The Original Dream Game- U of L vs, UK 1983

[frankpos]

"There have been some great games over the years, but none so big. So much was at stake, and the winner went to the Final Four. The weight of the State was on the shoulders of the players and coaches."

"There was only one--the original--Dream Game."

Charles Jones, U of L center in The Game

http://hellinthehall.wordpress.com/

(Hope you all enjoy the article--and please send me any pictures, etc., and I will add to it.)

Thanks,

Frank

[bling49]

Very good article.

I didn't realize Charles Jones was only 6'8" he played much bigger with his verticle and his wingspan.

When he blocked a shot near the goal his hand looked like he could touch the top of the backboard.

[AACardFan]

That article brought up a lot of good memories. I was 15 when they played that game. At that time, I was awestruck by these Louisville players. I consider them to be my first heroes in life and I still feel that way. They were 1st class all the way.

Before the Pitino era, a friend's wife decided it would be a great gift to get her husband a copy of the 1st Dream Game. She called the UofL athletics office and spoke with one of Denny's former assistants. I believe his name was Jones. He was one of Crum's long-time assistants (the other great being Wade Houston). He kindly responded he would look around and see what he could find. A week later she received in the mail, not only the Dream Game, but also the Houston Final 4 game and the '86 championship. We spent all night watching all three games. Even in a loss, the Houston game was great to watch as was the '86 game. But nothing was more exciting than to watch the '83 game again. As thrilling as the comeback in the 2nd half was, the overtime was pure magic. They released the '80 championship on DVD to celebrate its 25th anniversary and I suspect they'll do the same for the '86 game as well. More than anything I'd like to have the '83 game in my library.

[frankpos]

I appreicate your kind words and those of Bling.

I also added your memories to the article at the bottom -- if you don't want this just let me know.

These historical pieces I do-- I will just add to over the yrs.

I wish I could just get the overtime clip!! I can'y find it--and I can't get jerb to respond.

Can anyone help?

[Philinville]

Great work Frank. Man that brings back my memory's of being at that game.

[shooze]

Originally Posted by AACardFan

That article brought up a lot of good memories. I was 15 when they played that game. At that time, I was awestruck by these Louisville players. I consider them to be my first heroes in life and I still feel that way. They were 1st class all the way.

Before the Pitino era, a friend's wife decided it would be a great gift to get her husband a copy of the 1st Dream Game. She called the UofL athletics office and spoke with one of Denny's former assistants. I believe his name was Jones. He was one of Crum's long-time assistants (the other great being Wade Houston). He kindly responded he would look around and see what he could find. A week later she received in the mail, not only the Dream Game, but also the Houston Final 4 game and the '86 championship. We spent all night watching all three games. Even in a loss, the Houston game was great to watch as was the '86 game. But nothing was more exciting than to watch the '83 game again. As thrilling as the comeback in the 2nd half was, the overtime was pure magic. They released the '80 championship on DVD to celebrate its 25th anniversary and I suspect they'll do the same for the '86 game as well. More than anything I'd like to have the '83 game in my library.

The assistant was Jerry Jones. He stuck with Crum through everything and despite getting several job offers of his own. About as good of an X's and O's man there was, a real genius at the actual playing of the game.

That game still gives me chills thinking about it. I personally felt I had so much at stake because of the trash-talking I'd done against all the other UK fans I'd grown up with. It was put up or shut up time and I was praying they'd take care of business like I knew they could. And while they scared me for the most part of 40 minutes despite still playing very good ball, I couldn't ask for more from that overtime. To this day, about as good a five minutes of basketball that I've ever seen anyone play. Absolutely amazing.

[Redbird Attack]

That was definitely a great game, but I think the 05 Elite 8 vs WVU was just as big. Broke our Final 4 drought and was the biggest roller coaster game I've ever watched as a UofL fan. I didn't think we had any chance at all when we went down 20 with the way they were shooting the ball. From nightmare come true, to bliss as a Card fan, I felt just about every emotion a person can feel watching that game.

[HarveyGlass]

Originally Posted by Redbird Attack

That was definitely a great game, but I think the 05 Elite 8 vs WVU was just as big. Broke our Final 4 drought and was the biggest roller coaster game I've ever watched as a UofL fan. I didn't think we had any chance at all when we went down 20 with the way they were shooting the ball. From nightmare come true, to bliss as a Card fan, I felt just about every emotion a person can feel watching that game.

I was only 6 years old in '83 and don't remember anything about the game. But from personal accounts and reading up on the significance, that game was as big as any non-title game could possibly be, anywhere.
As amazing as that WVU win was, my guess is that those who remember the Dream Game will tell you that it pales in comparison to it and the enormous pressures and implications of the game.
The atmosphere in the state and specifically around Louisville and UofL basketball in the '80s is what made me a Card fan and really, an overall sports fan.

[farmdude]

That game was one of the best, a hot poker up the ass of every big blew fan in the state, that is what meant the most to me.

[frankpos]

Guys,

You think Mitch and UK's attitude is so bad now?

Ha!

Try 24 yrs of TOTAL condescension!

Yes, we've had many great meaningful games over the yrs, but ...

Key phrases to focus on in my story:


it was for the Regional championship, pitting two of the nation’s top programs against each other for a spot in the NCAA Final Four–and with both teams coming off recent NCAA championships- U of L in 1980, UK in 1978!

You had to be a rebel in your own family and city back then to “come out” as a Card fan!

“Had UK won that game they probably would never have played (the series).”

some people literally fainted and had to be helped out…

the best five minutes in U of L basketball history.

The Game caused seismic changes in Louisville and the State of Kentucky.

Our own city of Louisville — previously dominated by UK fans — also began the major change to where the vast majority of Louisvillians are now Cards fans.

this game–the Game –was the tipping point.

We had gotten that first NCAA championship–but we hadn’t won our own State, yet. Now we had not only that inter-family vindication, but we also had cemented our position among the all-time basketball powers in the national consciousness.

And...that's why it meant so much to those of us that still remember...

Frank