When did you become an Iowa Hawkeye Basketball fan?

[DanL53]

For me, I was aware of Iowa Basketball from about the time I was aware of anything. But I still didn't know what was going on during the Ralph Miller days or early couple of years after.

My first memory of deciding I was an Iowa fan was when Lute Olson was hired. It had more to do with my age I suppose than anything else.

 

[CanadaHawk]

For me, I was aware of Iowa Basketball from about the time I was aware of anything. But I still didn't know what was going on during the Ralph Miller days or early couple of years after.

My first memory of deciding I was an Iowa fan was when Lute Olson was hired. It had more to do with my age I suppose than anything else.

Lute Olson Final Four for me.

 

[Hawksfor3]

For me, I was aware of Iowa Basketball from about the time I was aware of anything. But I still didn't know what was going on during the Ralph Miller days or early couple of years after.

My first memory of deciding I was an Iowa fan was when Lute Olson was hired. It had more to do with my age I suppose than anything else.

When I was a teen during the 60's. Dad was a big fan so I got it from him! Glad I did!

 

[iabcuda]

1965 freshman year here. Free student tickets and across the street from the Quad dorm in the field house.

 

[youcantguardme]

When I was growing up on a farm the radio was always tuned into 1040. I guess it was Z that sucked me in.

 

[funnyfletcher]

Late 80s, I was 7-8 years old. Still remember the old beer commercials during the games, guys out fishing, and the slogan was "it doesn't get any better than this" think it was old Milwaukee. BJ, Marble, Horton, teams, got an Armstrong jersey right around that time.

 

[hawk-i bob]

middle 60's..saw my first game in person in 1966. Starting lineup was Denny Pauling, Chris Pervall, Gary Olson, Ben McGimer & George Peeples...was hooked from that night going forward.

 

[SotaHawk87]

I've been a Hawkeye Football fan my whole life but sadly just a hoops fan since Fran. I always liked UNC growing up. What turned me off about Iowa was going to Alford's bball camp and remembering how big of a dick he was!

 

[ZumaHawk]

My whole life.....Dad was a Hawk fan so I followed his lead and can say I'm loving every bit of it.

 

[andrewrayhons]

From as far back as I can remember. Growing up on the farm was work, work, work, but if the Hawks were on TV, dad would let us all come in and watch the game, football and basketball. We'd make a bag of popcorn, grab some Dr pepper, and watch the Hawks. I remember some of the 86 season, and I was only 3 at the time.

 

[Suterman]

Around 1957. Bucky O'Conner was my dads best friend so I naturally heard a lot about Hawkeye hoops. It was a bleak day when Bucky was killed.

 

[DrewHawk33]

Late 80s, I was 7-8 years old. Still remember the old beer commercials during the games, guys out fishing, and the slogan was "it doesn't get any better than this" think it was old Milwaukee. BJ, Marble, Horton, teams, got an Armstrong jersey right around that time.

This is funny. I remember those commercials now that you mention it. I remember back to the Greg Stokes, Michael Payne, Steve Carfino teams realing me in a little. Then that BJ, Marble SR, Horton team that started the season 18-0 and was ranked #1 in the nation put me all in head over heels in love with Iowa basketball.

I'm cautiously optimistic that these next few years are going to mirror that era of Hawkeye basketball!!

 

[Hawk_4shur]

My earliest recollection of being an Iowa BB fan was listening to the Hawks on the radio when the great Sam Williams was patrolling the hardwood. I'm not sure I ever got to see him play, but loved him nonetheless.

 

[vinhawk]

For me, I was aware of Iowa Basketball from about the time I was aware of anything. But I still didn't know what was going on during the Ralph Miller days or early couple of years after.

My first memory of deciding I was an Iowa fan was when Lute Olson was hired. It had more to do with my age I suppose than anything else.

 

[vinhawk]

I was 10 years old and listened to the Hawkeyes on the radio.. Remember the names Jack Spencer the Wilkinson brothers and many more. Can any one top that? It was 1941

 

[TheGuy9]

For me it was the mid 60's. Back then they used Boy Scouts as ushers. Our troop would probably work as ushers for 1 football game and 2 or 3 basketball games each season. Great way to get to see a game for free particularly when your family couldn't afford it on their own. After kickoff and tip off, you could take any open seat.

