Vandy's Memorial Gym. Has there even been a gym more perfect for a player?

[Friedas_Boss]

What is hilarious is to believe "urban legend" over common sense:

While this is a common claim among some Vanderbilt fans, there is no actual proof that has ever been produced which supports their claim. For example there is no newspaper article, evidence within Vanderbilt (such as University meeting minutes) or elsewhere that's been found that 1.) such a claim by Rupp was made or 2.) that Vanderbilt chose to modify their seating based on Rupp's wishes.

The entire claim strains credibility when one considers that Rupp had absolutely no authority over where Vanderbilt placed their benches. Nor does it make sense that Vanderbilt would chose to move from a preferred location to one that was less preferred, simply to appease an opposing coach.

Beyond that, even if there was a situation where such a move occurred (for whatever reason), it doesn't explain why Vanderbilt to this day still keeps their benches on the endlines. Surely it's not because they are still somehow magically beholden to the wishes of a man who died in 1977?

In other words, not only is the claim completely unsubstantiated, but the whole claim is utterly silly and makes absolutely zero logical sense whatsover.

This is so good.

All you would ever have would be hearsay anyway. There wouldn't be any articles about it, how silly is that idea? From my understanding, Rupp asked the SEC to force the move, it happened and as it turns out, we prefer the location of the benches for logistical and financial reasons.

Again, the anger over this is amazing to say the least.

 

[Aike]

Lol at that guy writing a blog to dispute the truth.

Fans are hilarious.

@JPScott is fairy well known as a UK basketball historian and has done years of work on that site.

Not surprised by your rude and flippant comments, of course.

 

[Friedas_Boss]

@JPScott is fairy well known as a UK basketball historian and has done years of work on that site.

Not surprised by your rude and flippant comments, of course.

He is a great poster and huge UK homer. We've done this before (see his blog defending his homer position).

What's so funny is why are Uk fans so defensive on this issue?

It's not like some of the other allegations levied against Rupp, many of which I could see getting defensive about.

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

Lol at that guy writing a blog to dispute the truth.

Fans are hilarious.

You obviously don't know who Jon Scott is.
I certainly don't know you. Nor do I care to. But, you will never, NEVER be able to refute what Jon says on the subject unless you have some hard, factual evidence to offer. He simply is the authoritative historian of all things UK basketball-related.

 

[Aike]

He is a great poster and huge UK homer. We've done this before (see his blog defending his homer position).

What's so funny is why are Uk fans so defensive on this issue?

It's not like some of the other allegations levied against Rupp, many of which I could see getting defensive about.

I think his explanation makes more sense than yours. Seems like you're the one getting defensive.

But if Rupp made you guys move your benches, fine with me.

 

[catdance]

Memorial Gym is possibly the best gym in the country.

What an amazing place.

You're just trying to be different.

 

[Friedas_Boss]

You obviously don't know who Jon Scott is.
I certainly don't know you. Nor do I care to. But, you will never, NEVER be able to refute what Jon says on the subject unless you have some hard, factual evidence to offer. He simply is the authoritative historian of all things UK basketball-related.

I know who he is, and I respect how big of a UK fan he is. He even has a blog to write about it, probably drives a blue truck and has a daughter named Cat. He's no more knowledgeable than the three guys who played against Rupp who have confirmed the story. I am fully aware of how hard he has tried to disprove this story too (he even called a guy who fancies himself a historian).

It may be an urban legend, it may be the truth, I will concede it's not easy to prove or disprove.

 

[Friedas_Boss]

I think his explanation makes more sense than yours. Seems like you're the one getting defensive.

But if Rupp made you guys move your benches, fine with me.

Thanks, that is a more acceptable reply than to freak out about it.

 

[preacherfan]

I think his explanation makes more sense than yours. Seems like you're the one getting defensive.

But if Rupp made you guys move your benches, fine with me.

Seriously, how weak and dumb could Vandy administration be to allow an opposing coach to dictate where they put the benches? Their claim is, "He made us do it!"

I knew Rupp was a powerful presence but wowsers! I wonder if the Vandy coach called Rupp up to ask how he should run practice and what kind of plays should he run??

 

[Friedas_Boss]

Seriously, how weak and dumb could Vandy administration be to allow an opposing coach to dictate where they put the benches? Their claim is, "He made us do it!"

