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Donoher will speak about UD's past during tonight's induction ceremony.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Always known for a definite plan of attack, former University of Dayton men's basketball coach Don Donoher is going to freelance it tonight.
Donoher was selected to speak for the 26 inductees of the Ohio Hoop Zone Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum at the induction ceremonies at the Columbus Convention Center.
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As for his comments, "Well, I haven't quite worked that out," Donoher said. "I'll get on my feet and fire away."
Among the individuals and teams being honored are several with Dayton ties — Donoher, ex-UD coach Tom Blackburn, Don May, Jim Paxson Jr., John Paxson, Ron Harper and UD's 1962 and 1968 NIT title teams.
Donoher gave a brief preview of his comments:
1962 NIT champion UD Flyers: "The first that comes to mind is Tom Blackburn. He finally won the championship after five times being runner-up. He was a NIT guy. He loved New York. He loved the Garden. To finally win the tournament, that was probably his greatest moment. He was so happy."
1968 NIT champion UD Flyers, coached by Donoher: "We were following up pretty much the same team from the Final Four the year before. We disappointed and had no chance to get back to the NCAA. We just got hot at the right time."
Former Belmont Bison and UD Flyer Don May: "He's one of the all-time greats, and that's why he's being inducted. He was just an unbelievable rebounder for his size. He could score and he competed every time out."
Alter High School graduates Jim Paxson Jr. (UD) and John Paxson (Notre Dame), who both played in the NBA: "I knew them as young kids. I saw them at our basketball camp when they were pups. To see them develop was very interesting. They were both kids that believed in putting everything they had into the game."
Kiser High School's Ron Harper: "He was a great high school player and then he developed over at Miami (University) and always was a good defender. Maybe that was his strong point in the NBA. He was a very versatile competitor. Had a great feel for the game."
Last year's inaugural class had no UD connections while this year has a bunch.
"I happened to be over there last year, and it was a who's who of the history of Ohio basketball," Donoher said. "I thought maybe they had used everybody up. Then came the selections for this year, and it's another star-studded cast."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951 or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com.
