My interest in college basketball began during the 1970s as I grew up in the state of Michigan. The University of Michigan (Johnny Orr) and Michigan State University(Jud Heathcote) were led by coaches who were leaders with personalities. They were peers of Don Donoher. Johnny Orr passed away in 2013. Jud Heathcote passed away today.
Bob Knight- "you know Jud you're the only friend I got in this business"
Jud Heathcote- "don't jump to conclusions Bob"
Brian Gregory: "It was known as 'Jud's party,' and it became Final Four folklore. He'd get up in front of everyone and tell a bunch of jokes, holding court for high school, junior college and big-time coaches. They all came to see him. The younger coaches would just be in awe of how he could command a room with that many coaches in it. ... For the first time since I was 25, I won't get a birthday card from him and won't get a call from him after a game, and that really bums me out."
Jud Heathcote- "don't jump to conclusions Bob"
Brian Gregory: "It was known as 'Jud's party,' and it became Final Four folklore. He'd get up in front of everyone and tell a bunch of jokes, holding court for high school, junior college and big-time coaches. They all came to see him. The younger coaches would just be in awe of how he could command a room with that many coaches in it. ... For the first time since I was 25, I won't get a birthday card from him and won't get a call from him after a game, and that really bums me out."
Dan Monson, from when Monson's dad was Jud's assistant at Michigan State:
