Jerry Crowe of the L.A. TIMES has an epic profile today on former Loyola Marymount star and NBA flameout Bo Kimble.
Kimble you remember was an integral part of the LMU squad that lit the NCAAs on fire in the early ’90s. Now he wants to coach the basketball Lions, but is getting pushback from the school’s administration.
Kimble, who has no coaching experience at any level, goes public to Crowe about his disdain for those at LMU who won’t give him an opportunity, which of course will no doubt ensure him a future opportunity at the school.
OK, maybe not.
Kimble on LMU stonewalling him: “I’m so upset about this that I can’t even begin to tell you. At least twice I’ve mentioned to the powers that be that I would love the opportunity to get our program back on track. It’s just a disgrace that they wouldn’t even consider one of their most notable [graduates] at a time when they haven’t had one season over .500 in 18 years.”
Great stuff. Almost as good as what the former L.A. Clipper and New York Knick said about his NBA career, which cratered after three unproductive seasons: “Unfortunately, they didn’t want me to do all the shootings and scoring that I did at Loyola Marymount. … I would have averaged about 45, probably, or at least 40. Without being arrogant or boastful, I know I probably would have led the NBA in scoring for five or six years.”
In all seriousness, why wouldn’t LMU give Kimble a shot? What does the school have to lose? At the very least you would think Kimble could recruit, and his coaching can’t be any worse than most of what we see in the WCC on a yearly basis.
Plus, Kimble could round up a raft of season ticket holders with periodic appearances at the Laugh Factory.
10:27 pm on March 20th, 2008
I remember that time period well. It was the year I turned 16 (1989). I watched Hank Gathers die, and it was one of the most horrible things I’ve ever seen. Hank was a dominant player and an even better guy.
I agree with Bo, in that he might bring a spark to the team by coming back, but on the flipside we saw how well that worked with Clyde Drexler in Houston and Tony Gwynn at SDSU. Guys just need some experience coaching before they take over a full program.
Perhaps Loyola should hire Bo in some capacity and groom him to be a future head coach if that’s what he really dreams of. I am sure hiring him would be good for season ticket sales for at least a year.