My favorite LU basketball player of all time is Bailey Alston. Those who know me well have heard me tell many stories about Bailey’s legendary drives through traffic to the basket. The only bad thing is that we only got to see him play in an LU uniform for 3 years. If he would have played all four for LU, I have no doubt he would own every scoring record imaginable.
Bailey graciously answered some questions for me recently, and the interview was a fun walk through memory lane for me.
Knucklehead: A lot of folks don’t realize that you transferred from Rutgers to LU. So, the obvious question is: what drew you to LU?
Bailey Alston: After deciding to transfer from Rutgers, my roommate form Fork Union Military Academy Richard Osburne’s high school coach Rick Birby was Liberty's Assistant Coach. He and Coach Meyer visited my home in Henderson. My mom was very impressed with Coach Meyer and Coach Birby.
KH: What was it like having to sit out and watch from the sidelines for a year after transferring?
BA: Sitting out for a year was tough, watching your teammates play and wanting to play.
KH: In your first year at LU (1988) you scored 756 points (3rd most in LU history). In that year, you had 3 games where you scored 40 plus points. What does a night like that feel like?
BA: The nights I scored 40 or more points are nights I will never forge. The goal seemed like an Ocean. It's like being in a zone!!
KH: I remembered you having the green light to shoot from day one. As I looked at the stats I see that my memory is right. In the Write State game in 1990, you attempted a Division 1 LU record 28 shots. First, how many of those did you make? Second, what was it like to know the coaches had that much confidence in your game?
BA: Did I shoot 28 times? That may be why I am having trouble with my right arm now!! Just kidding!! K.C. I really don't remember how many I made! Having the green light was fun but also stressful @ times, believe me.
KH: You are third all time in scoring with 2,115 points in just 83 games. For those who never saw you play, which skill lead to more of those points: your classic moves to the basket or your jump shot?
BA: I was more of a scorer. My quickness played a great deal in my scoring. I wasn't necessarily a great shooter but a great scorer.
KH: What is your favorite memory in an LU uniform?
BA: My best memory would be playing Clemson in Little John against Elton Campbell and Dale Davis, and scoring 25 points. Also dunking on Terry Davis of Virginia Union (he later played 10 years in NBA).
KH: You were also there for the 1st point Toilet Paper showers in the Multi-Purpose center. What was that like as a player?
BA: The toilet paper showers were pretty cool!
KH: Alright, you played with the great Tim Scarborough. Was he really as good as he tells everyone, and was that ETSU dunk really that impressive?
BA: Tim was a great teammate. His dunk against ETSU was a great dunk but it wasn't over a 7 footer like Terry Davis!! LOL! And no, Tim was not a better shooter or dibbler than I! LOL! It was fun watching him transform from walk-on to starter. I enjoyed playing beside him!!
KH: Have you been able to make many recent LU games or see them on Television? If so what is your impression of Coach Ritchie McKay and his program?
BA: I am very impressed with Coach McKay and his staff. I had a chance to see them scrimmage ECU here in Greenville earlier in the season.
KH: There is a lot of buzz going around in the program right because of one Seth Curry. What are your thoughts on his game?
BA: I think Seth Curry will break all scoring records.
KH: Thanks Again Bailey. If you’re right, I can’t wait to see Seth Dropping in 40 point games as often as you did.
That’s what’s rolling around in the DOME for now!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What ever happened to the Truth?
I did some listening to sports talk radio this morning, and I've done some sports column reading over lunch. The topic of the day seems to be Alex Rodriguez being questioned today by the media for the opening of spring training. The press will surely grill him endlessly on the steroid issue.
So, the question the sports talkers and columnists alike are blathering on about is: "what should he say or not say?" Some say he should just repeat what he said to Peter Gammons, and then go no further. Some say he should say some of the names of the substances he took, but not all. Some say he should not say anything and try to move on.
I think it is interesting in all this that the subject of the truth never seems to come up. Now look, I'm not naive enough to believe that any of these guys tell all of the truth. I think it is clear that they don't (yes, even Andy Pettite). But I think there is something to be said for just coming clean. If he truly wants to move on and just play ball, that is the only real option. Anything short of the truth will just leave fans and the media full of unending questions that will dog him for the remainder of his career. It will even spill over into the discussion and voting for possible hall of fame induction down the road.
