When College Hoops Ruled NYC

http://nypost.com/2017/03/04/when-college-hoops-ruled-nyc-in-a-different-forgotten-msg/
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Wow, even back in 1934 we blow a game to Westminster. Heard their leading scorer was a poodle.
 
The last college doubleheader every other year was Manhattan vs. Fordham and NYU vs. St. John's with the respective student bodies marching in to the Garden en masse.
 
The last college doubleheader every other year was Manhattan vs. Fordham and NYU vs. St. John's with the respective student bodies marching in to the Garden en masse.
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Yes, it is a Cliche but, back in those Days, this Local Doubleheader was a Big Deal and the place was packed. Pity that NYU dropped Div 1 BB way back and Fordham hasn't really tried to build a competitive Program in a long time plus, they have wandered all over several Conferences trying to find a Competitive spot. They haven't yet!

Manhattan has had some good years , some not so good. Some good Coaches, some not so good..

After 15 years of pretty much lousy BB, and now, 5 Coaches, we are still trying to regain a semblance of respect in College BB Circles. The Jury is still out but, I am optimistic Mullin will do it in time.

As many have stated, we are still recruiting for a Roster of Players that have BE Skills at all positions. We are not there yet.

I hope many of the current fans will see the Day that St John's becomes relevant again in the BE and the Garden is filled, nearly every time we play there. Us older Alums have seen the Glory Days where 20 Wins Seasons were expected and delivered .

And, we all want to see those Days again..
 
My Dad toke me to many of the doubleheaders the others I would catch on the radio. Who can tell me the broadcaster famous for the line ': Good like Nedicks. "
 
The NYU-SJU last regular season game of the 58-59' season was an exciting game played. before a loud big crowd decided by a tie breaking 30 ft Tony Jackson jump shot at the buzzer.
A columnist wrote the next day that this game broke the terrible feeling that prevailed in NYC college basketball as a result of the 51 dumping scandal.
SJU went on to win the NIT that next couple of weeks and NYU lost in the semis.
 
Another good piece about College BB and NYC:

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The NYU-SJU last regular season game of the 58-59' season was an exciting game played. before a loud big crowd decided by a tie breaking 30 ft Tony Jackson jump shot at the buzzer.
A columnist wrote the next day that this game broke the terrible feeling that prevailed in NYC college basketball as a result of the 51 dumping scandal.
SJU went on to win the NIT that next couple of weeks and NYU lost in the semis.
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And then within two years Jack Molinas reappeared and the game was again tainted with the most unfair consequences for Connie Hawkins, Roger Brown, and Tony Jackson.
 
There is a really good 30 for 30 about the Knicks teams from the late 60s through early 70s.

In it they describe that before the Knick success in that era the NBA drew almost no fan interest, and that in NYC college basketball far outdrew the Knicks. NBA teams averaged about 6,000 in attendance, and the NBA finals was often put on TV on tape delay at 1130 pm. College doubleheaders at MSG often sold out in that era.

NBA scouting was virtually non existent, and often teams drafted guys who they saw play once or twice in the NIT or holiday festival. It is how the Knicks drafted Bill Bradley, Cazzie Russell, and Walt Frazier.
 
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