Sunday, March 05, 2000
10 Questions with Oscar Robertson
Kenyon Martin's shot blocking and intimidating glare may carry Cincinnati deep into the NCAA Tournament, but it wouldn't be the first time the Bearcats advanced through the ranks. Oscar Robertson shot, rebounded and passed UC to two Final Four appearances 40 years ago.
He followed his storied UC years with a Hall of Fame career with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks, once averaging a triple-double for the entire season (30.8 points, 12.5 boards and 11.4 assists a game in 1961-62).
In his spare time, the “Big O” has managed to serve as president of the NBA Players Union, become a businessman, invest in the Cincinnati Stuff and donate a kidney to his daughter. This week, he found time to talk with the Enquirer's Jeff Carlton.
What are your thoughts about Sean Elliot's comeback with the Spurs?
I think he's happy to have the opportunity to play again. In his good condition, he's 50 percent better off than most people. I think this is real good educationally because a lot of people are not aware of what they can do in terms of kidney donation.
What do you think about all of the NCAA suspensions lately?
I think it's a shame. The NCAA has almost a dictatorship. No justice at all for these kids. They are immediately guilty. And I think universities around the country need to start taking a stand against this.
How do your like your role as part-owner of the Stuff?
The scope of my ownership role is pretty limited. But they are playing very well and I think they are one of the best teams going in the International Basketball League. And I think it's a far superior league than the CBA.
Say you're an NBA GM. Who is the first player in the league you would want on your team?
Well, it depends. If you have good forwards, then you take Kobe Bryant. If you don't, then you take Shaq. What you really want is to start with someone very athletic and go from there. I think Tim Duncan is pretty athletic, so he may be a good start.
What were your thoughts on last year's lockout?
It was very disastrous. The media tried to make it out like the players were money grabbers. The real problem was that the owners couldn't patrol themselves, and so they issued a lockout. I can't believe the judge let them do it.
Have you ever wished that you had a shoe named after you?
I had a shoe when I was playing, but it was nothing like today. It's all about marketing these days. And I guess that's OK, because that's what makes it popular; that's what makes people tune in.
Does watching UC this year remind you of your runs at the Final Four?
I go to games looking for all kinds of different things. Everyone says UC can't put together two halves. But it's a 40-minute game, and sometimes that happens. I'll tell you what, they are one of the best teams in the country. When we went to the NCAA Tournament, there wasn't the fanfare there is today. You just went and played, and that was it.
What does UC need to do to win the championship?
They have the ability to win it, certainly. But sometimes the best team doesn't win it all. ... They need to refocus once the tournament starts. Everyone starts playing their best, and the level of intensity shoots way up.
You're 20 years old again playing college ball. Any chance Kenyon Martin blocks one of your shots?
When I played, I definitely went up against some shot blockers. He might get some, yeah. But I never worried about getting my shots blocked. It was probably the smallest thing on my mind. You can't always be worried about getting swatted, because it's going to happen sooner or later.
You're a published author, a team owner, a businessman, a former basketball player, and you have your own Web site. Why stay so busy?
I'm just trying to stay busy. I enjoy life, I enjoy Cincinnati and I enjoy watching UC. And I hope they can bring back a championship. I think they deserve it and the city deserves it. I'm happy for them.
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McNick wills to win
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Scott Co. shuts down Walton
Waynesville knocks off Wyoming
Ohio boys basketball scores
Ohio girls basketball scores
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Favorite job is unpaid one for Highlands' Mueller
