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Bobby Hurley coaches NCAA College Basketball 2K3 Tournament; Final Four players to get advice from the best
The Final Four players of Sega’s NCAA College Basketball 2K3 tourney will get a special treat this Sunday: advice from college basketball legend Bobby Hurley.
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Now that Microsoft’s online gaming network has infiltrated several hundred thousand American homes, game companies are beginning to have major online tournaments. One of the first is from Sega, the maker of many classic sports games, including NFL 2K and NBA 2K.
NCAA College Basketball 2K3 was chosen for this tournament, which involved a total of 1,500 players. After being narrowed down to the Final Four, Sega is getting ready to have a final tournament on Sunday, April 6 to conclude the grand event.
Before Sunday’s big game, we caught up with Bobby Hurley. Bobby is a former college basketball star, breaking numerous records (including most assists in NCAA and Duke history, 1,076, and most minutes played, 4,802) and earning much acclaim from the fans at Duke University.
GameZone took Bobby to a local street court and made a bet: if we win, we get to be coached by one of the best and learn how to become a pro basketball player. If he wins, we’d have to spray paint “LOSER” on the front and back of our shirts. Needless to say we ended up with spray paint on our shirts.
It wasn’t a total loss though. As Bobby scored on us time and time again, we managed to casually interject a few questions about his career, his thoughts on video games, and how he plans to coach the players during the tournament.
Question: What is it like being a college basketball legend?
Bobby Hurley: I was a legend in my own mind. [laugh] It’s nice to be looked upon favorably alongside other top players that I respect. I think I’m admired for the play I exhibited in big games and key Final Four situations. I was able to help my team at different times, which makes me feel good.
Was that your dream as a child – to be a major part of basketball, whether you're playing or coaching? Or did you fall in love with the sport later in life?
BH: From day one I loved basketball. My Dad was my high school coach growing up. I was in the gym since the day I could walk. Basketball has been a part of my life forever - I watched the Final Four as a kid – I remember Michael Jordan making the final shot in New Orleans. I’ve been a fan of college ball my whole life – so playing was a dream come true.
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Most of us will never get to play college basketball, but at least
we have great games like this to simulate the experience.
How does it feel to be coaching the Xbox Live Hoop Madness tourney?
BH: This is exciting. I’ve always been a fan of video games and you know I love basketball. NCAA College Basketball 2K3 is an amazing game – with really cool graphics and everything – what you can do with players on the court is amazing.
Are you yourself a gamer? If so, what games (other than basketball) do you like to play?
BH: I’m not much of a gamer recently; I’ve sort of grown out of them. It’s amazing where video games have come when I was a kid to where we are now. Golf was one of my favorites – I used to shoot par in those games. I’ve always been a big fan of Sega basketball games. Sports games are my favorite.
Is this your first time coaching a virtual basketball game?
BH: Yes. [I’m] pretty nervous. I’m hoping that I have talented players to help me out and make my job easy. I’ve played the game a bunch of times and watched my daughter play a bunch. She’s enjoying it – but she’s not good yet – I’ve been coaching her. You know, this game is not just something you can pick up overnight – I’m sure the contestants have practiced a whole lot – I’m counting on it.
Do you think coaching this tournament will be a lot different from coaching a real college basketball game?
BH: I’ll tell you – games have come a long way. They look a lot like the real thing. It’s so much like the real game that coaching this virtual tournament will be pretty similar. I played as Duke in Cameron Stadium and was amazed at the detail and how real it was. The noise crowd Duke on the floor, etc.
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With every update in the series, NCAA College Basketball
looks more and more like the real thing.
Do you have a game plan? Do you already know what you intend to tell the players?
BH: I’m going to tell them to relax and keep their composure. Obviously, they know how to play the game – I don’t want them to get caught up in the hype or the crowd. I just want them to stay at ease and stick to their game plan.
Has this experience made you nostalgic for the good old days at Duke University? Has it made you wish you could go back in time and do it all over again?
BH: I’m happy to be involved because I love the energy of the Final Four weekend. This tournament is helping build excitement about the entire weekend.
Thank you for your time, Bobby.
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