Hall of Fame Coach Al McGuire Dies
M I L W A U K E E, Jan. 26 -- Al McGuire, the Hall of Fame coach who took hislove of basketball from the streets of New York to the NCAAchampionship and the broadcast booth, died today. He was 72.
McGuire, who reportedly was battling leukemia, died peacefullysurrounded by his family, according to a statement from his son,Al. The statement, released by Marquette University, did notdisclose the cause of death.
"Our family has marveled over the past months at his innerstrength and enthusiasm to live each day to its fullest," he said."Even as his illness wreaked havoc on his body, he remainedresolute in mind. He will be deeply missed."
McGuire retired from CBS Sports as a college basketballbroadcaster after calling a Wisconsin-Indiana game March 5.He said at the time he had a form of anemia but was not morespecific.
11 Postseason Berths in 12 Seasons
McGuire was one of college basketball's most successful coachesfor 20 years, leading Marquette to 11 postseason appearances,capped with an NCAA title.
McGuire played at St. John's before a brief NBA career thatended in 1955. He then made his mark on the sport as a coach andbroadcaster, earning him election to the Hall of Fame in 1992.
His head coaching career started at Belmont Abbey in 1958 and hemoved on to Marquette in 1965. In his 12 seasons there, his teamsreached postseason play 11 times, the last in 1977 when theWarriors beat North Carolina in the title game in Atlanta.
Rather than join the celebration as most coaches do, McGuire saton the bench by himself, his face buried in his hands, crying. Itturned out to be his last game as a coach, as he retired shortlyafter.
Fans Loved ‘McGuireisms’
He joined NBC the next year, and his constant banter with fellowanalyst Billy Packer became a staple for college basketball fans."McGuireisms" like "tap city," "white-knuckler" and"aircraft carrier" became part of the sport's vocabulary.
"At first they had me worried," he said of his start at NBC."They put my commentary on a corner of the screen and I thought Iwas talking for the deaf. I was all ready to use hand signals."
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