Originally Posted by
Krank
Gotcher back, CT.
I think the above is the post you now WISH was the thread starter, but I am disappointed (NOT angry at anyone, but disappointed) that the numerous extremely intelligent posters on this thread apparently chose not to read between the lines of your original post and, despite the many many logical, yet somewhat black and white, responses, you have continued to be criticized even though EVERYONE here knows how much you value Coach Rupp.
I can say that I agree with those who say "no Rupp, no party with Cawood and Bill", but I DO get where you are coming from. It is YOUR personal take on the connectivity of the UK Basketball legacy and your FEELING about these two GIANTS of the greatest tradition in Basketball History is much appreciated, even if I tend to agree with the GENERAL angle that Rupp is the most important figure in that history.
There was NOBODY in college basketball lore like Bill Keightley at ANY other school, with his longevity and HOW he represented UK through many decades of service. I get it that a more HUMAN connection is, frankly, more logical to be voiced, within that context, as a reasonable viewpoint.
There was NOBODY in college basketball broadcasting, and even ALL sports broadcasting, who can even remotely compare to Cawood Ledford, otherwise he would not have been THE broadcaster that the entire NCAA preferred to be on the radio for the Final Four, etc. His promotion of OUR team, the Commonwealth's team DWARFS all other possible PR for this program. His legacy is, and always will be, sorely missed. That connection, over many decades, to soooo many folks who could ONLY listen to most games cannot possibly be quantified.
Rupp was THE man, the greatest basketball coach AT ANY LEVEL ANYWHERE and he, frankly, deserves MUCH more positive thoughts associated with him in the media, amongst rival fans, etc., but the personal connection with him could only be so close, thus I get what CT is saying and, because I know how passionate he is about ALL THREE figures mentioned in this thread, it is a no-brainer that the criticism he has received here, which has only been a tad overstated (again, I am NOT angry with any of the respondents) for the most part leans too hard toward a black and white assessment, which almost NEVER applies to actual life situations.
You RULE, CT, and I, for one, am very glad you brought this topic up. Bravo, sir!
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