RIP Butch Komives

Flipper · Post by **Flipper** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:28 pm

Some of today's students might feel that our program isn't "big time" because the University hasn't done a good job of celebrating the achievements of guys like Komives and Thurmond...

ZuluWarrior · Post by **ZuluWarrior** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:03 pm

An historic member of this University. Thank you 'Butch'!

Globetrotter · Post by **Globetrotter** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 12:22 am

Flipper wrote:Some of today's students might feel that our program isn't "big time" because the University hasn't done a good job of celebrating the achievements of guys like Komives and Thurmond...

This is what frustrates me most about the athletic department. I had to luck into finding out who Bernie Casey was and if my dad had not attended the University I would have no idea who Komives or Thurmond were. These guys should have their jerseys retired and more.

h2oville rocket · Post by **h2oville rocket** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:29 am

Globetrotter wrote:
Flipper wrote:Some of today's students might feel that our program isn't "big time" because the University hasn't done a good job of celebrating the achievements of guys like Komives and Thurmond...
This is what frustrates me most about the athletic department. I had to luck into finding out who Bernie Casey was and if my dad had not attended the University I would have no idea who Komives or Thurmond were. These guys should have their jerseys retired and more.

They used to have some sort of Hall of Fame thing at the Ice Arena with photos of all the BG greats, including Casey. Of course, it sounds like nobody goes to the Ice Arena anymore.....

Post by **ZiggyZoomba** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:52 am

You can leave (and read) online condolences at http://www.eggleston-meinert.com/obit.htm

BGFan · Post by **BGFan** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 10:46 am

Globetrotter wrote:
Flipper wrote:Some of today's students might feel that our program isn't "big time" because the University hasn't done a good job of celebrating the achievements of guys like Komives and Thurmond...
This is what frustrates me most about the athletic department. I had to luck into finding out who Bernie Casey was and if my dad had not attended the University I would have no idea who Komives or Thurmond were. These guys should have their jerseys retired and more.

\

Bernie Casey is still alive and kicking so "was" is a bit pre-mature.

I just saw Revenge of the Nerds on HBO a couple of months ago. I had forgotten that he was in that.

Falconfreak90 · Post by **Falconfreak90** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 3:13 pm

Man, what a great loss for the Falcon nation. My dad got to see Komives, Thurmond and company for a couple years....said Butch was one of the greatest players he'd ever seen. I'll have to let him know Komives passed away. My prayers go out to the family...

Falconbadger · Post by **Falconbadger** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:28 pm

While Komives may not have had the same type of NBA career as Thurmond, he had a very solid one. He played 10 years, and was a starter for both the Knicks and Pistons. He actually was playing ahead of Walt Fraizer in New York, before being traded to Detroit (along with Walt Bellamy) for Dave Debusschure. That trade was huge news at the time. Unfortunately for Komives, he was traded from an up-and-coming Knicks team to a Pistons team that was going through some hard times. He averaged double figures in six of his seasons.

Thanks to those here who posted the links to some of the articles. I'd agree his number should be retired. Can you think of anyone who played for BG since that deserved it more?

bg67 · Post by **bg67** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:50 pm

I agree that his number should have been retired. I was a freshman when Butch was a senior. He was the nations leading scorer in an era before the 3 point rule. Anderson Arena really roared that year. Its hard for people to believe that you waited in line to get into the arena. What a display he put on for the fans and has been mentioned many times he had a great NBA career after he left BG.