Thurl Talk

In this episode, Thurl is joined by Craig Bolerjack (Utah Jazz TV play-by-play announcer) to remember the events that took place in Oklahoma City when it was announced that Utah Jazz center, Rudy Gobert, had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

We talk about the calmness in the arena when the game had been canceled and coach Quin Snyder's calming leadership that Craig will never forget.

We also dive into what it was like being quarantined that night, how it became the tipping point in our country, and how underprepared we were for the initial outbreak. Then we discuss the state of the NBA, the different scenarios we could see play out for the rest of the season, and the cancellation of March Madness.

Lastly, Craig talks about stepping in for Rodney Clark "Hot Rod" Hundley and how he became the Jazz's play-by-play announcer.

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In this episode, Thurl talks about how he was recruited out of high school by Norm Sloan (North Carolina State - head coach), convinced him to commit to NC State, the ups-and-downs of his freshman year, and the moment Jim Valvano won Thurl over following Norm's departure from the university.

Then we talk about why coach Valvano practiced envisioning a championship, cutting down the nets, and putting the players in a position to win. As well as, coach V's painful film sessions and his great qualities as a leader.

We also dive into NC State's 'Cinderella Run' in 1983 and the hardships the team had to endure to end up in the ACC Tournament and ultimately, fighting to get a spot in the NCAA tournament. 

Lastly, Thurl recalls the moment NC State started to gain confidence that would eventually allow them to upset the Houston Cougars (Phi Slama Jama) in one of the most star-studded NCAA tournaments of all time.

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In this week's episode, Thurl Bailey (former professional basketball player, current Utah Jazz analyst) is joined by Frank Layden (former Utah Jazz head coach) to talk about drafting Thurl in 1983, growing up in Brooklyn, NY, and pursuing his passion for basketball instead of baseball.

Then we dive into Frank's decision to attend Niagara University, his time in the army, and the phone call that led Frank to become a coach high school. Frank also talks about meeting his wife for the first time, becoming Niagara's head coach from 1968-1976, and what he learned from coaching Calvin Murphy (former professional basketball player, current Houston Rockets broadcaster).

He then details his introduction to the New Orleans Jazz, pushing through the tough years before the team moved to Salt Lake City, and how special the 1984 season was for the team's foundation.

We then talk about his regrets surrounding Adrian Dantley (former professional basketball player) and what he would change about his time as a head coach.

Lastly, Frank recalls his decision to step down as head coach of the Utah Jazz and to allow Jerry Sloan (Hall of Famer, former Utah Jazz head coach) to begin his tenure as the head coach.

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Thurl Bailey (former NBA player, current Utah Jazz analyst) describes the moment he saw Julius "Dr. J" Erving play basketball for the first time, his passion for emulating Dr. J's game, and his constant drive to learn basketball as a child.

Thurl then details his early struggles with the game and how it never came naturally. He talks about the pain he felt after failing to get picked by his middle school basketball team two years in a row because of his lack of skill, his passion for never giving up, and the potential one coach had in him that completely shaped Thurl's career for the rest of his life.

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Thurl Bailey (former NBA player, current Utah Jazz analyst) describes driving through Italy during his time playing basketball overseas when a border patrol agent at Lugano, Switzerland asked him three questions that changed his life forever: "Where are you coming from? Why are you here? What is your destination?"

Thurl then dives into his childhood growing up in Washington D.C. and Maryland as racial tension was erupting following school desegregation, how his family dynamic ultimately shaped his success throughout the years, and what we have planned for the podcast.

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