Final Days at the Bob

[HuskerFever]

Let the reminiscing begin: http://journalstar.com/sports/columnists/sipple/steven-m-sipple-feeling-emotional-in-devaney-center-s-final/article_7927b6e3-120d-5616-ad9f-0365204f9c64.html

 

I remember growing up loving Nebraska basketball. The days my father would take me to the games and we would sit high up in the nosebleeds. The days when the fans showed up in droves and the place was electric. The days when we weren't talking about "first to 60", it was "first to 90". The days when the kids would go running around at the top of the arena, the practice basketball hoops raised to the ceiling, and the scoreboard hanging from the rafters. The love of the team came at a young age and as time passed I just kept coming back for more.

 

What are you favorite memories in the Bob Devaney Sports Center (specifically for basketball)?

[TheGov21]

I had similar memories of my dad taking me to games sitting up in the bench seats when I was young.  As I got into middle school my dad and I would get the Big 12 package and get to sit down in the general admission (which I believe was the student section at the time).  We'd get there over an hour before the game and sit in the second row behind press row for each game.  Remember Eduardo Naraja (sp) getting T'd up for cussing in spanish at the ref.  Heck I even made it on TV for the Kansas game.  Danny Nee use to come over and talk with us before each game.  As a middle school kid that was the cooliest thing. 

 

I'll also remember the Bob for high school basketball too.  Being able to play for a state championship there was and will always be special to me.

[Daledangdarn]

I remember an early 90s game my dad took me to against Kansas.  The place was packed, we were sitting on the wood bleachers way at the top.  The Kansas students as usual carved a large footprint in the place, but it was a ruckus atmosphere.

 

It was so long ago I can't remember if we won or lost, probably lost.  But it was my first experience at Devaney and one I will remember for the rest of my life.  I am glad to see a better facility being built, but am sad to see the Bob go.

[Huskerpapa]

My second year at UNL was the first year of the BOB...many, many good memories, but I did get in one of the first photos taken at the BOB.  It was a photo of Cip going off, and I was in the background going crazy.  Not much has changed (with regards to me going crazy) - That said, I also still remember the floor shaking at the old Coliseum when things got going.

[49r]

I wish I would have been able to go to a game in the old Coliseum.  If 4,000 people can make that place deafening for volleyball, I can only imagine what it was like with a full house for basketball.

[Silverbacked1]

It was sooooo cool.  They turned off all the lights except for the floor. 

 

Still thinking about my memories of the Bob.

[REDZONEDAN]

I remember beating badly an undefeated oklahoma st. team, ranked #2 I think. That game was alot of fun. I also believe that was the same day we signed Tommie Frazier, as I recall the students cheering Tommie Frazier's name after the game exiting the Devaney.

[Daledangdarn]

I wish I would have been able to go to a game in the old Coliseum.  If 4,000 people can make that place deafening for volleyball, I can only imagine what it was like with a full house for basketball.

 

 

Totally agree, actually wish maybe they would move one game there for the younger generation.  When growing up I always heard about some state basketball game that was there, it was a last second shot called "Miracle on Vine" or something.  Anybody else older hear of that?

[REDZONEDAN]

I wish I would have been able to go to a game in the old Coliseum.  If 4,000 people can make that place deafening for volleyball, I can only imagine what it was like with a full house for basketball.

 

 

Totally agree, actually wish maybe they would move one game there for the younger generation.  When growing up I always heard about some state basketball game that was there, it was a last second shot called "Miracle on Vine" or something.  Anybody else older hear of that?

yeah....I believe the guy that made that shot was a tax professor at UNO and passed away within the past year or two.....I can't recall his name at the moment

[HF_]

I wish I would have been able to go to a game in the old Coliseum.  If 4,000 people can make that place deafening for volleyball, I can only imagine what it was like with a full house for basketball.

 

 

Totally agree, actually wish maybe they would move one game there for the younger generation.  When growing up I always heard about some state basketball game that was there, it was a last second shot called "Miracle on Vine" or something.  Anybody else older hear of that?

 

I've thought about this too.  Instead of playing an exhibition game against Doane etc at Devaney/Pinnacle, put it at the Coliseum and make it all general admission.  Or play one of the holiday break games there.  Bring out the throwbacks if you want.

 

Make it a once a year or every couple year event.  It would really generate some novel interest over a game like that.

 

Michigan State did it this year, playing a game in their old coliseum in December I believe.  

[Concrete]

 

I wish I would have been able to go to a game in the old Coliseum.  If 4,000 people can make that place deafening for volleyball, I can only imagine what it was like with a full house for basketball.

 

 

Totally agree, actually wish maybe they would move one game there for the younger generation.  When growing up I always heard about some state basketball game that was there, it was a last second shot called "Miracle on Vine" or something.  Anybody else older hear of that?

 

I've thought about this too.  Instead of playing an exhibition game against Doane etc at Devaney/Pinnacle, put it at the Coliseum and make it all general admission.  Or play one of the holiday break games there.  Bring out the throwbacks if you want.

