Gatorade REPLAY Commish Carlos Boozer Wants Another Shot at Indiana
In anticipation of this Friday's Gatorade "REPLAY 3" , we had a chance to talk with the events "Commissioner" Carlos Boozer.
He along with honorary coaches Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard, will be on hand for the showdown between Brother Rice and Bloom Township.
All three NBA players have taken part in events and festivities leading up to the game. Wade and Howard have met and practiced with the teams they're set to help coach. Boozer took the time to visit and take part in a pep rally at both schools. He also played a game of HORSE with a player from each team.
For the record, Bloom Township's Joe Chapman won the contest at both schools. By doing so he earned a total of $5,000 on behalf of the Bloom Township Athletic Department.
We then got to see how an NBA superstar like Carlos Boozer can relate to the players on Brother Rice's squad.
The scene took place on March 21, 2002 in Rupp Arena. The stands were rocking as fans witnessed a great contest between the Duke Blue Devils and Indiana Hoosiers.
Duke was enjoying a magical season. They were defending their championship from the previous season and had put up an impressive 31-3 campaign.
They entered the contest versus Indiana as the bracket's top seed and had legitimate aspirations of repeating as champs.
The two storied collegiate programs battled back and forth in this Sweet 16 classic for a chance to advance to the Elite Eight.
The Blue Devils had a big lead at intermission and looked well on their way to an easy win. Then the script flipped. Indiana stormed back and took a lead.
With only seconds left, Duke had a chance to win the contest at the buzzer. Boozer grabbed a rebound off a missed free throw that would have tied the game. He then hoisted a contested shot that hit off the back board glided off the rim and that was it.
One inch to the left and the ball probably hits off the backboard, then the front rim and goes in. But it didn't and as a result the Hoosiers advanced and the Blue Devils went home.
To hear Boozer retell it sounds much more painful.
When asked if there was a game he wished he could REPLAY, Boozer instantly replied "Oh of course. My last game in college we went up against Indiana at Rupp Arena in the Sweet 16 of the tournament and we're up like 19 [it was 13] at the half."
"Down the stretch [Indiana goes on a run] to bring them back. Then we're down by four with five or six seconds to go."
You can hear his excitement as he replays the final moments in his mind.
"My point guard Jason Williams hits a three with [4.2] seconds to go. He hits the shot and gets fouled." [He then] "goes to the line and we're down by one point. He misses the free throw and I grab the rebound."
"I then went to put the ball back in and felt I got fouled by like eight defenders."
"Missed the shot, it rolled out and (momentary pause), I wish I could replay that game and that was [back] in 2002."
You get the feeling Boozer wishes he had the opportunity that participants in Friday nights REPLAY will have.
"As an athlete you very rarely get a chance to replay a game and for these athletes that have been working their butts off the last eight weeks with the tools that Gatorade has provided for them. [Between] the nutritional advice and help from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute they've been able to get back in shape and get ready for this game."
"I think it's going to be exciting to see the game being played because everybody feels once you're an athlete you're always an athlete."
Come tip off, Brother Rice and Bloom Township are going to get to resolve a dispute that stems back ten years.
Back in 2000 Bloom beat Brother Rice on a controversial tip in as time expired.
Many feel the shot beat the buzzer. Others think that it didn't leave the player's fingers on time and should have been waved off.
Which ever side you're on, it must be thrilling to get to recapture the moment nearly ten years after the debate first began.
Should there be another close call at the end, Boozer fully intends on stepping in to decide things this time around.
I'm definitely going to step in if it happens. If there's a controversial call at the end, I'm gonna step in and watch MY REPLAY and make the right call."
On a parting note, Boozer remained neutral when it came to predicting a winner for the match.
Of interest, fans can take part in a live USTREAM chat which will coincide with the Gatorade REPLAY game by going to this link.
Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard will be available for the chat on Friday September 10 from 6:05 pm – 6:20 pm CST. Afterward Carlos Boozer will have a REPLAY Half-Time Fan Chat from 8:05 – 8:15 pm CST.
