Given today's "one and done" world of college basketball and the MTVization of professional sports...

Given today's "one and done" world of college basketball and the MTVization of professional sports leagues, I have expressed my disenchantment with the NBA here on BN. That said, what is going to start on Thursday night in the City the New Englanders love to call the "Hub" (or in their eyes the center of universe) is bringing back a lot of incredible memories for this 30 something Bruin.

I realize not everyone in Bruins Nation is a Laker fan. I can respect that. However, the letters "LA" in U.C.L.A. mean a lot to me. And I strongly believe the Bruins and Lakers have a special relationship as the two marquee institutions in the City of Angels representing all that is fantastic and amazing about the greatest city in America. After all, how many times have we heard those "Beat L.A." chants involving both our Bruins and Lakers.

In fact, one of the defining aspects of UCLA is how our students and alumni represent and serve the community surrounding the greatest university in America. And Kareem, Gail, and Jordan and other Bruins have done just that doing their part to dazzle the heart of Bruins Nation, which happens to be Los Angeles.

So, with that note, here I am putting up this first video with few more to come leading into a Thursday night open thread. I was browsing around YouTube on Sunday night and stumbled into that video. I got goose bumps watching it. It rushed back some incredible memories for a kid who grew up in Southern California in the Golden Age of the NBA, and whose love affair with both the Lakers and Bruins started at the same time (I am sure the guy wearing 33 had a lot to do with it). Anyway, that video it led me to few others. I will be posting them leading into Thursday night.

GO LAKERS & GO BRUINS.

7 months ago Nestor Comment 7 comments 0 recs |

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What I remember about that game

We had tickets for the Angels game that day. I remembering listening when Kevin McHale fouled out. Anaheim Stadium was opened earlier than usual so that people could go in and watch. It was the first time I was able to celebrate a championship with such a large group. I was seven and I thought it was the greatest feeling in the world.

Nothing will ever compare to those days, but I am thrilled for Jordan Farmar. We’re all pulling for you Jordan!

by bruinbabe2000 on Jun 2, 2008 7:12 PM PDT 0 recs

I remember

Sprinting up and down the halls of 6-South in Sproul in an absolute frenzy with several of my floormates after Magic lobbed in Junior (his version of the skyhook) to beat the Celtics.

My early memories of the Lakers include my all-time favorite, Silk, Jamaal (Keith) Wilkes. Loved that crazy wrap-around-his-head form on his jumper. I distinctly recall Chick Hearn saying after Silk drained yet another “20 foot layup” that “That shot is unorthodox, and it’s a credit to Coach Wooden that he didn’t try to change it”.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Jun 2, 2008 8:08 PM PDT 0 recs

Sproul 6S

Can’t view the clip here at work, but I’m guessing that’s the Magic baby hook shot in Game 4 in ‘87. I lived on Sproul 6S ‘85-’86, but spent a lot of time there ‘86-’87 – I lived off campus that year but one of my best friends had a roommate that always slept at his girlfriend’s place so I hung out in their room quite a lot. I think the RA was a guy named Aubry?? At any rate, nice to see a fellow BNer who’s path I likely crossed 20-some yrs ago.

by haywood nighttrain on Jun 3, 2008 10:48 AM PDT up 0 recs

I lived on Sproul 6 South too

But in 96-97. It’s where Mr. BB and I met.

by bruinbabe2000 on Jun 3, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up 0 recs

That was the shot

And I was on 6-S from 86-89. I know, 3 years in the dorm is kinda lame, but I had a job there, so that’s my excuse. But I did move into 527 Midavale and was cool for the next 2 years.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Jun 3, 2008 3:21 PM PDT up 0 recs

Lakers

When I was a kid, watching those historic games in the 80’s against Boston, I remember a few things: Kareem was money with that skyhook, Worthy could make the quick move down the baseline, and Magic seemed be able to find the open lane to the basket or dish it to the open man. What a team!

“Beat LA” is music to my ears. To me it means that our teams have a reputation of winning. It is a chant that is used around the country. Tell me, is there are corresponding well-known chant for any other city? Didn’t think so.

Let nobody forget that our university represents Los Angeles: it is in our name. Anyone else that wants to claim it should have put it in their name.

by Bruins102NCAA on Jun 3, 2008 1:38 AM PDT 0 recs