Comments on: High Point Man for the Irish…

By: Al Cramer '73

Al Cramer '73 — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 01:41:47 +0000

Augie also had a song-Austin Carr, Superstar (Jesus Christ Superstar was big that year). As I recall, he was, in fact, the high point man for either team in every game his last two years at ND (Though I think Colis tied him once). I believe he also holds the all-time NCAA tournament for points in a single tournament, and did it in 3 games. Greatest pure player I ever saw.

By: Mike73

Mike73 — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 13:48:25 +0000

Great memories here. I too was at both ends of that 88 game streak by UCLA and left the second one to bartend for for Digger’s after game party at his house. I will never forget when I was trying out for the freshman team and working out by myself one day, a guy came up and politely asked if he could shoot with me. After exchanges of home towns and other pleasantries, he told me his name. Of course I had heard of him but I was just a freshman and he was starting his junior year. Some of the other varsity guys drifted in and we started a pick up game. Carr took the first shot from about 30 feet, I said ok cool, I know you are on the varsity. He hit nothing but net on 5 straight shots from that distance. I remember saying to myself, uh, I’m on the wrong court… Anyway, I bumped into him occasionally over the next 2 years and he never failed to smile, wave, say hello. He was a good guy in addition to being the best shooter on the planet.

I remember the games mentioned by previous contributors, the SC game, KY, etc. One game no one mentioned was from his senior year when Indiana came to town and Carr laid 54 on Big George McGinnis, Al Downing, Joby Wright, and Bubbles Hawkins from all over the court. We lost by 3 but what a show. Two of my favorite quotes about Carr came from Adolph Rupp and another opponent of Carr. Rupp, who never had much good to say about opponents, was asked what he thought of Carr after he smoked them for 52 (double figures in boards) in the NCAA tournament and KY escaped with a win. “All I can say is the man conducted a clinic tonight.” The other quote was from All American Ralph Simpson from Michigan State after being asked to compare himself with Austin Carr. He said, “I need the whole court to play, Austin Carr only needs a postage stamp.”

He remains the best pure shooter I have ever seen for sure. I still get goose bumps….

By: Bill7176

Bill7176 — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:05:03 +0000

I also was in Carr’s class at ND. Saw every game. As noted, when Augie’s jersey was first untucked, the students roared because Carr was about to go into second gear. One quibble with the original article, i.e. that Augie had “no chant” when he was there. I can remember “Go Car(r) Go” ringing out from the students when he got on a roll, which was often.

By: Tim

Tim — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 19:18:33 +0000

I was 10 at the time and remember watching the game that AC scored 61 in the NCAA tournament. It was at the University of Dayton Arena, which had just opened at the beginning of the 69-70 season. I believe I remember that the opponent was the Ohio University Bobcats. I think AC still holds the building record for points scored with that 61, on any level of basketball played at UD Arena…

By: mike

mike — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 01:51:59 +0000

I never saw AC live in college but did see him play as a HS senior out of Mackin HS. Three nights in a row at the Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament in Cumberland, MD, I saw the proverbial man against boys. I have seen some terrific high school play at the tournament but none left the impression AC made. Some other stars seen at the ACIT included Adrian Dantley, Collis Jones, Martin Ingelsby and his father, Tom. Carmello Anthony is a current NBA player who played in the ACIT. DeMatha is an annual participant. Last year I was able to watch current freshmen, Atkins and Grant. I doubt anyone will ever match AC.

By: Jim Diette '73

Jim Diette '73 — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:40:42 +0000

Augie would start every game with his jersey tucked in. He had a habit of wiping his browe with his untucked jersey. Pity the opponents when Augie worked up a sweat, as his trademark would be to leave the jersey untucked for the remainder of the game. Those of us in the student section would boo Johnny Dee if he pulled Augie before he scored at least 40.

By: John Lee

John Lee — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:52:40 +0000

I think the ACC PA announcer was Jack Lloyd. I was at the ND-Butler game in Indianapolis for the game when Austin scored 50 and Collis scored 40. Irish won with a final score of 121-114. Some guys (including Catlett) were late for the bus at ND and Dee left without them. There were only seven guys dressed that night – more than enough.

By: Kayo

Kayo — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:50:32 +0000

In reply to Thomas Guarino.

Regarding the Ring of Honor…

It was created at the end of last year. When people will be inducted will be based partly on their achievements and partly on when they’re available. Luke Harangody is certainly deserving, and he was eminently available on his Senior night. It would have been silly to withhold the honor just to make sure someone else was first, especially because Luke is likely to be unavailable to return to the JACC for a basketball game until his NBA career (and career in Europe if the NBA doesn’t work out) is over in 10 years or so.

Austin’s broadcasting commitment makes scheduling him back to campus a challenge, just as getting Adrian Dantley back is difficult because of his coaching duties. Both have been honored at ND basketball games in recent years as their schedules have permitted, Augie for making the college basketball hall of fame and AD for making the Naismith HOF.

Here’s an example of how difficult it can be. ND couldn’t get Dantley back until the last game of the 2008-09 season, and that was a stroke of luck. The Nuggets played in Indianapolis one night, ND played in South Bend the next night, and the Nuggets played in Detroit the third night. That’s how the schedule has to fall to honor the guys who work in the NBA.

If ND tried to induct people into the Ring of Honor in some sort of order of accomplishment, it would take ten years to induct the first five guys.

Anyone contemporary player deemed worthy of induction from now on will surely be honored on his or her senior night, not according to a pecking order. I’m okay with that.

By: SBDomer

SBDomer — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:37:27 +0000

In reply to Rick. Jack Lloyd. Local SB insurance man. Also did internal play-by-play for press box at Bears games for many years. Great guy.

By: bob

bob — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:38:46 +0000

Nothing against the current honorees but Austin should have been first in the Ring. He was the most exciting player EVER to step on the ND hardwood His stats speak for themselves. And along with all the talent he also had the charisma. Find a picture from after the ’71 victory over UCLA … his smile could light up the universe. As previously aluded, in that era the ACC was often referred to as Austin Carr Colliseum … that says it all.

Next in the Ring should be Adrain Dantley!!