what ifs for UMass hoops have to note that the 2 players most of us would call UMass's greatest both left before hoped-for (but not expected) senior seasons. Would a UMass team led by senior Julius Erving and featuring Al Skinner, coached by Jack Leaman, be the greatest UMass team of all time? Would it have been eclipsed by a team led by senior Marcus Camby with Coach Calipari?tom mclaughlin wrote: ↑Fri May 31, 2019 7:53 pm Always wondered what would have happened if Julius stayed for his Senior year. He would have been unstoppable and taken UMass to a top ranking and put UMass on the national stage. He would have done for UMass what Larry Bird did for Indiana State.
He probably would have ended up as a Boston Celtic. I knew Red Auerbach wanted him because he told Bob Woolf that the Celtics wanted Julius and couldn’t take him if he left early. Too bad would have been fun.
The "Oh, What If" team
Re: The "Oh, What If" team
Re: The "Oh, What If" team
Julius and Al would have been your teammates. The 70-71 freshman team was undefeated so Rick Pitino and Peter Trow would’ve been on the varsity too. Methinks UMass would have been to the Dance.tom mclaughlin wrote: ↑Fri May 31, 2019 7:53 pm Always wondered what would have happened if Julius stayed for his Senior year. He would have been unstoppable and taken UMass to a top ranking and put UMass on the national stage. He would have done for UMass what Larry Bird did for Indiana State.
He probably would have ended up as a Boston Celtic. I knew Red Auerbach wanted him because he told Bob Woolf that the Celtics wanted Julius and couldn’t take him if he left early. Too bad would have been fun.
"Win without boasting, lose without crying." -- Julius Erving
Re: The "Oh, What If" team
Jimmer Fredette, who SLAM magazine called one of the best college basketball players of all time, had UMass down to his final two choices if I remember correctly.
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Re: The "Oh, What If" team
Assuming a similar scenario (final four and/or championship game appearance), the Calipari team probably would have been considered better mainly because of the increased tv coverage, higher profile media scrutiny, and likely a tougher schedule. But wow, a game between the two teams would have been amazing to see.bobolink wrote: ↑Fri May 31, 2019 9:04 pm .....what ifs for UMass hoops have to note that the 2 players most of us would call UMass's greatest both left before hoped-for (but not expected) senior seasons. Would a UMass team led by senior Julius Erving and featuring Al Skinner, coached by Jack Leaman, be the greatest UMass team of all time? Would it have been eclipsed by a team led by senior Marcus Camby with Coach Calipari?
Re: The "Oh, What If" team
I am watching the 95 elite 8 game. I forgot how banged up we were.
Marcus, DK and Lou were playing hurt. Padillia was out, Travieso started. Williams off the team, if I remember correctly.
That was my favorite team. Oh, if only...
Marcus, DK and Lou were playing hurt. Padillia was out, Travieso started. Williams off the team, if I remember correctly.
That was my favorite team. Oh, if only...
Refuse To Lose!!!
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Re: The "Oh, What If" team
Two words from 1995: Big Country.
Re: The "Oh, What If" team
Yeah dude, seriouly. He was the man. I get it. But we could have won that game in November. Depth.........
We need more UTube videos of UMass.
Refuse To Lose!!!
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Re: The "Oh, What If" team
J- I agree the 95 team was fun to watch and tuned in. The uniforms grew on me too.