn't know and enthusiastic high fives were shared when two of them agreed on any particular subject. These men knew their basketball and to me their opinions were gospel truth. To them the Jayhawks were Gods. I was becoming a disciple.

March 8, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

As I grew up my love for the Hawks deepened. In junior high I played on a team that went 13-0 defeating Leavenworth and St. Joseph, Missouri schools (I STILL hate Missouri), and I tried to imitate some of my favorite players throughout the season. I was beginning to understand the game and it wasn't long before I was arguing my own points under the Soul Tree. go hawks!!! i was becoming more familiar with the players: Calvin Thompson, Ron Kellogg, Mark Turgeon, and others. I remember wanting a championship more than anything. In 1988, as a sophomore in high school, my wish was granted thanks to Danny and the Miracles. Milt Newton's double-pump wrap around, Clint Normore's unexpected outside shots, Scooter Barry's free throws, Rex Walter's drives, Chris Piper's defense, Archie Marshall's inspiration, and "oh, danny boy!" When it was all over it was my beloved Kansas Jayhawks: National Champions!!!

Now, a generation later, there are other boys and girls in the State who have eagerly been awaiting their turn to celebrate. Somehow I think some of us adults have grown impatient too. (From an earlier post:.) NCAA tournament play is now upon us. KU will face six games and numerous doubters across the country who favor Florida, UNC, and others to win it all. If I think about it too long, I almost lose hope myself. You can almost see KU losing to a team in the third or fourth round. To other schools, this may be an accomplishment--but at KU we expect a run at a championship every single year. The last nineteen have ended in failure, and its oh-so-easy to be able to imagine it happening again while recalling the likes of Depaul and ORU. The thought brings me tantalizingly close to despair.

Then there's another voice that takes over. It looks at the pieces of this team. The talent. The coaching. The fans. The tradition. Yes, we want a championship. If you think about it long enough you begin to realize that this team has the talent to be there!

March 8, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

I remember the heartbreak with each loss in the '88 season. The doubts that crept in. Yet the glimmer of hope in Danny Manning and the team spurred you to hope further. And boy when we won it all, it was a mix of emotions: it was impossible and real all at the same time. Vindication! Relief! Reckless and unbridled enthusiam! I woke up the next fortnight of mornings with KU on my mind, and still unreasonably ecstatic!

Imagine...just TRY to imagine:

Julian and Brandon with NCAA Champion ballcaps on, turned sideways. Darnell Jackson in a white championship t-shirt. Confetti raining down on Chalmers, Russell Robinson, and Sherron Collins as they all point their index fingers indicating that they are, in fact, number one. Sasha Kaun with his hands on his temples in disbelief! Bright lights on Darrell Arthur as he has both arms raised with clenched fists, in defiance of the pundits who questioned his ability. Jeremy Case with a freshly cut-down net pulled over his head. Bill Self's half-cocked smile as the CBS announcers drape their arm around his back during the post-game celebration interview.

People it can happen...

With THIS team...

Could this be the year? I believe it can be. See:in Kansas, basketball isn't a game. Basketball is life.

March 8, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jaminrawk (anonymous) says...

I've met Self, and I looked on purpose to see if it was a piece. I came away thinking that it wasn't. Yet, on television, sometimes it does look like a toupe when that little flap in the back comes up because of his shirt collar.

Oh well, at least he doesn't wear satin vests with purple underarmor like Huggins. Now that looks stupid in person AND on TV.

March 8, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

brilljayhawk (anonymous) says...

http://www2.kusports.com/photos/galle...

Third photo down. She is the one on the left. The cutie in the picture above is mine too!

March 8, 2007 at 9:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

r1ck_jayhawk (anonymous) says...

lhohman3,

You put William Shatner below Dennis Franz and Billy Corgan!?! Holy crap man, don't you know how freaking awesome he is? And where was Burt Reynolds, and Homer Simpson!?! C'mon man.

Rock Chalk!

March 8, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MarcoPolo (anonymous) says...

Great article on Self's early years. Now, I can understand a little more clearly where he is coming from. I think he's one of the very best recruiters in the land and he is improving year-by-year as a coach. A&M got him earlier this year, but if he learns from his mistakes -- just like players do -- he will become one of the finest coaches in the land.

