Comments on: Farewell James, We Hardly Knew Ya

By: Bob Schauer

Bob Schauer — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 03:41:48 +0000

Bob, I can’t disagree with any of your analysis if you are limiting your take to the last 20 or 25 years. If you go back further…a LOT further…you will find Bob Kurland, who was the slickest post man I ever saw, who scored 58 points one night when Mr. Iba “turned him loose” for the only time ever. He did that against a HOF player, “Easy Ed” Macauley, when his St. Louis team was ranked in the top 5, along with the Cowboys and Kentucky (I forget the exact order). Pre-game comments by Phog Allen and some KC and St Louis sports writers (extremely negative and insulting) about Kurland being a “goon” and a “freak” led Iba to let his center demonstrate his full range abilities for the first time. He also held Easy Ed to only 6 points and blocked about half-a-dozen of his shots. No one has come close do duplicating his 58 point outburst in the 65 years since. Few other players at any other schools have done so, either, despite the much higher scoring averages in the modern game. Certainly no one has done it against such a highly ranked elite (at that time) team.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:39:24 +0000

I don’t think I understand the caveat that James Anderson “may” not have been the best player ever at OSU? Clearly on a badly undermanned team he meant more to this team than any other athlete meant to their team in OSU’s storied history. Can we at least agree that he was the best “complete” player in OSU’s history. A true “swing” player who was as comfortable at small forward as he was at the number two guard position, he excelled on many levels. He was a shooter, a penetrator and a shot blocker. He has the NBA game, more so than anyone who has ever come away from OSU. He’s destined to become an NBA superstar. The best one on one player ever to come away from OSU. What I think a lot of people fail to realize is that James played hurt the entire post-season. He never had a chance to completely heal from his numerous injuries, especially his back injury. He’s one though kid and he’ll be a load in the NBA. Best ever in OSU’s history? Who knows! Flip a coin between he and Big Country, that’s my take!

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:01:17 +0000

Great young man, but don’t forget he’s very, very talented as well. I’ve seen him make some plays which bordered on the unbelievable. There were shots he made which shouldn’t be humanly possible to make, yet he made them. He flashed his brillance many times this season and the NBA will be happy to have him. Hope he becomes a member of the OKC Thunder.

By: Tim McCoy

Tim McCoy — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:07:54 +0000

Good story about a good young man. Proud that he represents OSU in such a positive way – especially in light of all of the negative stories we hear about college and professional athletes. Makes me proud that my son also attends OSU.

Regardless of his success on the court at the next level, sounds like he will make his employer proud to have him on the team. Good luck James!