"Big Game James" Worthy

Archive 75: James Worthy

James Worthy was an incredible addition to the Lakers in the 1980s.  He was huge part of Showtime and was unbelievable on the fast break.  But he had a really amazing all-around game.  I recall one time as a kid dropping by the bank to see my dad.  My uncle, who was working there, came out of his office and said, "James Worthy might be the best one-on-one player in the game."  It was likely summertime and the NBA playoffs were in full swing.  He knew I was a big Lakers fan!

These days, I enjoy hearing Worthy sharing old stories.  Besides having a great voice, he is quite funny! 

Wilde

The Life of Oscar Wilde

Puritanism is the deep, annoying fear that somebody somewhere is enjoying themselves.  - Oscar Wilde

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Paris, France

Clear Skies

Towards the very end of my walk, I had a very nice chat with a lady named Susan. She mentioned this flyer. We also talked about the gorgeous weather we've been having.

6.03 miles

895 ft. elevation gain

well-deserved breakfast

Green Sage Cafe Merrimon

Uh-Oh

Samford Basketball Camp

 The basketball camp was held in the summer of 1987.  My dad signed me up.  Samford had just hired Ed McClean as head basketball coach.  I didn't know it at the time, but McLean was one of Jimmy Valvano's assistants on the 1983 NC State national championship team.

McLean, second from right - source

Announcement of his hiring at Samford

Samford University - source

One of the Wolfpack players from that championship team was Terry Gannon.  Coach McLean asked Gannon to assist him at the 1987 Samford Basketball Camp.

My brother was a student at Samford in 1987, and that summer he lived in the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house.  I actually stayed there with him while I was at the camp - about a week.

Coach McLean died in 2011.  What's interesting is that he was born in Asheville, and is buried Asheville.  This is also something I just learned!  Click here for his headstone.  And click here for his obituary.