John Havelicek, R.I.P. 79 yrs

Very sad hearing about yet another icon from my younger days leave us. Hated the Celts, too, but always loved watching him play. Special, special player.
 
Last edited:
Made me think of the 1960 holiday festival game between SJU and Ohio St. Probably the most talent on the floor for any SJU game.
Ohio St, Lucas Havilchek Nowell Sigfried
SJU. Jackson. Ellis Loughery
With Bobby Knight in reserve for Ohio St
 
Hated the Celtics but always respected Havlicek
One of the most clutch players I ever saw
He could do it all - score, defend, rebound, etc.
RIP Hondo - one of the all time greats
 
One the things I remember about Hodo was that he was billed as "The Sixth Man." He played more minutes as 6th then the so-called starters. R.I.P.
 
[quote="Jeff Smith" post=346459]When he retired, the NBA gave him a lifetime pass to any NBA game.[/quote]


Cruel and unusual punishment.
 
Celtics fan since 57. Lived in Boston for Hondo's 2 post Russell championships. Probably a lot of tears in the beer today.
 
[quote="Knight" post=346457]One the things I remember about Hodo was that he was billed as "The Sixth Man." He played more minutes as 6th then the so-called starters. R.I.P.[/quote]

Hondo.

When I coached I liked to use the Celtic model of having a dynamic scorer coming off the bench who could upset the rhythm of a game by providing instant offense. The Celts did that at points with Havlicek. The Knicks did the same with Cazzie Russell as the 6th man instead of Bill Bradley.

The famous Celtic weave often ended with Havlicek shooting from the top of the key.

The connection to St. John's is that Chris Mullin chose #17 as a pro because Havlicek was his favorite player that he modeled himself after.

Great great player, and as an enemy was very difficult not to respect and like.
 
[quote="Enright" post=346446]Made me think of the 1960 holiday festival game between SJU and Ohio St. Probably the most talent on the floor for any SJU game.
Ohio St, Lucas Havilchek Nowell Sigfried
SJU. Jackson. Ellis Loughery
With Bobby Knight in reserve for Ohio St[/quote]

Those old Holiday Festivals were special. This one was before my time. Wonder if it has ever been shown as a college classic.
 
Bobby Knight was definitely on that team and I believe Joe Roberts was also. I think he was the fifth starter with the four future pros.
 
[quote="MarkRedman" post=346534]It was suggested on Around the Horn today that the 6th Man Award be named after Havlicek[/quote]
Surprised it hasn't been already. Also loved Doctor J in his years with the Nets but while everyone seemed to be fawning over his spectacular dunks (and who didn't love them) I used to say that Johnny Havlicek's pull up 15-18 foot bank shots were worth the same 2 points.
 
Mods please correct spelling of last name.

What I love about this thread is that Havlicek was the best player on the post Russell hated Celtic teams that warred against very good Knick teams and there is nothing but respect here. To me that's what sports are all about.

Way too young to go.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top