I knew Rupp was a powerful presence but wowsers! I wonder if the Vandy coach called Rupp up to ask how he should run practice and what kind of plays should he run??

The story is that Rupp whined and complained to the SEC about it and the SEC is the one who forced the move. As great of a coach as Rupp was, he couldn't have forced VU to move the benches.

FYI, the guy that lead the charge on the extension of the coaching boxes was Kennedy from aTm (and he didn't ask Vandy to do it, he, like Rupp, whined to the SEC office).

For the record, I agree with Kennedy. Benches make sense where they are, but at least let the coaches roam along the sidelines like they would on any other court.

 

[.S&C.]

That's a big jump, from teaching to law enforcement (although more coaching to law enforcement?)

Elementary school teacher myself, after a career in sports. There are pain in the rear end kids, but I tend to run a rather strict room (some might say terrifyingly so) and also often connect well with the kids who are most in need of some guidance. Then again, I am working with them when they are still young, and I work in a fairly nice town... different population, different problems.

Yea it is. I also teach in memphis at a school with huge problems. Honestly, if I must go to one more funeral of a former or current student, I might just give it all up anyway. For all my efforts, I feel as though I'm not gaining ground with them.There's too much working against me with local politicians being so dirty, and parents of these guys not caring at all.

 

[Jkwo]

IMG_1715.JPG

I was visiting a friend in Nashville last labor day and just decided to go check it out...

walked in and i was the only soul in the building, it was pretty cool

You can't upload them from your computer to the forum. That would mean that Rivals is hosting it on their server, and they don't want to do that.

You have to go to a dedicated image hosting site like postimg.org and upload the picture there. Then take the direct link from that and paste it in the image (click on the icon of the mountain above the text box where you're posting).

 

[Richard Cory]

idk why I cant ever seem to post pictures or videos!! if someone will email me at Jmgriff44@gmail.com, i will send some cool pics and a video from Memorial gymnasium i would really like to share... someone can post them for me if they know how to do it, because i can NEVER figure it out!!

maybe your issue is that you have to use a url address for either pics or videos
try uploading the video to a thirdparty site and then copy the web address and paste it into the media url in the thread editor. Same for pics just use the image url button.
try this site http://tinypic.com/

 

[st-louie-blue]

Hope you are right but I hate Vandy's gym and can't really compare it to SC game too much. But, you are right, Ulis is the perfect guy to lead a team in the weird environment that Memorial offers a visiting team. Couldn't think of a better player to lead us there or most any other place, for that matter.

I too hate the Vandy Gym. Terrible place to play basketball. I was there back in the mid 50s (I think it was in 54) when U.K. played LSU for the SEC championship. Hagan, Ramsey vs.Bob Pettit and crew. Cats won. Hagan almost made a basket from mid-court while laying flat on his belly.

 

[IdaCat]

Vandy needs to build a decent basketball arena and quit trying to justify and validate that dysfunctional monstrosity by associating it with coach Rupp mythology. That place sucks. I can't believe the conference still allows them to play there.

 

[preacherfan]

The story is that Rupp whined and complained to the SEC about it and the SEC is the one who forced the move. As great of a coach as Rupp was, he couldn't have forced VU to move the benches..

It sure sounds like he did force them to move the benches. He just used the SEC to accomplish what HE wanted. The man is a true genius and had a powerful presence to get the SEC to do it for him.

I honestly feel sorry for Vandy that they had no real say in the issue. But, I guess that is what they get for not having a better bball program over the years. A few national titles, like UK's, might have given them a voice in the SEC.

 

[st-louie-blue]

Here we go....

The way it happened was that Rupp complained about having to walk up the stairs to the floor so he got the SEC to force VU to move the benches to their current location.

UK fans dispute this (water is wet), but my father's old tailgate group (3 of which played at VU and against Rupp) has confirmed this.

Not sure if it's in print or not.

Interesting story nonetheless.

Jon Scott might be able to confirm or deny this.

 

[preacherfan]

Vandy needs to build a decent basketball arena and quit trying to justify and validate that dysfunctional monstrosity by associating it with coach Rupp mythology. That place sucks. I can't believe the conference still allows them to play there.

If Rupp were alive, he would make sure that they tore it down and built a real arena.

 

[Friedas_Boss]

Vandy needs to build a decent basketball arena and quit trying to justify and validate that dysfunctional monstrosity by associating it with coach Rupp mythology. That place sucks. I can't believe the conference still allows them to play there.

