Al Mcguire
Al Mcguire: The Colorful Warrior Roger Jaynes,
Publisher: Sports Publishing
ISBN: 1582618429
Edition: Hardcover; 2004-07
Summary:
Al McGuire was not only one of the most successful coaches in college
basketball history, but arguably, as this insightful memoir shows,
the most colorful and unpredictable as well. During his 13 years at
Marquette, the fiery coach guided his team to more than 20 victories
11 times, earning them 11 straight postseason bids. In 1970, angered
that the NCAA wanted to send his 26-3 Warriors to another region,
McGuire instead took his team to New Yorks Madison Square Garden and
won the National Invitation Tournament. Seven years later, after
announcing his retirement, the outspoken Irishman beat the odds and
went out on top when Marquette defeated North Carolina to garner the
schools first and only NCAA championship. From 1977 until shortly
before his death in January 2001, McGuire remained in the national
spotlight as a successful TV commentator for NBC, CBS, and ESPN. A
recipient of numerous "Coach of the Year" awards during his career,
McGuire was inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame in
1992. On the court, McGuire was not just a coach, but also a fighter
who would do anything he felt necessary to gain an edge. His scrappy,
dance-hall teams were a reflection of his street-smart Irish
personality. His screaming tirades and zany stunts were all part of
the show. Off the court, however, McGuire was a totally different
person. What few fans saw was the "other" Al McGuire, the philosopher
behind the showman who spoke softly of the deepest issues of life.
Like all great men, he had singular demons that haunted him, not just
about his coaching career, but also about his place in Gods whole
scheme of things. McGuires superior coaching skills and announcing
talents made him unique, but so did his quick wit, remarkable
intellect, and multifaceted personality. Over the years his
entertaining and often controversial remarks and his altercations
with fellow coaches, referees, and even the NCAA became legendary.
Blessed with the gift of gab, he possessed a marvelous wit and an
insightful mind. Depending on his mood or situation, he could be warm
and friendly or cold and distant. In one moment of reflection he
summed up in a sentence what he felt life was all about: "We reach
for the stars as we rush towards our graves."
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