Congratulations Nolan

by John Expat on Nov 24, 2008 3:51 PM CST in 1994 National Championship

Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT

Along with the likes of Charles Barkley, Danny Manning and Dick Vitale, Nolan Richardson was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame over the weekend. In addition to the numerous basketball luminaries on hand, he was surrounded by plenty of family members and former Razorback stars.

The always insightful Barkley summed up Nolan's legacy thusly:
"He's one of the great innovators of the game who's just now getting the credit he has always deserved. Everybody is playing now like his teams did, or at least they're trying to. Florida won a national championship like that. Rick Pitino won one like that. But he played like that before it became popular."

Speaking of legacies, the lack of proper recognition for Nolan and Arkansas' all-time greatest sports team (hint: it wasn't the 1993-94 footballers) is an embarrassment that should be rectified as soon as possible. As fate would have it, this season marks the 15th anniversary of that heroic squad.

So, let's make it happen. Naming the court after Nolan? Retiring some jerseys? At the very least, a nice halftime tribute to the coaches and players? Your move, Jeff Long.

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Comments

Actually, I understand that there already are some either pre-game or half time festivities planned for the last Fayettville game—March 4 against Ole Miss. Several of those players plan to be there. This is a tribute to Nolan and to that team.

I think Jeff Long took this bull by the horns shortly after he bacame AD.

by cousin lee on Nov 24, 2008 4:09 PM CST reply actions

I agree, name the court after Nolan!

On another note: Man I miss the early nineties’ fashion.

by CLO on Nov 24, 2008 4:39 PM CST reply actions

Lee,

That’s good to hear. I would love to be there.

by Stephen on Nov 24, 2008 7:09 PM CST reply actions

Correction:
The Coach and team will be honored at the Georgia game (next to last) on Sunday, March 1.

(There was still an acrimonious lawsuit going on at the 10th reunion in 2004). Interestingly, Frank Broyles went on his own (not the UA plane) to the Hall of Fame Ceremony Sunday night. Pleasant (??) surprise for Nolan.

by cousin lee on Nov 25, 2008 7:31 AM CST reply actions