When it comes to greatness in sports and the #12, it seems like football quarterbacks in College & Pro have a lock.  Namath, Bradshaw, Staubach, Rodgers, Stabler, Griese, Brady, and I can go on forever.  But right now I love College Hoops and thought I'd take a stab at famous #12's of the college hardwood on this rare day that won't come around again for another 100 years.

I was hoping I could think of 12 #12's, and give you a TOP 12 list, but I could only think of 5 really good ones and here they are....

5.  Derek Harper, Illinois - Derek played 3 seasons for the Fighting Illini and was named to their Men's Basketball All Century team.  Harper flourished in the NBA and is one of the league's most durable players of all-time logging 1,199 games over his 16 year career.

Lots to cheer about.

4.  Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets -Remembered as the main cog in Georgia Tech's "Lethal Weapon 3" with Dennis Scott and Brian Oliver, who led the Jackets to the Final Four in 199o.  Anderson was a consensus NCAA All-American in 1991 with 2 years of eligibility before leaving the College ranks for the NBA Draft.

Yours truly and Kenny.

3.  John Stockton, Gonzaga Bulldogs - Before going on to a stellar Hall of Fame NBA career, Stockton was busy tearing up the West Coast Conference where he was named the Player of the Year in in 1984.  He's the 3rd all-time leader in assists, and first all-time in steals for the Zags.

Leading the Zags into prominence.

2.  Phil Ford, North Carolina Tar Heels -When you think UNC, you usually think Michael Jordan first.  Phil Ford was actually the all-time leading scorer for the Heels before Tyler Hansbrough surpassed him in 2008.  Ford was a 3-Time consensus All-American, Member of the 1976 Gold Medal Olympic team, and was recently inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame on November 18, 2012.

Fab Ford.

1.  Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Bearcats - The Big "O" or "Mr. Basketball" averaged 33.8 points per game throughout his college career and was the all-time leading scorer in college history until Pistol Pete from LSU came on the scene.  He led the nation in scoring 3 straight years and set 14 NCAA records and 19 school records while leading the Bearcats to two Final Fours.  He was a 3 time consensus All-American and has won a list of awards too long to mention (that goes for the NBA too).  He went on to team up with Jerry West and lead the USA to a Gold medal in the 1960 Olympics.

Best overall College player ever?

Those are my top 5 #12's in College Hoops.  Surely you can think of a few more?  Please shoot me a response if you can think of some!

Only 98 days until the First Four tip off!  I LOVE COLLEGE HOOPS!

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Dancing with the Stars. No, I'm not referring to the hit tv show, but to where Florida State Seminoles sophomore Shane Cummings envisions his beloved basketball team will be come Final Four time in New Orleans.  Recently we had the chance to speak with Shane, who is the Director of Special events for the FSU Student Boosters executive board, about the march towards the Big Dance.

Andy:  After beating the # 1 Tarheels (at the time) by a gazillion points and then shocking the Duke Blue Devils on their home court ending a 45 game home win streak a short week later, it's easy to see why you have stars in your eyes.  Can you explain how you felt after being on hand to witness both of those highly unlikely victories?

Shane: It's been kind of surreal.  We beat Duke last year when I was a freshman on our homecourt, but to be able to rout UNC at home by 33 and then beat the Blue Devils at Cameron (their home court) in the same week was just amazing.  The crowd was never more into a game against the Tarheels - screaming and standing for EVERY single basket.  Just insane.  We rushed the court at the buzzer, and I did the same for the DUKE game.

Andy: Ok, I'm jealous -  and you're just a sophomore!  And you're Director of Special Events for the FSU Boosters.  Can you explain how you got the position and what your role entails?

Shane: Don't be jealous, just root for the Noles!  I actually co-direct special events and have for 2 years now.  Our main responsibility is to implement events which bring our athletes and students together.  For example, during football season we had a meet & greet type of scenario in where the students could meet one on one with the players, get autographs and have their pictures taken.  We just had another very similar event for the basketball team.  In addition to photo and autograph opportunities, the players sat on a panel and took questions from the fans.  It''s a great way to bring the Seminole family together, and a great experience for both students and student athletes alike.

Andy:  More fun.  Speaking of fun, do you and the other members of the FSU Student cheering section have any particular chants, rituals, etc., that you perform during your games?

Shane:  The main thing we do is just get geared up in the Garnet and Gold and scream our heads off.  So yes, MORE FUN.

DUKE GOING DOWN AGAIN THURSDAY!

Andy:  Well it's been working for you lately, that's for sure.  Might that Garnet and Gold you get geared up in include our Original Retro Brand product?

