RIP Demetrius Calip
RIP Calip. At 53 years of age, he was still so young. Calip, like the tweet mentions, was a member of the National Championship team. But more notably remembered as being the "best" player on that bridge 1990 team right before the Fab Five landed on campus. Calip was 20 points a game in that 90-91 season for Michigan.
Apparently he had health issues recently, suffering a stroke in 2019. His son, Demetrius Calip II, was featured on the Netflix series Last Chance U.
February 6th, 2023 at 2:59 PM ^
A few brief Calip highlights. That Xavier performance was BIG, 9 points in the final 10 minutes.
Also, here's a clip I found on YT of him recounting that 89 team. Btw, if Mike Griffin ever texts me "get to the bar now" I'm there. Open invite. 12 year old me loved Mike Griffin.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:33 PM ^
I'm old enough I remember that Xavier game. First game on Friday (same day as Georgetown v Princeton), I was off school (5th Grade) because Detroit was getting an ice storm. It was a battle, and Calip was huge.
Michigan deserved to win but Xavier perfectly fit the mold of a #14 seed who pulls a 1st-round upset: good & emerging head coach, had a big regular season scalp (Louisville) already, THREE (on a #14 seed!!!) future NBA players, confident & not scared.
U-M's national championship in 1989 was a bit like a pitcher throwing a no-hitter: neither happens without the (1) Xavier win or (2) defensive gem by the shortstop in the 2nd Inning. But nobody truly appreciates how big those things were until it's all over.
Just noticed, the Xavier win was the same score as the UNC Sweet 16 win a week later. 92-87.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:43 PM ^
Not unlike, for you young’uns out there, beating Houston on Poole’s buzzer beater on our way to getting Villanova’ed in the finals.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:53 PM ^
Great analogy. Anyone who watched either game --- they knew those Xavier/Houston teams were legit good.
Extending further, both the 1989/2018 squads beat ACC teams in the Elite 8, beat an Illinois-based team in the Final Four, and faced a Big East team in the Final.
February 6th, 2023 at 5:03 PM ^
Dude…are you really a Nittany Lion fan?
You know more about Michigan sports than your average Michigan fan.
February 6th, 2023 at 7:38 PM ^
I was a U-M fan up through High School (and for better or worse, I have a bit of a photographic memory). U-M hoops in the late 80s and early 90s was fun.
February 6th, 2023 at 8:02 PM ^
That was Fisher's first game as a head coach, which seemed odd then and seems odd now. We had a fake band at the game too.
RIP, DC.
February 6th, 2023 at 9:59 PM ^
Fake band, I do remember that. I guess new AD Bo didn't expect us to make the Sweet 16 and hired some local outlet to play The Victors and a few other songs. Funny thing is the band had some long-haired hippie looking guy who seemed really into the moment. Hope he got something more than 50 bucks to experience two pretty good games.
February 6th, 2023 at 5:32 PM ^
The 1989 team was the first I followed as a fan (good time to start!) and I remember him making an impact in the tournament, after not getting much playing time during the season. It seemed like everyone on the team pitched in at some point or another during the run.
Shocking news. Condolences and prayers to his family.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:00 PM ^
RIP 😔
February 6th, 2023 at 3:02 PM ^
RIP DC.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:03 PM ^
I didn't know he was sick - that is really sad, way too young.
RIP Demetrius
February 6th, 2023 at 3:05 PM ^
Oh no, 53 is way too young. :(
February 6th, 2023 at 3:09 PM ^
My wife turns 53 this year (I'm still in my 40s). Puts things into perspective.
RIP, and prayers to those he left behind.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:06 PM ^
This just sucks.
I posted recently about my cancer diagnosis.
Among the countless blessings in my life, a high school classmate has an in with Mayo clinic, so they called me, as I was reaching out for a second opinion.
They looked at the same slides the Detroit pathologist did.
And told me benign, NOT malignant.
This just happened Friday night.
The 2 month plus adventure leaves me more grateful than ever for each breath.
Read the uscho.com Paula Weston story on UM hockey defenseman Holtz.
He concludes that it is just so great to be living.
Premature deaths like Demetrius are another reminder.
Let's be kind and useful to others while we can.
My 92 year old mother told me last week, she figures someone will come along to interview her for her secret to living so long, which is, she said:
'Inhale, exhale.
Inhale, exhale."
Prayers for the Calip family.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:18 PM ^
First of all, congrats on a benign diagnosis. What a relief!
Cannot put a price tag on a second lease on life.
Time to live it up and go check those things you've always wanted to do off your bucket list now!
