Adolph Rupp and Johnny Cox
Adolph Rupp was rough, especially on his 1958 team. Rupp said he had a collection of “fiddlers” when he needed violinists. He said it could be his worst team in years. Over 50 years later, it’s still the Fiddlin’ Five who beat Seattle 84-72 for the NCAA Championship. It turned out to be one of one of Rupp’s favorite teams. After winning the title, the team wanted to throw Rupp in the shower, but they were afraid to, so they tossed assistant coach Harry Lancaster in instead. ”I’d throw him in in a minute now,” says a laughing Earl Atkins.
