Tom Owen's Jersey?

[JM1984]

I'm not old enough to know much about Gamecock basketball in 60's and 70's, so today's article in The State was interesting. Does anyone out there know the real story about what's going on with this Owens guy? It seems pretty silly to me that a 60 year old man is still crying because he didn't get pampered the way his friend did. The current administration has nothing to do with what happened 35 years ago, and is trying to make up for it. I will not beg him to come down here, all this seems petty to me. When I was at USC, all athletes were treated extremely well, and I have a feeling they were back then as well. Perhaps Mr. Owens should be thankful that he was able to play for such a great team, under a fantastic coach, and receive a great education. I think it would also be appropriate for him to be thankful that they would like to retire his jersey now, and be honored at a basketball game. Then there was the whole deal with his not coming being blamed on an ex-wife, this is very tacky. Hopefully this matter will be settled soon. Just hoping someone with more info could shine a little light on the situation for us young bucks.

[willy]

I'm not old enough to know much about Gamecock basketball in 60's and 70's, so today's article in The State was interesting. Does anyone out there know the real story about what's going on with this Owens guy? It seems pretty silly to me that a 60 year old man is still crying because he didn't get pampered the way his friend did. The current administration has nothing to do with what happened 35 years ago, and is trying to make up for it. I will not beg him to come down here, all this seems petty to me. When I was at USC, all athletes were treated extremely well, and I have a feeling they were back then as well. Perhaps Mr. Owens should be thankful that he was able to play for such a great team, under a fantastic coach, and receive a great education. I think it would also be appropriate for him to be thankful that they would like to retire his jersey now, and be honored at a basketball game. Then there was the whole deal with his not coming being blamed on an ex-wife, this is very tacky. Hopefully this matter will be settled soon. Just hoping someone with more info could shine a little light on the situation for us young bucks.



Tom is a very head strong person and carries a grudge way to far. It's time for him to drop it and get back into the Carolina fold. nuff said.

[Gamecocktuck]

In a recent interview, Roche made the comment that Tom was living the life of a recluse and that John himself had not heard from Tom in many years. The guys from this team get together about once a year, in whatever town Cremins is coaching in. I know this because Cremins once mentioned it and how they were all together in Atlanta. That is all, but Tom Owens. I'm under the impression that Tom being reluctant to come back may have more to do with his current personality and lifestyle than with old grudges. Although, I'm sure there is also some hard feelings that rightfully remain. This ceremony is important to me, these guys were important in my childhood. I immulated these guys in my backyard, and cherished every opportunity to see them play. Every game was on TV. If I could say one thing to Tom, John, and the others, I would say that "The time is now, and it may be the last opportunity." Schedule the ceremony, invite everyone, and if Tom shows great! If not, the lifelong guilt will reside with Tom Owens, and not the Gamecock community!

[willy]

In a recent interview, Roche made the comment that Tom was living the life of a recluse and that John himself had not heard from Tom in many years. That's odd for childhood friends that played big time College BB together. I'm under the impression that Tom being reluctant to come back may have more to do with his current personlity and lifestyle than with old grudges. Although, I'm sure there is also some hard feelings that rightfully remain. This ceremony is important to me, these guys were important in my childhood. I immulated these guys in my backyard, and cherished every opportunity to see them play. Every game was on TV. If I could say one thing to Tom, John, and the others, I would say that "The time is now, and it may be the last opportunity." Schedule the ceremony, invite everyone, and if Tom shows great! If not, the lifelong guilt will reside with Tom Owens, and not the Gamecock community!



AMEN TO THAT.

[Go Cocks]

So should they retire his number without his being here? I seem to think 'Yes'.

[Forkcock]

In a recent interview, Roche made the comment that Tom was living the life of a recluse and that John himself had not heard from Tom in many years. The guys from this team get together about once a year, in whatever town Cremins is coaching in. I know this because Cremins once mentioned it and how they were all together in Atlanta. That is all, but Tom Owens. I'm under the impression that Tom being reluctant to come back may have more to do with his current personality and lifestyle than with old grudges. Although, I'm sure there is also some hard feelings that rightfully remain. This ceremony is important to me, these guys were important in my childhood. I immulated these guys in my backyard, and cherished every opportunity to see them play. Every game was on TV. If I could say one thing to Tom, John, and the others, I would say that "The time is now, and it may be the last opportunity." Schedule the ceremony, invite everyone, and if Tom shows great! If not, the lifelong guilt will reside with Tom Owens, and not the Gamecock community!


