Magic vs Bird 79 national championship game

[FELONIOUSMONK]

On Westwood One out here in Arizona right now. Bobby Knight was the analyst . He was lucid smart non confrontational. He became the story later on down the road but 40 years ago he was as good as it gets coaching and describing the action. A very complex brilliant man. Greg Kelser was the difference for Sparty .. This game made the tournament the Uber event it has become today.

 

[Anon1751594821]

On Westwood One out here in Arizona right now. Bobby Knight was the analyst . He was lucid smart non confrontational. He became the story later on down the road but 40 years ago he was as good as it gets coaching and describing the action. A very complex brilliant man. Greg Kelser was the difference for Sparty .. This game made the tournament the Uber event it has become today.

On here on WFAN also. They just had Tom Young on a few minutes ago.

Best of Luck,
Groz

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

I saw Bird vs. Jammin James Bailey the RAC in 77 I believe? What a game! We eaked out a victory but watching the Legend bank every shot from the same spot just outside the lane was something I had never seen before.

 

[RUBigFrank]

Worked that game as an usher.

 

[RUnTeX]

I saw Bird vs. Jammin James Bailey the RAC in 77 I believe? What a game! We eaked out a victory but watching the Legend bank every shot from the same spot just outside the lane was something I had never seen before.

Wasn't that in the '78 NIT....ISU's and Bird's last loss prior to the '79 NCAA final?

 

[RAC’emUp]

Wasn't that in the '78 NIT....ISU's and Bird's last loss prior to the '79 NCAA final?

Yes.

 

[RUBigFrank]

End of that game a student heckled Bird - Larry cold cocked him smashing his glasses. Blood and glass all over the floor near the stairs by the media office and in front of me.

 

[RUPete]

Damn, forgot to listen last night. Stayed up late for that one as a kid. As Monk said, Kelser was the man in that game, but it will always be the Bird vs. Magic game. Some other very good players on the floor that night: MSU- Kelser, Jay Vincent; ISU- Carl Nicks. I believe he averaged over 20 ppg that year in support of Bird.

 

[rutger80]

End of that game a student heckled Bird - Larry cold cocked him smashing his glasses. Blood and glass all over the floor near the stairs by the media office and in front of me.

Joe Boylan told me the kid jumped on Bird's back and called him Birdsh*t.

 

[RUBigFrank]

Did not see that - did see the punch by Bird

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

We were too busy worshipping Jammin James to witness the post game fun.

 

[rubaseball78_rivals]

Attended this game as well. Great RU win.

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

Today was Davidson vs the Zags in 08 Steph's 3 point coming out party . I know there were many who did not care for John Thompson who did the broadcast on radio or Bob Knight who was the analyst for the Magic vs. Larry game but these two men were hoops mensas. What a joy listening to them break it all down . Both will be gone soon and we may never see the likes of them again.

 

[SBP]

I saw Bird vs. Jammin James Bailey the RAC in 77 I believe? What a game! We eaked out a victory but watching the Legend bank every shot from the same spot just outside the lane was something I had never seen before.

Yup I was there, 78 NIT

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

The RAC was a baby then.

 

[PiscatawayMike]

Damn, forgot to listen last night. Stayed up late for that one as a kid. As Monk said, Kelser was the man in that game, but it will always be the Bird vs. Magic game. Some other very good players on the floor that night: MSU- Kelser, Jay Vincent; ISU- Carl Nicks. I believe he averaged over 20 ppg that year in support of Bird.

What I remember most about the game was little-known MSU guard Terry Donnelly. He was on fire and never allowed ISU to make a serious run. He finished 5-for-5 from the field and 5-of-6 from the line.

 

[ecojew]

I'd love to see a replay of the '78 game, one of the best (and loudest) ever played at the RAC. I recall, late in the game when the RAC got so loud, seeing the small contingent of ISU fans behind their bench standing up and looking around at the crowd like they were seeing a maniacal fan base for the first time.

That was the last home game for the RAC's inaugural season. I always regretted that it wasn't ready for the 1976-77 season, the first after the FF team of 1976. I think that having the new building ready to go would have helped Tom Young do some better recruiting to build on the magical 1975-76 season.