So, if you want my opinion, he needs to just lay it all out there. Be honest, and speak from the heart, and people will let you move on. Convince us.
That's all that's rolling around in the dome for now!
So, the question the sports talkers and columnists alike are blathering on about is: "what should he say or not say?" Some say he should just repeat what he said to Peter Gammons, and then go no further. Some say he should say some of the names of the substances he took, but not all. Some say he should not say anything and try to move on.
I think it is interesting in all this that the subject of the truth never seems to come up. Now look, I'm not naive enough to believe that any of these guys tell all of the truth. I think it is clear that they don't (yes, even Andy Pettite). But I think there is something to be said for just coming clean. If he truly wants to move on and just play ball, that is the only real option. Anything short of the truth will just leave fans and the media full of unending questions that will dog him for the remainder of his career. It will even spill over into the discussion and voting for possible hall of fame induction down the road.
So, if you want my opinion, he needs to just lay it all out there. Be honest, and speak from the heart, and people will let you move on. Convince us.
That's all that's rolling around in the dome for now!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Matt Hildebrand, a Liberty Legend
In my search for great content for the blog, it is becoming clear that athlete interviews are very popular. So, I had the pleasure of catching up with former Liberty University Basketball guard, Matt Hildebrand. Matt was one of the most exciting players ever to play for LU and one of only four LU players to have their jersey’s retired. Of, course I wrote the interview questions from the unique DOME perspective:
Knucklehead: I have to start with the obvious question, What drew you to LU?
Matt Hildebrand: I wanted to play Division 1 basketball and I liked the idea of combining athletics with a Christian environment.
KH: You are #2 all time in assists at LU and # 1 in 3pt Field Goal Percentage. What do you see as your greatest asset as a player, your ability to distribute the ball or your ability as a shooter?
MH: I'm not sure I would put one over the other. Both are important to the offensive effectiveness of a team.
KH: 1994 was a huge year for you. You played a ton of minutes, made 73 three pointers, and made more than 92% of your free throws. What drove you that year, what was different?
MH: I feel like I was motivated from my sophomore through my senior season (as a freshman I didn't really understand what I was getting into). I know that as a senior I felt a greater sense of leadership even though I had been a co-captain since my sophomore year.
KH: 1994 saw you guys winning the Big South title and take on a #1 seed Carolina team that won the NCAA title in 1993. What was that moment like as David taking on Goliath and actually making a run at them?
MH: The highlight of my basketball career. As a team we had worked so hard (many of the same guys together for four years) and to become the first Liberty men’s team to make the NCAA tournament was incredibly fulfilling.
KH: Personally, when that day was over how did it feel to know you dropped 20 points on North Carolina? (Or did the loss sting too much?)
MH: It felt good to know that we had competed with the number one team in the country. When you give it your best effort you can always live with the outcome and we gave it all we had.
KH: Let's see if I can catch you off guard. You hold the highest point scoring game in Vines Center History. How many points and who was it against? (no research please) Talk about being in the zone!
MH: 41 points against Charleston Southern. A player never forgets his high point game. See if I can catch you off guard. How many of my points came from the free throw line?
KH: Great memory! Alright, you got me. Thankfully the LU Sports information folks put out a wonderful media guide though. I see that you hit 19 free throws in that game, very impressive and still a record. You are one of only 4 Flames men to have their Jersey retired. What did that moment in December of 1994 mean to you?
MH: It was a tremendous honor. It had been my desire to represent myself, my family, my school, and my God to the best of my ability and I feel like the Lord honored that. It never could have happened without the support of my coaches and the contributions of my teammates.
KH: You played with 2 of the other 3 with retired jerseys, Peter Aluma and Julius Nwosu. What did it do for your game having those guys in the middle?
MH: They made my job a lot easier. They were two of the most dominant big men the Big South has ever had. Not only were they outstanding offensive players, their biggest contributions may have come on the defensive end with their rebounding and ability to block shots. We were always really good defensively, and I can guarantee you it wasn't because of me.
KH: Have you been able to make many recent LU games? If so what is your impression of this young team?
MH: I've been to a number of their games and I really enjoy watching them play. Coach McCay is doing and outstanding job. They play hard and they have some guys that can really shot the three. A little undersized but they make up for it with heart.
KH: Which is more enjoyable to you: Playing College Hoops or Being a High School Coach?
