We had a great time in Asheville--with my wife and 21 year old son. 10 games in 3 days (8 men and two ladies) So disappointed I did not make it 11 games. But its more than the basketball! Like the free Furman toboggan cap I picked up at the Furman pre game gathering.
As I was checking out of hotel this morning, an older man saw my purple shirt and said "we almost did it." I asked him if he was a Furman fan, and he introduced himself as the "last player to score 50 points in a game before Jordan Lyons did it." Dick Esleeck, FU Hall of Famer, '67-'69.
Here is Furman bio on him: Dick Esleeck ‘69
Basketball (1965-69)
Inducted 1983
Dick Esleeck was selected as a Helms Foundation Basketball All-American in 1969. He earned first team All-Conference honors in 1968 and 1969. He led the Paladins in scoring and free throw percentage (1968, ’69) and ranked tenth in career points in Paladin basketball at the time of his induction.
Super nice man; said it was first time he had seen us play in many years.
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At end of Mercer game, Coach Hoffman had a brief hug/exchange with Lyons. I did not realize until later that Hoffman had been yellng at his players "Let him shoot! Let him shoot! He cant hit anything!" or something to that effect. Then Lyons nails a 3 and goes on a run. Right after he makes the 3, he looks over at Hoffman, who then tries to get Lyons called for a technical. A reliable source tells me that Coach Hoffman apologized to Lyons shen they met after the game. Great story....the kind of thing you only pick up if you are there.
Enjoyed meeting both Clay and Jordan's moms; we were hanging out on the hotel terrace before the UNCG game, and the two of them came over and introduced themselves, sat down and chatted with us for a bit. Loved seeing Lyons dad excited when Jordan went on his run. Rex Brown holding a grandbaby while watching his son play his final SoCon game. Rafferty's dad getting a hug from Geoff Beans after we lost. Meeting Noah's parents last night at the hotel. Talking with Alex's parents--and hearing him yell at Alex after a missed shot: "You shoot like your mother!" Listening to Taggart's Dad telling stories from his days as student trainer at Furman in the mid 70's. Good stuff.
I could go on and on, but won't. It's been a fun season and I congratulate--and thank--all of the staff and players!
As I was checking out of hotel this morning, an older man saw my purple shirt and said "we almost did it." I asked him if he was a Furman fan, and he introduced himself as the "last player to score 50 points in a game before Jordan Lyons did it." Dick Esleeck, FU Hall of Famer, '67-'69.
Here is Furman bio on him: Dick Esleeck ‘69
Basketball (1965-69)
Inducted 1983
Dick Esleeck was selected as a Helms Foundation Basketball All-American in 1969. He earned first team All-Conference honors in 1968 and 1969. He led the Paladins in scoring and free throw percentage (1968, ’69) and ranked tenth in career points in Paladin basketball at the time of his induction.
Super nice man; said it was first time he had seen us play in many years.
**********
At end of Mercer game, Coach Hoffman had a brief hug/exchange with Lyons. I did not realize until later that Hoffman had been yellng at his players "Let him shoot! Let him shoot! He cant hit anything!" or something to that effect. Then Lyons nails a 3 and goes on a run. Right after he makes the 3, he looks over at Hoffman, who then tries to get Lyons called for a technical. A reliable source tells me that Coach Hoffman apologized to Lyons shen they met after the game. Great story....the kind of thing you only pick up if you are there.
Enjoyed meeting both Clay and Jordan's moms; we were hanging out on the hotel terrace before the UNCG game, and the two of them came over and introduced themselves, sat down and chatted with us for a bit. Loved seeing Lyons dad excited when Jordan went on his run. Rex Brown holding a grandbaby while watching his son play his final SoCon game. Rafferty's dad getting a hug from Geoff Beans after we lost. Meeting Noah's parents last night at the hotel. Talking with Alex's parents--and hearing him yell at Alex after a missed shot: "You shoot like your mother!" Listening to Taggart's Dad telling stories from his days as student trainer at Furman in the mid 70's. Good stuff.
I could go on and on, but won't. It's been a fun season and I congratulate--and thank--all of the staff and players!
