Memories

As a boy growing up in Rocky Mount, N.C. My dad and I used to attend Rocky Mount gryphon's basketball games in 1972 and 73 era. For whatever reason, Phil's dads would normally seek us out, sit with us, and have conversations about Phil's game. I can still see him in my minds eye wearing those horned rim glasses, enjoying watching his son play. I was a tarheel fan then, as I am now. Being able to see Phil put up big numbers in High school was also something special to see. I recall one night several ACC coaches came to watch him play.

When I first heard Phil would be attending UNC, I remember how excited I was that our hometown guy was going to be a part of my favorite college team. Little did I know that he would later be considered one of, if not the top, guards to ever play the college game.
When I learned years ago that Phil's dad had passed away, it brought me back to those autumn nights in Rocky Mount. Watching Phil play a game that he obviously Loved, and having the unique opportunity to sit at those games with his very proud Father.

Barry Crawford
Cary, N.C.

Phil Ford was born in our hospital, NorthEast Medical Center, when it was called Cabarrus Memorial Hospital.  At the peak of his popularity while at UNC, our loyal alumni hung a sign in the nursery that said, "Phil Ford Slept Here".  We bumped into the team coming out of a hotel in Atlanta at the final four and got to meet Phil.  We told him the story and he loved it - the other players surrounding him gave him a bit of a razzing. This memory is not about the thrills he gave us as a player, but will always be special to us. 

Sharon & Carl Furr

 In 1974 the Y (Reeves Community Center) in Mt. Airy, North Carolina had a summer basketball camp that had Skip Brown, Monte Towe, Walter Daivs, Bob Macadoo & Phil Ford all came to the camp.

I was 12 and was a big Tarheel Fan (been a Tarheel fan all of my life) and to have the opportunity to meet each player was great. Each came on different days and spoke and taught us about the game. Phil was unbelievable with his ball handling, he dribbled and kept the ball away form about 10 of us. I'm 42 now and will always remember that summer when learning the fundamentals of basketball meant so much and now still means alot.

kjohnson730@triad.rr.com
Kendrick Johnson
Pilot Mountain, North Carolina

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