February 6th, 2023 at 3:28 PM ^
K.O.L Law - the benign diagnosis is indeed wonderful news but if I was in your shoes I'd seek out a third clinician's opinion given the wide disparity between the two diagnosis's and the ramifications for you if it turned out the 2nd, more favorable opinion, was the wrong one.
Good luck sir. As someone with Cancer (I was first diagnosed in 2008) I know just how terrifying hearing those words can be. RIP Mr Calip, thank you for everything you did as a Wolverine.
February 6th, 2023 at 4:36 PM ^
I would second this. In 1994, my dad flew up to Minnesota to visit the Mayo Clinic for a diagnosis on his heart condition. The doctor told him he had congestive heart failure and would die within 6 months without a heart transplant. Talk about a downer of a weekend together.
Turns out he had a case of pneumonia that was misdiagnosed. He lived another 9 years.
Doctors, even ones that work at Mayo, can miss things. You shouldn't freak out, but getting a third opinion should help.
February 6th, 2023 at 8:34 PM ^
I have thought about that 3rd opinion.
At this point, I do not want to second guess Mayo clinic.
And, if it is cancer, all Mayo suggested was maybe an MRI for a baseline.
Believe me, if there is another lump in my mouth I will be over to the oral surgeon forthwith.
:)
February 6th, 2023 at 3:45 PM ^
Wow! Glad to hear the great news, kok!
I just turned 55 and, while relatively healthy, have taken a more proactive approach to medical care over the past few years. Started up with a new internist (I think she must be like 12 years old or something), got a colonoscopy, going to a cardiologist, etc.
Seems like every six months or so I hear about someone in my extended circle who has dropped dead from a heart attack. Mostly men about my age...which gives one a little bit of a scare.
My dad is 94. His positive attitude and easy-going nature is what I think has given him such a good, long life.
The company I worked for about 20 years ago had this awful sales trainer who I despised and who endlessly repeated this cheesy line that I can now somewhat appreciate: "Every day is a gift; that's why they call it the present."
RIP to DC and condolences to his family.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:55 PM ^
KOK, I must’ve missed out on the post about cancer but I am not missing out on what appears to be incredible good news - benign!
February 6th, 2023 at 8:35 PM ^
My favorite letter - B
My favorite number - 9
:)
February 6th, 2023 at 3:13 PM ^
Rest in peace DC...
February 6th, 2023 at 3:21 PM ^
I worked at Crisler when he was there. A bunch of us would hang out after practice and play some pick-up games. He stayed and played with us a few times. He was such a genuine, humble young man.
Blessings on his family as they mourn his loss.
February 6th, 2023 at 4:05 PM ^
Thank you for your heartfelt remembrance... This is just lousy news.
Having my own issues today as my stepson's father-in-law died this morning from an extended battle with cancer. May the Lord bless both their and DC's families and bring them comfort. DC was certainly too young.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:29 PM ^
He was too old to rock and roll but too young to die. RIP.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:40 PM ^
So sad. I met him once in the 1990s. RIP.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:48 PM ^
I was working for an employer in mid-Michigan and they didn't have a formal (no drinks at lunch) policy back in 1989 about having a beer at lunch time and then going back to work. (one came a few years later, but this was the 80s when tax laws had only recently been changed to stop the deductions for two martini lunches and people still drank at lunch in some places)
A fellow UM alum and another guy who was an Ohio fan (but rooted for UM when we weren't playing Ohio) went out to a local pub for lunch, since the game started around noon. It was St. Patrick's Day so the local Catholic bishop waived the no-meat-on-lenten-Fridays rules for the day. Which meant - hey a burger and A (1) beer was fine. Anyway, we got so drawn into the game that we needed a second beer. I remember that team had lost our backup PG Kirk Taylor to injury (I believe in the Illinois game in January). We basically had Rumeal and pray he didn't foul out. Calip was someone Fisher had recruited more closely and knew what he could do. When Rumeal got into serious foul trouble, Fisher gave D a pep talk about being the player Steve knew he was. What a great performance in the clutch (Eric Riley had one a few years later for the 1992 team when the big guys were in fout trouble).
We stayed until the game ended about two but not before a 3rd beer. Meanwhile, a intense snow squall hit the area and we went back to work only to say - I'm taking 4 hours vacation this afternoon and went home to watch more games.
The was also the day (night game) when Princeton almost beat G-town as a 16 seed.
DC rest in peace sit, you have delivered for your team and enjoy the heavenly rewards!