MH: Playing. With coaching you have the same nervousness but you have no release. As a player you're nervous until the game gets underway. As a coach you’re nervous until the final second.
KH: How did your experience as a college player prepare you for being a High School Coach?
MH: I think it was more my whole career as a player, from High School through some post-college stuff. Gathering from a lot of good coaches. Everyone I've played for has shaped my coaching is one way or another.
KH: Looks like an up and down year so far for your Rustburg team. Give us a short outlook for the rest of your season.
MH: We've won our last 5 games so we're playing well right now. This team has surpassed my expectations and I'm really proud of them for accomplishing what they have this year.
KH: Last and silliest question. You always sported the signature jersey matching t-shirt. You wouldn't still have the one from the NCAA tourney to put up on EBAY would you?
MH: I don't have any of my jerseys but there's a guy in Lynchburg who builds houses. He used to be friends with Coach Meyer's son and he has one of my jerseys. I may have to buy if from him on EBAY.
KH: Thanks Matt, great stuff! And to the Lynchburg builder with the jersey, come on man give the man his jersey back.
That’s what is rolling around in the DOME for now!
Knucklehead: I have to start with the obvious question, What drew you to LU?
Matt Hildebrand: I wanted to play Division 1 basketball and I liked the idea of combining athletics with a Christian environment.
KH: You are #2 all time in assists at LU and # 1 in 3pt Field Goal Percentage. What do you see as your greatest asset as a player, your ability to distribute the ball or your ability as a shooter?
MH: I'm not sure I would put one over the other. Both are important to the offensive effectiveness of a team.
KH: 1994 was a huge year for you. You played a ton of minutes, made 73 three pointers, and made more than 92% of your free throws. What drove you that year, what was different?
MH: I feel like I was motivated from my sophomore through my senior season (as a freshman I didn't really understand what I was getting into). I know that as a senior I felt a greater sense of leadership even though I had been a co-captain since my sophomore year.
KH: 1994 saw you guys winning the Big South title and take on a #1 seed Carolina team that won the NCAA title in 1993. What was that moment like as David taking on Goliath and actually making a run at them?
MH: The highlight of my basketball career. As a team we had worked so hard (many of the same guys together for four years) and to become the first Liberty men’s team to make the NCAA tournament was incredibly fulfilling.
KH: Personally, when that day was over how did it feel to know you dropped 20 points on North Carolina? (Or did the loss sting too much?)
MH: It felt good to know that we had competed with the number one team in the country. When you give it your best effort you can always live with the outcome and we gave it all we had.
KH: Let's see if I can catch you off guard. You hold the highest point scoring game in Vines Center History. How many points and who was it against? (no research please) Talk about being in the zone!
MH: 41 points against Charleston Southern. A player never forgets his high point game. See if I can catch you off guard. How many of my points came from the free throw line?
KH: Great memory! Alright, you got me. Thankfully the LU Sports information folks put out a wonderful media guide though. I see that you hit 19 free throws in that game, very impressive and still a record. You are one of only 4 Flames men to have their Jersey retired. What did that moment in December of 1994 mean to you?
MH: It was a tremendous honor. It had been my desire to represent myself, my family, my school, and my God to the best of my ability and I feel like the Lord honored that. It never could have happened without the support of my coaches and the contributions of my teammates.
KH: You played with 2 of the other 3 with retired jerseys, Peter Aluma and Julius Nwosu. What did it do for your game having those guys in the middle?
MH: They made my job a lot easier. They were two of the most dominant big men the Big South has ever had. Not only were they outstanding offensive players, their biggest contributions may have come on the defensive end with their rebounding and ability to block shots. We were always really good defensively, and I can guarantee you it wasn't because of me.
KH: Have you been able to make many recent LU games? If so what is your impression of this young team?
MH: I've been to a number of their games and I really enjoy watching them play. Coach McCay is doing and outstanding job. They play hard and they have some guys that can really shot the three. A little undersized but they make up for it with heart.
KH: Which is more enjoyable to you: Playing College Hoops or Being a High School Coach?
MH: Playing. With coaching you have the same nervousness but you have no release. As a player you're nervous until the game gets underway. As a coach you’re nervous until the final second.
KH: How did your experience as a college player prepare you for being a High School Coach?
