That enthusiastic gators’ ballboy is now 10-0 at UNLV, and ESPN Coach of Week. And has there ever been a stronger father/son resemblance?! ESPN names UNLV's Kevin Kruger as coach of the week
Holy cow, you're right about the resemblance. I clicked the link and immediately thought it was a young Lon.
The only thing this thread does is make me feel old. I had to entertain him a few times when he was little.
That resemblance is crazy. I always had a personal affinity for Lon. I came across him a couple of times randomly while he was coach here. Just a really nice guy when the cameras were off and no one to impress. I doubt there are any stories of biting in his background.....
Lon really is a good, genuine guy. I spoke with him a few months ago for a column I posted to GC. Lon sent me his cellphone number. When I called… he thanked me for taking the time to speak and write. I’ve since texted w/ him a couple times. He always adds something that makes you feel like old friends… “Brent, I hope the kids are doing well”… or the like. Just a good guy. I’m sure he is thrilled with how well Kevin is doing. This off-season I’m gonna reach out and talk with him about his days in Gainesville and times as a gators ballboy.
I remember when I heard on the radio he was moving on to Illinois. I was coming home from work, crossing the Chain of Rocks Bridge across the Mississippi River. That was a sad sports news day. Really missed himalthough the move probably worked out best in the end for all.
I happened to talk to someone in the UAA that night. He was basically like “whatever”. I think the shine had worn off on both sides by then. And it worked out well for everyone in the end that he moved on. He did exactly what he was hired to do though. Bring class, stability and winning to a program that was a train wreck. Set the stage for Billy to do what he did. Never stopped rooting for him.
When I heard that he was coming to Florida after the Norm Sloane crap I was shocked. He was leaving K State where he was a god as a player and a god as a coach. IIRC had Mitch Richmond to make the Elite Eight and then lost to Danny Manning and the Miracles on their way to the Natty. We lucked out with him.