In reply to: Yup. And if you saw his father’s teams play over the years posted by NJIrish04
… the end of Digger’s coaching career at ND. I don’t know specifically. But Bobby wanted to play here. Phelp’s decision was made just as Bob Sr’s program began to hit stratospheric heights (26 state titles in 40 years, numerous great players).
Maybe Digger thought he knew better. Maybe he was lazy towards the end. But it would’ve been fun to see guys like Phonz and Monty Williams - and maybe a few others - run with Junior.
Hickster may know the story. He’s previously written about this tale on the board.
After not recruiting Bobby, his father cut off Digger and ND from the St Anthony pipeline.
business tell me that of all the sleazeballs in the horse business, Bobby Hurley was the sleaziest. There are some dirtbags in that industry. I like Dan Hurley because I think he can take it as well as he gives it. I think it would be fun to sit behind his bench and heckle him with backhanded compliments.
isn't that uncommon in the horse industry. You would be surprised that the number of people who can own millions of dollars worth of horses and can't afford to pay the feed bill.
and raising thoroughbreds. His farm went bankrupt in the time of the housing bubble. I think he got into coaching to get back on his feet financially. Raising horses seems like a pretty risky venture for a guy from Jersey City.
if you don’t have extensive background in the horse business.
buying horses. I don’t remember the particulars.
the course of 20 years, the histrionics aren't a focus and while Bob Sr may not have been quite as animated as Dan, he wasn't far behind. Like you note, he should get T'd up when he crosses the line, but I think UConn fans today are fine with the histrionics after 2 straight titles.
Agree that they are good people and that accountability is key with them. My dad grew up in the Greeneville section of JC with senior and was a year or two ahead of him in high school and college. He still sees him every so often - more recently at wakes for mutual friends unfortunately. We rooted for Duke because of Bobby and that Hudson County connection, but after hearing him speak and reading The Miracle of St. Anthony's and the press attn when the school was in danger of closing and eventually did, it was remarkable to hear how many former players talked to how important he was in their life and how he saved them from the streets. But accountability was at the core of the culture he built.
Last time I saw him coach a game was when they had a national No.1 v No. 2 matchup with St. Pat's, who was coached by Kevin Boyle (now at Monteverde in FL), in 2011. Pat's probably had more talent (Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was a senior, though St. A's had Kyle Anderson), but St. A's won the game and the mythical national title with its trademark defensive intensity.
What was the spat with Digger? Did he not recruit Bobby?
yes, that is where it originated from.
Small world - my mom also grew up in Greenville (I was born there as well) and my dad was at SPC with him as well.
recommend it to anyone who enjoys high school basketball. Another good one is Where The Game Matters Most. It follows four different Indiana high schools in the last season of one class basketball in Indiana. Really interesting read. Link at bottom.
They were trying to move it to the Rock because it sold out a few days in advance, but ended up at Rutgers. Great game in a terrific environment for a high school game.