On the Beat at Chicago Legends

It was a frigid cold Saturday night, but the inaugural State Farm Chicago Legends event at the United Center promised some hot NCAA basketball action. The first game featured Northwestern versus Dayton, while the night cap had the University of Illinois taking on Brigham Young University.

Thanks to the fine folks at KemperLesnik, I was granted press credentials and I couldn’t have been more excited. As I entered the UC, I immediately saw legendary broadcaster Les Grobstein. If the Grobber is there, you know it is a big event. Having worked alongside him at Chicago Rush games several years back, I am always honored to work anywhere near him.

Along the way to the Press Lounge, I passed the Walls of Legends featuring Bulls and Blackhawks legends. I got chills recalling the talent that walked these same halls. Then I walked past the collegiate lockerrooms and realized what great young talent was inside. That same talent would be in action later this night.

The Press Lounge was filled with reporters of all sorts. I recognized some of the veterans and introduced myself to some out-of-towners. We all grabbed the info packets and started to prepare for the games.

I headed out to the court to watch some pre-game warm-ups. There is something very cool about being in an empty stadium. As I stood under the basket, I once again recalled the greats who had played on this very court. I also always realize the opportunity that I have and how so few ever get this chance.

The Dayton Flyers were shooting around and running through plays. Watching this close, you realize how strong, big and athletic these young men are. You don’t get that perspective from television.

I eventually made my way to the PressBox. As I settled into my seat, I realized that Grobstein was seated directly in front of me. As a writer who started late in life, I cannot stress enough how thrilling it is to be in this position.

The visiting Dayton Flyers were 7-3 but favored over the Wildcats who were 9-2. The Wildcats jumped out to an early big lead and cruised into halftime up 40-17. The second half belonged to Dayton as they slowly chopped the lead, eventually pulling within three points. Northwestern was able to hang on though and left with a 67-64 victory. This game was a nail-biter that went down right to the end.

Senior Sanjay Lumpkin and Sophomore Vic Law lead the way for the Wildcats. Together, they scored 20 points and had 23 rebounds. They kept the Wildcats focused as the Flyers chipped away.

In the post-game media session, Northwestern Coach Chris Collins was gracious and relieved in victory. He praised his players and the Flyers, too. He talked of the importance of this win against a program like Dayton and in an event like the Chicago Legends. Check out On the Beat With Northwestern Wildcats Coach Chris Collins for all of his comments.

Law and Lumpkin answered a few questions from the press, too. These two were composed and professional. I was very impressed with their composure on the court and now their behavior in the media session, too. Their brief comments can be found at On the Beat With Northwestern Wildcats Vic Law and Sanjay Lumpkin.

Dayton Coach Archie Miller was upbeat in his postgame session. He praised Collins and the Wildcats, while applauding his own team for not giving up. There was no shame in this loss. Miller’s complete comments can be viewed at On the Beat With Dayton Flyers Coach Archie Miller.

I felt old, but fortunate, as I sat there in front of Coach Collins. I remember him as a youngster, hanging around his father Doug, who coached the Chicago Bulls in the mid-1980’s. Even more, I remember as a kid opening my first pack of basketball cards and finding a Doug Collins card. Time does fly.

In addition to the great basketball games, the Chicago Legends had promised a ceremony to honor Chicago Legends, which were selected by a special committee. The first class of Chicago Legends was the late Hall of Fame DePaul coach Ray Meyer (represented by his son Joey) and former DePaul and NBA star Mark Aguirre. Everyone seemed very happy with these choices. The fans roared and the sometimes jaded press even approved.

Coach Ray retired from DePaul after my first year there, but I was around long enough to feel his presence. The man was a legend in every sense of the word. He was the perfect choice to be in the first class of Chicago Legends.

Aguirre is a Chicago native who starred at Westinghouse before starring at DePaul. He continued his trajectory by being a 3x NBA All-Star and 2x NBA champ.

Aside from the fantastic basketball action, the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series trophy made an appearance. Fans lined up for over an hour to pose with this shiny hardware!

The second game was a battle with the Illini holding a 43-37 halftime lead. BYU outscored the Illini in the second half, but could not pull ahead, eventually losing 75-73. Despite the close score, BYU only held a lead for 16 second and was tied for 86 seconds. The Illini lead the rest of the way and clung to the 2 point win. The Illini had a balanced offensive attack with five players scoring in double digits.

In the second game media session, BYU Coach Dave Rose talked about the battle we witnessed, praising both teams for not letting up. He talked about the significance of the Chicago Legends.

Illinois Coach John Groce echoed many of the same sentiments. He talked of the big win, while mentioning mistakes that needed to be corrected going forward.

As I left the UC, I heard nothing but praise from everyone. This event was run extremely well. It had the perfect balance between nostalgia and the day’s games. A basketball fan truly could not have asked for more.

Chicago Legends had a perfect first event. Having the Chicago (or Illinois) teams win two tight games really heightened the excitement level. I am hoping more area teams get involved in the coming years, maybe even make it all-Chicago area teams, but I’m getting ahead of myself. For now, I am just going to reflect on the historic night I just witnessed.

There was a feeling of something special at this first Chicago Legends. I see this building into something really big over the next few years. I was excited to be there for the first and I look forward to being there for many more.