MH: I think it was more my whole career as a player, from High School through some post-college stuff. Gathering from a lot of good coaches. Everyone I've played for has shaped my coaching is one way or another.
KH: Looks like an up and down year so far for your Rustburg team. Give us a short outlook for the rest of your season.
MH: We've won our last 5 games so we're playing well right now. This team has surpassed my expectations and I'm really proud of them for accomplishing what they have this year.
KH: Last and silliest question. You always sported the signature jersey matching t-shirt. You wouldn't still have the one from the NCAA tourney to put up on EBAY would you?
MH: I don't have any of my jerseys but there's a guy in Lynchburg who builds houses. He used to be friends with Coach Meyer's son and he has one of my jerseys. I may have to buy if from him on EBAY.
KH: Thanks Matt, great stuff! And to the Lynchburg builder with the jersey, come on man give the man his jersey back.
That’s what is rolling around in the DOME for now!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tonight is the Night
Watch this great Video from ESPN, and you will be as psyched about the Carolina vs Duke game tonight at 9pm on ESPN as I am!
The North Carolina Duke rivalry is the best in sports. Tonight's game will be no different than previous years. It is more about the rivalry that skills, talents, or who is the better team. This thing always has more layers than an onion. I can not wait for this one, but I hope the cold meds let me stay awake till the end. I will have to turn the sound down though. I just can only take so much of Screamin' Dickie V. But this is what makes College Hoops so good and so much better than the NBA. There is no telling what might happen tonight especially in that oven posing as an arena called Cameron. So prepare yourself as the guys from Blue Heaven come in to take on the Devils from Floor Slapper U.
I look for Hansbrough to take this one over early and often on the inside. Lawson and the rest will chip in from the outside. I predict a 10 point Carolina Victory, and weaping from Coach K and the Cameron Crazies.
What do you mean I'm biased? It's not like I detest Duke or Coach K or anything. Well, yea, I do actually!
Go Heels!
That's What is rolling around in the DOME for now!
Favre - Is the drama REALLY over?
So, word comes from ESPN that Brett Favre has sent an e-mail to his only friend Ed Werder telling him that he is retiring form the J.E.T.S (jets, jets, jets). I really don't want to go through the normal news blah, blah, blah on this topic. You can read that anywhere (like here - http://tinyurl.com/b4dcln). I would rather dig deeper into the psychological thriller that is the waning years of Mr. Favre's playing career. You will have to excuse me for not taking anything that comes out of Brett's mouth at face value. I will not believe it at all until he doesn't appear on any field in any uniform.
So, according to Mr. Werder, Favre had his agent, Bus Cook, tell the Jets he was retiring. Wow, that is a lot of levels. I hope it isn't like the game we played in High School where you tell the first person something and by the time it gets to the last person it comes entirely different. My guess is that he is still playing games. And, as you read down the article, you will see it clearly. It starts off as if it's a done deal and the man is FINALLY retiring, and then you read this bombshell:
"While Favre did not directly broach the subject of the team simply releasing him so that he might have the option of signing with another team such as the Minnesota Vikings, a source said that Cook informally discussed the option with the Jets. The Jets respectfully declined that option, the source said."
Wow, you are joking right? So, the Jets stuck their neck out, took all the drama, paid him a ton of money, only got a half-hearted effort and 1 measly year, and new he actually asked to be released. What a joke this guy turned out to be on a personal level. I mean the Packers put up with it for several years, so the Jets had a clear buyer beware, but this goes beyond the realm of normal. It was clear at the end of the year that he was done physically and the he had checked out mentally. I was sure this was finally time for a clear cut "I'm done" retirement. But now it appears that this guy is so sure that his life will be over when he leaves the field and is STILL not willing to move on.
So then Favre goes on to spill his guts to his Old friend ED with this comment about playing for the Jets:
"Maybe initially I came back for the wrong reasons,'' Favre says now. "It was like, "OK, they don't want me to play, then I'll play somewhere else and show them I can still play.''
So, basically this is a clear admission that the Packers decision to move on without him hurt his little feelings and he set out to get back at them" If I'm this Packers or their fans, this really burns. We gave this guy every shot for years, and he was the Man. He was unclear about his future way too many times and they moved on, and now he says he partly went to the Jets to prove them wrong. He even said he felt like the Packers were "shipping him off to Siberia". OK now the Jets Owners and fans are ticked.
