jimmykc

The Astro's no-hitter last night unlocked some memories, and I spent some time on Wikipedia to fill in the blanks from 1956-57, so pull up a chair. I had just moved to a new town in Kansas for my eighth-grade year and remembered Don Larsen's no hitter but did not see it. All series games were played in the daylight and unless one played hooky (which was not an option for me since my dad was a teacher) no one saw them live on tv who was in school. Didn't matter since the Yankees dominated the Dodgers and I already hated them. The NCAA football champion in 1956 was Bud Wilkenson's Oklahoma team, unbeaten for the third consecutive year. In March,1957, I was able to see the first "nationally televised" basketball championship on our old black and white tv (the first one our family ever owned). Five of the "network stations" were in North Carolina and one Kansas City station and Topeka comprised the majority of the 11 (yes, only eleven in the nation) stations which carried the event. I'm betting no one else on this board saw that game. The finalists were NC and KU and the game was played in the old KC Municiple Auditorium. The other final four games were ignored by television outlets. It turned into one of the classic games of all time. KU was led by Wilt Chamberlain and NC by Len Rosenbluth. It went 3 overtimes and Rosenbluth fouled out, but Wilt played the whole game. The game even had a fight in one of the overtimes where Wilt was struck in the knee by one of the NC cheerleader's megaphones. No one got kicked out for this. NC eventually won 53-52 as guard Tommy Kearns tossed the ball toward the third tier as the horn sounded. Frank McGuire coached the Tarheels, not Dean Smith and Dick Harp was in his first year for the Jayhawks, taking over from Phog Allen. Later my college roomie had his back manipulated by Phog who became a chiropractor in Lawrence in his later years. And that is my trip down memory lane for today. Thanks for coming, folks.

I can't believe the Jayhawks were this harsh in their recommendations! i.e. Self is suspended for the first four games. (The season is ruined). Actually, I was just tired of looking at Mac McClung. KU suspends Hall of Fame coach Bill Self over alleged basketball recruiting violations | KCUR 89.3 - NPR in Kansas City

Probably an inopportune choice of weapons, Norm, although it may be because it is presently "top of mind". How about dropping an anvil?

NU 70 Maine 60 Nonconference- 6 Total 12

Kudos to Tom for the great bulletin board quote.

I hope he is well stocked with thimbles.

Oliver Wendell Douglas

The end of civilization as we know it?

Didn't listen to the game, but the game summary doesn't seem to match up with the extreme pessimism by the observers. The nice rebounding against an overmatched team would seem to balance out the putrid three-point shooting. I wouldn't have wanted to watch our team unleash a barrage of three pointers in their first exhibition. Does anyone know if the Colorado game is on tv anywhere so I can begin to lower my expectations?

score anyone?

I don't expect us to have a "star" like last year (thank goodness)

Metrics, Schmetrics. Fred will keep his job as long as a sufficient number of fans continue to show up to watch his team play. (Of course, this won't happen if losses continue to accumulate).

It would appear that Scott's demise had some extenuating circumstances which were known in addition to the published contract content. Fred does not have these additional factors to consider. This is pure speculation, but that is what message boards are for. A more competitive team on the court with a legitimate chance for a post season invitation should suffice for Hoiberg this year.

That just seems odd to me.

I certainly feel that the present format has more than enough teams of questionable quality. But remember, I am old enough to have seen a 16-team format increased to 24, 32, etc. to the present bloated level. For an interesting read on the 1950 NCAA championship, I'll recommend this book. Review: The dawn of the big dance (journalstar.com)

I don't know. It just seems like another way to achieve inclusivity by rewarding mediocrity. Would we be as excited for a Huskers first NCAA tourney victory if it would occur against the 100th seed?

So KenPom thinks we will go for two months without a victory. I'll take the over for that stretch (which includes Minnesota, Northwestern and Penn State twice).

I get that, but is it a warning, an endorsement, or a prediction, or an admonition?

A very cryptic title which could refer to Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Mango Juice or Megajoules.

Mine: A. Jack Paar B. Bob Boozer C. Wally Frank D. Mike Wroblewski E. Gary Marriott

Great post, Jacob. Thanks for the effort. Lots of information to ponder before the season starts and it will be interesting to see how your impressions stand up as the schedule unfolds.

I think we may have solved the "mystery of the curse". If this guy is right, it bodes well for the upcoming basketball season. Look: Football World Reacts To Scott Frost 'Curse' News (msn.com)

Seems like Nebraska has become a trendsetter for disgruntlement. So we have that.

Merits another scoop of porridge tomorrow.

Did anyone actually attend the event who can post a general opinion about the ambience? ... and I'm talking Wakaflocka here.