Most younger Celtics fans know Danny Ainge as the guy that runs the Boston Celtics organization, but he has two Championship rings and one All-Star appearance under his belt. And, by the way, he was a star for Brigham Young University - shining particularly brightly in a 1981 March Madness contest versus a powerful Notre Dame squad.
I remember this game very well. Ainge had future Celtics Greg Kite and Fred Roberts at his side, but Notre Dame countered with Orlando Woolridge, John Paxson, Kelly Tripuka and future-Celtic, Joe Kleine. There were eight seconds left in the game, and BYU was down one point, 50-49. Danny took the inbounds pass, motored down court - avoiding all five Notre Dame defenders - and laid the ball in for the win.
Ainge came away with team-highs in points (12), assists (3) and steals (3). The BYU team went wild, with no member more excited than Danny. Take a look at the end of the video below.
The above was a viewer reaction to the video. I was a major fan of Ainge when he played and when he coached. But I never had him pegged as a very successful NBA Executive. Danny knows that you don't win if you don't take chances, and he has taken quite a few. Sometimes labeled as a whiner, complainer and gunner - Danny just throws that back at his critics.
After last season's disappointments, the Celtics look prepared to take on all comers. A very good draft and off-season moves should make for a satisfying season. I frankly wouldn't want anyone else running this show.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @_Celtics_Center and Facebook
I remember this game very well. Ainge had future Celtics Greg Kite and Fred Roberts at his side, but Notre Dame countered with Orlando Woolridge, John Paxson, Kelly Tripuka and future-Celtic, Joe Kleine. There were eight seconds left in the game, and BYU was down one point, 50-49. Danny took the inbounds pass, motored down court - avoiding all five Notre Dame defenders - and laid the ball in for the win.
Danny Ainge was known as the quickest white guy in the NBA. He could play, and he is even a better League Exec. Here he is with a full-court, 1-on-5 buzzer-beater vs. Notre Dame.
— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) October 15, 2019
March Madness Buzzer Beater - 1981 BYU vs Notre Dame https://t.co/nukmQ8l501 via @YouTube
Ainge came away with team-highs in points (12), assists (3) and steals (3). The BYU team went wild, with no member more excited than Danny. Take a look at the end of the video below.
ToddAndelin
1 year ago
Ainge is a winner no matter what he does
The above was a viewer reaction to the video. I was a major fan of Ainge when he played and when he coached. But I never had him pegged as a very successful NBA Executive. Danny knows that you don't win if you don't take chances, and he has taken quite a few. Sometimes labeled as a whiner, complainer and gunner - Danny just throws that back at his critics.
After last season's disappointments, the Celtics look prepared to take on all comers. A very good draft and off-season moves should make for a satisfying season. I frankly wouldn't want anyone else running this show.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @_Celtics_Center and Facebook
Allan Ayers
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Also unfairly criticized about his baseball career, in which he had 146 hits in 211 Major league games over 3 seasons by age 22. Average age of MLB rookie position players last year was 24