This guy could have quietly just faded off the scene any time in the last 5 years and left a giant hero. Now he just slammed both teams an both groups of adoring, jersey wearing fans with this junk. Please! What a bad move. I am so ready for this guy to move on and hopefully disappear.
Brett, you were the king of football, and we all loved you dearly. Now you have officially tainted that legacy and solidified your new title of "Drama Queen". ENJOY!
That's what is rolling around in the DOME for now!
So, according to Mr. Werder, Favre had his agent, Bus Cook, tell the Jets he was retiring. Wow, that is a lot of levels. I hope it isn't like the game we played in High School where you tell the first person something and by the time it gets to the last person it comes entirely different. My guess is that he is still playing games. And, as you read down the article, you will see it clearly. It starts off as if it's a done deal and the man is FINALLY retiring, and then you read this bombshell:
"While Favre did not directly broach the subject of the team simply releasing him so that he might have the option of signing with another team such as the Minnesota Vikings, a source said that Cook informally discussed the option with the Jets. The Jets respectfully declined that option, the source said."
Wow, you are joking right? So, the Jets stuck their neck out, took all the drama, paid him a ton of money, only got a half-hearted effort and 1 measly year, and new he actually asked to be released. What a joke this guy turned out to be on a personal level. I mean the Packers put up with it for several years, so the Jets had a clear buyer beware, but this goes beyond the realm of normal. It was clear at the end of the year that he was done physically and the he had checked out mentally. I was sure this was finally time for a clear cut "I'm done" retirement. But now it appears that this guy is so sure that his life will be over when he leaves the field and is STILL not willing to move on.
So then Favre goes on to spill his guts to his Old friend ED with this comment about playing for the Jets:
"Maybe initially I came back for the wrong reasons,'' Favre says now. "It was like, "OK, they don't want me to play, then I'll play somewhere else and show them I can still play.''
So, basically this is a clear admission that the Packers decision to move on without him hurt his little feelings and he set out to get back at them" If I'm this Packers or their fans, this really burns. We gave this guy every shot for years, and he was the Man. He was unclear about his future way too many times and they moved on, and now he says he partly went to the Jets to prove them wrong. He even said he felt like the Packers were "shipping him off to Siberia". OK now the Jets Owners and fans are ticked.
This guy could have quietly just faded off the scene any time in the last 5 years and left a giant hero. Now he just slammed both teams an both groups of adoring, jersey wearing fans with this junk. Please! What a bad move. I am so ready for this guy to move on and hopefully disappear.
Brett, you were the king of football, and we all loved you dearly. Now you have officially tainted that legacy and solidified your new title of "Drama Queen". ENJOY!
That's what is rolling around in the DOME for now!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Another ABomb from ARod, and you are shocked? Really?
It is really hard for me to believe that so many people are shocked at Saturday’s Sports Illustrated proclamation that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003. Really, are you shocked? How can anyone possibly be surprised by this revelation? We knew all along that 104 players tested positive during these “secret” survey tests. It is no surprise to me that ARod is on this list, and I would guess that he is not the only high profile name on it.
Sure, I think ARod (and all the others) did something really wrong, but at this point who cares? This is a period of time in baseball where there are a ton or tainted numbers. Use was rampant in the steroid era. At this point there is no telling who used and who didn’t, so we have to factor that into the stats and assume that inflated numbers in this period were steroid related. Does this hurt some guys that were not users? Sure, but what choice do we have. They have to be suspect in some way based on when they played. But I don’t only blame the players.
So, besides ARod, Clemens, Giambi, Pettit, Bonds, McGwire, and others who is really to blame in all this mess? In my opinion a big part of the blame has to go to Major League Baseball and the Player’s union. They both knew all this was going on all along, and chose to turn away and ignore it. They saw skyrocketing attendance at the parks and on TV and were rolling in unprecedented profits. From the top to the bottom they knew that players were juicing, and yet everyone chose to ignore it. So, go ahead and throw rocks at ARod and the others, but please save a few for MLB and the Union. They are just as guilty or maybe even more.
So please stop acting so surprised, and brace yourself for the barrage of steroid era leaks and surprises. I am quite sure it will not end for quite some time, and this is no where near the biggest surprise. So, you wait for the other shoe to drop and I will move on and enjoy the game and take the stats from that era for what they are, tainted.