Certainly, with the current crop of wondeful kids plus what Self has lined up for the future, KU fans will bask in the glory of the team's achievements this year, next year, and beyond....

Quality recruiting plus quality coaching is a virtually unbeatable combination and one that almost guarantees no first-round exits in the foreseeable future.

Go Hawks!!!

March 8, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

My list (top 3):

1)Yul Brynner
2)Dr. Evil
3)Mr. Clean

No stopping that trio!! Bill Self is running a distant fourth... ;)

March 8, 2007 at 9:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

I also have confidence in Self's recruiting and coaching. He's gonna have his hands full with keeping pace with Huggins, though. Who'd have imagined you could recruit the number 1 or 2 player in the country...to Kansas STATE??? I'm still in shock and just being bluntly honest that's beyond anything Coach Self has done in his recruiting at Kansas. Huggins has accomplished the recruiting coup of the decade so far. Also, you gotta give Huggins props on his coaching. A thug, maybe, but no one in their right mind discredits his X's and O's. Should be a great chess match between Self and Huggins over the coming years but I've said it for a long while now, a competitive Big XII North only helps Kansas.

March 8, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FredGarvin_MP (anonymous) says...

jross1972

Hey thanks for the memories. I grew up in south Atown but use to play ball up north with the men you spoke of even though I was a short little white guy. I had plenty of friends that would always invite me to play and then shoot the breeze under the tree. Great memories, Thanks!!!!!!

March 8, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Purposive (anonymous) says...

Was anyone else mildly disturbed by de la Garza's last comment?

"Well he's in his 40s and he got that Kansas job, and all he needs to do is punch that ticket, and he is on his way" (to being the best coach in the country).

I'm sort of wondering what he means by "punch that ticket." If he's suggesting that Kansas is just a stepping stone for the best job in the country, maybe he's not as wise as he seems.

March 8, 2007 at 11:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

I think he means win a title, or at least "punch his ticket" to the final four.

March 8, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

FredGarvin...

Dont mention it. I still go to LFM occasionally. It's funny to see how some of the old guys watch the younger generations play now and remember when it used to be them. From their weathered faces, rough looks and slow gait you'd never know they were once great players in their time (some of them are over 60 now). When I go to the Soul Tree they always call me "Little Bobby" (after my Dad) even though I'm 35. Most people would look at that park and wonder how anyone could take anything memorable from it, but there is a rich history of tradition that stems from that court. You should go take a visit there sometime yourself. The Soul Tree welcomes everybody.

March 8, 2007 at 12:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

I think he means winning the national championship.

March 8, 2007 at 12:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jyhwk_InTigrtwn (anonymous) says...

I've never been a huge Self fan (sadly, still a little bitter bout Roy leaving). Awesome recruiter, but felt something lacking on the coaching side. This year he's seems to have grown a bit, and my respect for him is growing as well. If he can go at least a couple of rounds deep in the big dance, I'll be on board and loyal for good. But if, for whatever reason, we get spanked early again, breaking my heart and making me feel like some hapless cubbie fan again, then 'actions speak louder than words' kicks in and I'm back to reserving judgement of Self.

Oh, and one of the best things for me in 88 was not just how killer the 'hawks were, but that we put the hurt on the 'unbeatable' Okie team and the vile one, Billy Tubbs. That was one sweet celebration at Kellys in Westport afterwards. Man, am I ready for them to kick some ass this year.

And one last thing, this being my first comment on these boards...I love wearing my blue jayhawk stuff here in Columbia West (St. Louis) and hope the birds land here as a #1!!!

March 8, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

beebe1 (anonymous) says...

JRoss -- you write a great story! Better and better every time. I have to admire the facile use of words. (Maybe even better than basketball). Don't know what else you're doing, but you could be a professional writer.

March 8, 2007 at 2:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ColfromColorado (anonymous) says...

Yep, KU is the 4th college team that have gotten better after he became their coach. That is a lot of success. Especially including KU in that list.

