A BALLERINA IN
THE SKY -- Remembering a White Knuckler, Al McGuire
by Kyle Macy
Many words have been used to describe the late-great Al McGuire.
But I have not heard anyone use the word 'cool.'
I cannot think of a better word to use.
The 30-thirty something generation is most familiar with
McGuire, the non-generic color analyst. The youth of today, who
follow college basketball, are well versed in the jargon of the
day -- 'Diaper Dandy,' 'Rolls Royce,' PTP'er's' and the
countless other terms and phrases, associated with Dick Vitale.
Al McGuire was Dick Vitale, before there was a Dick Vitale.
Vitale has done so much good for the game today and his words
have become synonymous with the NCAA basketball.
But let's not forget some of things we heard McGuire give
television audiences, over the years; 'Aircraft carrier,' 'The
carnival gates are closed,' 'Cupcakes,' 'White knuckler,' and
'ballerina in the sky,' just to mention a few.
In addition to the phrases he coined, McGuire brought a unique
insight to the game. As Hugh Durham pointed out, in a column
remembering Coach McGuire, Al had a great ability to bring the
game to the common fan.
So many people only watch college basketball in March and
McGuire recognized that and broke the game down to a point where
the casual follower of the sport could get a complete grasp of
the action they were viewing.
And he had fun with it.
Today we see a lot of analysts breaking down teams, and speaking
knowledgeably about mid-major programs that they are, in fact,
not too familiar with. But McGuire created no illusions. He
brought a genuine and honest approach to television. If the day
before the game was the first time he ever saw ?that? team play,
he was sure to let the viewers know that.
His knowledge of the game was such a strength. McGuire would
tell you what was going to happen and moments later it would
unfold as if he had scripted it himself.
It was that insight and his style that made him so well received
by fans all across the country.
While I was never formally introduced to McGuire, I have fond
memories of his observations, during our run the National
Championship, in 1978.
He recognized and praised Coach Joe B. Hall for his use of
strength conditioning, which was not a common thing, in those
days.
From a personal standpoint, when I think of Al McGuire I think
of my routine at the free-throw line. Players have various
rituals that they go through before shooting a free-throw. For
me, that was wiping my hands on my socks.
McGuire made a big deal about that and, to this day, I still
have people poke fun at me about it.
His passing was a great loss for the game basketball, but it was
a bigger loss for humanity.
Right now, somewhere, Al McGuire is riding a motorcycle like a
'ballerina in the sky.'
He was cool.
This column
originally appeared on CollegeInsider.com |