That’s what is rolling around in the dome today!
Sure, I think ARod (and all the others) did something really wrong, but at this point who cares? This is a period of time in baseball where there are a ton or tainted numbers. Use was rampant in the steroid era. At this point there is no telling who used and who didn’t, so we have to factor that into the stats and assume that inflated numbers in this period were steroid related. Does this hurt some guys that were not users? Sure, but what choice do we have. They have to be suspect in some way based on when they played. But I don’t only blame the players.
So, besides ARod, Clemens, Giambi, Pettit, Bonds, McGwire, and others who is really to blame in all this mess? In my opinion a big part of the blame has to go to Major League Baseball and the Player’s union. They both knew all this was going on all along, and chose to turn away and ignore it. They saw skyrocketing attendance at the parks and on TV and were rolling in unprecedented profits. From the top to the bottom they knew that players were juicing, and yet everyone chose to ignore it. So, go ahead and throw rocks at ARod and the others, but please save a few for MLB and the Union. They are just as guilty or maybe even more.
So please stop acting so surprised, and brace yourself for the barrage of steroid era leaks and surprises. I am quite sure it will not end for quite some time, and this is no where near the biggest surprise. So, you wait for the other shoe to drop and I will move on and enjoy the game and take the stats from that era for what they are, tainted.
That’s what is rolling around in the dome today!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Back in the Day
I decided to start a new feature on the blog. As often as I can, I plan to try and interview current or former coaches and athletes. I will of course try to ask questions that are slightly different from the run of the mill stuff you hear every day.
I thought it was only fitting to start with one of my favorite Liberty Flames basketball players back in the day. I was in school, and went to pretty much every game in the old Multi-Purpose Building (now the Schilling Center). There was a scrappy guard named Tim Scarborough that was always entertaining. Tim laced up the sneakers for LU from 1986 through 1990.
My plan was to give you a bunch of facts and stats on Tim before the interview portion, but Tim's answers were much more entertaining.
Knucklehead: So, I have to start with the first question every LU athlete gets asked at one time or another. Why LU?
Tim Scarborough: Well I wanted to play at a Christian School since I had been in a Christian education environment since 3rd grade. I also wanted to play division 1 and stay close to Philly so Liberty made the most since. Since they were moving to the division 1 level I figured I would get my chance. I wasn’t heavily recruited but I also had an opportunity to walk on at Michigan State. I think I made the right choice walking on at Liberty. I received a full ride after just 1 semester.
KH: What do you see as your greatest asset as a player?
TS: I was a very good stand still shooter actually. That is what caught coach Meyer’s eye in practice. I actually shot 44% from 3 my Junior year but I didn’t take enough to be ranked in the record books.
KH: What about your favorite moment in an LU Uniform?
TS: Well there is this dunk I did on ESPN that is now on YouTube that I haven’t stopped talking about since I did it all those years ago lol (http://tinyurl.com/b6s5c6), but my most memorable moment is my sophomore year when I really started getting significant playing time and I got a skip pass from a teammate and I shot a 3 that was all net. It sounds like a little thing but as soon as I shot it I could feel our crowd swelling with excitement and when it went in, wow what a rush!
KH: Name 1 thing playing college basketball did to impact you the most as a person.
TS: Gave me bad knees lol. No seriously I would say it made me understand what it is to really compete. It also taught me teamwork and it gave me confidence to do many other things in life because I was told coming out of HS that I wasn’t a division 1 player but I did it and that has always made me pursue things even when people think I can’t do it.
KH: What current LU player reminds you most of Tim Scarborough as a player?
TS: Actually James Spencer #4. He is a good person 1st of all but he is a guy that is good enough to play but for whatever reason didn’t have a lot of opportunities to play college ball. He is a walk-on like me and as a sophomore is getting more and more minutes each game and makes the most of them. He actually did my signature move the other night too. It was kind of eery because I don’t think he ever saw me play other than the dunk on youtube. Did I tell you about that? LOL.
KH: What was it like as a player in the Shilling center getting pelted with Toilet paper after the first basket of each game?
TS: Those were the days man. That was also a tradition at the old Palestra in Philly during the “Big 5” college basketball days with St Joes, Villanova, Temple, Penn and LaSalle. So when I came to Liberty and they did it, it made me feel right at home. I was sad when the NCAA banned that celebration during my sophomore year.