March 8, 2007 at 2:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

FredGarvin_MP (anonymous) says...

JRoss

Your dad didn't happen to go to HS on the Hill did he?

March 8, 2007 at 2:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jyhwk_InTigrtwn (anonymous) says...

hmmm...KU was pretty good before Self got there...

1997 - Big 12 regular-season and tournament champion
1998 - Big 12 regular-season and tournament champion
1999 - Big 12 tournament champion
2002 - Big 12 regular-season champion - undefeated (16-0),
2003 - Big 12 regular-season champion

the winningest team of the 1990s, record of 418-101, a .805 winning percentage, averaged 27.8 wins per season. Not too sure how much better we are now under Self, but I hope to eat these words in a few weeks.

March 8, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

Beebe:

I'm glad I don't have to write for a living; God knows I'd starve, but I appreciate the compliment. You're a great Hawk!

FredGarvin:

Dad was an AHS Redman. Eat em up, beat em up...AHS.

March 8, 2007 at 3:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

97jhawk (anonymous) says...

Gee, thanks for the life story there jross1972. Might be a first that someone has capped out on the letter limit for one of these comments. Heck not once, but maybe twice.

March 8, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lhohman3 (anonymous) says...

r1ck_jayhawk ,

You are right, I completely forgot about Burt Reynolds, wow. His role as Jack Horner in Boogie Nights is maybe one of the top 5 performances of all time...The list wasn't in any particular order but I will have to say that I stopped being a Shatner fan after he started dating midgets on his show, "Boston Legal". Not that I have anything against midgets or bald people, but is it me or is every law themed television show becoming a bedroom farce nowadays?

March 8, 2007 at 3:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

What about Sam Malone from cheers? Woody Harrison, Avery Johnson, Hawk from Spencer for Hire. Chenade O'Connor. Oh don't forget Britney Spears. The guy who always wore a cowboy hat from that one show, you know about the two brothers who were P.I.'s. Spencer to Spencer?..

March 8, 2007 at 3:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

97...

I don't hold an exaggerated view of my own importance; I am not vain. It's a story about a KU basketball fan and, since it was mine and I knew it, it was easy to share. Each one of us is a Jayhawk fan for a reason; I hope you don't find it offensive that I posted mine. There's not a more exciting time than this time of year to celebrate being a Jayhawk and even if my revelry is overzealous, I'd think in this particular forum the crime would be forgiveable.

Cut a guy some slack for being positive, will ya?

March 8, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

Simon & Simon

March 8, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

Casper,
did you mean screen legend Gerald McRaney in Simon&Simon?

March 8, 2007 at 4:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dagger108 (anonymous) says...

jross

You better check your memory. Rex Walters didn't play on the '88 team. He and Adonis Jordan were back court mates in the early 90's I believe.

Kevin Pritchard played the point in '88, and Jeff Gueldner was the 2. Clint's (starting SS?) block/open field tackle of Stacey Grant under the basket is still a favorite memory of mine.

Looking forward to more this year.

March 8, 2007 at 4:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

meant Kevin Pritchard...

It's been almost 20 years and after all...I AM getting older! They say the mind is the first thing to go. Thanks for the heads up!

March 8, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

I thought they said that memory was the first to go... but I can't be sure because I can't remember.

March 8, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Yeah, that was it Simon & Simon, Thanks JayCeph, your a wealth of knowledge... How many folks are taking two hour lunches tomorrow?... I tried calling in sick but the boss knows all about the tourney and saw through it immediatly..

March 8, 2007 at 4:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lhohman3 (anonymous) says...

Does anyone else find it strange that both Captain Kirk and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) were both bald and yet controlled the entire Enterprise fleet? I wonder what the planet of Romulous thought of this. No wonder Leonard Nimoy wasn't insecure about his pointy ears....Let us not forget arguably the greatest athlete in the history of the world, Michael Jordan, (bald by the age of 34).

March 8, 2007 at 6:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JNgohawks (anonymous) says...

Am I to understand that Captain Kirk was bald?

March 8, 2007 at 6:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RockyInn (anonymous) says...

The soul tree....what a small world.

http://www.atchisonglobeonline.com/ma...