 

[Friedas_Boss]

It sure sounds like he did force them to move the benches. He just used the SEC to accomplish what HE wanted. The man is a true genius and had a powerful presence to get the SEC to do it for him.

I honestly feel sorry for Vandy that they had no real say in the issue. But, I guess that is what they get for not having a better bball program over the years. A few national titles, like UK's, might have given them a voice in the SEC.

Which is why it's so funny that Scott and a few other fans on this site are so angry about the assertion that this came from Rupp.

Truly a bizarre thing to dig your heals in about.

 

[michaeluk26]

Which is why it's so funny that Scott and a few other fans on this site are so angry about the assertion that this came from Rupp.

Truly a bizarre thing to dig your heals in about.

You're acting like a pure jackass in this thread.

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

I know who he is, and I respect how big of a UK fan he is. He even has a blog to write about it, probably drives a blue truck and has a daughter named Cat. He's no more knowledgeable than the three guys who played against Rupp who have confirmed the story. I am fully aware of how hard he has tried to disprove this story too (he even called a guy who fancies himself a historian).

It may be an urban legend, it may be the truth, I will concede it's not easy to prove or disprove.

It goes far beyond just being a fan. The guy has put in hours upon hours of research to create his site...or, as you so condescendingly put it, his "blog". Nevertheless, you're a nobody here compared to him and quite frankly I think you may have overstayed your welcome. You've been repeatedly asked to produce your evidence yet, you haven't and it's doubtful you ever will. I'm not defensive in the least. I'm simply stating the facts that the evidence supports.
On the bigger subject, the location of Vandy's benches are completely irrelevant to me. Much like the Vandy basketball program as a whole.

 

[ZaytovenCat]

I'm a high school football coach and help the a few AAU teams/MemUSA. I teach where I'm told, but the last 2 years it's been American Government./junior seniors.

You're a better/braver man than I am. No way in hell would I teach high school in Memphis. That's putting your life at risk. It would probably be bad teaching middle school there also. I can't imagine the crap you see or have to put up with daily.

I know that there are a couple of nice places in or around Memphis but the majority of the city is a dump. Get out while you still can S&C lol.

 

[Blueaz]

Of course you will. He wrote half of that garbage based on a post on this board. He got offended by the truth, then spent a lot of time effort and energy trying to dispute that truth. Good for him, but it still doesn't change the fact that Rupp is the reason the benches are where they are.

Honestly, it's not an insult either, but some are crazy over the top defensive about it for some extremely weird reason.

That said, believe what you want to believe, I know you will.

Calling his stuff GARBAGE? Are you trying to get banned?

 

[TheDude1]

Yea it is. I also teach in memphis at a school with huge problems. Honestly, if I must go to one more funeral of a former or current student, I might just give it all up anyway. For all my efforts, I feel as though I'm not gaining ground with them.There's too much working against me with local politicians being so dirty, and parents of these guys not caring at all.

That's terrible. Such a damn shame that kids are ultimately at the bottom of the food chain and suffer for everyone else's shortcomings... And then they become the adults who are f'ing things up. Hard for anyone to stay on as a teacher in that situation

 

[ganner918]

You are killing me! "I have secret urban legend knowledge and I know the truth!"

And if people disagree with my out-my-ass proclamations, there's something wrong with them!

 

[ganner918]

I already did.

This really is a hilarious topic. Can't believe there are humans that would spend an ounce of energy being so upset about it.

Strange world...

You didn't post evidence. You just made a claim that the rumor goes back a long way.

 

[KY_Kid]

You're acting like a pure jackass in this thread.

I don't think he's acting.

 

[TruBluCatFan]

Lol at that guy writing a blog to dispute the truth.

Fans are hilarious.

Jon Scott is much more than a blog. And you admitted that there is no written proof to your explanation.

Attacking Jon Scott on this site isn't a very smart thing to do. He is a true historian of all things UK basketball and a very well respected poster.

 

[2Adulterers]

Memorial Gym is possibly the best gym in the country.

What an amazing place.

Memorial Magic is a farce..

 

[Friedas_Boss]

Memorial Magic is a farce..

Has been for a while. Obviously, when you have better players, you have more "magic."

Barry Goheen helped too.

 

[2Adulterers]

Vandy away from that Hell Hole is simply average..UK rules the SEC end of discussion..