I had a #11 jersey that my mother had to wash every night so that I could wear it on the playground at school the next day. We all wanted to be Roche. You're right, every game was on TV. Those teams were magical times to be a Gamecock. If Owens only knew what he meant to so many, he'd come back to see us.

[81 Alumnus]

Tommy Owens is one of two players ever to lead the ACC in rebounding in three consecutive seasons. He's the only Gamecock from the pre-freshman eligibilty days to score 1000 points and grab 1000 rebounds in a career.

He was a two-time all ACC first team member( second team all-ACC in his sophomore year), and a two time ACC first team all-academic team selection.

Of course, he also made the layup that secured the biggest victory in USC athletic history.

Retire his number. Give him a chance to make it. If not, invite his old high school and college teammate, John Roche to be there in his absence.

This isn't rocket science. Just do it. He earned it by any objective measure.

I wish he'd come back. I'd give a body part to see him and Roche together at the Colonial Center. But he doesn't have to do anything else. He was a great player and a great student on the greatest teams(in any sport) in this school's history. Just retire #24.

[Gamecock Scott]

Tom Owens does deeserve his jersey to be retired. The man avaraged a double double (points and rebounds) for his whole career. With out Owens, there would not have been a Roche.

[cocknblue]

Go ahead and retire it whether he's there or not...maybe he will appreciate the gesture and come back in.

[willy]

So should they retire his number without his being here? I seem to think 'Yes'.


Of course. Tom was a very fine basketball player and it should be retired.

[Go Cocks]

John Roche has already agreed to come back for the ceremony. That's why he was at the press conference before the season started to kick off the 100 year celebration. That's one of his few trips back to Columbia.

Here's a link to send Tom an e-mail:

Send your comments to former basketball great
The State
Published: December 24, 2007


In South Carolina’s efforts to retire the jersey of former basketball great Tom Owens, coach Dave Odom has asked for fan support.

He is planning a petition campaign to urge Owens to return to Columbia for a jersey retirement ceremony.

To send your message to Owens, email your comments to statesports@thestate.com (statesports@thestate.com).

[JRob]

I say forget just retiring the jersey. Retire the number 24 (which was allowed at the time Owens departed USC). Given that any given jersey can nowadays be "retired" by a change in contract retiring the jersey is no great honor.
Retire the number whether he makes it or not. Just let him heal his grievances with USC on his own.

[willy]

John Roche has already agreed to come back for the ceremony. That's why he was at the press conference before the season started to kick off the 100 year celebration. That's one of his few trips back to Columbia.

Here's a link to send Tom an e-mail:

Send your comments to former basketball great
The State
Published: December 24, 2007


In South Carolina’s efforts to retire the jersey of former basketball great Tom Owens, coach Dave Odom has asked for fan support.

He is planning a petition campaign to urge Owens to return to Columbia for a jersey retirement ceremony.

To send your message to Owens, email your comments to statesports@thestate.com (statesports@thestate.com).



I think that is a great idea, but i don't think it will do any good, as i have stated before Tom is a very strong headed individual.

[morgan n' 7]

In a recent interview, Roche made the comment that Tom was living the life of a recluse and that John himself had not heard from Tom in many years. I've never seen this interview, but I have heard this. Kinda makes the whole thing even more awkward.

Owens doesn't seem to want it, doesn't like that it may happen, and has put that entire time of his life behind him. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like he is getting bothered by these recent letters, and wants it to stop.

[Go Cocks]

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like he is getting bothered by these recent letters, and wants it to stop.

That may be true, but they've gotta try. That way we can put it to bed after all of these years. There's never been a concerted effort to get him back until this. If he still doesn't come then ok. We tried. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Merry Christmas

[woodscock]

Tommy Owens is one of two players ever to lead the ACC in rebounding in three consecutive seasons. He's the only Gamecock from the pre-freshman eligibilty days to score 1000 points and grab 1000 rebounds in a career.

He was a two-time all ACC first team member( second team all-ACC in his sophomore year), and a two time ACC first team all-academic team selection.

Of course, he also made the layup that secured the biggest victory in USC athletic history.

Retire his number. Give him a chance to make it. If not, invite his old high school and college teammate, John Roche to be there in his absence.

This isn't rocket science. Just do it. He earned it by any objective measure.

