Dick Maile's Basketball Journey from Covington to LSU Success

About the Guest(s):

Dick Maile: A former high school and college basketball star, Dick Maile was a standout player at Covington Catholic High School in Northern Kentucky, where he graduated in 1961 after averaging nearly 20 points per game. He continued his athletic journey at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he excelled as the leading scorer and rebounder for three consecutive seasons. Despite being drafted by the Cincinnati Royals into the NBA, he chose to pursue a career outside of professional basketball. Maile's legacy continues through his grandchildren, with one playing Major League Baseball and another in the NFL.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Kentucky Sports Memories," host Gary Fogle takes listeners on an intriguing journey through the basketball career of Dick Maile, a Kentucky high school legend who left a lasting legacy in the sport. Despite a late introduction to basketball in the seventh grade, Maile's natural talent quickly shone through, leading him to a celebrated college career at LSU. The episode offers an engaging exploration of his unexpected path, filled with missed opportunities and impressive accomplishments.

Listeners will discover how Dick Maile, despite not being scouted by University of Kentucky's legendary coach Adolph Rupp, found his niche at LSU, becoming a central figure on the team. Further enhancing the episode are Dick’s reflections on the differences between the game of his era and today's basketball, offering insights that are sure to resonate with sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the episode delves into the successful athletic careers of Maile's grandsons, highlighting the enduring athletic prowess of the Maile family. From exploring basketball strategies to sharing personal anecdotes, this episode celebrates a rich tapestry of sports history and legacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Dick Maile began playing basketball in seventh grade and went on to become a top scorer and rebounder at LSU.

• Maile was overlooked by University of Kentucky’s basketball program, despite being an outstanding high school player.

• While drafted by the Cincinnati Royals, Maile found the NBA’s demands at guard unsuited to him, leading to his transition into the business world.

• Maile shares his perspectives on how modern basketball differs significantly from the game during his playing years.

• His grandsons have carried on the athletic tradition with successful careers in Major League Baseball and the NFL.

Notable Quotes:

• "I was pretty good in baseball and that's all I did... and that's how my basketball career started."

• "I thought I was going to go to West Point. And all of a sudden, the season started, and I never heard from them again."

• "They said to me once... 'why didn't you tell us about Maile?' And Coach Connor says, 'Well, I told you about him; you didn't look at him.'"

• "The game is so different now, Gary. I just... I might as well go down the street and watch the playgrounds."

• "You're the perfect person to come to the NBA. It just, you just don't fit, you know what I mean?"

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. Tune in to hear more about this inspiring journey of Dick Maile in Kentucky sports history and stay tuned for more captivating episodes of Kentucky Sports Memories.