"Three Seconds from Gold" Statis-Pro Basketball Teams from the Games of the XX Olympiad (1972)

Three Seconds from Gold - Teams from the Games of the XX Olympiad (1972)
Original Publication Date: July 19, 2014.
Special thanks to the IOC Historical Archives and Museum, Lausanne, Switzerland.

1972_Olympic_Basketball_Teams_for_Statis_Pro_Basketball_v2.zip

Rules for Adapting Statis-Pro Basketball to FIBA Olympic Play

1972 Soviet Olympic Team
1972 US Olympic Team
1972 Cuban Olympic Team
1972 Italian Olympic Team

Other Statis-Pro Basketball Links

This fileset contains the final four teams of the 1972 Men's Basketball Tournament,
including the Soviet Union, led by Hall of Fame shooting guard Sergei Belov and F/C Aleksandr Belov, the United States, with guards Doug Collins and Tommy Henderson, forwards Jim Brewer and Tom McMillen, and C Dwight Jones, third place Cuba, led by C Pedro Chappé and SF Ruperto Herrera, and fourth place Italy, led by F Ivan Bisson and C Dino Meneghin.  By now we know the stories of the top two teams very well, but 1972 was also the high water mark for the Cuban and Italian teams in international competition. Meneghin and Herrera are considered the best International players from each of their respective countries.

(Don't think that the Russians are easy to beat, because they aren't, and they become particularly difficult to handle if they gain control of the glass from the taller US squad, and can fast break to avoid the American trap and press.  The secret is to move Sasha Belov to center (as in real life) to allow him some shooting and rebounding room, to sub the guards wisely, and to hope that somehow PF Zharmukamedov can hold his own on the boards against Brewer and McMillen at PF.  The US is a team of bricklayers, but their rebounding and defense are Kryptonite to the Russians if they do not try to match up, with reserve guards Kevin Joyce and Ed Ratleff particularly deadly on steals.  As the included FIBA rules modification document suggests, make the Soviets the Home Team to get that extra feeling of Cold War paranoia, because the refs will side with them on rebounds and turnovers from the FACs pretty regularly.)

The World was gaining on the United States in basketball.  The transitory bitterness of this one point in time can be somewhat sweetened by the current international flavor of the modern NBA, which now routinely draws on the skills of the best players from around the globe.  This would have been unheard of in 1972.  This Soviet win, as well as the performance of later Yugoslavian teams ended that form of parochialism forever.

"Bowl Bound" - Carded Vintage College Teams for the 1986-1988 SOM College Football Game Part 2

More for the 1986-1988 CFB Sets...these are the 2003 BCS teams:

First Dropbox Link to 2003 BCS teams
Second Dropbox Link to second fileset, 2003 BCS teams

Link to Other SOM CFB Content on this Blog

2003 USC - AP #1 11-1 (Regular season)

How do you replace a Heisman Trophy winner? Lefty QB Matt Leinart did exactly that, stepping in for Carson Palmer well enough to ignite one of college football’s most exciting offenses. Protected by All-American tackle Jacob Rogers, center Norm Patnick, and tackle Winston Justice, Leinart found time to throw or could hand off to LenDale White, Herschel Dennis, and speedster Reggie Bush. When the offense stalled, All American punter Tom Malone pinned opponents deep in their end, and the Wild Bunch II, led by All Americans Kenichi Udzeke and Shaun Cody would harass enemy offenses.

USC won 11 regular season games, dropping only an overtime loss to Cal in Berkeley on their way to the Rose Bowl. There, Coach Pete Carroll restored the glory of Trojan football with a win over Michigan, and the team split the 2003 National Championship with a final AP #1. Perhaps more amazingly, USC had not yet hit their peak –they would also sweep their 2004 schedule and win a second championship with much the same roster.

2003 LSU – AP #2 12-1  

Expectations for coach Nick Saban had been very high at LSU, and he hit the jackpot in 2003. He built an athletic and talented roster on both sides of the ball, with QB Matt Mauck throwing for 2700 yards and 28 TDs, and a defense that finished tops in the nation in scoring defense and second in total defense. LSU came at opposing passers from all angles from their varied blitz packages, and they could unhinge even the best, as evidenced by their performance against Jason White and the Sooners in the Sugar Bowl. LSU held the powerful Oklahoma offense to a standoff, and won the game and the BCS share of the National Championship on an interception return from their defense.

2003 Oklahoma – AP #3 11-1

Oklahoma destroyed their first eleven opponents in so many varied ways that they were #1 for most of the season. It was an open question as to whether they might be one of the best teams of all time, and not just the best of 2003. The defense, led by All American Tommie Harris up front and Thorpe winner Derrick Straight in the backfield, was thought to be the country’s best in the preseason. Antonio Perkins returned four punts for TDs, the defense had three scoring returns of its own, and Heisman Trophy winner Jason White led an explosive offense that dominated the Big 12. It all worked well until the Big 12 Championship Game, when the Kansas State showed that the Sooner defense could give up big plays, and that unrelenting pressure would force White into mistakes, outcomes LSU undoubtedly took note of. 