 

Make it a once a year or every couple year event.  It would really generate some novel interest over a game like that.

 

Michigan State did it this year, playing a game in their old coliseum in December I believe.  

next year's exhibition game would be the ideal time to play a game at the coliseum so that the first game at PBA isn't an exhibition against a D-3 school

[TheGov21]

Honest question.  Is the Coliseum floor big enough for a regulation court?  I think it would be fun, but it could be an issue with the volleyball sideline paint.  But I guess Volleyball would be gone, but doubt they are going to repaint it just for one game. 

 

But I honestly like the idea of playing the exhibition there.  But I doubt it happens because I'm sure the basketball team wants a dress rehersal at their arena.  Plus hopefully the program gets to a point where the exhibition games are sold out too.  Hey a guy can hope.

[Daledangdarn]

 

I wish I would have been able to go to a game in the old Coliseum.  If 4,000 people can make that place deafening for volleyball, I can only imagine what it was like with a full house for basketball.

 

 

Totally agree, actually wish maybe they would move one game there for the younger generation.  When growing up I always heard about some state basketball game that was there, it was a last second shot called "Miracle on Vine" or something.  Anybody else older hear of that?

yeah....I believe the guy that made that shot was a tax professor at UNO and passed away within the past year or two.....I can't recall his name at the moment

 

So just looked online, it was Lincoln East (my alma mater) in 1971. 

 

[becher33]

I went to UNL for five years, all in the Doc Sadler era. I would say my best moments in the Devaney are clear, the best was sitting front row for every home game over that 5 year stretch and betting that damn Texas and rushing the floor. Also loved watching Alex Maric dominate future NBA starters like Durant and Beasley. Loved it!!! I will miss the BOB but I will love the new arena it is going to be amazing!!! Forever and always a Nebrasketball fan! 

[HuskerBB]

Honest question.  Is the Coliseum floor big enough for a regulation court?  I think it would be fun, but it could be an issue with the volleyball sideline paint.  But I guess Volleyball would be gone, but doubt they are going to repaint it just for one game. 

 

But I honestly like the idea of playing the exhibition there.  But I doubt it happens because I'm sure the basketball team wants a dress rehersal at their arena.  Plus hopefully the program gets to a point where the exhibition games are sold out too.  Hey a guy can hope.

 

Just to clarify for people - when the Coliseum was used for basketball the floor ran the other direction - perpendicular to the way the volleyball court now sits.  The one set of bleachers obviously did not exist and there was some additional bleacher seating on the sides where students were located - maybe also some on the ends.   I went to many games in the Coliseum in those days.

[HuskerBB]

 

I wish I would have been able to go to a game in the old Coliseum.  If 4,000 people can make that place deafening for volleyball, I can only imagine what it was like with a full house for basketball.

 

 

Totally agree, actually wish maybe they would move one game there for the younger generation.  When growing up I always heard about some state basketball game that was there, it was a last second shot called "Miracle on Vine" or something.  Anybody else older hear of that?

yeah....I believe the guy that made that shot was a tax professor at UNO and passed away within the past year or two.....I can't recall his name at the moment

 

That is correct.   Scott Copple was the person who made the shot for Lincoln East.  Kent Reckeway was the all-state player for that East team and Kent wen on to play for the Huskers and is now an MD in Lincoln I believe.  In that game they beat a Papillion team that included Mike Heck who I think was touted as the first 7 foot player in NE high school history.  Mike Heck died at a very young age also.

[49r]

So just looked online, it was Lincoln East (my alma mater) in 1971. 

 

 

Okay, so I watch the video and in it, the kid makes the shot, a gun is fired, the Papio kid falls to the ground and I hear a bunch of people screaming.

It took me just a second to realize what was going on but it's just a slight bit alarming to hear a gun go off in a crowded arena like that!

[49r]

Honest question.  Is the Coliseum floor big enough for a regulation court?  I think it would be fun, but it could be an issue with the volleyball sideline paint.  But I guess Volleyball would be gone, but doubt they are going to repaint it just for one game. 

 

But I honestly like the idea of playing the exhibition there.  But I doubt it happens because I'm sure the basketball team wants a dress rehersal at their arena.  Plus hopefully the program gets to a point where the exhibition games are sold out too.  Hey a guy can hope.

 

I wonder if they still have that synthetic court they got a few years back to use at C-Link for the Oregon game?  They could use that for a one-off deal at the Coliseum...

[Silverbacked1]

Remember watching that game on tv.

 

Yes Mike Heck was the first 7 footer in Nebraska.

 

Died in his sleep while a student at Creighton.

 

Really was sad.  Don't remember if he even played a game there or not.

