Tuesday, August 02, 2005

USF Men's Basketball Guards: trade, triumph, trial, tragedy... and TONY!

There are 5 current and former USF basketball guards in the news recently.
Trade: Chucky Atkins. I loved asking this trivia question during the 2004-2005 season: "Name every college ever attended by the starting guards of the Los Angeles Lakers." correct answer: USF! The starting Laker guards: Kobe and Chucky Atkins. Kobe went to the NBA straight from high school to the NBA, and Chucky played 4 years at USF! One of the best USF players ever, Chucky is by far the USF grad who has had the most success in the pros. Chucky has been traded to the Washington Wizards. Good lucky, CHUCKY! (not to be confused with Chucky, or Chick!)
Triumph!: Anddrikk Frazier, the 1994 Tampa Tribune Prep Basketball Player of the Year who played point guard at the University of South Florida, has been named head coach at Hillsborough High. Frazier, great nephew of Smokin' Joe Frazier, played 4 years (actually 3, see comments) at USF. He was a very bright guy, and a coach's favorite. I'd say he was one of the first USF hoopsters to wear dreadlocks. Sorry, but i can't find a pic of him.
TRIAL: NOT A LEGAL TRIAL, but a "trial" in the form of a huge challenge for Bradley Mosley. it ain't what you think, but it's a lot more serious then legal problems. In 2003-2004, USF basketball had a rough year. But Mosley was perhaps the best player on that team (Swift and Leather were pretty good too). We were looking forward to a great senior season from this fine young man. But then, the challenges began. Bradley Mosley is a great kid and he is gonna beat this thing. He was granted an extra year of eligibility and he will be playing this season as a senior after he heals up. Use the form at the bottom of this page to send Bradley a message.
TRAGEDY: Maurice Webster. from the Tampa Tribune: "Former USF point guard Maurice Webster, who played on the Bulls' first NCAA Tournament team in 1990, died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack. He was 36." RIP, Maurice, I remember your game and respected you as a MAN, and a good man at that. Above all, thank you for playing for USF.
and TONY GRIER! Big news for Tony: 1). his chat was awesome. read the transcript here. 2). His book is coming out soon. and 3). he has a brand new JGLB trading card!
I sit in section D, row 12 at the SunDome for ALL Bulls Basketball games.