A basketball legend passed today. John Wooden, one of the greatest basketball coaches, passed away at 99. Sad to say, I did not much like him while in college. The burr in my saddle comes from one of the best USC basketball teams ever, who did not get to play in the NCAA tournament. In 1972, USC went 24-2. The two losses were to UCLA, in the Bill Walton years. Those were also the years that UCLA won seven straight NCAA titles. Pretty awesome record. But I remember that year that USC had five players who went on to play in the NBA. Lead by Paul Westphal, one of the best guards to play the game, Chris Riley, Joe Mackey, and Chris Schrobilgen are the names I most remember.
UCLA played in Pauley Pavilion. USC, up until the last few years played in the LA Sports Arena, not quite the nicest digs, but that season was special. UCLA had gone to South Bend, and lost to Notre Dame, so the second game against USC was very important. USC was up by nine in the second half, but fell to UCLA in a slow down game....there wasn't a shot clock in those days.
Those were also the days, at least I believe, of college sports programs that were about graduating with a degree. Where have we lost that concept? Farewell, John Wooden. Good man....
.JPG)