My friend, Doc

When Christie, Carson, and I moved to Poplar Bluff, one of the first things I ended up doing was trying to figure out when and where I could play some basketball. On one Sunday morning, we were driving through town and I saw a group of cars parked outside of the Poplar Bluff Junior High Gym. I said to Christie that I bet there are guys playing ball in there. She was a bit hesitant about me just walking in there but I told her to just give me a second. I walked in and, sure enough, there were about 12 guys in there. 5 on 5 on the court and 2 on the side. I sat down next to a lanky guy who I later learned was quite a played at Three Rivers Community College back in his day. After the usual "what's up" stuff I asked him about this group of guys playing. He said that they play pretty regularly and if I wanted in that I should talk to "Doc". Looking to where he was pointing, I saw an older guy running up the court with a slight give in this left leg. He was definitely the oldest one out there looking about 50-ish with his Kareem goggles on. He was usually the last one up the court but usually got a touch every time down on offense. When he got it, he could get his shot off whenever he wanted. He held the ball high and had his elbows out in a such a way that you would most likely foul him if you got anywhere close.

After the game finished shortly thereafter, I introduced myself. He said his name was Gene Hansbrough. From that point on, I not only found a great group of guys to play ball with but got to know his sons, Greg, Tyler, Ben, and their mom, Tami. He never seemed to be in a hurry whenever we talked. Gene and I got along really well. He even ended up doing the surgery on my right knee as all my years playing basketball caught up to me. I haven't talked to him in a while. I'll give him a call soon to see if his old cell phone number still works. I sure am glad I stopped in that gym all those years ago.