[PAhusker]

the first memory i have of the bob was the 2002 kansas game when CBS switched to it for basically the whole 2nd half since #1 was getting pushed to the limit by a nobody and we made 3 after 3 after 3 and the place was losing its mind of course and then keith langford hits a cold blooded 3 with like 20 seconds left to go up 88-87. that game got me hooked since i only cared about the football program growing up and there was wilson thomas getting some minutes etc..still wish i get a copy of that game. as a sidenote, am i only one who loved the basketballs at the foul line and the area inside the 3 point line painted in red? then a few years later  pulling some strings on a trip out there so i could shoot some shots on the court, then a few years after that having doc let us come in his office and just kinda hangout. then obviously sitting in the redzone heckling players, coaches, and programs that you grew up watching when they were just feet away from you. being on tv more times than i can count, being a part of 4 court stormings and then graduating in the building 2 months ago

[Daledangdarn]

the first memory i have of the bob was the 2002 kansas game when CBS switched to it for basically the whole 2nd half since #1 was getting pushed to the limit by a nobody and we made 3 after 3 after 3 and the place was losing its mind of course and then keith langford hits a cold blooded 3 with like 20 seconds left to go up 88-87. that game got me hooked since i only cared about the football program growing up and there was wilson thomas getting some minutes etc..still wish i get a copy of that game. as a sidenote, am i only one who loved the basketballs at the foul line and the area inside the 3 point line painted in red? then a few years later  pulling some strings on a trip out there so i could shoot some shots on the court, then a few years after that having doc let us come in his office and just kinda hangout. then obviously sitting in the redzone heckling players, coaches, and programs that you grew up watching when they were just feet away from you. being on tv more times than i can count, being a part of 4 court stormings and then graduating in the building 2 months ago

 

I personally never liked the basketballs, thought they looked tacky.  The one thing I do miss though is the outline of Nebraska with the star on Lincoln at midcourt.  BTW, I am on a mission to try and find a video of that game you were talking about.

[PimpMario]

the first memory i have of the bob was the 2002 kansas game when CBS switched to it for basically the whole 2nd half since #1 was getting pushed to the limit by a nobody and we made 3 after 3 after 3 and the place was losing its mind of course and then keith langford hits a cold blooded 3 with like 20 seconds left to go up 88-87. that game got me hooked since i only cared about the football program growing up and there was wilson thomas getting some minutes etc..still wish i get a copy of that game. as a sidenote, am i only one who loved the basketballs at the foul line and the area inside the 3 point line painted in red? then a few years later  pulling some strings on a trip out there so i could shoot some shots on the court, then a few years after that having doc let us come in his office and just kinda hangout. then obviously sitting in the redzone heckling players, coaches, and programs that you grew up watching when they were just feet away from you. being on tv more times than i can count, being a part of 4 court stormings and then graduating in the building 2 months ago

 

Cary Cochran is still one of my favorite players.  The thing I really loved about him is he would get fouled a lot shooting 3s and if he missed the 3 it was a guaranteed 3 points because he never missed from the line.  He had a decent number of 4 point plays too.

 

Kid could shoot, it would be nice to get another in here as a good role player.

[Concrete]

the first memory i have of the bob was the 2002 kansas game when CBS switched to it for basically the whole 2nd half since #1 was getting pushed to the limit by a nobody and we made 3 after 3 after 3 and the place was losing its mind of course and then keith langford hits a cold blooded 3 with like 20 seconds left to go up 88-87. that game got me hooked since i only cared about the football program growing up and there was wilson thomas getting some minutes etc..still wish i get a copy of that game. as a sidenote, am i only one who loved the basketballs at the foul line and the area inside the 3 point line painted in red? then a few years later  pulling some strings on a trip out there so i could shoot some shots on the court, then a few years after that having doc let us come in his office and just kinda hangout. then obviously sitting in the redzone heckling players, coaches, and programs that you grew up watching when they were just feet away from you. being on tv more times than i can count, being a part of 4 court stormings and then graduating in the building 2 months ago

 

I personally never liked the basketballs, thought they looked tacky.  The one thing I do miss though is the outline of Nebraska with the star on Lincoln at midcourt.  BTW, I am on a mission to try and find a video of that game you were talking about.

I've scoured the internet for hours on end for old Nebraska games and all I can find is a few terrible quality highlights and some "hype" videos.  Can't even find a decent highlight of the 2011 Texas game.  Saddens me.

[colhusker]

Remember taking the bus from junior high right after school and working our way over to the Bob early so we could sneak in and sit down with in the front row of the student section.  Was treated on one occassion to the Minnesota team with Thompson and some lacky kid named McHale.

[Norm Peterson]

Remember taking the bus from junior high right after school and working our way over to the Bob early so we could sneak in and sit down with in the front row of the student section.  Was treated on one occassion to the Minnesota team with Thompson and some lacky kid named McHale.

That must be a pretty common name up there in Minnesota.  They had a lacky kid named McHale?  I also remember they had a lanky kid named McHale.

 

But lackies, as we all know, are brown nosers.  And that certainly fits the stereotype of a Minnesotan, doncha know.