Charles Jones' Journey from Scuba to UofL Basketball Star

About the Guest(s):

Charles Jones is a former college basketball player who starred at the University of Louisville in the early to mid-1980s. Growing up in Scuba, Mississippi, Jones hailed from a family where basketball was a common pursuit, with all six siblings playing at the collegiate level. Charles went on to have a professional career, including a stint in the NBA. He is noted for having played during a pivotal era of Louisville basketball, contributing to the team's success during his tenure.

Jerry Woolum, though not the main subject of this episode, is mentioned as the former starting quarterback for the University of Kentucky from the early 1960s. Following his athletic career, he pursued medicine, becoming a doctor and surgeon. Despite being in his mid-80s, Woolum continues to practice medicine part-time, displaying a lifelong commitment to his profession.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "Kentucky Sports Memories," hosted by Gary Fogle, we journey into the story of Charles Jones, a distinguished former basketball player from Louisville. Jones, known for his humble origins in Scuba, Mississippi, shares insights from his life and career. His journey from a small town to the University of Louisville is filled with intriguing moments, including his unexpected discovery by a recruiter and his experience in the 1983 NCAA Tournament, famously facing off against Kentucky in the "Dream Game."

The episode further explores how Jones acclimated to the culture and environment at Louisville, highlighting the importance of personal connections and mentors, such as his relationship with Derek Smith and the McCray brothers. Gary Fogle also shifts the conversation to mention Jerry Woolum, whose enduring career in medicine serves as an inspiring story of dedication and adaptation. Woolum’s transition from a full-time surgeon to a part-time role underscores a commitment to patient care, even as physical challenges arise.

Key Takeaways:

• Charles Jones' journey from Scuba, Mississippi, to the University of Louisville is marked by unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

• The 1983 "Dream Game" between UofL and UK was a defining moment for Jones, signifying his integration into Kentucky's rich basketball culture.

• Personal relationships and a sense of trust were pivotal in Jones’ decision to join Louisville, impacting his collegiate experience.

• Jerry Woolum exemplifies lifelong dedication to his medical career, adapting his practice to continue contributing despite age-related challenges.

• The mid-80s was a pivotal era for Louisville basketball, with Jones being part of a talented roster that left a lasting legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• "I felt like at that point I was part of Louisville, part of being in Kentucky." – Charles Jones

• "It was, it's different. Times were different. You know, you didn't have a lot of opportunity to see TV shows..." – Charles Jones

• "I don't want to put anybody in danger for a handicap." – Jerry Woolum

• "But something just kept pulling me back to Louisville. And I think it was those guys was doing that because I felt like they seemed like you don't know who to trust." – Charles Jones

Resources:

• University of Louisville Basketball Program

• University of Kentucky Football Program

• Charles Jones' Career at University of Louisville: [University Archives]

Join Gary Fogle as he continues to explore the stories behind the events and figures that have left a lasting mark on the world of sports in Kentucky. Listen to the full episode to learn more about Charles Jones' inspirational story of unexpectancy and stay tuned for more captivating episodes of Kentucky Sports Memories.