Backup site - DavidsonCats.com

jjnolan · Joined: 20 Mar 2010 Posts: 14

TO ALL:

The Bryan Adrian story will be in Sunday's paper...you'll be able to find it on www.charlotteobserver.com
Thanks for all your help.
David

David Scott/Staff Writer
The Charlotte Observer/Charlotteobserver.com

MikeMaloy15 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 11345 Location: Salisbury, N.C.

We look forward to reading it.

On the off chance that there is a factual error, look for a post from a guy who uses the name "wildforthecats." Please do not provoke him by attempting artistic license with regard to the weather on February 11, 1970. If the date rings no bell, you're halfway to the doghouse already.

WildCock · Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 4514 Location: Columbia, SC

citycat · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 8708 Location: charlotte, nc

The story is up on The Observer's website. Attention must be paid.

Eric G. Wruck · Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 742 Location: Columbus, Ohio

Bill Cobb · Posted: Sun May 09, 2010 7:02 am Post subject:

Thanks David. An excellent read.

I bet it was a tough one to research - Bryan apparently didn't leave much of a trail.

I don't know if I ever saw him play. The Cats were in Greenville to play ECU in Holland's 2nd year - I was probably there but I don't remember.

An interesting, incredibly talented, intelligent, and most peculiar man.
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kevin mcmahon · Joined: 05 May 2008 Posts: 4609 Location: Hickory, NC

Great article especially for us 21st century fans.
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wildforthecats · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 18388 Location: Matthews NC

Back in 1986, I worked part time at the Harris Y in Charlotte. I remember seeing him there and bringing up his most famous game. He seemed uncomfortable with the attention. Over the years I would see him from time to time at different stores in Matthews NC. I decided not to bother him these other times.

TOK · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1893 Location: Concord, N.C.

After reading the article, I was left with one big question. What did Mr. Adrian do for a living? Was he able to support himself putting on basketball camps?

I guess some people withdraw from others by their own choice, but it read as a sad story. I don't send Christmas cards anymore, but I at least open the ones sent to me. Very sad for him and his family.

Reed '74 · Guest

The fact that Bryan had three additional surgeries says to me that he was right and the doctors who pronounced his knee well in 1970 were wrong. He may have decided the coaches and doctors were just trying to get him back on the court and use his talents instead of really getting the knee well. Given his distant personality there was probably no one who could convince him otherwise. That probably explains why he didn't take Auerbach's offer. He knew he couldn't perform at the level he had known in 1969-70 and didn't trust anyone to help him ... or to believe it was more than a psychological issue.

The ability to diagnose and treat knee injuries has revolutionized with development of new arthroscopic techniques and MRI over the past 25-30 years. In 1970 it's likely one of Bryan's injuries could have been diagnosed and repaired while another bone or cartilage injury was missed and resulted in persistent pain and the need for additional surgeries.

catsfan02 · Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Posts: 2529 Location: Raleigh, NC

Davidson Dad · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 385 Location: Charlotte, NC

I came to Charlotte in 1985 when I finished by time in the Army. I have noticed those basketball camp signs around for years. The story is now known. I guess we are all made differently, or else the world would be boring, and we should not judge others. He obviously cared about helping youth and as a teacher I can respect that. May he find the peace and quiet he seemed to desire in a greater place.
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94cat · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 3995 Location: Greenville, SC

Wow. I knew nothing about him at all until reading that article. It's amazing that someone can totally withdraw like that. Not even his siter knew he was sick....very sad.
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MikeMaloy15 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 11345 Location: Salisbury, N.C.

I'm really glad the article was written, because it's wrong (and perhaps a personal failing on wftc's and my part) that knowledgeable Davidson fans* did not know who Bryan Adrian was.

* The one-time Martin Ides thing aside, 94 is definitely a knowledgeable fan of Wildcat hoop.

Reed '74 · Guest

And 94cat says he was a history major!