(12-11-2012 05:00 PM)Caltex2 Wrote:  

(12-11-2012 04:19 PM)KnightLight Wrote:  One of the most famous basketball games ever played...let alone how "ground-breaking it was"....as it brought College Basketball up to the big time.

I wouldn't say it's famous at all because it's legacy (as well as Guy Lewis and UH's) it being quickly forgotten.

That's your opinion....but that event help transform the game...as most college games back in the 1960's were played in many tiny gyms/arenas...as no one in the world at the time ever thought that 50,000 fans would ever show up for a college basketball game.



Not many games are ever coined "Game of the Century" like this one was...as it was #1 vs #2....both undefeated.

Here's just one of many reports/videos, etc....on why this game was titled correctly "Game of the Century"

(12-11-2012 08:04 PM)TigerFan444 Wrote:  

(12-11-2012 11:38 AM)KnightLight Wrote:  That actually happened on Saturday...

So ... what's the point of sharing this on the Big East general conference talk board?

Thats why it was titled "OT", as in OFF TOPIC....and since it was a COLLEGE BASKETBALL story...I thought it would be interesting to a few on this site, something we as members have done for YEARS.

Here's a feature article from the LA Times about that game...and the HUGE importance of it. (Good read, especially those that weren't even alive back in 1968....and/or had no clue that college basketball wasn't even a "national" sport at the time).

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 1968: UCLA vs. HOUSTON : The Game That Started It All : Until These Giants Met, TV and Its Advertisers Weren't Interested

CHICAGO — Once the game got underway, Eddie (Einhorn) was taking phone calls and literally writing out 30-second spots from advertisers who called us at courtside to take an ad for the second half. --Dick Enberg On the night of January 20, 1968, one single game launched a major television star and a major television sport.

See link for complete article.

http://articles.latimes.com/1986-03-30/s...popularity

(12-12-2012 08:46 AM)KnightLight Wrote:  That's your opinion....but that event help transform the game...as most college games back in the 1960's were played in many tiny gyms/arenas...as no one in the world at the time ever thought that 50,000 fans would ever show up for a college basketball game.



Not many games are ever coined "Game of the Century" like this one was...as it was #1 vs #2....both undefeated.

Here's just one of many reports/videos, etc....on why this game was titled correctly "Game of the Century"

As a UH fan I'm well aware of the impact of that game. But increasingly now days, fewer people are aware of it and it's impact, let alone anything having to do with UH athletics. Some don't even that Houston used to be in a major conference and played against Texas, Arkansas and A&M less than 20 years ago. This based on my years and conversations on message boards.

The only thing some know is about one team that had two Hall-of-Famers on it that choked to N.C. State and even that's only known because it's shoved down our that every V Week and March.

(12-12-2012 10:12 AM)Caltex2 Wrote:  

(12-12-2012 08:46 AM)KnightLight Wrote:  That's your opinion....but that event help transform the game...as most college games back in the 1960's were played in many tiny gyms/arenas...as no one in the world at the time ever thought that 50,000 fans would ever show up for a college basketball game.



Not many games are ever coined "Game of the Century" like this one was...as it was #1 vs #2....both undefeated.

Here's just one of many reports/videos, etc....on why this game was titled correctly "Game of the Century"

As a UH fan I'm well aware of the impact of that game. But increasingly now days, fewer people are aware of it and it's impact, let alone anything having to do with UH athletics. Some don't even that Houston used to be in a major conference and played against Texas, Arkansas and A&M less than 20 years ago. This based on my years and conversations on message boards.

The only thing some know is about one team that had two Hall-of-Famers on it that choked to N.C. State and even that's only known because it's shoved down our that every V Week and March.

That's just because the number of people that actually witnessed that game on TV or in person decreases each day and the true impact of that game gets lost in all of today's hype for big $. The same point could be made for Red Grange's impact on the acceptance of pro football as a legitimate sport. He truly made the NFL an accepted legitimate league the day he signed, but that all gets lost because no one is here to personally tell the story and the $ involved are peanuts compared to today's numbers.

Those that witnessed the Lew/Elvin game couldn't minimize its impact on the college game. Their game in the NCAA finals was almost an afterthought compared to the Astrodome game.

(12-11-2012 04:19 PM)KnightLight Wrote:  

I am so glad that since this happens regularly now, people now know how to situate basketball in a dome.

(12-11-2012 04:23 PM)NBPirate Wrote:  how in the hell did people see the game?

While th elower seats are obviously much better, the upper deck seats are really no different than the upper deck seats at the Final Four. Actually they are probably closer.

Now there is no jumbotron to help for sure, but the regalar view is no different then than it is now.

(12-12-2012 11:13 AM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(12-11-2012 04:19 PM)KnightLight Wrote:  

I am so glad that since this happens regularly now, people now know how to situate basketball in a dome.

(12-11-2012 04:23 PM)NBPirate Wrote:  how in the hell did people see the game?

While th elower seats are obviously much better, the upper deck seats are really no different than the upper deck seats at the Final Four. Actually they are probably closer.