Shane: I figured that question would be coming, and Yes.  Mainly I like that the look is different from anything else I've seen on campus.  The Original Retro Brand shirts offer a unique approach to sports apparel.  They are very comfortable to wear, while also offering stylish designs.  These shirts bring back the “old school” designs and make them look even better then before!

Andy:  I couldn't agree more with your assessment Shane!  You have an impressive track record for following the Noles on the road.  Do you plan on heading down to Atlanta for the ACC Tournament in a few weeks?  If so, let me know and I'll hook you up with a hot dog.

Shane: (Laughs) Well I'm not 100% sure yet, but if I do, I'll definitely take you up on your offer.  We're going to beat DUKE Thursday night before we do anything!

Andy:  YOU GUYS CAN DO IT!  Hope you can make it for the frankfurter, and hope the Noles can make it to the Big Dance too.  Thanks Shane -

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Wednesday we were at the “eRUPPtion Zone” in Kentucky for the 9th stop on the Original Retro Brand “I Love College Hoops” Student Section Journey.  Tough act to follow, right?  Not so much as we visit the land of Lawrence.  Lawrence, Kansas.

10th & Final Stop:  # 2 Kansas Jayhawks

Student Section:  Phog Fanatics

Student Section Case Study:   Ashtin Meerpohl, Freshman

The Interview……..

ORB:  As a freshman, what's it like walking into the world famous Allen Fieldhouse for the very first time?

Ashtin: Unbelievable.  Insane.  Incredible.  You see the Championship banners hanging everywhere, and you realize how many legendary players have come through and the tradition literally smacks you in the face.

ORB:  Is it tough to become a member of the KU Student Section?

Ashtin: I'd say it's more about being committed then being tough.  There are 3,000 fanatics deep in our student section (16,300 people), and for Late Night (KU's version of Midnight Madness known as "Late Night in The Phog") this year, we waited in line from 8am until they let us in at 8pm.  When the doors finally opened, it was basically a sea of blue in a mad rush, and my friends and I were able to get seats in the front row - pretty neat.  For ESPN College Gameday, we camped out from midnight until the sun came up, until they let us in at 8am for the show that went from 9-11am (both Late Night and Gameday were first come, first serve seating).  Normally our group camps out in 3 hour shifts for all the home games to hold down our spot that we acquired earlier that week in a lottery.  People sleep on blow-up mattresses and bring books to study in lawn chairs.

ORB:  Wow.  That's alot of fanatics, and alot of 3 hour shifts.  Ok, so you've told us what it takes to get into a game, and how it felt for the first time.  What is the experience like for you during the games?

Ashtin: Aside from it being louder than anything you'll ever hear (ESPN The Magazine named Allen Fieldhouse the loudest college basketball arena in the country in 2010), the rituals like the Rock Chalk Chant and Alma Mater blow your mind.  I've only missed one home game this year (not by choice!), and being part of the rituals gets better and better every time.

ORB:  Is there anything specific that you personally do during the games that might be considered a little crazy?

Ashtin: Does wearing a Gorilla suit count as crazy?  Basically, one of my friends and I dress up in Gorilla suits, while another friend dresses up in a banana suit.  When the other team is attempting their foul shots, we jump up and down like the apes we are, and try to distract them - The "Banana Sandwich" seems to be an effective weapon for this.

THE BANANA SANDWICH.

YES to answer your question Ashtin - You are obviously CRAZY about your Jayhawks! Thanks for your time today, and Good luck against Mizzou tomorrow and in the Big 12 tournament.  Maybe we'll see the "Banana Sandwich" at the Final Four in Houston!

It's been a blast interviewing all of the students from across the country this past month.  There is no doubt that "I Love College Hoops" is a sentiment that runs deep.  Now that the regular season schedule is coming to a close, it's time to start thinkin' brackets.  Be sure to stay tuned to the Original Retro Brand blog, as we've got a contest up our sleeve that will dish out over $500 worth of Original Retro Brand gear in prizes!

ROCK CHALK WALK

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Won't you let me take you on a ZOU-CRUISE

(Sing to the tune of “Keep on Rockn’ me, baby” by The Steve Miller Band)

I went from Tucson, Arizona all the way to West Lafayette - Indiana, Philadelphia, Syracuse, Austin, L.A....Gainesville, down in Florida where the Rowdy Reptiles are warm, and I can hear all the student sections say....Keep on screamin' "I LOVE COLLEGE HOOPS," keep on screamin' "I LOVE COLLEGE HOOPS"....

Alright, that was weird, but so is painting your face.  ANYWAY, we've been to the student sections of all of those places, and we've heard them loud and clear, and it's very clear they all LOVE COLLEGE HOOPS!  Just call me Rodney Dangerfield, because I want to go "Back to School!"

