Cazzie Returns to the House He Built; U-M Playing His Team in Exhibition

Submitted by BursleyHall82 on

Hadn't seen this posted yet today, but Cazzie Russell is returning to Crisler on Nov. 4, bringing the team he coaches - Armstrong State - to town for an exhibition against us.

I've never heard of Armstrong State and neither have you, but damn, it'll be nice to have Cazzie back in the House He Built.

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/072716aaa.html

Wolfman

July 27th, 2016 at 7:44 PM ^

Been really fortunate enough over the years to see some truly great UM performers. Cazzie ranks among the top. Actually, listened to his exploits so often as an 8th grader on radio and on t.v. during the NCAA tourneys before I became a Michigan football fan. 

I thought the entire state was in love with him. I had no idea about the MSU/UM thing at that time. Damn, he could brighten up a Saturday afternoon, listening to the game and Cazzie for two over and over.  He is to basketball what Woodson is to football. Great, great bb player. 

Damn you, Gail Goodrich. 

acnumber1

July 27th, 2016 at 9:57 PM ^

Your comment about how you got to know Cazzie (radio in grade 8) reminded me of how I got to know about Cazzie. I remember it was a book I read a number of times as a youngster. In that book I learned all about Michigan basketball history.

I had watched Ricky Green, Steve Grote, Wayman Britt, John Robinson, Phil Hubbard, Dave Baxter, Joel Thompson, Alan Hardy, and more.

I was at the time watching Mike McGee, Phil Hubbard, Thad Gardner (!), the Bodnars, and more.

I was reading about Bill Buntin, George Pomey, Oliver Darden, and Cazzie.

A quick google search reminded me of the name of the book (and the author, former Ann Arbor News sports writer who I remembered well, but didn't recall had written the book).

If you are interested in learning about the storied history of Michigan hoops, look to this:

 

Pigeons, Bloody Noses and Little Skinny Kids: a Story of Woverine Basketball Paperback – 1978

 

 

 

 

WD - I assume this is in your library. If not, order today!

Wolfman

July 27th, 2016 at 10:28 PM ^

I remember watching all those boys play. Oliver Darden and Bill Buntin made a hell of a front court and they were like 6'5" apiece.  Later, Bill played for the short lived Muskegon semi-pro team that was coached by Shelby High School HOF coach, Ed Douma. League didn't last long. 

I actually was introducted fot UM bb before fb but fb is an absolute addiction. 

Indiana Blue

July 28th, 2016 at 9:47 AM ^

"Trigger" Tregoning and Cantrell.  For those that missed seeing M basketball in era when Cazzie was there, it was unbelievable.  Yost with its dirt floor and the raised court, filled with a "smokey haze" and the bright lights.  As an 8 year old kid ... there was nothing better !

Go Blue!