KH: Which is more enjoyable to you: Playing College Hoops or Being a College Hoops Color Commentator?
TS: Being a commentator. Although almost every night for the past year or so I seem to dream that I am playing basketball in some sort of setting that I have been in before like HS or college or sometimes I am a pro. It is kind of weird because when I am awake I really don’t miss playing anymore. Being on TV and calling college games is the most fun thing I have ever done and I hope that comes across to the audience when I am doing the games.
KH: I know you go around the country watching a ton of College Hoops. What arena is your favorite to watch a game in?
TS: I went to see former Liberty Head coach Jeff Meyer when he was on staff at Indiana and I can honestly say the atmosphere in Assembly Hall was incredible. That building is so much nicer in person than on TV. Plus former Liberty player Eric Gordon SR had his son Eric JR on the team and of course he was an All-American and a 1st round NBA draft pick. What a night though.
KH: Who is the best College Basketball player you have ever seen that never became a household name?
TS: My former teammate Bailey Alston. He was unstoppable. He averaged 25 ppg for his career and scored over 2000 points in just 3 seasons at Liberty. He and I had similar skills though. I was a better perimeter shooter and ball handler but boy he could get to the hoop on anyone.
KH: What is your favorite attribute of the current LU Flames Men's Basketball team?
TS: Their poise. With 7 freshmen they seem to never panic and are in every game. They give themselves a chance to win almost every game.
KH: Give me a quick preview of your next LU Men's Game?
TS: Winthrop is the defending big south champion but they are not your father’s Winthrop Eagles. Liberty dropped a close one down in Rock Hill back on Jan 3 which was actually their 1st division 1 win of the season. Liberty had their chances down the stretch too. I think the Flames will bounce back in this one and win going away.
Thanks Tim for the fun interview. Now I'm all jazzed up for that game with Winthrop this Saturday in the Vines.
(Buy the way: Scarborough amassed 616 points and 194 assists in just 87 games as a Flame.)
That's what is rolling around in the dome for now.
I thought it was only fitting to start with one of my favorite Liberty Flames basketball players back in the day. I was in school, and went to pretty much every game in the old Multi-Purpose Building (now the Schilling Center). There was a scrappy guard named Tim Scarborough that was always entertaining. Tim laced up the sneakers for LU from 1986 through 1990.
My plan was to give you a bunch of facts and stats on Tim before the interview portion, but Tim's answers were much more entertaining.
Knucklehead: So, I have to start with the first question every LU athlete gets asked at one time or another. Why LU?
Tim Scarborough: Well I wanted to play at a Christian School since I had been in a Christian education environment since 3rd grade. I also wanted to play division 1 and stay close to Philly so Liberty made the most since. Since they were moving to the division 1 level I figured I would get my chance. I wasn’t heavily recruited but I also had an opportunity to walk on at Michigan State. I think I made the right choice walking on at Liberty. I received a full ride after just 1 semester.
KH: What do you see as your greatest asset as a player?
TS: I was a very good stand still shooter actually. That is what caught coach Meyer’s eye in practice. I actually shot 44% from 3 my Junior year but I didn’t take enough to be ranked in the record books.
KH: What about your favorite moment in an LU Uniform?
TS: Well there is this dunk I did on ESPN that is now on YouTube that I haven’t stopped talking about since I did it all those years ago lol (http://tinyurl.com/b6s5c6), but my most memorable moment is my sophomore year when I really started getting significant playing time and I got a skip pass from a teammate and I shot a 3 that was all net. It sounds like a little thing but as soon as I shot it I could feel our crowd swelling with excitement and when it went in, wow what a rush!
KH: Name 1 thing playing college basketball did to impact you the most as a person.
TS: Gave me bad knees lol. No seriously I would say it made me understand what it is to really compete. It also taught me teamwork and it gave me confidence to do many other things in life because I was told coming out of HS that I wasn’t a division 1 player but I did it and that has always made me pursue things even when people think I can’t do it.
KH: What current LU player reminds you most of Tim Scarborough as a player?
TS: Actually James Spencer #4. He is a good person 1st of all but he is a guy that is good enough to play but for whatever reason didn’t have a lot of opportunities to play college ball. He is a walk-on like me and as a sophomore is getting more and more minutes each game and makes the most of them. He actually did my signature move the other night too. It was kind of eery because I don’t think he ever saw me play other than the dunk on youtube. Did I tell you about that? LOL.
