Gary Blair's legacy has been etched into the history books forever, alongside the greatest athletes and coaches to ever grace the sport of basketball. After being named to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, the retired women's hoops coach joined TexAgs Radio to discuss the honor.
Key notes from Gary Blair interview
- It's been a hectic day. Before we start talking about sports and everything. I work out in the morning from 8:30 to 9:30. We were just talking about how they are thinking about closing where I work out. We're getting a petition to get it in front of the right people to see if we can keep this thing up.
- First, I found out I was a nominee for the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. That was about two months ago. A month ago, I found out I was a semifinalist. Then, they said on Monday to be available because they want to film you and talk to you whether you make it or don't make it. I told them I was going to be at the golf course. I had 12th Man Productions there to film it. On the next hole, after I found out, I would be in the Hall Of Fame, I said I was going to make a hole-in-one, and when I shot it, it came about two inches close to going in.
- Friday night, they had dinner for us at The Palm restaurant in Houston. There were about 350 Hall of Famers all in one room. The people were my heroes.
- The spoken word can be moved on to how you want to present it. The printed word is like being in school again. Print news was my way of staying educated. There have been some tremendous writers. My favorite of all time was Jim Murray from the LA Times.
- Instead of just the game and then moving on to The Masters, they're still talking about women’s basketball. They are talking about the ratings. They're not going to have to get the new TV contract that will piggyback off the men. It's giving young girls hope that they don't have to be Michael Jordan. They might be Caitlyn Clark or Angel Reese.
- Outstanding job from Joni Taylor this year. I saw every one of her ball games. I went on the road to Arkansas with them, and they invited me to the SEC Tournament. Joni is the real deal. She's going to bring this program back to the way it was a couple of years ago. I'm sure she's out right now hitting the portal.
- I went to every one of the men’s games. I am a sports fan. I have been to about four to five softball games, and I've been to see Jim Schlossnagle and the baseball team. I have enjoyed seeing and learning how to coach from Buzz Williams.
- Expectations for the Dallas Cowboys this season are to stay healthy. They've improved their receiving corps which helps.