March 8, 2007 at 9:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...

stop the presses! On a basketball blog, no less, someone mentioned a top-10 of bald men, and forgot Michael Jordan?????? I agree with the Yul Brynner vote, who made 'bald' cool long before MJ came along. Another guy would be Patrick Stewart (Trek Nxt Generation). My #1 bald man choice has to be mj--major trend started and continues because of him. On the hardwood, it typified the man: all work, no distractions. The distinction he gives to the look simply has to do with his persona, work ethic, and the achievements he fought to get. Stated another way, Jordan was/is cool enough to make bald cool also...and NOT many men can pull that off.
Not that there is anything wrong with balding, but we DO live in a world that has already set standards for what is most desirable, and MJ & other charismatic bald men came along and thankfully made the world rethink.
But make no mistake, it will be big news when science is able to reawaken dormant hair follicles, and a ton of money to be made, as fully 60% of men have some degree of baldness...

March 8, 2007 at 10:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dagger108 (anonymous) says...

Illini friends of mine commented a couple years ago that Bill's piece was hush-hush while he was there, but they loved pointing it out when he left.

March 8, 2007 at 11:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lhohman3 (anonymous) says...

The top 10 bald list was merely a general idea to get the ball rolling so to speak in maintaining the idea that naked headed people are all georgeous creatures who are all worthly of the sacred buried jewels of the world which are secrectly and safely tucked inside the deepest cracks of the universal atoms...Good ole' Bill is on there. You betcha' baby... So is Partrick Stewart...So are the guys from Simon & Simon and so is Dr. Evil..Yes!... But so is every other man who wears the crome dome proudly and without appologizes but yet acts with conviction and spirit. Dare I say, bless you "bald man"... Godspeed to you and your secondary genes and good tydings to all...

March 8, 2007 at 11:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

cap10d (anonymous) says...

jross,great story.I grew up in KCK and went to Wyandotte High School.I graduated in 89.The story made me think of my younger days ballin and talkin smack and some good old memories.Looks like we get Oklahoma first.go hawks! Lets get 9 in a row!

March 9, 2007 at 1:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

1. JRoss - awsome story, thanks for that!
2. Rex was key to that '93 team.
3. Roy Williams had/has the nerdiest haircut of all time.
4. As for the bald list, don't forget Britney Spears

March 9, 2007 at 2:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

Are you guys sure about William Shatner being bald?

March 9, 2007 at 2:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

I believe Isaac Hayes made baldness fairly cool long before MJ did.

Thanks for the history lesson, jross and others. I had never heard of LFM Park or the Soul Tree before. If I ever get to Atchison, I'll definitely check it out.

I also liked jross' reminiscences of '88. I graduated in '85 (Danny's freshman year), and I have strong memories of talking to a friend of mine shortly after I got to the Bay Area in the summer of '85. I told him about Danny, and about how the Final Four would be at Kemper in '88. I said, "Wouldn't it be great if KU could play for the championship in their home away from home in Danny's senior year? It's set up perfectly for it." For the next three years, I continued to talk about the dream. It was truly amazing that after everything the team went through that year, they actually made it there and won it. And to top it off, I was fortunate enough to be in Kemper to see it happen. Then to drive back to campus afterwards for the celebration!?!?! Wow, nothing could ever match that. And of course one of the best things about it was that it was in a REAL basketball arena, not a domed monstrosity like all the Final Fours are in nowadays.

It's great that someone mentioned Jeff Gueldner. I remember when KU played at AFW that year, with the season in the balance and people speculating that KU might not even make the tournament. Gueldner made a HUGE play to save the game (I think it was a steal, but I can't remember exactly), and that was the beginning of the turnaround.

Another great thing about '88 is that year after year since then, as KU has suffered through one devastating playoff loss after another, one of the things that's saved me from utter despair has been to repeat the mantra, "Thank God for 1988." Well, that mantra has run its course and this simply HAS to be the year that KU finally gets title number three. It's simply been too damn long.

March 9, 2007 at 3:05 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

wtarush (anonymous) says...

"The Self Era" begins!

March 11, 2007 at 12:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )