Don May

[moville]

Midway through the second half of the Duquesne game, Don May was pictured sitting in the stands. Nice comments from the broadcast team . . . the guys on either side of Don looked familiar, but couldn't place either one . . . anyone know who they were. Ken May perhaps on Don's left?

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

[jack72]

That was definitely Kenny. Not sure why Mark did not say so.

[San Diego Flyer]

Mark was so excited he had a million good things he wanted to say about his UD "hood". He got a free pass for calling Archie his brother's name, Sean, at one point.

[moville]

Thanks Jack . . . Ken was my year . . . we both used to have hair, or more hair. SD Flyer - Mark was wound up . . . it was that play near the end when the Duquesne guard drew a smart foul. We'll give him a pass though . . . you can't buy publicity like that.

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

[TommyGola]

One interesting point on Don May that most fans don't know about...by his junior year Don May had developed a very long old-fashioned hook shot. What is even more interesting, he became so effective with it that some of his long hook shots would qualify as a three-point shot today! He was only 6'4", but he played much bigger. But he could do it all - inside he was strong around the bucket; outside he had a nice "set shot" as they were called in those days; and he was one of the best rebounders in Dayton history. I saw him and Bill Hosket play together at Belmont High School on numerous occasions. They were a force...two NBA players on the same high school team. They had another player; I think his name was Ridenour, who I believe went on to play D-1 ball as well.

[longtimefan]

Originally Posted by TommyGola One interesting point on Don May that most fans don't know about...by his junior year Don May had developed a very long old-fashioned hook shot. What is even more interesting, he became so effective with it that some of his long hook shots would qualify as a three-point shot today! He was only 6'4", but he played much bigger. But he could do it all - inside he was strong around the bucket; outside he had a nice "set shot" as they were called in those days; and he was one of the best rebounders in Dayton history. I saw him and Bill Hosket play together at Belmont High School on numerous occasions. They were a force...two NBA players on the same high school team. They had another player; I think his name was Ridenour, who I believe went on to play D-1 ball as well.

All five starters went on to play D-I ball. I believe the other two were Kenner and Culbertson. May and Hosket were amazing. Unbelievable team. May had a nice hook shot, but I'm not sure he ever shot it from three-point range. And May and Hosket (with Ohio State) both made the Final Four. May is my all time favorite Flyer, and the best Flyer of all time.

[San Diego Flyer]

Could be wrong but I thought Ray Ridenour and Ralph Jukula were two with May and Hosket. They used to show up for open gym at UD with May.

[longtimefan]

Originally Posted by San Diego Flyer Could be wrong but I thought Ray Ridenour and Ralph Jukula were two with May and Hosket. They used to show up for open gym at UD with May.

TommyGola had already mentioned Ridenour. Kenner and Culbertson were the other starters. I believe Jukkola was the sixth man, and may have played D-I also.

Edit: Just Googled Jukkola. He was the sixth man (and a junior, all starters were seniors) but went on to play D-I ball with PISTOL PETE at LSU. I had forgotten that. If you youngsters ever get a chance to see any tape of Maravich, you will be amazed. You've never seen anything like it.

[TommyGola]

Jukkola! I forgot about him! What a confluence of great high school players that was!

[moville]

A few days before I was married in '74 in Jersey (thanks Father Burns), I begged for a night off from the paper I worked for in the Hudson Valley to attend Willis Reed Night at the Garden. Big Knicks fan was I. Willis takes the mic . . . and acknowledges several people . . . including Don May, then with the opposing Sixers. Don was at the end of his run . . . an incredible class move by Willis.

[maddog07]

FWIW. Don May is the greatest to ever wear the red and blue.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Avid Flyer]

Mark and his sidekick were great announcers who thoroughly enjoyed the game and the experience.

Can't say the same for the Duq VCU announcers, almost dozed off. got the feeling they wanted to be somewhere else.

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

[UD62]

Originally Posted by Avid Flyer Mark and his sidekick were great announcers who thoroughly enjoyed the game and the experience. Can't say the same for the Duq VCU announcers, almost dozed off. got the feeling they wanted to be somewhere else.

I think Mark got carried away. It's fine to have a homer on a local broadcast, tv or radio. but it is out of place and sounds bush league on a national or regional feed.

[ud69]

I guess a Don May thread is as good a place as any to ask this question -

Home many Flyers have won an NBA title?

May, Finkel, Davis - Any others?

Roger Brown with 3 ABA titles.

[moville]

Fort Wayne won at some point in the early 50s . . . Monk Meineke may have been on that club. Also, Roger Brown was on at least one of the ABA Champ Pacers.

[maddog07]

Johnnie Davis. Nba champion with Trailblazers in 77
Posted via Mobile Device

[jumpin' joe]

Originally Posted by UD62 I think Mark got carried away. It's fine to have a homer on a local broadcast, tv or radio. but it is out of place and sounds bush league on a national or regional feed.

I disagree. Have you listened to Mark much doing MVC games and other "mid-Major" games? He brings the same excitement and excellent commentary to every game he does. It was Mark being Mark. Nothing wrong saying UD Arena is one of the best college arenas to watch a game or that Dayton is the best basketball town in America. I think he's right.

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Originally Posted by jumpin' joe I disagree. Have you listened to Mark much doing MVC games and other "mid-Major" games? He brings the same excitement and excellent commentary to every game he does. It was Mark being Mark. Nothing wrong saying UD Arena is one of the best college arenas to watch a game or that Dayton is the best basketball town in America. I think he's right.

I agree. I was at the game and watched the video yesterday. In addition, they made is very clear at the beginning of the broadcast that Dayton was Mark's hometown. I thought he was complimentary of the Duquense team and coach.
Now, back to Don May, who has made my heart skip a beat every time I have seen him since I was in high school...

[Flyer68]

Watched Don May for four years. I remember the night he hit 9 in a row against North Carolina to send us to the NCAA finals. Did Bobby Joe Hooper win an ABA title with the Indiana Pacers? They were a great combination and in their junior and senior years, Hooper was one of the best point guards in college ball. Also, years before its time, they were the first to do the alley oop - May went up high and Hooper threw him the ball. He did play much taller than 6'4" He and Errol Palmer of DePaul had some epic battles for four years. Good time Flyers basketball - then and now.

[jack72]

I got to UD just after Don May, and when Ken was playing. I always felt sorry for Kenny, as he was a great player, but had to play in the shadows of one of the all-time greats. I remember the Christmas break rematch at UCLA on TV, when Kenny had a great game and his teammates were intimidated.

[Flyer Hub]

I read once that when May was a senior, he was 4th in the country in rebounding. The 3 guys ahead of him were Lew Alcindor, Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld. Can anyone confirm the accuracy of this?

[The Fly]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 Watched Don May for four years. I remember the night he hit 9 in a row against North Carolina to send us to the NCAA finals. Did Bobby Joe Hooper win an ABA title with the Indiana Pacers? They were a great combination and in their junior and senior years, Hooper was one of the best point guards in college ball.

Nine in a row is awesome. But in actuality, he hit 13 in a row against North Carolina. That is magnificence.

Good question about Hooper. He only played a year or two, but Roger Brown would have been lacing them up by then.

[CvilleFlyer]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 Watched Don May for four years. I remember the night he hit 9 in a row against North Carolina to send us to the NCAA finals. Did Bobby Joe Hooper win an ABA title with the Indiana Pacers? They were a great combination and in their junior and senior years, Hooper was one of the best point guards in college ball. Also, years before its time, they were the first to do the alley oop - May went up high and Hooper threw him the ball. He did play much taller than 6'4" He and Errol Palmer of DePaul had some epic battles for four years. Good time Flyers basketball - then and now.

I was in my junior year at UD and attended that Final Four. Actually May hit his first 13 shots in a row at the beginning of the game, finished with 33 points and completely overshadowed North Carolina's two All-Americans Bob Lewis and Larry Miller. This was Dean Smith's first season coaching the Tar Heels. Remember it like it was yesterday because me and my buddies tickets were right in the middle of the NC cheering section. The guy behind me tapped me on the shoulder and said, "**** doesn't that guy ever miss?" I said, "not usually!" As you could imagine, it was one of the most fun times I've ever had!

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Hooper played one year for the Pacers 1968-69. Pacers were runner ups that year and won the championship in 1970. The University of Dayton listed twice in that 68 roster.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/INA/1969.html

[Atlantic 10]

Originally Posted by TommyGola One interesting point on Don May that most fans don't know about...by his junior year Don May had developed a very long old-fashioned hook shot. What is even more interesting, he became so effective with it that some of his long hook shots would qualify as a three-point shot today! He was only 6'4", but he played much bigger. But he could do it all - inside he was strong around the bucket; outside he had a nice "set shot" as they were called in those days; and he was one of the best rebounders in Dayton history. I saw him and Bill Hosket play together at Belmont High School on numerous occasions. They were a force...two NBA players on the same high school team. They had another player; I think his name was Ridenour, who I believe went on to play D-1 ball as well.

Ralph Jukola was a junior on that Belmont team, he went to LSU and played with Pistol Pete Maravich

[SeasonTicketFan]

Originally Posted by TommyGola One interesting point on Don May that most fans don't know about...by his junior year Don May had developed a very long old-fashioned hook shot. What is even more interesting, he became so effective with it that some of his long hook shots would qualify as a three-point shot today! He was only 6'4", but he played much bigger. But he could do it all - inside he was strong around the bucket; outside he had a nice "set shot" as they were called in those days; and he was one of the best rebounders in Dayton history. I saw him and Bill Hosket play together at Belmont High School on numerous occasions. They were a force...two NBA players on the same high school team. They had another player; I think his name was Ridenour, who I believe went on to play D-1 ball as well.

I played against Don in pickup games after he retired from the NBA. He still played much taller than 6'4". I matched up better against Dan Obravoc who was much taller.

Don is left handed but had good moves with his right hand. He still had that sweeping hook in the low post and deadly outside shot. I was very frustrated when matched up against him. Hardest player I ever had to guard and he was much older than me... Never played against Johny Davis or velvet though....

Don continued to play pickup in the Dayton area until he was probably 50 years old or more. Every time he walked on the court, you could hear the whispering. Then you would hear me cuss in frustration....

[DGO67]

Originally Posted by The Fly Nine in a row is awesome. But in actuality, he hit 13 in a row against North Carolina. That is magnificence. Good question about Hooper. He only played a year or two, but Roger Brown would have been lacing them up by then.

May did hit 13 in a row vs North Carolina in the 67 NCAA semi-final. About his velvet smooth hook from the base line, it was shot midway between the basket and what is now the 3 point line. Another thing that May did (never seen since his day) was his version of a slam dunk...he gently placed the ball over the basket and dropped it in. And as good as he played in the Carolina game, his performance the following year against Kansas in the NIT Final was equally as magnificent...total domination of the Jayhawks!
The only Flyer, in my opinion to come close to May was Chapman. Also, had Roger Brown played on the varsity, he'd also be in the mix.

[Flyer68]

Sorry about shorting May of four more in a row. Larry Miller was supposed to be the big deal and beat us all by himself. But he did not. Would like to see how many of those 13 straight shots would not be three pointers. I really thought that Hooper played a lot longer than one year. On the number of rebounds, I don't know if they still do, but I think that when going for a rebound, each time it was tapped back up before being grabbed, I think they counted that as a rebound. Probably wrong about that too, like 9 straight shots and Hooper more than one year!!! Fading memory.

[DGO67]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 Sorry about shorting May of four more in a row. Larry Miller was supposed to be the big deal and beat us all by himself. But he did not. Would like to see how many of those 13 straight shots would not be three pointers. I really thought that Hooper played a lot longer than one year. On the number of rebounds, I don't know if they still do, but I think that when going for a rebound, each time it was tapped back up before being grabbed, I think they counted that as a rebound. Probably wrong about that too, like 9 straight shots and Hooper more than one year!!! Fading memory.

Bobby Joe Hooper played 87 games as a Flyer from 1965 to 1968.
(The Dayton Flyers by Ritter Collett).

[tirebiter]

Not only was May a ferocious rebounder, but he always seemed to get a pass off to Hooper or Waterman while he was still at the peak of his jump.

He was awesome.

[Flyer68]

Rudy Waterman, now there is a name from 64-68. And don't forget Glindor Torrain, our center who was 6/6" going up against Alcindor \ Jabbar. Obravic did not have much success either in the NCAA final. Looking back, I think that May was the high scorer in the game.

[tirebiter]

I remember Torrain with the line drive jump shot. Sometimes it even went in, against all rules of physics.

[TommyGola]

Originally Posted by tirebiter I remember Torrain with the line drive jump shot. Sometimes it even went in, against all rules of physics.

