Al McGuire

Al McGuire was a college basketball coach at Marquette University and a popular television analyst. McGuire grew up in New York City and basketball was his salvation from the streets. He earned a scholarship to St. John's, and had a brief NBA playing career. Then after stints as an assistant at Dartmouth College and as head coach for Division II school Belmont Abbey College, he made his mark at Marquette. The Warriors, as they were known then, were guided by McGuire to two Final Four appearances, the National Invitation Tournament title in 1970, and the National Championship in 1977. Perhaps as impressive as his won-loss record at Marquette (295-80) was the fact 92% of his players graduation from the school. He retired from coaching following the championship victory to take a job as a game analyst with NBC Sports. His famous "McGuireisms" led him to be described by the New York Times as the "James Joyce of the airwaves". His work with fellow analyst Billy Packer and lead play-by-play man Dick Enberg was so popular, it helped quickly grow the popularity of March Madness. The trio called the highest-rated college basketball in television history in March of 1979 when Magic Johnson's Michigan State Spartans defeated Larry Bird's Indiana State Sycamores. McGuire eventually would also work for CBS Sports for several years, before his death in 2001 following a bout with Leukemia. Fast Facts:

1. Born: September 7, 1928
2. Full Name: Alfred James McGuire
3. Birthplace: New York City
4. College: St. John's University
5. 26 of his players were drafted into the NBA
6. While playing for the Knicks, he claimed that he could shut down Bob Cousy - he fouled Cousy on six consecutive possessions

"McGuireisms":

1. "The carnival gates are closed" - the game is over
2. "Congratulate the Temporary" - live for the moment
3. "He's a salt and pepper coach" - Strictly a strategist, an X's and O's coach
4. "French Pastry" - a show-off move
5. "Dance Hall Player" - short on talent, but long on heart & effort

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