February 6th, 2023 at 3:50 PM ^
RIP, Demetrius. He definitely was the bridge from the championship team to the Fab Five.
February 6th, 2023 at 3:56 PM ^
Dunked over me in the CCRB back in the day. Literally leapfrogged my 6’1” self and then rightfully talked some smack. He used to run with a 5’6” Asian dude with calves the size of Terry Mills’ head who could also dunk. Both will always be seared into my memories. Way to young. RIP Demetrius.
February 6th, 2023 at 4:14 PM ^
CCRB had some great pick up games… it brings back memories…
February 6th, 2023 at 11:13 PM ^
Me too! I might have been in that pickup game with you. Calip could jump out of the gym. RIP
February 6th, 2023 at 4:05 PM ^
Sad news. RIP and condolences to his family. I remember him and that 89 team very well. Actually saw Mark Hughes at the M-OSU game yesterday, and he looked great BTW. I'm about the same age as these guys and it's so young, but everytime you can't help but think it could be me. Prayers up for all and good health 🙏🏽
February 6th, 2023 at 4:09 PM ^
Aw, man, that's awful. I remember listening to every minute of that '91 team on my alarm clock radio, pre-internet, whenever they weren't on Raycom. That was a tough year for me personally, shuttling back and forth between bitterly divorced parents. But I could always count on Calip and Riley to distract me. I was crushed when they lost their NIT opener.
Rest in peace, Demetrius.
February 6th, 2023 at 5:08 PM ^
Wayne Larravee and Tim Brando ... two Raycom stalwarts. Glad they could get you through it all! :)
February 6th, 2023 at 7:40 PM ^
The "legendary" Raycom intro! December 1992 --- Michigan at Duke. Tim Brando on the call!
(Definitely a different era .... national Title game rematch and it was only available in syndication. I'm guessing Channel 20 showed it in the Detroit market)
February 6th, 2023 at 4:16 PM ^
The 'D Calip' Team, as we called that bridge team, was my first year on campus and having season tickets. 53 is too young.
February 6th, 2023 at 4:41 PM ^
Not only a member of the 1989 championship team, but also a graduate of my alma mater, Flint Northern High School.
Rest in peace, fellow Viking.
February 6th, 2023 at 4:48 PM ^
All of your shots will swish from now on DC. Thank you for what you gave us.
Rest easy.
February 6th, 2023 at 4:56 PM ^
I sure remember him. He carried the team btw the title year and the fab five.
February 6th, 2023 at 6:10 PM ^
So sorry. Rest in peace, Demetrius.
February 6th, 2023 at 7:38 PM ^
I almost never post, but logged in on this one. Definitely saddened to hear this. Like many others have mentioned, I was really getting into M basketball around this time (a bit before, but not much). I went to basketball camps there for a few years and DC was the one who made me realize how huge basketball players were - he was WIDE. Didn't look as strong on TV, but looked like he could run over a truck to young me. He was great to watch. RIP
February 6th, 2023 at 8:25 PM ^
RIP. I remember after we won the natty, my dad told my brother and I to hop in the car. A short drive later, we got to meet Calip and Glen Rice at the Waterstreet Pavillion in downtown Flint.
We were so thrilled to get both players to autograph our pennants.
Sad news.
February 6th, 2023 at 8:51 PM ^
RIP
Was a fun one to watch at crisler - instant offense when necessary -
February 6th, 2023 at 8:52 PM ^
Sad to hear this news. Like many of us in our late 40’s, the ‘89 team got me hooked on Michigan bball. Calip was a “little” dude but could throw down the occasional dunk. Thankfully he was there for the 90-91 team that needed an experienced leader. He could really fill it up and was fun to watch during the Raycom tv days.
Crazy…he’s now the third player to pass from the 90-91 team. Tony Tolbert (Covid-last year) and Sam Mitchell (carbon monoxide-1995) were the other two. RIP, thanks for the memories.
February 6th, 2023 at 8:57 PM ^
So sad. So young. Legendary Wolverine.
February 6th, 2023 at 9:02 PM ^
RIP. I remember watching those teams as a kid.
February 6th, 2023 at 10:19 PM ^
He had a legendary performance in that first round game against Xavier that will never be forgotten. They don't win that game or the championship without that.
I also remember James Voskuil coming up huge in the Final Four game in 1992 against Cincinnati that helped get us to the championship game.
Those teams had great role players that you do not see on today's teams. The role players all hit the transfer portal if they are not starting. You win championships with great role players. Demetrius was one of those guys in 1989!!
February 6th, 2023 at 10:39 PM ^
RIP DC.