Now there is no jumbotron to help for sure, but the regalar view is no different then than it is now.

Also, the Superdome (many Final Fours) is much larger than the Astrodome....as the Astrodome could fit easily inside the Superdome.

The upper level terrace seats of the Superdome are sooo high and far from the hoop court...even though in the original Final Fours at the Superdome, the court was moved closer to one sideline (portable small bleachers will placed on the other...but if you had loge or Terrace level seats on the "other" side....your seat seemed to be a MILE away from the court.

The Final Four (1993) with UNC, UK, Michigan and Kansas that I went to, the booklet that I scalped was for a seat in the Kansas upper terrace section "away" from the court...but I ended up in unsold obstructed view section seats in the lower level where I could still see the entire court.

The new Final four seating for all Domes, including the Superdome, now moves the court toward the middle of the dome floor.

Here's the CBS broadcast of that Final Four Championship Game:

(12-12-2012 11:41 AM)KnightLight Wrote:  

(12-12-2012 11:13 AM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(12-11-2012 04:19 PM)KnightLight Wrote:  

I am so glad that since this happens regularly now, people now know how to situate basketball in a dome.

(12-11-2012 04:23 PM)NBPirate Wrote:  how in the hell did people see the game?

While th elower seats are obviously much better, the upper deck seats are really no different than the upper deck seats at the Final Four. Actually they are probably closer.

Now there is no jumbotron to help for sure, but the regalar view is no different then than it is now.

Also, the Superdome (many Final Fours) is much larger than the Astrodome....as the Astrodome could fit easily inside the Superdome.

The upper level terrace seats of the Superdome are sooo high and far from the hoop court...even though in the original Final Fours at the Superdome, the court was moved closer to one sideline (portable small bleachers will placed on the other...but if you had loge or Terrace level seats on the "other" side....your seat seemed to be a MILE away from the court.

The Final Four (1993) with UNC, UK, Michigan and Kansas that I went to, the booklet that I scalped was for a seat in the Kansas upper terrace section "away" from the court...but I ended up in unsold obstructed view section seats in the lower level where I could still see the entire court.

The new Final four seating for all Domes, including the Superdome, now moves the court toward the middle of the dome floor.

Here's the CBS broadcast of that Final Four Championship Game:

My dad took me to the 82 final four in New Orleans. The whole way to NOLA my dad wouldn't stop talking about the "Game of the Century" being a proud alum that he was, and still is, and being able to attend that game.

My dad and I had know idea about the 82 Final four until many years later. We witnessed UofH palying North Carolina, with James Worthy, Michael Jordan, and Sam Perkins. Matched up against Hakeem, and Drexler. The other match-up was Ewing, against Dominique Wilkens. Obviosly Houston came up short that day against the Tarheels falling behind early. NC went on to beat GT.

Years later my dad and I watched realized we watched 7 of the top 50 all-time greats, play in a final four. I might not ever top that experience again. Wonderful memories and my dad was blessed to see two Monster Basketball events in his life.

(12-12-2012 12:18 PM)billetingman1 Wrote:  We witnessed UofH palying North Carolina, with James Worthy, Michael Jordan, and Sam Perkins. Matched up against Hakeem, and Drexler. The other match-up was Ewing, against Dominique Wilkens.

? Did I miss Dominuque Wilkins playing for Lousiville? The other matchup was Georgetown, featuring Patrick Ewing and Sleepy Floyd vs. Louisville featuring Derek Smith, Gordon Landcaster, Milt Wagner, and Rodney and Scooter McCray. It was an ugly game.

(12-12-2012 04:09 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(12-12-2012 12:18 PM)billetingman1 Wrote:  We witnessed UofH palying North Carolina, with James Worthy, Michael Jordan, and Sam Perkins. Matched up against Hakeem, and Drexler. The other match-up was Ewing, against Dominique Wilkens.

? Did I miss Dominuque Wilkins playing for Lousiville? The other matchup was Georgetown, featuring Patrick Ewing and Sleepy Floyd vs. Louisville featuring Derek Smith, Gordon Landcaster, Milt Wagner, and Rodney and Scooter McCray. It was an ugly game.

My bad it was Louisville, don't know why it was in head that it was Georgia...I was only 13 at the time! It was my favorite final 4 out of the 3 we played in from 82-84....However my favorite game was the Dunk a thon we put on Louisville in the Pit in 83, in the semi final game. Our 84 final in Seattle against Georgetown not so much fun! I won't even talk about our finals loss against NCST in 83..Cried myself to sleep that night...

(12-12-2012 12:18 PM)billetingman1 Wrote:  My dad took me to the 82 final four in New Orleans. The whole way to NOLA my dad wouldn't stop talking about the "Game of the Century" being a proud alum that he was, and still is, and being able to attend that game.

My dad and I had know idea about the 82 Final four until many years later. We witnessed UofH palying North Carolina, with James Worthy, Michael Jordan, and Sam Perkins. Matched up against Hakeem, and Drexler.