The latest stop on the Original Retro Brand College Student Section journey reiterates the above statement, as I feel like a freshman anew, after visiting with Ryan Schmidt (above) from the Mizzou Zou Crew.

Eighth Stop:  # 18 Missouri Tigers

Student Section:  The Zou Crew

Student Section Case Study:  Ryan Schmidt, Junior

The Interview……..

ORB:  As a member of the Zou Crew, can you relive one of the more exciting experiences you've had?

Ryan: My sophomore year in 2009, we were ranked # 17, and Kansas was ranked # 16.  The Jayhawks came to Mizzou Arena on the last Saturday of the season and the place was rockin'.  The game was being televised nationally on CBS, and by halftime we were down by 15-20 points.  We managed to fight and claw our way back to tie the game in the last minute.  Then, with literally 1.3 seconds on the clock, "Mr. Big Shot," Zaire Taylor, puts up a shot that hits off the rim, bounces up, then hangs in the air for eternity before dropping through the hoop for the winning shot.  The Kansas players were stunned, and the crowd went insane and rushed the court - it was sheer madness.  I still get the chills when I talk about it!

ORB:  Your recount just gave me the chills!  Have there been other instances, other than rushing he court, where you get to meet with the players or coaches?

Ryan: The past few years, Coach Mike Anderson has been putting on a scrimmage and invites the student sections to practice and play against the team.  I haven't personally done this, but watching has been pretty cool.  Mrs. Anderson is pretty cool too - She always acknowledges the Zou Crew when she walks by the team bench yelling "LET'S GO TIGERS!" Marcheita's a great lady.

ORB: You need to get out there next year Ryan!  Can you give us some specific details of any crazy stuff you've done to show your Zou Crew worthy?

Ryan: (Laughs) I'm actually one of two Electronic Communications Coordinators for the Zou Crew, so one of my duties is to film the student section at games.  I'm also responsible for adding content to the Zou Crew website. I should also point out that I'm a member of the Tigers Lair,  which is the football equivalent of the Zou Crew under the Mizzou Spirit umbrella.  We usually get to games 6-7 hours beforehand.  It gets very crazy when up to 60 of us are painted up and sitting in the front row going wild for the entire game.  It's pretty awesome when the players come by to acknowledge us after a win too.

ORB:  Ok, I'd say you're definitely worthy.  As a member of the Zou Crew, it seems as if you're getting invaluable experience that you could use in the "real world" once you graduate.  Any thoughts on what you want to do?

Ryan: My ultimate "dream job" would be announcing for the St. Louis Cardinals. If that doesn't happen, I'm confident I could get a job in broadcast journalism or marketing.  I currently take a lab course at the local radio station, and the TV & radio facilities on campus are some of the best in the country.

Here's hoping Ryan makes the jump from the Zou Crew to the St. Louis Cardinals broadcasting booth!  We want to thank Ryan for his time and wish the Tigers the best of luck for the remainder of the season and in the tournament.

"About 15-20 minutes before the game all the lights went off in the arena and a spotlight was pointed towards the catwalk. Music started playing and our mascot Truman the Tiger was lowered to the ground while wearing a harness. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric after this and you could say this got everyone amped up for the game. Truman does not make this descent very often. In the three year's I've been here this is the fourth time I've seen it."

Next stop on the Original Retro Brand Student Section College journey takes us to the home of Midnight Madness and the Big Blue Nation of Kentucky.

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Just when we think we've met the most enthusiastic and school spirited fan on our Original Retro Brand College Student Section journey, another school yields yet another uber fan to replace the previous.  How appropriate then, that today we visit the uber state of Texas, where the Longhorns Men's basketball program sits atop the Big 12 with their eyes squarely set on an April 4th date in Houston.

7th Stop:  # 5 Texas Longhorns

Student Section:  The O-Zone

Student Section Case Study:  Helen Tau, Freshman

The Interview…..

ORB:  I seriously got goose bumps talking with you about The O-Zone, and your love of Texas basketball.  You got me so pumped up, and I honestly thought you were going to jump through the phone!  What is it that gets you so charged up?

Helen: Wow, Where do I start?!  The guys are playing SO WELL right now, it's hard not to get pumped up.  On any given night, any player might drop 20.  It's just a thing of beauty to watch how well they've come together as a team right now.  Getting to the games a few hours early helps too, because we always get seats in the first 2 or 3 rows where we can watch the warm-ups and be closer to the players - that REALLY gets me charged up!

ORB:  Do you have a favorite player?

Helen:  Jordan Hamilton is probably our best player, but I really don't have a favorite.  They are all playing so unselfishly that it's hard not to love them all!

ORB:  Understood.  What do you do as a member of the O-Zone during the games to get the team fired up?

