Just watched a documentary on the great Boston Celtic Dave Cowens. Did not realize he was a Kentucky kid growing up in Newport. Did Rupp not recruit him ? Was just wondering how he ended up at FSU and not UK
Dave Cowens
- Thread starter dcmains
- Start date
Jeff Mullins played for Lexington Lafayette, but went to Duke.,
Although he was sought by nearly every college in the Ohio Valley Conference, Cowens was not actively pursued by Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp. Feeling snubbed, Cowens went against the advice of his father, who wanted him to stay in Kentucky, and chose Florida State University, a school not known for producing NBA-level talent. Also, FSU’s basketball program was on probation at the time for recruiting violations, raising more doubts about Cowens’ decision.
But Cowens liked Florida State coach Hugh Durham, who promised the prep star a starting spot as a sophomore and made Cowens feel as though his abilities would be put to good use. “He wasn’t a great scorer,” the FSU coach would later say. “But he could rebound, and that’s what we needed.” - NBA.com
But Cowens liked Florida State coach Hugh Durham, who promised the prep star a starting spot as a sophomore and made Cowens feel as though his abilities would be put to good use. “He wasn’t a great scorer,” the FSU coach would later say. “But he could rebound, and that’s what we needed.” - NBA.com
Difference is Kinney could be a UK WildCat tomorrow if he wanted.
I would assume Rupp had a choice and made the right decision in the end
The other big man available in 1966
The other big man available in 1966
Issel and Cowens were the same age and played in the same years. It would’ve been unreal to have Cowens and Issel together for three (3) years.
They’re both hall of farmers, it’s 2025, and consequently I don’t have to chose one over the other. But back in 1966 when they both graduated high school, I’m presuming Rupp saw Issel as being the better fit for the direction he wanted to take the UK program. While he didn’t score as many points as Issel, Cowens was a beast at Florida State and for the Celtics.
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I’ve heard Issel say he was Rupp’s 2nd or 3rd choice but Cowens wasn’t mentioned.
Meh. They’re both in the hall of fame, yes? And while this is a UK basketball forum as opposed to an NBA forum, only one of them won one or more NBA championship rings?
They both were great. I don’t have to pick one over the other.
I come to view RR every month or so whether I need to or not. Quite the jolt to see Dave's name heading a thread.
I went to HS with Cowens & he's my friend. Not a close friend, but friend.
He didn't grow up in Newport. It was next door in Bellevue. I played (not very well) against him in the Catholic grade school league. He was a topnotch all-around athlete. Was on swim team & ran track. Didn't go out for HS hoops team till he was junior after he grew from 6-2 to 6-6 & Coach Connor highly "coaxed" him to play hoops. As Jr he shot 28% from FT line & wasn't allowed to dribble. To say he developed late is putting it mildly. As Sr he got his FT's up to 40%. Man, could he ever get up. Still, he wasn't best player on the team. PG Terry Sandfoss was. He went to Morehead. Hoops team also had a MLB P, a guy who played for Bellarmine, a guy who accompanied him to FSU & played, and a guy who played baseball for Harvard (All that doesn't count the 6-10 guy who is a priest.). FSU coach did know what he was getting.
Yes, Rupp wasn't interested. Guess he didn't visualize his future development enough. Tough as nails, but real nice guy. I could tell some stories. Hopefully will see him next year at 60th HS reunion. He splits his time between ME & FL. Haven't seen him since 50th but talk to guys who he's much closer to.
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My brother played with Dave at Florida State. Always loved hearing the stories about how tough he was. My brother said he was one tough man.
Terry was a good friend and I miss talking to him
They were a pair. Had lunch with DG & a group of guys back in July. I laugh to this day (& right now) about our UK intramural flag football team fight with the other side. DG stood in the middle of the field taking on 3-4 of them wheelhousing. They bounced off him. Me, I just stood & laughed MAO till I got decked. But still laughed. Good times.
His son is QB coach at ND. We had Gino till the Mumme thing came out in the open.
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Yea, he went downhill too soon. Sad. Used to run into him at NC football & hoops games & talked a bit. Knew Terry from about 6th grade & little league football. He'd have been a helleva RB had he stuck with football. Played softball against him for many years at Four Mile in 70s & 80s.
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My wife and I had breakfast with Dave at sis's in Newport back in June. He is always a treatThey were a pair. Had lunch with DG & a group of guys back in July. I laugh to this day (& right now) about our UK intramural flag football team fight with the other side. DG stood in the middle of the field taking on 3-4 of them wheelhousing. They bounced off him. Me, I just stood & laughed MAO till I got decked. But still laughed. Good times.
His son is QB coach at ND. We had Gino till the Mumme thing came out in the open.
I was told the doctor told Terry if he didn't stop drinking he would be dead in a year. I was told Terry stopped for about 6 months, was doing really well and started back drinking. I need to call brother Jimmy and see how they're doing