 

[kats23]

Not sure if you're aware of this, but Rupp doesn't coach here anymore. You could probably petition the NCAA to let you move the benches back. I mean I get it, he's only been gone from UK for over 40 years now but my buddy's dad's best friend that we see at UK football once a year told me last year Rupp actually haunts Memorial. His ghost has been seen there going up and down steps. It's totally true.

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

IMG_1715.JPG

I was visiting a friend in Nashville last labor day and just decided to go check it out...

walked in and i was the only soul in the building, it was pretty cool

I did the same thing at Cameron Indoor Arena back in the 90's. Was the only one in there. It's actually a little bigger than it appears on tv.

 

[CrittendenWildcat]

Can we get Calipari to complain to the SEC about the glare? I would really like to see Vandy require Kevin Stallings to wear a hairpiece.

Should be a lead-pipe cinch. Vandy and the SEC will bend over backwards to do the bidding of the UK basketball coach, or so I hear secondhand from 3 drunk tailgaters. Some guy from the internet swears by them on the subject, so it must be totally legit.

 

[OriginalChiDore]

This thread delivers!

Here's a photo where there don't appear to be any benches on the endlines. As for the Rupp story, it may or may not be "urban myth", but it's been repeated by both Adolph's grandson when he was at Vanderbilt as well as many Nashvillians who would've been eyewitness to it.

My guess is the benches were originally on the endlines (as they used to be at Memorial Coliseum) and were moved when everyone else was moving to sideline benches. However, they didn't work because the floor is too far below the court (much lower than at Minnesota's gym). It's a bit naïve to think Rupp, who basically was SEC basketball for his career, didn't have the clout to arrange for the seats to be moved back to the endlines. Whether or not he did, it is a matter for debate.

 

[Maubris]

yup...

Me too... Math.

 

[runt#69]

Miserable Gymnasium.

I hate that place. Almost as bad as Friedas Boss (CVF) on this board. Still see you talking down to Rafters' posters as well as getting in your not-so-subtle digs.

First of all, (water is wet) FB is a poser extraordinaire, always has been, always will be. He'll head on back to wherever the hell other Candy fans goto to post about CBB and stab everyone in the back that posts here with his asinine sarcasm and up your butt cynicism.

Yeah, keep on keeping on CVF, you haven't fooled anyone and you wore out your welcome a LONG time ago. Personally, although I think you should get hit with yet another perma ban on posting on this board, I really don't mind seeing you coming over here to post your drivel. You don't see us hanging around the Candy board. Hell, we don't even visit. Yet here you are. What's the matter? Can't talk basketball to any other Candy fans?

You're practically the only Candy fan that ever posts on this board and its' hella' pathetic, kinda' like how a dog hangs around a dinner table hoping for some scraps.

So here ya' go, little buddy. *pats you on the head*

Judging by pre-season predictions, Candy has been the biggest disappointment in the SEC. (by a mile - again - water is wet). Quite possibly the biggest disappointment in the entire country this year. We're getting to the point of wanting Stallings to stay at Candy like we want Clappy to stay at IUsedtobe.

And if Candy manages the upset, I'm sure you'll be here tap-dancing like the little prick you must be in real life.

Only problem is, you'll still do nothing in the post-season (as usual - water is wet). Candy will still be on the losing side of the overall series. Speaking of which, why don't you tell us where you stand now .... is it 46 wins vs. the 141 other ass-kickings you've had at the hands of the Big Blue?

Yeah, good luck with adding something else to your trophy case. I've a feeling that the lonely college world series title will be there collecting dust without any other friends for the rest of your natural life.

Candy sad. Very sad.

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

BS

http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/vandy_gymnasium.html

Hmm interesting. It's a myth I've always believed then.

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

Of course you will. He wrote half of that garbage based on a post on this board. He got offended by the truth, then spent a lot of time effort and energy trying to dispute that truth. Good for him, but it still doesn't change the fact that Rupp is the reason the benches are where they are.

Honestly, it's not an insult either, but some are crazy over the top defensive about it for some extremely weird reason.

That said, believe what you want to believe, I know you will.

I've always heard that, as well from people old enough to have been alive when it happened and to be in the know. However, that site is so accurate it's amazing. It's enough to question what I've always been told. Heck, even the talking heads will mention it tonight. They always do