2003 Michigan – AP #4 10-2

John Navarre had accomplished about as much as he could have going into his senior year. He had rewritten the U of M passing record book, but one thing had escaped him- a Rose Bowl appearance. Facing a 28-7 deficit at Minnesota late in the third quarter, Navarre engineered a 31 point fourth quarter in a 38-35 win that the coaching staff, to a man, considered the greatest game they had ever been involved in at any level. The biggest comeback in Wolverine history catalyzed a season-ending rally, including a 35-21 win over archrival Ohio State that sent them to the Rose Bowl for the first time since their championship season of 1997. Navarre received more than adequate support from Doak Walker winner Chris Perry and receivers Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant. The Michigan defense played well as an ensemble, with only Lawrence Reid and Gabe Watson singled out for individual honors.

2003 Ohio State – AP #6 10-2

Coach Jim Tressel made a career of winning the close ones with the Buckeyes, and this year was no different. OSU did not bury their opponents, but hung with them until they found a way to win. The men who usually brought in the key scores were QB Craig Krenzel and kicker Mike Nugent. Tressel found himself apologizing for the Buckeye running game all year, as Lyndell Ross and Co. could only manage a team average of 3.2 yards per carry on the ground. But the special teams were among the country’s best, with Nugent, BJ Sanders booming punts, and outstanding returns and coverage teams. The defense, led by Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Will Smith (DE), LB AJ Hawk, DT Tim Anderson, and SS Will Allen did not owe any explanations to anybody, as teams made no headway against the Buckeyes on the ground and very little in the air all year. Defensive big plays and the special teams helped Ohio State jump to a big lead over KSU at the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, and they held on for a surprise 35-28 win over the explosive Wildcats.

2003 Florida State – AP #8 10-2

For better or worse, QB Chris Rix was the reason FSU could win with an outstanding effort, or lose due to turnovers. If his inconsistency were the only thing that bothered Bobby Bowden all year, the Seminoles might still have been more successful. But the secondary played poorly, in spite of returning four starters, and TBs Greg Jones and Lorenzo Booker could not stay healthy all year. The ineffective running game put a lot of pressure on Rix, but at least his receivers played up to their reputations, as Craphonso Thorpe led the ACC with 11 TDs and PK Sam provided a steady counterpoint. At one point, FSU was 8-1, but in consecutive weeks they lost badly to Clemson, barely survived in double OT at home against NC State, and had to rally to beat Florida to salvage a BCS bid. Rix threw for 3,000 yards and saved the day during the stretch run, but he reverted to form and faltered badly against Miami in the Orange Bowl, completing only 6 of 19 for 96 yards.

2003 Miami – AP #9 10-2

The Hurricanes’ failure in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl haunted them into 2003. The ‘Canes were loaded with NFL first round draft talent, including All America TE Kellen Winslow, Big East Defensive Player of the Year Sean Taylor (FS), DT Vince Wilfork, and LBs DJ Williams and Jonathan Vilma. But the transition from QB Ken Dorsey, who had finished on the Heisman finalist short list twice, to newcomer Brock Berlin was not very smooth. Berlin was up and down, and it did not help that the team’s defensive problems against the run in 2002 persisted, or that WR Roscoe Parrish’s injuries reduced his effectiveness. In spite of all of the hurdles, Larry Coker’s men eventually made the transition from the high flying passing team of 2002 to a conservative power running team, and they beat Florida once and Florida State twice, making 2003 a satisfying year in Coral Gables.

2003 Kansas State – AP #10 11-3

Kansas State lost to Marshall, Texas, and Oklahoma State to fall to 4-3 when QB Ell Roberson was either injured or he was out, but then they won seven in a row and stunned the nation by beating top-ranked Oklahoma in the Big-12 Title game to win a BCS berth. It was KSU’s first title since 1934 and their first win ever over a top ranked team. Along the way, the Wildcats also won for the first time in Lincoln since 1968 and handed Nebraska their worst home loss since 1958. Roberson, an electric thrower and runner, was aided by TB Darren Sproles, who was short in stature but long on talent. The “Lynch Mob” defense was led by DE Andrew Shull, DT Justin Montgomery, and LB Josh Buhl. KSU’s dream season fell short in Tempe, however, as Roberson played poorly in the Fiesta Bowl, possibly distracted by an off the field incident that had fans wondering if he would even start. 

"Bowl Bound" - Carded Vintage College Teams for the 1986-1988 SOM College Football Game Part 1

SOM has done numerous College games - these materials are intended for the carded version that sold between 1986 and 1988. (Special thanks to JJ Schrems)

Part One includes eight Old Timer Teams. Set Two includes the 8 2003 BCS Bowls Teams. As an additional bonus, I've included 3 Michigan Wolverines favorites, 1947, 1978, and 1985 in Part One.

Original Publication Date: May 2005.

