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Post by Chuck on Oct 23, 2005 7:50:31 GMT -5
Reading the fascinating posts on Bonnie history brought back memories of a comment Al McGuire made when broadcasting a Bonnie game. I remember McGuire stated, failing to be hired as head coach of the Bonnies, was one of his greatest disappointments. There was never a job he wanted as much as the Bonnie job. First of all does anyone else remember McGuire making this comment and does anyone have insight on McGuire's interview with the Bonnies. Interview must have been for replacing the retiring Eddie Donovan after the 60-61 season.
Since the time McGuire made this comment, I've wondered what if the Bonnies hired Al McGuire?
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Post by Ladderman on Oct 23, 2005 8:09:10 GMT -5
It is interesting, though, when you consider the success we had under Larry Weise, it is hard to imagine doing better.
I often wonder what our fortunes would have been if we had hired Pete Gillen instead of Jim O'Brien.
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Post by res on Oct 23, 2005 11:15:15 GMT -5
Chuck, I never saw the broadcast but I remember later reading his comments. He was the head coach at Belmont Abbey at the time, and used to bring them to Olean for a December game. It was indeed after Donovan left. If I recall correctly, he never even got an interview. BTW, he used to have a favorite tavern in Olean, but I have forgotten which one. It is no longer there.
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Post by EddieBall on Oct 23, 2005 11:59:03 GMT -5
If I'm not mistaken, McGuire's favorite spot was the "Brown Bear" on Union St., owned and operated by a fine gentleman, Harry Bavaar (sp.). The place was located on a site just south of the new J.C.C. entrance (the old bank building) and myself and fellow SBU buddies caught the end of Harry's "reign"... cold beers, Bona stories from Harry, full of local lore, really good memories!
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Post by honest1 on Oct 24, 2005 20:48:54 GMT -5
Al Mc Guire played against Bonnies in the 1951 NIT in the semi final. Jack Mc Mahon who later played and coached in the NBA played also. Sassone, who was on the NIT team and ass't coach to Donovan was the culprit who took him to the BB and usually to the State Diner around 4 AM. Harry Bavar, loved entertaining friends and visiting coaches. He also loved politics as he had a huge picture of JFK above the bar.
Al was at Belmont Abbey and wanted the Bonnie job. He probably would have continued Donovans recruiting in NYC. He was quoted correctly by the poster.
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