Yes, Glinder Torrain had very little arc on his shot and it always seemed like it was from the baseline. Torrain played ball at Muncie (IN) Central and was quite a high recruit out of high school. I don't remember him playing center. I thought he was a forward.

[jumpin' joe]

Originally Posted by tirebiter He was awesome.

And he's still the best that ever wore a Flyer uniform.

[darrylskale]

I remember if I'm correct that Hooper help beat Ohio U in the first round of the NCAA and Finkel gave UK everything that could handle in 1965 ,

Then you had Finkel and May against Michigan in 1966.

[Flyer68]

When Hooper beat Ohio U, at the last second somehow we got buses out to the airport. What a scene. Kids running all over the place in the terminal and out onto the tarmac.

We were at the UK fieldhouse at the UD v. Michigan game (Cassie Russell, Bill Buntin, Oliver Darden et als). That was the year Michigan lost to Gail Goodrich in the finals. Michigan was just too much for us but I think Finkel was the high scorer. Vanderbuilt beat DePaul in the other game. We beat DePaul in the consolation game. The regional final between Vanderbuilt and Michigan was an excellent game. Vanderbuilt had Clyde Lee but Michigan was too much.

[moville]

Glinder was a teammate of a friend of mine in Amsterdam, I think, after his college playing days. Rudy went back to NYC . . . died there several years ago. I believe Coach Donoher visited him shortly before he passed.

	Don Donoher DON DONOHER Legendary Flyer men's basketball coach who guided Dayton to 435 victories in 25 seasons (1964-1989) including the 1967 NCAA Runner-Up. Took over the program after the passing of Tom Blackburn and earned many NCAA and NIT bids over his career, including five Sweet-16s, one Elite Eight appearance, and the 1968 NIT Championship. Groomed All-Americans Don May and Jim Paxson, along with all-time leading scorer Roosevelt Chapman. Coached UD as they joined conference affiliation for the first time (Midwest Collegiate). A graduate of UD, Donoher played for Blackburn and credits much of his coaching success to his mentor's teachings: defense, ball protection, patience, and unselfishness.

[Bill McPeek]

Originally Posted by moville I think, Rudy went back to NYC . . . died there several years ago. I believe Coach Donoher visited him shortly before he passed.

That is correct Moville.

[moville]

I just wish there were more people in the world like Coach Donoher.

	Don Donoher DON DONOHER Legendary Flyer men's basketball coach who guided Dayton to 435 victories in 25 seasons (1964-1989) including the 1967 NCAA Runner-Up. Took over the program after the passing of Tom Blackburn and earned many NCAA and NIT bids over his career, including five Sweet-16s, one Elite Eight appearance, and the 1968 NIT Championship. Groomed All-Americans Don May and Jim Paxson, along with all-time leading scorer Roosevelt Chapman. Coached UD as they joined conference affiliation for the first time (Midwest Collegiate). A graduate of UD, Donoher played for Blackburn and credits much of his coaching success to his mentor's teachings: defense, ball protection, patience, and unselfishness.

[DGO67]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 When Hooper beat Ohio U, at the last second somehow we got buses out to the airport. What a scene. Kids running all over the place in the terminal and out onto the tarmac. We were at the UK fieldhouse at the UD v. Michigan game (Cassie Russell, Bill Buntin, Oliver Darden et als). That was the year Michigan lost to Gail Goodrich in the finals. Michigan was just too much for us but I think Finkel was the high scorer. Vanderbuilt beat DePaul in the other game. We beat DePaul in the consolation game. The regional final between Vanderbuilt and Michigan was an excellent game. Vanderbuilt had Clyde Lee but Michigan was too much.

What a scene it was at Cox Airport to greet the team returning from the OU win in Athens.
There was 4 inches of snow at the airport. As the twin engine taxied back with the victorious Flyers, the crown surged toward the plane. The pilot whipped the plan around and scampered away to prevent bodies getting ground up in the props.
As I was running back to the terminal, I lost my shoes in the snow and returned to campus with only my socks.

[darrylskale]

May and Hooper as well as Obrovac had a great NIT Championship run in 1968 in betting Jo Jo White of Kansas in the finals.
Thereafter we had Kenny May with Janky, Crosswhite, and George Jackson from Roth from 1969-71.
What ever became of Irv Gidding who had a nice career at Dayton, should have been elected to the Hall of Fame.

