Originally Posted by
jaytoc
Grey Devil-
I think you make a very fair point, although the members of that class ('71) pretty much stuck it out to the end.
My entering class, '69, not so much. Fitz left at the halfway point of his freshman year, leading that exciting and very talented team in scoring - I think all five freshman were averaging in double figures at the time. It's hard to believe that a highly recruited athlete experiencing great success with a top class program would leave after one semester simply because he wanted to be closer to home - but I don't recall any suggested causes of his departure.
Dawson left after his second season. I remember that he was playing a fair amount and contributing significantly. Why did he leave?
O'Connor, who left late in our junior year, was the one player seemingly most outwardly frustrated with Bucky. But that doesn't mean he was alone, and I suspect Bucky had something to do with either or both of Fitzsimmons' and Dawson's leaving.
Alan Shaw appeared the most easy going and able to deal with a martinet as a coach - just my take from afar. Probably the same for Mel - those two seemed less intense than their classmates, enjoyed the non-basketball aspects of college life, and probably look back on Duke basketball with measures of satisfaction and pride, as they should.
Did the turmoil of the times contribute to the dissolution of that freshman class? Probably at least contributed. Was Bucky the predominant cause? Most likely. Sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll? Sure. If anyone has a better idea of what broke up that team, please weigh in.
Somebody should ask Bucky. He's visible enough.
Man, if your Mom made you wear that color when you were a baby, and you're still wearing it, it's time to grow up!