Here's some highlights from Houston vs UNC 1982 Final Four Game...





While most people know of Jordan's jumper vs Georgetown...I remember the pass from Brown to Worthy even more clearly, as that was a total shock.

(12-12-2012 04:18 PM)billetingman1 Wrote:  However my favorite game was the Dunk a thon we put on Louisville in the Pit in 83, in the semi final game.

You know to this day, that game is still the highest rated (viewership) non-Final in NCAA history, and second most watched game overall in total viewership to the Magic Larry game.

(12-12-2012 06:10 PM)adcorbett Wrote:  

(12-12-2012 04:18 PM)billetingman1 Wrote:  However my favorite game was the Dunk a thon we put on Louisville in the Pit in 83, in the semi final game.

You know to this day, that game is still the highest rated (viewership) non-Final in NCAA history, and second most watched game overall in total viewership to the Magic Larry game.

Did not know that! I will say this, that game was real close and after all those dunks I was in amazement! We had season tickets and we never rolled of that many dunks in a row. I liked Rodney M a lot as a player, saw him play a lot as a Rocket. Still couldn't believe the Rockets took Rodney over Clyde in the Draft! Worst decision ever.

Maybe the real lesson is that the NCAA regular season is so devalued that no one has any reason to really care about the regular season except for some mid-majors trying to play their way toward an at-large berth.

(12-13-2012 04:42 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  Maybe the real lesson is that the NCAA regular season is so devalued that no one has any reason to really care about the regular season except for some mid-majors trying to play their way toward an at-large berth.

Well, TV contracts would agree....as 95% plus of all college basketball TV $$$ are wrapped up in the NCAA's own 3 week contract for March Madness.

While teams have diehard fans...there isn't much national draw or worth till March Madness starts.

Meanwhile, there is HUGE interest in the regular season for college football...and while a playoff will help with post-season numbers, regular season play still MATTERS (hence the Billion $$$ regular season football deals)...even if Top 4 are the playoffs of the future.

(12-13-2012 04:42 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  Maybe the real lesson is that the NCAA regular season is so devalued that no one has any reason to really care about the regular season except for some mid-majors trying to play their way toward an at-large berth.

Autobids should go to regular season champs. Value is hereby restored.

Some would say that the Conference tourneys are too much of a moneymaker. How so? For the SBC? Moneymaker?

If it is, how much money is lost in ticket sales due to the devalued regular season?

(12-11-2012 11:44 AM)monty Wrote:  UCLA barely brought 3k 40 miles from their campus when we played them in their Wooden Classic. How Texas can't get anyone to show up is crazy. Who the hell decided this would be a good idea?

Don't worry, Longhornfan really doesn't care about bouncyball, either. Even less so when there is a loss to Chaminade to digest...

I really LOL'd at this one when it wasn't UCLA and Houston. Serious.

(12-13-2012 11:19 PM)AllPtsBulletin Wrote:  

(12-11-2012 11:44 AM)monty Wrote:  UCLA barely brought 3k 40 miles from their campus when we played them in their Wooden Classic. How Texas can't get anyone to show up is crazy. Who the hell decided this would be a good idea?

Don't worry, Longhornfan really doesn't care about bouncyball, either. Even less so when there is a loss to Chaminade to digest...

I really LOL'd at this one when it wasn't UCLA and Houston. Serious.

since ut has over 200,000 alums, they have fans everywhere in the state, but I think houston is more of an a-m town than a ut one..

(12-12-2012 04:18 PM)billetingman1 Wrote:  My bad it was Louisville, don't know why it was in head that it was Georgia...I was only 13 at the time! It was my favorite final 4 out of the 3 we played in from 82-84....However my favorite game was the Dunk a thon we put on Louisville in the Pit in 83, in the semi final game. Our 84 final in Seattle against Georgetown not so much fun! I won't even talk about our finals loss against NCST in 83..Cried myself to sleep that night...

It was '83 in Albuquerque when Georgia reached the F4 in its first-ever NCAA tournament. Dominique Wilkens had gone pro after his junior season ('82) so the Dawgs were without his amazing talent when they played in The Pit. Georgia was the 4-seed in the East and beat higher-seeded St. John's and UNC, but then bumped into Valvano's team of destiny in the semifinal game (a 4-seed vs a 6-seed).

(03-22-2013 07:31 AM)runamuck Wrote:  

(12-13-2012 11:19 PM)AllPtsBulletin Wrote:  

(12-11-2012 11:44 AM)monty Wrote:  UCLA barely brought 3k 40 miles from their campus when we played them in their Wooden Classic. How Texas can't get anyone to show up is crazy. Who the hell decided this would be a good idea?

Don't worry, Longhornfan really doesn't care about bouncyball, either. Even less so when there is a loss to Chaminade to digest...

I really LOL'd at this one when it wasn't UCLA and Houston. Serious.

since ut has over 200,000 alums, they have fans everywhere in the state, but I think houston is more of an a-m town than a ut one..

Pretty sure this thread didn't need a necrobump...