RIP Paul Westphal

70?

Fuck, I’m getting old, too.

 

177-69, 2 Pacific Division titles, trip to the Finals, 2 trips to West semis, all in his first 3 years.

Then fired.

 

The day after Game Five of the 1976 Finals, every playground court in Cambridge, Mass. had at least one kid trying to imitate Westphal's spin moves. RIP.

 

We played against Aviation High. I thought this guy ain’t that good. Then saw the stats — 24 points, 12 assists. So smooth you didn’t notice him. Led USC to a 24-2 record. Both losses to UCLA. Trojans were probably the second-best team in the nation but weren’t able to go to the tournament. RIP, true superstar.

 

RIP, Paul.

Back when each conference got only ONE bid to the tournament. And any idea, Chris, why USC didn't play in the NIT that year?

 

I honestly don't remember. NIT was 16 teams, the westernmost was UTEP.

 

Found it. Apparently it was a Pac-8 rule, according to Wiki:

"The Pac-8 did not allow a second bowl team from the conference until the 1975 season; in basketball, participation in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) was not allowed until 1973."

 

I thought it was something like that, but I couldn't remember and couldn't find anything on a quick check. I knew about the football rule. Boy, and we think the administrators are stupid now.

 

In the late 80s I did a phone interview with Westphal. One of our local high school teachers was his first coach in junior high. I remember being surprised that I could just call an NBA team's office and be forwarded to an assistant coach. He was gracious and funny and gave time to a hack from the Podunk Press.

RIP.

 

2020 ... man.

Oh wait.

 

In the late 70s I called an NBA coach because a player from our local high school (Otis Howard), a fourth-round pick by Milwaukee, had been traded to Detroit.

"Yes, can I speak with coach Vitale, please?"