Craziest thing just happened

[Dooch]

I live in Raleigh. I’m pumping gas at a BJs gas station and I have a UConn hat on. This guy comes up to me and says ‘did you go to UConn?’ I said yeah, and he goes ‘I played for Jim Calhoun - I’m Phil Gamble’ I still can’t believe it. And for you youngins that don’t know who he is, google it….

 

[Dove]

NIT Champion!!! He was there when this thing turned around.

 

[McLovin]

Did the gas station also have a car wash?

 

[Ricker]

I was surprised how good he was on the court in early Calhoun Charity events playing against our future stars more than 10 years after his playing days. He may have been able to play a significant role if he played with our high ranked players on later teams. Love that you had this chance encounter.

 

[Dooch]

I was surprised how good he was on the court in early Calhoun Charity events playing against our future stars more than 10 years after his playing days. He may have been able to play a significant role if he played with our high ranked players on later teams. Love that you had this chance encounter.

It really is crazy - I said of course I know who you are. My freshman year was the year after he graduated. We all remember him sitting on the top of the backboard after winning the NIT. As he was walking away, of course I shouted to him ‘we’re on the way back up!’

 

[businesslawyer]

Bet he could still make open jumpers all day.

Those kind of chance meetings are cool. I remember sitting in a bar with an older couple in Mallorca Spain on a cruise ship excursion. The gentlemen was wearing an NC State cap. I asked if he was from Raleigh, he said no but the coach there at the time used to work under him, and realized in short time that I was speaking to Jim Harrick. Very personable guy. Couldn't even make myself ask how come Toby Bailey and Henderson never played again like they did when they knocked us out in the Elite 8.

 

[mrl2016]

I live in Raleigh. I’m pumping gas at a BJs gas station and I have a UConn hat on. This guy comes up to me and says ‘did you go to UConn?’ I said yeah, and he goes ‘I played for Jim Calhoun - I’m Phil Gamble’ I still can’t believe it. And for you youngins that don’t know who he is, google it….

I’m in Fuquay - cheers

 

[Goldenflash81]

Another “Fuquay-ite” here. May have to organize a Raleigh game day get together later this season.

 

[Rocktheworld]

I live in Raleigh. I’m pumping gas at a BJs gas station and I have a UConn hat on. This guy comes up to me and says ‘did you go to UConn?’ I said yeah, and he goes ‘I played for Jim Calhoun - I’m Phil Gamble’ I still can’t believe it. And for you youngins that don’t know who he is, google it….

Don’t tell us this was the whole conversation

 

[ucp990411]

Very cool story. He could really light it up

 

[husky429]

Bet he could still make open jumpers all day.

Those kind of chance meetings are cool. I remember sitting in a bar with an older couple in Mallorca Spain on a cruise ship excursion. The gentlemen was wearing an NC State cap. I asked if he was from Raleigh, he said no but the coach there at the time used to work under him, and realized in short time that I was speaking to Jim Harrick. Very personable guy. Couldn't even make myself ask how come Toby Bailey and Henderson never played again like they did when they knocked us out in the Elite 8.

I always bring a couple UConn shirts when I travel. If I'm in a tourist hotspot, I'll often have someone say they're from CT or went to UConn. Always a fun experience. I think I've met UConn fans in Rome, Bangkok, Naxos, and maybe Seville that I can recall.

 

[Dooch]

Don’t tell us this was the whole conversation

Lol no, but there was a long line and he was holding up another line, so we couldn’t exactly chat it up for long.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

NIT Champion!!! He was there when this thing turned around.

the MVP Cliff sat a lot of the Finals with foul trouble. Phil carried the day.

 

[Deepster]

There are certain alumni that go way above and beyond to continue promoting UConn and he’s one of them. Very selfless and humble and charitable with his time.

 

[CL82]

Bet he could still make open jumpers all day.

Those kind of chance meetings are cool. I remember sitting in a bar with an older couple in Mallorca Spain on a cruise ship excursion. The gentlemen was wearing an NC State cap. I asked if he was from Raleigh, he said no but the coach there at the time used to work under him, and realized in short time that I was speaking to Jim Harrick. Very personable guy. Couldn't even make myself ask how come Toby Bailey and Henderson never played again like they did when they knocked us out in the Elite 8.

I’ve mentioned this a few times on the board, but I met Holly Warlick on vacation in Acadia National Park. Like the OP above she saw a Yukon hat and started talking to me about the men’s team. She knew the team really well, which was kind of cool. Super friendly.

 

[dogpause]

How cool!

 

[uconnric]

NIT Champion!!! He was there when this thing turned around.

Was at the game that night. We beat Ohio State for the championship. They let us fans onto the court to celebrate.

 

[Hamms30]

Should have said. "Gamble? Like the Pavilion?!?!?" just to mess with him.

 

[HeGotGame]

I live in Raleigh. I’m pumping gas at a BJs gas station and I have a UConn hat on. This guy comes up to me and says ‘did you go to UConn?’ I said yeah, and he goes ‘I played for Jim Calhoun - I’m Phil Gamble’ I still can’t believe it. And for you youngins that don’t know who he is, google it….

My high school basketball coach!

 

[Waquoit]

Should have said. "Gamble? Like the Pavilion?!?!?" just to mess with him.

I said that to Arnold Dean on his show. It did mess him up.

 

[Waquoit]

That is a great story. If it was me, I might have asked for an selfie. Something I have yet to do.

 

[RM99]

My high school basketball coach!

Conard or Hall?

 

[HeGotGame]

Conard or Hall?

Hall

 

[Dove]

Hall

Arsenio or Tom T. ?

 

[8893]

Silly!

(Please tell me someone here remembers his nickname)