Helen: We're in the first few rows, we end up standing and screaming our heads off for the entire game!  We join in the chants with the Longhorn Hellraisers (I leave the orange & white face painting to them!), and the Drum (Frank Erwin Center) goes nuts after we sing "Eyes of Texas" every time.  It's kind of tradition for Matt Hill (Senior), and sometimes Jordan, to come by and high-5 a bunch of us, and of course Hook  'Em (school mascot) comes by and gives us High - 5's also, and gets the student section pretty rowdy.

ORB: You sound like a real veteran, but you're just a Freshman.  How did you get involved?

Helen: I've always loved sports and wanted to participate any way I could.  I am in the UT  Varsity Rewards Program which is basically a student incentive program to get students to come to the games and increase the fan base.  There is a point system that builds up each time you attend games, which gets you cool things like backpacks, school supplies, and t-shirts with the Texas logo on them.  By the way, I wanted to mention that I follow the women's team also!

ORB:  We love women too!  How are they doing?

Helen: They've actually been doing pretty well.  We had a rough game against # 1 Baylor, but bounced right back to beat Nebraska. I Love College Hoops so much that between both the Womens and Mens teams, I've missed just 2 home games out of about 32 so far, and have been to some road games too!

Pretty impressive - HOOK 'EM HELEN!  Hey, that sounds like a new mascot, right?

Thanks so much to Helen for taking us into the O-Zone for a quick, small look at a big time program, and maybe we'll see her and the Longhorns in Houston!

VISITING TEAMS GET LOST IN THE...

Our next stop on the Original Retro Brand “I Love College Hoops” journey, takes us into the Tiger Territory of the Mizzou Zou Crew.

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One of the main reasons "I Love College Hoops" has everything to do with UCLA basketball.  Like the Original Retro Brand, I'm old school, and all that is old school college basketball immediately takes me back to the legendary UCLA Head Coach, John Wooden - "The Wizard of Westwood." You probably know the rest  -  A record 11 NCAA titles behind the games greatest players in Lew Alcindor & Bill Walton to current director of UCLA basketball operations Tyus Edney, to name a few. Having the greatest coach and the greatest players is no doubt, the main reason for Bruin success, but let's not forget about the fans and the role they play.  That's where Robby comes in for our latest stop on the Original Retro Brand College Student Section journey.

Sixth Stop:  # 29 UCLA Bruins

Student Section:  "The Den"

Student Section Case Study:  Robby Ewing, Junior

The Interview........

ORB:  You're the first student we've interviewed to date, who has taken paint to face.  Is doing this a prerequisite for entrance into "The Den?"

Robby: No it's not, but my friends and I have a little niche group that likes to paint up for every football game as well as when we have our biggest basketball rivalry game vs. the Trojans.

ORB:  What other kinds of things do you do as a member of "The Den" to show your support for your team?

Robby: My buddy Jackson and I write a publication prior to every game called "The Dirt From The Den" which basically makes fun of the other team, suggesting that their prior arrests and poor life choices will help contribute to a Bruin victory.  I think camping out days in advance of every basketball game to secure the best seats possible shows some major support too!

ORB: We concur!  Do the Coach and players respond to that as far as you can tell?  As a member of "The Den," do you ever get to talk to them?

Robby: Yes, they definitely do.  At "The Den," we all work together as a team to improve the quality of the fan experience for all events.  As a member on the leadership board, I act as a liaison to the athletic department and am able to have meetings with coaches from time to time, and discuss different ways we can promote whatever sport happens to be on the table.

ORB:  That's a pretty unique set up that most Student Sections don't enjoy to our knowledge.  Can you give us any examples of any specific ideas that came out of your basketball meetings?

Robby: One of the best was when Coach Howland (Head Coach Ben Howland in 8th season) offered to buy us all pizza when we camped out before games.  The camping out was a no - brainer for us, and Coach was true to his word.  First campout he came out and delivered 20 pizzas, and at least 3 or 4 more times after that. He also passed out t-shirts. That's a pretty awesome Coach.

ORB:  Starving college kids need pizza - So yes, Kudos to Coach!  We touched on the Legend that is UCLA basketball before we started this interview.  Do you ever feel that tradition when you enter the Pauley Pavilion?

Robby: Oh, absolutely.  One minute your staring at the 11 Championship banners, the next minute you might see guys like Kareem Abdul Jabbar, or Baron Davis just hanging out watching games.  So yes, the sense of tradition is overwhelming at times.

We’d like to thank Robby for his time today, and if you're lucky enough to make it to sunny Los Angeles, California, try and soak up some legend and visit "The Den."

Time to head south again, as our next stop on the Original Retro Brand “I Love College Hoops” journey, takes us to Austin, Texas and the Student Section known as the "O-Zone."

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