I wish he'd come back. I'd give a body part to see him and Roche together at the Colonial Center. But he doesn't have to do anything else. He was a great player and a great student on the greatest teams(in any sport) in this school's history. Just retire #24.

:clap:

Well said. I had just come home from the military and every game was a must for me to watch. Tom should have his number retired even if he isn't there.

[willy]

:clap:

Well said. I had just come home from the military and every game was a must for me to watch. Tom should have his number retired even if he isn't there.



My feelings exactly Woodscock.

[usc89]

I agree with you totally. We should retire Owens' jersey, invite him and tell him we think the world of him for what he did for Carolina. There's really no reason for him to continue holding a grudge against USC.

You've gotta give it to those guys, however. They were competitors of the highest order. Maan, I wish we had people on our teams now who took things this personally!

GO COCKS!

[FeartheSpur]

guy i am lost this is way before my time...what happened to piss this guy off?

[Snake]

guy i am lost this is way before my time...what happened to piss this guy off?among lots of other things (that we don't know).........John Roche got most all of the media attention and Tom Owens was a Big man ("and rebounding machine") that frequently put up double doubles every night and his jersey was not retired on senior night like Roche's was.

Owens (from what I have been told) was not a very pleasant individual, but, had the numbers to have his jersey retired also and got a bad taste in his mouth with the University for not recognizing him like Roche on Senior night and retiring his jersey.........I'm sure there is so much more to the story, but, I asked my dad about this the other day and he was telling me a little about this.

I also read in the newspaper where Owens and his ex-wife (who lives in Hilton Head) had a pretty nasty divorce and there are some legal issues with his return to the state of South Carolina, but, she says that she would love to see the ceremony and would be happy for him.

Owens now resides in Oregon.......hopefully he can put this behind him and be in attendance when this goes down in February

[cack]

eehhh i'm bent on this ... he may have had the numbers ... but why do it now after he's bitched for years ... cause that's exactly how it looks ... looks like he just cried and cried till he got it retired ... he may have deserved it ... not saying he didn't ... but it just looks bad

what if Tanneyhill started crying because he didn't get his jersey retired but he's one of the best QBs we've ever see in our history

[cack]

I've never seen this interview, but I have heard this. Kinda makes the whole thing even more awkward.

Owens doesn't seem to want it, doesn't like that it may happen, and has put that entire time of his life behind him. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like he is getting bothered by these recent letters, and wants it to stop.

whoops stand corrected ... maybe he didn't just bitch about it ... maybe i should just shut up (ok i will)

[talon]

retire his gersey if he doesn't come to the event so be it. he deserves the horor end of discussion.

[willy]

among lots of other things (that we don't know).........John Roche got most all of the media attention and Tom Owens was a Big man ("and rebounding machine") that frequently put up double doubles every night and his jersey was not retired on senior night like Roche's was.

Owens (from what I have been told) was not a very pleasant individual, but, had the numbers to have his jersey retired also and got a bad taste in his mouth with the University for not recognizing him like Roche on Senior night and retiring his jersey.........I'm sure there is so much more to the story, but, I asked my dad about this the other day and he was telling me a little about this.

I also read in the newspaper where Owens and his ex-wife (who lives in Hilton Head) had a pretty nasty divorce and there are some legal issues with his return to the state of South Carolina, but, she says that she would love to see the ceremony and would be happy for him.

Owens now resides in Oregon.......hopefully he can put this behind him and be in attendance when this goes down in February


I didn't know the part about Hilton Head that explains a great deal, thanks for your imput Snake.

[Snake]

I didn't know the part about Hilton Head that explains a great deal, thanks for your imput Snake.I got it from this article:


Ron Morris | Time for Owens to return

http://media.thestate.com/smedia/2007/12/22/16/443-tomowens.embedded.prod_affiliate.74.jpg (http://media.thestate.com/smedia/2007/12/22/16/207-tomowens.standalone.prod_affiliate.74.jpg)

Tom Owens

Dave Odom and Eric Hyman are not giving up. They want to retire the jersey of former South Carolina basketball great Tom Owens. This season.


All concerned parties agree Owens must return to Columbia before his No. 24 jersey is lifted into the Colonial Center rafters. Those parties also agree that the best time to honor Owens for a 36-year oversight is the fourth weekend in February during the school’s “100 Years of Basketball” celebration.