[ud2]

Originally Posted by DGO67 What a scene it was at Cox Airport to greet the team returning from the OU win in Athens. There was 4 inches of snow at the airport. As the twin engine taxied back with the victorious Flyers, the crown surged toward the plane. The pilot whipped the plan around and scampered away to prevent bodies getting ground up in the props. As I was running back to the terminal, I lost my shoes in the snow and returned to campus with only my socks.

Was it common back then to fly shorter distances like that? I assume they flew in and out of the Athens airport.

[longtimefan]

Originally Posted by ud2 Was it common back then to fly shorter distances like that? I assume they flew in and out of the Athens airport.

I forget where that game was but it was not in Athens. The Convo hadn't even been built yet.

[ud69]

Originally Posted by DGO67 What a scene it was at Cox Airport to greet the team returning from the OU win in Athens. There was 4 inches of snow at the airport. As the twin engine taxied back with the victorious Flyers, the crown surged toward the plane. The pilot whipped the plan around and scampered away to prevent bodies getting ground up in the props. As I was running back to the terminal, I lost my shoes in the snow and returned to campus with only my socks.

Hooper hit the last second shot against WKU in Lexington at Memorial Coliseum. Same place the women beat UK last year.

[DGO67]

Originally Posted by ud69 Hooper hit the last second shot against WKU in Lexington at Memorial Coliseum. Same place the women beat UK last year.

You are correct! I was at the WKU game for the first round of the 67 NCAA tournament in which Hooper hit the winner in OT.

The OU game was a couple years prior in Athens, Ohio. The Flyers returned to Dayton on a chartered flight. Believe in or not, in 1966 there were airplanes with propellers that went round and round.

[ud2]

Originally Posted by longtimefan I forget where that game was but it was not in Athens. The Convo hadn't even been built yet.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, maybe they played across the street from the Convo at Grover Center? I think they used to play games at Grover way back when.

The way Grover was configured when I was there, it is very hard for me to imagine getting a big crowd in there. I think Grover has been rehabbed/changed since I was there.

[ud69]

Originally Posted by DGO67 You are correct! I was at the WKU game for the first round of the 67 NCAA tournament in which Hooper hit the winner in OT. The OU game was a couple years prior in Athens, Ohio. The Flyers returned to Dayton on a chartered flight. Believe in or not, in 1966 there were airplanes with propellers that went round and round.

3/9/65-Flyers 66, OU 65 - First Round NCAA - Diddle Arena - WKU-Bowling Green, KY

(I cheat - from media guide)

[DGO67]

Originally Posted by ud69 3/9/65-Flyers 66, OU 65 - First Round NCAA - Diddle Arena - WKU-Bowling Green, KY (I cheat - from media guide)

Thanks for the correction. I think loosing my shoes in the snow at Cox caused a brain freeze.

[skip69]

Originally Posted by ud69 I guess a Don May thread is as good a place as any to ask this question - Home many Flyers have won an NBA title? May, Finkel, Davis - Any others? Roger Brown with 3 ABA titles.

Jim Paxson (Jr) with Portland

[SeasonTicketFan]

Originally Posted by skip69 Jim Paxson (Jr) with Portland

I don't think Jim Paxson was on the 1977 Portland team that won the NBA title. Johny Davis was. He was drafted in 1979

[Flyer68]

This is really a trip down memory lane. Now I remember back in 64 to 68 years when we played Louisville twice a year and for a while they had Butch Beard and Wes Unseld on the same team. If I remember correctly in the four years I was there, we never beat Cincinnati no matter how good our record was.

[Flyer68]

DGO67 - So that's whose ROTC dress shoes I found at the airport that night. Spent many a night at Timonthys in those old shoes. No matter how much beer or vomit spilled on them, they shined up perfectly.

[John C.]

I remember going to one of the theaters in town with my dad to watch UD play Louisville during the Unseld/Finkel days on close circuit TV. Black and white, of course.

[DGO67]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 DGO67 - So that's whose ROTC dress shoes I found at the airport that night. Spent many a night at Timonthys in those old shoes. No matter how much beer or vomit spilled on them, they shined up perfectly.

Give me back my shoes!
FWIW ...I probably served you a beer at Tim's because I was a bartender from
Fall 1965 until Spring of 1967.