Link to Other SOM CFB Content on this Blog

1966 Notre Dame and 1966 MSU: The 'Game of The Century' was considered a big event in its day and it still has a lot of luster almost fifty years later. Both teams came into the game with an air of invincibility. MSU was led by its defense, men like Charlie Thornhill, Bubba Smith, and George uWebster. RB Bob Apisa ran tough inside and Jimmy Raye found WR Gene Washington downfield just enough for the Spartans to move.

Facing them was the Notre Dame offense, led by Terry Hanratty and loaded with players who would later show up in the NFL - Bob Gladieux, Rocky Bleier, Nick Eddy, and Jim Seymour. MSU knocked out Hanratty early, but backup Cody O'Brien brought Notre Dame back for an historic tie. MSU as repeat Big 10 conference champions could not go to a bowl, but Notre Dame still had USC on their schedule and after waxing them, they won the 1966 title.  

Dropbox link for 1966 ND and 1966 MSU
Dropbox link to Old Timers Set 1
Dropbox Link to Old Timers Set 2

1966 Alabama: The odd team left out in the ND - MSU debate was also the undefeated National Champions from the prior year. 1966 Alabama featured Ken Stabler throwing to Ray Perkins and their typical stingy, Southeastern Conference leading defense. The Tide allowed only 37 points all year, and a clutch 11-10 win over Tennessee and a 34-7 wipeout of Nebraska keyed their 11-0 season.  A recent (and excellent) book, "Missing Ring", recounts the 1966 Tide season against the backdrop of the civil rights marches and the Sixties. 

1965 UCLA: Gary Beban ran and passed the Bruins to big wins, none bigger than the 1965 Rose Bowl clincher over 6th ranked USC, led by Mike Garrett. Despite dominating in the statistics, USC led only 16-6 with less than 4 minutes left in the game when the Bruins scored on a Beban touchdown pass to Dick Witcher and successfully converted a two-point conversion to make the score 16-14. UCLA recovered an onside kick and two plays later, Beban hit Kurt Altenberg, a decoy for RB Mel Farr, on a 49 yard touchdown bomb to win the game, 20-16. UCLA went on to upset top ranked Michigan State in the 1966 Rose Bowl, 14-12, and Beban carried on to win the Heisman Trophy the next season.


1962 Wisconsin: The 1962 Badgers posted an 8-2 record and were only five points short of an undefeated season. The Big Ten champions were led by standout passer Ron Van Der Kelen and tight end Pete Richter, whose 11 catches and 163 yards powered a furious Rose Bowl comeback that fell just short. 


1967 USC: Led by junior runner O.J Simpson and lineman Ron Mix, USC defeated UCLA in the signature game of the rivalry 21-20 and downed Indiana in the Rose Bowl to finish Consensus National Champions at 10-1. 

1968 OSU: Woody Hayes' "Super Sophs" were led by QB Rex Kern and FB Jim Otis, and their fantastic offense led them to a National Championship, an undefeated season and a big win over USC in the Rose Bowl. 

1947 Michigan: The 1947 Michigan Wolverines football team, coached by Fritz Crisler, was undefeated and untied with a 10-0 record. Led by quarterback Howard Yerges, and All-American halfbacks Bob Chappuis and Bump Elliott, the 1947 Wolverines outscored their opponents, 394-53. The Wolverines victory in the 1948 Rose Bowl still stands as the largest margin of victory, in Rose Bowl history.  Though ranked #2 in the Associated Press poll at the end of the regular season, Michigan was selected as the nation's #1 team in an unprecedented post-bowl Associated Press poll.


1970 Stanford: They stumbled at times, but when the Stanford offense was cooking they could beat anybody. Heisman Trophy winning QB Jim Plunkett threw to receivers Bob Moore and Randy Vataha early and often in leading the Indians to wins over ranked squads Arkansas and UCLA on the road, and 3-time defending Pac-8 champion USC in Palo Alto. Stanford's 29-22 win over Sonny Sixkiller and the Washington Huskies landed them in the Rose Bowl, where Plunkett won MVP honors in a 27-17 dismantling of previously undefeated Ohio State. 


Bonus University of Michigan Content:
1978 Michigan: At 10-2, Bo Schembechler's third consecutive winner over Woody Hayes would be the series' last. Jon Giesler, John Arbeznik, Russell Davis, Curtis Greer, Ron Simpkins, Mike Jolly, and Mike Harden all played big roles, but the MVP was QB Rick Leach. It took decades to eclipse his marks, as Leach (up until just a couple years ago) was still the only Michigan player in the top ten in both passing yards and rushing yards, but he is best remembered for beating Ohio State three straight times. He played very well in the Rose Bowl, but Michigan came up short on Charles White's "phantom touchdown".

1985 Michigan: Not much was expected of this team, but a very strong defense led by All-Americans Mike Hammerstein and Brad Cochran helped Michigan to three consecutive wins over ranked teams early in the season and ending victories over Ohio State and Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl en route to a 10-1-1 finish. On offense, Jim Harbaugh passed occasionally to TE Eric Kattus and receiver John Kolesar and handed off quite a bit to TB Jamie Morris in a typical Bo Schembechler ball control offense.