Randy Smith: Mocs And Karma

Karma: An ancient Indian concept that refers to an action, work or deed and its effect and consequences. Or....what goes around, comes around....or....you reap what you sow. I was reminded of this by News Channel 9 Chief Meteorologist David Glenn who is an old friend, former co-worker and longtime UTC fan.

We have all experienced Karma in one form or another and I truly believe it exists. The recent NIT Championship won by the Chattanooga Mocs in Indianapolis is a perfect example. The Mocs pulled out an overtime thriller over UC Irvine as the Anteaters blew a chance to win the game on a missed last second shot. It wasn't your ordinary heave to the basket to beat the buzzer. UC Irvine had time to get the winning shot but the first one missed.

It was rebounded by Jurian Dixson who had an easy put back but rather than choose to use the backboard to bank the shot in, Dixson chose to "float" the ball to the basket. It missed and the Mocs scored an 84-83 win, winning the NIT title.

Now....go back in time 43 years, same city and the 1982 Mocs, who had beaten N.C. State two nights before were facing Minnesota for a chance to go to the "Sweet 16". UTC was battling Minnesota tooth and nail and led most of the way, until Trent Tucker and the Gophers had taken a one point lead with just a few seconds left. The Mocs had the ball with enough time remaining to get the winning basket and Coach Murray Arnold drew up the perfect play. Minnesota was assuming that UTC would go to Willie White who would hit 11 of 13 shots and lead all scorers with 22 points. Coach Arnold drew up a play where Willie would get the ball near the top of the circle and appear to work for a good shot. At the last few seconds he would pass the ball to 6'11" Russ Schoene who was streaking to the basket. Schoene would score 20 points in the game.

It worked. Schoene was wide open and with just a couple of seconds left, he put up what would have been a game winner. It missed. Like Jurian Dixson 43 years later, Schoene would try to float the ball to the bucket instead of using the backboard. Or, as commentator Billy Packer said on television, "He had a dunk!" Minnesota came away with a 62-61 rather than a 63-62 Mocs win. The Gophers would then lose to Louisville in the "Sweet 16."

Russ Schoene was heartbroken and would be famous for that missed shot a lot more than all the great things he did at UTC. Several years in the NBA wouldn't change things. Schoene would always be remembered for the miss. Just like Jurian Dixson. When Karma strikes, there's no stopping it.