KH: What was it like as a player in the Shilling center getting pelted with Toilet paper after the first basket of each game?
TS: Those were the days man. That was also a tradition at the old Palestra in Philly during the “Big 5” college basketball days with St Joes, Villanova, Temple, Penn and LaSalle. So when I came to Liberty and they did it, it made me feel right at home. I was sad when the NCAA banned that celebration during my sophomore year.
KH: Which is more enjoyable to you: Playing College Hoops or Being a College Hoops Color Commentator?
TS: Being a commentator. Although almost every night for the past year or so I seem to dream that I am playing basketball in some sort of setting that I have been in before like HS or college or sometimes I am a pro. It is kind of weird because when I am awake I really don’t miss playing anymore. Being on TV and calling college games is the most fun thing I have ever done and I hope that comes across to the audience when I am doing the games.
KH: I know you go around the country watching a ton of College Hoops. What arena is your favorite to watch a game in?
TS: I went to see former Liberty Head coach Jeff Meyer when he was on staff at Indiana and I can honestly say the atmosphere in Assembly Hall was incredible. That building is so much nicer in person than on TV. Plus former Liberty player Eric Gordon SR had his son Eric JR on the team and of course he was an All-American and a 1st round NBA draft pick. What a night though.
KH: Who is the best College Basketball player you have ever seen that never became a household name?
TS: My former teammate Bailey Alston. He was unstoppable. He averaged 25 ppg for his career and scored over 2000 points in just 3 seasons at Liberty. He and I had similar skills though. I was a better perimeter shooter and ball handler but boy he could get to the hoop on anyone.
KH: What is your favorite attribute of the current LU Flames Men's Basketball team?
TS: Their poise. With 7 freshmen they seem to never panic and are in every game. They give themselves a chance to win almost every game.
KH: Give me a quick preview of your next LU Men's Game?
TS: Winthrop is the defending big south champion but they are not your father’s Winthrop Eagles. Liberty dropped a close one down in Rock Hill back on Jan 3 which was actually their 1st division 1 win of the season. Liberty had their chances down the stretch too. I think the Flames will bounce back in this one and win going away.
Thanks Tim for the fun interview. Now I'm all jazzed up for that game with Winthrop this Saturday in the Vines.
(Buy the way: Scarborough amassed 616 points and 194 assists in just 87 games as a Flame.)
That's what is rolling around in the dome for now.
I was wr….wr….wrong
I was partly right you know. Arizona did move the ball at will, Warner had a huge game, and Pittsburgh’s running game was stifled. I just didn’t see Arizona committing (or being called for) several million penalties or that huge swing at the end of the first half with the Harrison interception and touchdown run. Arizona’s offense is so much fun to watch. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best receivers in the game. He is just behind Andre Johnson for the best in my opinion. In the end it was, of all things, Pittsburgh’s offense that made the difference. Ben was huge at the end and so was Holmes. I also think Arizona made a huge mistake changing their defensive strategy in that last drive. They had played hard nosed blitzing D the whole game only to go into a soft prevent D at the end. That decision allowed Pittsburgh to simply dance down the field and that was all she wrote.
I have heard so many people calling this “one of the best Super Bowl’s ever”. Please! This was an average overall game at best. It was certainly one of the better fourth quarters ever, but not even better than last year’s Giant’s triumph against Brady and the Pats. There were more penalties and video reviews than there was excitement.
I would like to applaud the NFL for choosing General Petraeus to do the coin toss. He is a great man and an outstanding American and deserves that kind of recognition.
So as much as it pains me to say, Congrats Steeler fans, I was wrong!
That’s what is rolling around in the DOME for now!
I have heard so many people calling this “one of the best Super Bowl’s ever”. Please! This was an average overall game at best. It was certainly one of the better fourth quarters ever, but not even better than last year’s Giant’s triumph against Brady and the Pats. There were more penalties and video reviews than there was excitement.
I would like to applaud the NFL for choosing General Petraeus to do the coin toss. He is a great man and an outstanding American and deserves that kind of recognition.
So as much as it pains me to say, Congrats Steeler fans, I was wrong!
That’s what is rolling around in the DOME for now!
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