tales from the bench

Tales from the Bench: Georgia Tech 2004

The latest installment of “Tales from the Bench” on the 19nine podcast features David Nelson, a senior walk-on who was a part of Georgia Tech’s memorable run to the 2004 NCAA Championship game against UConn. 

Alongside The Chucker, 19nine’s resident historian, Nelson discusses his journey to becoming a three-year member of the Tech program, his first impressions of big-time college basketball and Chris Bosh, how losing prompts winning, Jarret Jack’s artistry, Will Bynum’s supreme confidence, and just how bright the lights are on college basketball’s biggest stage.

The rundown…

• Nelson’s journey to becoming a walk-on at Tech (3:00)
• His initial impressions of big-time college basketball and first year with the Tech program (7:00)
• Nelson’s “Whoa!” moment with Chris Bosh (14:00)
• Why Tech’s 16-15 season in 2002-2003 with Bosh wasn’t a disappointment (17:00)
• Expectations heading into the 2003-2004, one that would end in the Final Four (21:00)
• Thumping #1 UConn at Madison Square Garden in an early-season matchup (24:00)
• Nelson’s role as a senior walk-on (25:00)
• Why an ACC Tournament loss to Duke felt different (27:00)
• Tech’s run into March Madness and Jarret Jack’s coming-out party against Kansas in the Elite Eight (29:00)
• Tech’s tangle with Oklahoma State in the Final Four and Will Bynum’s green light (33:00)
• Why Nelson and his teammates were disappointed to see UConn beat Duke on the other side of the Final Four bracket (40:00)
• The bright lights of the national championship game and losing to UConn (42:00)
• What Nelson took away from his experience as a three-year walk-on at Tech (46:00)
• Who Nelson considers the wildest fans in the ACC (50:00)
• The Duke mystique: fact or fiction? (51:00)
• Why Carmelo Anthony was the sickest player he ever saw up close (54:00) 

Check out our New Affiliate Link to get 20% off and support the show!

https://www.magicmind.com/19nine

Support the Pod or Binge the Entire Season Now!

• https://www.buzzsprout.com/1269236/support
• https://youtube.com/@IconicSeasons

Connect on Social

• https://www.instagram.com/ncaaiconicseasons/

Today’s podcast is part of our ongoing series Tales from the Bench and even though our guest Paul Shirley later started for Iowa State and went on to play overseas and in the NBA I first heard about him from his writing which he did from the Phoenix Suns Bench. His first novel Ball Boy is coming out or may already be out by the time you listen to this. I ordered my copy on Amazon and you should do the same. It is a bit like a reverse Karate Kid and tells a story that has Paul's sense of humor and command for the written word. He also has other books and a Podcast called Stories I Tell on Dates. Oh yeah, you can also get yourself outfitted in Retro Cyclones gear. If you’re new to the Podcast leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform and if you really enjoy it send a link to the show to a friend.

Iowas State Gear - https://19nine.com/collections/iowa-state-cyclones

Ball Boy  - https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Boy-Paul-Shirley/dp/0578800357

Stories I Tell on Dates (Podcast) - https://www.stitcher.com/show/stories-i-tell-on-dates

Stories I Tell on Dates (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0759RMCH4/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Can I Keep My Jersey? (Book)

Check out our New Affiliate Link to get 20% off and support the show!

https://www.magicmind.com/19nine

Support the Pod or Binge the Entire Season Now!

• https://www.buzzsprout.com/1269236/support
• https://youtube.com/@IconicSeasons

Connect on Social

• https://www.instagram.com/ncaaiconicseasons/

The legendary 1985 Villanova Wildcats.A four-year member of the Villanova Wildcats basketball program, Brian Harrington was part of two Elite Eight squads and one of college basketball’s most memorable teams: the 1985 Villanova group that downed heavily favored Georgetown 66-64 to win the 1985 national title.In this installment of “Tales from the Bench,” the 6-0 walk-on guard sits with High-Volume Shooters’ resident historian The Chucker to reflect on a collegiate career that culminated with the ultimate prize.

Check out our New Affiliate Link to get 20% off and support the show!

https://www.magicmind.com/19nine

Support the Pod or Binge the Entire Season Now!

• https://www.buzzsprout.com/1269236/support
• https://youtube.com/@IconicSeasons

Connect on Social

• https://www.instagram.com/ncaaiconicseasons/

Jason Andreas spent five years as a Michigan State basketball player, no season more remarkable than his redshirt freshman campaign in 1999-2000. That season, Andreas watched his Spartan teammates down Florida for the national title on April 3, 2000 in Indianapolis. It's the last time a Big Ten program won a national title. The 19nine podcast welcomes Jason Andreas to our latest installment of "Tales from the Bench."19Nine - https://19nine.com/collections/michigan-state/products/michigan-state-1999-2000

Check out our New Affiliate Link to get 20% off and support the show!

https://www.magicmind.com/19nine

Support the Pod or Binge the Entire Season Now!

• https://www.buzzsprout.com/1269236/support
• https://youtube.com/@IconicSeasons

Connect on Social

• https://www.instagram.com/ncaaiconicseasons/