https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/article301036734.html
Died earlier today...40-42 in three seasons...but he did recruit Jeff Malone.
Died earlier today...40-42 in three seasons...but he did recruit Jeff Malone.
RIP: Coach Jim Hatfield
- Thread starter Maroon90
- Start date
Yeah. He just lost control of his program. I seem to remember Kent Looney was a player that kind of led to his downfall.
I though
I thought Malone came several years later. I remember Ray White under Hatfield. I loved his jump shot off the top of the key - looked like he had one the softest shots I had ever seen.
Malone played one year maybe two for Hatfield then for Bob Boyd his final 2-3 years.
A former basketball manager from the 80s told me a story about Hatfield and the great Jack Cristil several years ago that was classic.
Apparently Hatfield was doing a walkthrough with his team prior to playing Alabama, who at the time was running a 2-3 zone defense. For the walkthrough, Hatfield had put five folding chairs out on the court in a 2-3 alignment for the Bulldogs to practice running their offense around, as nearby Dr. Jack was setting up courtside for his broadcast. After the walkthrough was finished, Hatfield sidled up to Jack, proud of his folding chair innovation, and said "What do you think?"
Jack looked at the court, looked back at Hatfield, and said "Jim, if Alabama starts five folding chairs, I think you're gonna whip their asses."
Apparently Hatfield was doing a walkthrough with his team prior to playing Alabama, who at the time was running a 2-3 zone defense. For the walkthrough, Hatfield had put five folding chairs out on the court in a 2-3 alignment for the Bulldogs to practice running their offense around, as nearby Dr. Jack was setting up courtside for his broadcast. After the walkthrough was finished, Hatfield sidled up to Jack, proud of his folding chair innovation, and said "What do you think?"
Jack looked at the court, looked back at Hatfield, and said "Jim, if Alabama starts five folding chairs, I think you're gonna whip their asses."
I heard Bart Gergory tell that story, but I couldn't remember enough details. I was hoping someone would tell it. Thanks.
I remember Ray White robbing a bank while our team was touring in Australia. Coaching can be a hard job away from the actual sport being coached.
I thought it was shoplifting. I know Bart & Charlie discussed this story on their podcast.
I remember that they ALLEGEDLY flew Ray home before the tour was complete in an effort to avoid law enforcement.
Edit to add that I clearly had this story totally WRONG
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He went into a bank to exchange some currency and while the tellers back was turned he grabbed a stack of cash from her counter. She didn’t see it and when they later realized that a significant amount was missing they reviewed their security camera footage and quickly saw what happened. It turned into a very embarrassing situation and took some congressional level discussions with Australia to keep him out of jail. He was quickly sent him while the rest of the team finished the now tainted tour.
Damn. I sure never heard that story over all these years and I'm old enough to remember that team.
What a dubmass...
I was a season ticket holder during the Kermit/Greene/Hatfield years and saw most of Whites home games and some road games. The guy was a great player - look up his stats. The play that should forever endear him to MSU BB fans is the 1978-79 game vs #17 KY (those axxholes).
With about 6 mins left and game tied, KY (those axxholes) missed the front of a 1 and 1. State got the rebound and proceeded to go into the rope-a-dope for 6 minutes and KY (those axxholes) cooperated.
All I could think, in true MSU fan fashion, was "we're gonna lose". With 3 seconds White rose up above everybody at the top of the circle a hit the jump shot for the win - over #17 KY (those axxholes).
I'll never forget that play. My seats were in the first row behind the rail and it seemed like I was looking up at White when he took that shot.
I've always thought White was the most underappreciated MSU player ever - not withstanding the bank robber incident.
With about 6 mins left and game tied, KY (those axxholes) missed the front of a 1 and 1. State got the rebound and proceeded to go into the rope-a-dope for 6 minutes and KY (those axxholes) cooperated.
All I could think, in true MSU fan fashion, was "we're gonna lose". With 3 seconds White rose up above everybody at the top of the circle a hit the jump shot for the win - over #17 KY (those axxholes).
I'll never forget that play. My seats were in the first row behind the rail and it seemed like I was looking up at White when he took that shot.
I've always thought White was the most underappreciated MSU player ever - not withstanding the bank robber incident.
Hatfield took us from the penthouse to the outhouse.. He was the Coach of the Alcorn (who Dat game). he caused Greg Grimm to lose a year of eligibility. He was not a good Coach.
Ray was extremely talented. I remember the video being show of him sliding a stack of cash into a traveling bag.
Really sad. At least he didn't serve time.
Hatfield and Murray Arnold (his top assistant) wore matching outfits while coaching. Usually a maroon blazer, white shirt, ugly plaid pants and a tie.
What a site to see.
What a site to see.
I’ve heard about the Alcorn game but what exactly happened to make it so infamous? 1979 is way before my time
I don't remember much about that game.
I do remember they reseated us and I went from the first row to the nosebleed section and I was pissed. I don't know if that was a State thing or NIT thing.
Also Larry Smith beat us like a rented mule.
And the whisky bottle that came out of the upper deck and hit across the floor at center court by the press table. Good thing we had that nice rubber floor.
I remember that bottle being thrown and it was the first time we had ever heard the “who dat” chant. Couldn’t understand what they were saying at all. That group of fans was totally out of control and it was the only time we have ever been a bit scared at a home game.
Not his fault. Teller should’ve played better perimeter defense.
Did the steal make it into the stat sheet?
we gave a 10 point lead to their press. Wiley Peck had to dribble the ball up the court once to beat the pressure.
We had the game under control until they decided to press and we fell apart.
So pretty much no different than Mississippi State before or since...****
Wildest game ever at the HUMP-Peck told us before the game -"Ya'll be careful-these are some crazy mfers".. Indian Mascot running around to "WHO DAT" (Saints took chant from Alcorn). We had a rubber floor and whiskey bottle bounced way high. Hatfield blew the game.. we Shouldn't have even been in the NIT. Should have been in the big dance. Alcorn almost beat Indiana and Knight in the next game.
Yes, I expect that the teller got a chewing over it.
No but the security photo of him lifting the cash made its way into a big photo in the Clarion Liar. I know, big shock, right********
Coach Hatfield was good guy, not so much as a coach. RIP Coach.. My apologies for helping take this thread down a dirt road. However...
I've often wondered what could have been had Ron Greene stayed instead of going back to Murray State. I really liked his team in his only year in Starkville. (1977-78, 18-9 13-5, SEC COY)