So far, Owens has balked.

Odom made the first overture via a personal letter sent to Owens several weeks ago to his home outside Portland, Ore. A week ago, Odom received a two-paragraph, hand-written note from Owens saying he was not interested in either returning or participating in such a ceremony.

This past week, it was Hyman’s turn. In his one-page letter to Owens, Hyman wrote that he understood if Owens had hard feelings about not being recognized properly in 1971 at the conclusion of his playing days.

“We would consider it a privilege and honor if you would consider coming back to rightfully be honored, although long overdue,” Hyman wrote. “We can’t change the past, but we are changing the present and laying the groundwork for the future. Please consider returning to reunite with former teammates and learn about what we are about at USC now.”

Odom has another plan. During home games, perhaps beginning at the first of the new year, USC fans will be asked to sign a petition that would request Owens’ return. Odom said the petition would be mailed to Owens.

“I think it’s important for him that he understand how important his time here at Carolina was to his coaching staff, teammates and to the fans,” Odom said. “Nobody else matters. Nobody.

“If we can help him grasp that, I think we will have a chance because the people that made the decision, or didn’t make the decision, are gone. To continue to belabor that is fruitless. No matter how much hurt there was there, I think we can replace that with some joy, if given the opportunity.
“There is absolutely no question in my mind that the fans would respond in an amazing way if given the opportunity to do that.”

Until then, it is worth examining how USC and Owens got to this point.

The 6-foot-10 Owens and guard John Roche arrived in Columbia in the fall of 1967 as a package deal out of New York City’s La Salle Academy. While Roche garnered much of the recognition at USC because of his scoring abilities, Owens played second fiddle only because rebounding, blocked shots and defense do not garner the same kind of attention.

Nevertheless, they were known as one of college basketball’s most dangerous inside-outside combinations. USC compiled a 69-17 overall record and 35-7 Atlantic Coast Conference record during their varsity careers, and seldomly was Roche mentioned without Owens and vice versa.

Owens averaged a double-double for his career and led the ACC in rebounding three consecutive seasons. He was a second-team All-ACC selection as a sophomore and first-team as a junior and senior. It was not uncommon for Owens to stuff a statistics sheet with 22 points, 25 rebounds and 12 blocked shots, as he did one game against Clemson.

“If we had been Duke or North Carolina, and as prominent as they were, they both would have been All-Americans,” said Tom Price, USC’s sports information director at the time. “But we could only get Roche on those teams.”

As a result, when their final home game arrived in February 1971, only Roche’s No. 11 jersey was retired during a postgame ceremony. In retrospect, Odom, Owens and Roche are quite perplexed as to why both jerseys were not retired at that time.

Roche, when contacted this past week in Denver via e-mail, said he regrets not insisting at the time that his teammate’s jersey be retired. That hardly was Roche’s responsibility, though.

“I certainly don’t remember problems with any of the players, whether it was done or wasn’t done,” said Dennis Powell, a teammate of Roche and Owens on that 1971 team. “It was a nice event for John, definitely deserved, just another accolade for him.”

Price said he does not recall any discussion about Owens’ jersey being retired. Some 20 years later, Price was asked to survey other schools about their policies for retiring jerseys. Finally, in the past decade an athletic department policy was established.

At the time of Roche’s jersey retirement, it appears there was little thought given to doing the same for Owens. A season later, little-known sophomore Rick Mousa was wearing Owens’ No. 24 jersey.

Odom and Hyman both believe Owens must be present for the retirement ceremony, and therein lies the problem. Rumors have long circulated that Owens does not return to South Carolina because of possible legal problems with his ex-wife, Liz Mead, who lives in Hilton Head. In the past year, Mead dispelled those rumors and said she would welcome Owens back to the state.

At a gathering in the spring of those players who have had their jerseys retired, Roche opened his comments by saying he wanted to see Owens’ jersey hanging in the Colonial Center. Odom and Hyman have made their feelings known.

Now Odom is calling for fans to voice their opinions. We only can hope such a petition will change Owens’ mind and his jersey finally will be retired in late February at the Colonial Center.


http://www.thestate.com/gamecocks/story/265510.html

[hardcock2]

i really know nothing about this era of our b-ball team, but from our records at the time and the stats he put up....his number should be retired, regardless.

[Cruzer]

Those were the best years for Carolina BB. I agree, it should be retired. Hopefully he will show up if it happens.