 

[perryhawk]

I became a Hawkeye basketball Fan in 1979 when we lived in Manchester. Jim Cochran (sp?) took a couple of us to a game against Indiana at the field house....first experience was awesome and intense.

Dr. Terrell (sp?) was a big mover and shaker in getting Carver Hawkeye Arena built. He practiced and lived in Manchester and spending a little time around him influenced my basketball fanaticism as I had been a football fan for a few years before that.

When they went to the final 4 in 1980 it cemented my love for Iowa basketball.....shortly after that I started following Van Coleman and subscribed to his recruiting magazine....that was a whole new element of fandom to me. I could not wait to get the National Recruiters Cage Letter.....kept all of them and highlighted recruits and reread them. It was great

 

[doughawk]

Also grew up on a farm and our radio was either on WHO or KIOA. I had a transistor radio and listened to KIOA and Dick Youngs during the day and Jim Zabel and Sharm Scheurman do basketball games or Jim and Evashevski do football games. When Iowa wasn't on WHO we listened to Twins games with Herb Carneal and Halsey Hall call the games.
Late at night my Zenith am radio that I would plug in at the corn crib I'd listen to KDKA Pittsburgh and the Pirates with the great Bob Prince and Howie Haak doing the games while I shot baskets with a hoop on the corn crib.
Roberto Clemente was my hero as well as Harmon Killebrew.
Early memories of Iowa basketball included the under had free throw shooting of George Peeples, Gary Olson from Olds, Iowa, Chris Perval, Denny Pauling, and crew.
The only time Big Ten teams were on TV the games were done by Bill Fleming who seemed like a Michigan man. I remember seeing Cazzie Russell and Bill Buntin a lot. Also, I remember seeing Missouri Valley basketball games and saw Dave Stallworth, Willie McCarter and good teams from Louisville, Bradley, Wichita St. and Drake.
My first recollection of sports was in 1960 when I was 8.

 

[conn53victor]

When I was a sophomore at the U of Iowa, friend Paul suggested getting tix together for the 1969-70 season. Paul was/is a huge bball fan. I said sure. Iowa went undefeated in conference play, averaged over 100 points a game playing mostly six players, and lost a heartbreaker in the NCAA tournament. I was hooked.

 

[Speedway1]

middle 60's..saw my first game in person in 1966. Starting lineup was Denny Pauling, Chris Pervall, Gary Olson, Ben McGimer & George Peeples...was hooked from that night going forward.

This was about the same time for me. I used to sit by the transistor radio listening and keeping a box score. Remember when we beat UCLA when they had Gail Goodrich. I was about 10 I think. Always loved going to the fieldhouse after getting tickets from Bill Logan at State Central Bank in Keokuk at the time. He always kept tickets for games in the desk drawer at the bank.

 

[hawk-i bob]

My earliest recollection of being an Iowa BB fan was listening to the Hawks on the radio when the great Sam Williams was patrolling the hardwood. I'm not sure I ever got to see him play, but loved him nonetheless.

Yes Super Sam was one heck of a player ...our last B1G MVP....actually Iowa had a few guys that were really good that I dont think have ever got deserving recognition. I think the reason Chris Pervall is not in the Iowa Hall of Fame is because some of the alumni were not even around when he played.

 

[ScoutRefugee]

1980. First Iowa basketball game I ever attended in person.

 

[hawk-i bob]

This was about the same time for me. I used to sit by the transistor radio listening and keeping a box score. Remember when we beat UCLA when they had Gail Goodrich. I was about 10 I think. Always loved going to the fieldhouse after getting tickets from Bill Logan at State Central Bank in Keokuk at the time. He always kept tickets for games in the desk drawer at the bank.

Beating #1 UCLA in Chicago leaped frog us in the eyes of fans....still have the pic of Ralph being carried off the court by the players.

 

[hawk-i bob]

I was 10 years old and listened to the Hawkeyes on the radio.. Remember the names Jack Spencer the Wilkinson brothers and many more. Can any one top that? It was 1941

to answer your question Vin ... No...

this is a great thread Dan. I vote Vin for MVP.
Most Valuable Poster

 

[perryhawk]

Around 1957. Bucky O'Conner was my dads best friend so I naturally heard a lot about Hawkeye hoops. It was a bleak day when Bucky was killed.

That's a great story and interesting personal history.....

