Steve Purciello continues the Celtics Countdown series, moving to number four on his list of the greatest Boston Celtics of all time: Bob Cousy. Steve breaks down Cousy's remarkable resume, from his eight championships and 13 All-Star selections to the origin story behind his ambidextrous, no-look-pass style of play. The episode traces Cousy's path from a scrappy kid in New York City through Holy Cross, a chaotic path to the NBA involving two different teams folding, and Red Auerbach's reluctant embrace of the "local yokel" pick that became a legend. Steve also shares a personal memory of watching Cousy's retirement ceremony as a nine-year-old, an experience that helped spark his lifelong Celtics fandom.
Timestamps:
00:00 — Introduction to the Peach Basket Network and today's episode
01:00 — Setting up number four on the Celtics Countdown: Bob Cousy
02:00 — Cousy's career stats and accolades
03:00 — Early life, playing basketball left-handed after a hand injury
04:00 — High school success and heading to Holy Cross under Doggie Julian
05:00 — Considering a transfer, advice from Joe Lapchick
06:00 — Entering the NBA, the Tri-City Blackhawks and Chicago Stags saga
07:00 — The dispersal draft and Red Auerbach's reluctant pick
08:00 — Joining the Celtics, early struggles to win a title
09:00 — The Bill Russell and Tommy Heinsohn draft, first championship
10:00 — Cousy's peak years and the 28-assist game
11:00 — Retirement ceremony and personal memories
12:00 — Life after playing: Boston College and the Cincinnati Royals
13:00 — Cousy's legacy and closing thoughts