Huckleberies: Chance encounter w/basketball great results in ‘epic fail’

Huckleberries Wednesday:

Diehard Gonzaga Bulldogs fan Jimmy McAndrew of Coeur d’Alene is still reeling over a missed opportunity.

For some time, Jimmy has practiced in his mind what he would say, if he encountered Bill Walton. The outspoken TV analyst and former basketball great incurred the wrath of Zag fans like Jimmy with his jabs at Gonzaga during the 2017 Pac-12 Tournament.

At the time, Walton didn’t think Gonzaga warranted a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, claiming three Pac-12 teams were better. “Gonzaga plays in a truck stop conference. Mop up Sisters of the Poor,” Walton said. “(The Pac-12) is the conference of champions.” Walton walked back that statement later when Gonzaga made its 2017 NCAA Tournament run that ended in the finals against North Carolina. But he didn’t sway Jimmy.

Jimmy describes a recent encounter with Walton at the San Diego Airport as an “epic fail.” Says Jimmy: “I actually rehearsed for that moment every time Walton slammed GU during the Pac-12 Tournament.” Instead of a Gonzaga-laced barb, Jimmy could only just muster, “Hi, Bill.” Walton’s response? “Hi, sir.”

Oh well. The men’s basketball team spoke loudly for all of Hucks Nation in the NCAA Tournament. More here.

Question: Have you ever had a conversation with an athletic star?