Memories of Phil Lumpkin, O'Dea's Hoops Coach, Who Died This Weekend at 57

I remember being shocked to find out that O'Dea coach Phil Lumpkin played point guard in the NBA. He didn't cut a very athletic figure: His potbelly barely contained by his maroon O'Dea polo, jutting out over his jeans.

But Lumpkin did play two seasons in the League, and a key role in what's widely regarded as the greatest NBA game ever--Game 5 of the 1976 Finals. Lumpkin took over at the point when the starter went down with injury and the Suns down 22 points. 

Said Phoenix coach John MacLeod: "(Lumpkin) was a very deliberate guard, and when we put him in, he slowed everything down. It calmed everybody down, and we made a heck of a run. I think we'd have been blown out if not for Phil Lumpkin."

Lumpkin brought that deliberate style to O'Dea, winning five state basketball titles with it. Lumpkin's teams weren't flashy, and didn't often blow opponents out; instead they'd slowly strangle them with stifling defense and deliberate, careful halfcourt offense.

When Lumpkin's players played poor defense, or sloppy offense, his verbal eruptions were a sight to behold. I once saw him make a player cry on the court.

But from what his players have told the Seattle Times' Mason Kelley, they appreciated his tough love approach. (Casey McNerthney of Seattlepi.com has also written an excellent obituary of Lumpkin).

Perhaps the best compliment to Lumpkin as a coach is this: He's the guy then-Sonics coach Nate McMillan entrusted his own son to. Jamelle McMillan played on three state title teams playing point guard, his dad's old position.

Lumpkin had been O'Dea's hoops coach since 1991; taking over the same year legendary Garfield coach Al Hairston left the Metro League for Seattle U. Hairston had won five titles at Garfield--Lumpkin matched that feat.

O'Dea hasn't announced when or if any memorial for Lumpkin will be held. Watch their website if you're interested.