 

[The Sleeping Dog]

1971-7th Grade. Developed my Hawkeye heroin addiction junior year (75-76).

 

[froggy67]

Like Hawk_4 shur, my first interest in Hawkeye basketball was because of Sam Williams. Hadn't been a basketball fan prior to that but getting to watch him play on TV once (I think against Ohio State) really charged me up. Been a fan ever since.

 

[bestive]

I remember SEEING Dick Ives (Diagonal HS), theWilkinson brothers, and of course Murray Wier and his running hook shot,.etc., etc.

 

[hawk-i bob]

I remember SEEING Dick Ives (Diagonal HS), theWilkinson brothers, and of course Murray Wier and his running hook shot,.etc., etc.

u might have vin beat

 

[twindman]

I first knew anything about Iowa basketball when Don Nelson played Ohio State single handedly. Listened to the game on radio and remember the announcers talking about Nelson making shot after shot with people hanging on him. I think that was the year every other started was off the team 2nd semester. I was too young to really know much about it, but that was the first game for me.
Then I was in grad school when Ralphie's guys ran thru the Big 10. And of course Lute. I worked at Cycare in Dubuque and the owner was buds with Lute. He had Lute give a speech with the managers of the company when we were in Phoenix. Kind of cool.

 

[unclesammy]

I go back to about 1952 when Chuck Darling was on the team. My Dad said He was our relative!

 

[TopHawkeye]

Remember listening to the Hawks on the radio & pictured Dave Roach/Don Nelson leading their respective Hawkeye teams. I shot baskets in the kitchen on a mini hoop I set up while I listened & I was a prolific scorer (but never got the recognition I deserved). I remember watching one of my 1st Hawk BB games on TV & saw George Peeples play & became an instant fanatic.

While in college saw the amazing Super Sam Williams & co play & later the 6-pack with JJ & Fred Brown & Stick & Chad play some really superb ball. Still passionate but have dialed it back a bit (survival skills).

 

[2432Hawk]

Late 80s, I was 7-8 years old. Still remember the old beer commercials during the games, guys out fishing, and the slogan was "it doesn't get any better than this" think it was old Milwaukee. BJ, Marble, Horton, teams, got an Armstrong jersey right around that time.

It was Old Milwaukee. After the 80 final four. Iowa Basketball was BIG! Our own television network. Pregame show before games.

It didn't get any better than that

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

I was lucky enough to start grad school at Iowa in Lute's second season. (Also got to see Hayden Fry turn Iowa FB around). I believe that Iowa would have become a consistent national power, if Lute had stayed, but I guess it wasn't meant to be.

 

[froggy67]

I was sitting in the TV room at the Naval Communications Training Center in Pensacola, Fla watching the Hawkeyes vs Jacksonville State (Damn Artis Gilmore was one big mother) and was the only one in the room who had any idea who John Johnson, et al were. I was near to shedding tears when that game ended. Wonderful team that year.

 

[Hawki40]

Early 60s. I remember Don Nelson and a guard named Andy Hankins. I grew up on Woodside Dr and Jimmy Rodgers and Dave Roach lived in a duplex next to us. Rodgers taught me how to shoot a jump shot in my driveway. I was 9 or 10.

 

[froggy67]

If any of you ever have time, read Connie Hawkins book: "Foul". Basketball shit as been going on for a long long time.

 

[hawk-i bob]

I was sitting in the TV room at the Naval Communications Training Center in Pensacola, Fla watching the Hawkeyes vs Jacksonville State (Damn Artis Gilmore was one big mother) and was the only one in the room who had any idea who John Johnson, et al were. I was near to shedding tears when that game ended. Wonderful team that year.

I might be one of the few people still living who was at the Jacksonville & Notre Dame games in Columbus.
When Jacksonville & Kentucky played for the regional championship...it was my first experience of in person hatred because of the color of someones skin & outright racism.

 

[hawk-i bob]

Beating #1 UCLA in Chicago leaped frog us in the eyes of fans....still have the pic of Ralph being carried off the court by the players.

Gary Olson is 52 Gerry Jones 23...Peeples who had his nose broke..Jimmy Rodgers behind.

 

[youcantguardme]

Gary Olson is 52 Gerry Jones 23...Peeples who had his nose broke..Jimmy Rodgers behind.

Where do I get life sized version of that?!