Good article, reminded of a few things. First, he would come on court after games and do an interview from there for the fans to stay and hear. It got piped onto the speaker system. Which was a great way to get people more engaged. One time, when we stayed for one of those, I think our group was among the only ones that stayed so he talked to us a bit afterwards. He mentioned he was going to a specific restaurant and he hoped to see us there. So we went and when he saw us there he picked up our tab. He really did do the grass roots stuff with fans, and as I said in the other thread it was genuine. I had a number of other interactions with him in various contexts, always the same guy.
I was at UF in 94 (89 to 97) and remember watching the Elite Eight at the Gainesville Alehouse. My most vivid memory is of Donyell Marshall gagging at the free throw line. Good times! Dan Cross was my favorite player on the team, with DeClerq a close second. But who could forget the Thin Finn, Marti Kuisma. Marty Kuisma, Marty Kuisma, Marty Kuisma, he's tall, he's thin, he's Marti Kuisma! Kruger put together a fun team to cheer for.
thank you! it was fun to write . . . as talking with Lon brought back a ton of memories. We spoke for at least 45 minutes, and he couldn't be more genuine.
@akaGatorhoops, having Bill Koss chiming in was brilliant. He is the glue that keeps the really old stuff (Neal Walk era) to today for most Florida basketball junkies. I have not seen at games lately. I would like to know when he might be at one to try and get an autograph in his book Pond Birds.
I just spoke with him . . . next time I will remember to ask. He is at the game tonite. I know he and Mary have season tickets. I'm sure he would be flattered to autograph.
How can you leave out "Da Meat Hook"? Loved that guy. Good read. Took me back to when Gator hoops truly turned a corner. thanks.
Liked the interview with Dan Cross after the UConn game. During the interview with Craig Brown he was shouting, "Shoot, baby, shoot". Three 3s closed the gap late.
