On the days when the Celtics are scheduled to play at home, Red sends out to a local delicatessen for cold cuts and invites in friends for a pregame nosh. On this March morning, though, Red contented himself with the familiar cigar and, when the tape recorder went on, he began to talk.
Tag Archives: Bill Russell
Farewell to Bob Cousy, 1963
A couple of players were in one corner, autographing basketballs. Auerbach was sitting alone, reading mail. We shook hands, and I said, “What about Cousy?”
“What can you say when you know you’re going to lose the greatest backcourtman who ever lived?” Red said. “Nobody will ever take his place. There’s only one Cousy.”
Bob Cousy: The Farewell Tour, 1963
Luckily, the guest of honor had written out his sentiments in advance, but he failed miserably in trying to hold back a flood of tears.
Jim McDaniels: The Dream That Failed, 1978
Even so, Jim McDaniels couldn’t help but admit that it’s been a while since he’s felt half as good as he does these days. It’s every reason why to McDaniels didn’t even mind the Buffalo winter. You can believe he’s gone through a lot colder winters in his time.
They Laughed When Tom Heinsohn Sat Down to Coach, 1975
Heinsohn absorbed his knowledge of coaching from Red Auerbach. His insights into people, he acquired from personal, and sometimes painful, experience.
Goliath Comes to Tinseltown, 1968-1969
Contrary to popular opinion, the Lakers and their opponents, though agreeing that Los Angeles would be formidable, had reservations about the Super-team label and scoffed at the thought that the Lakers had anything locked up.
What’s Left for Lew Alcindor? 1972
What, then, will incite Alcindor and keep his interest? The same thing that incites all great athletes—a competitive challenge.
Walter Bellamy vs. the NBA, 1963
The money he makes is considerable salve for the aches and bruises that he absorbs working at his job. At a workout a while ago, a gash was opened on his left wrist.
Dave Cowens Doesn’t Play Hard . . . He Kills Himself, 1973
For Cowens, the future in basketball seems unclouded. Outside of basketball, the future is—so far—simply uninteresting. Money does not appear to be the most-important thing in his life.
Sam Jones: Cha-Ching, 1966
Sam is 32 years old now, but there was no indication last year that his speed was diminishing, while his skills and confidence rose to new heights.
From Way Downtown 