[Xs & Joes #48] Bill Murphy Part 4 - Branch, the Splendid Splinter, and Early NIL at IU
Bob, Mike, and Bill Murphy explore the Hurrying Hoosiers era, legendary shooters, early NIL deals, and the dramatic transition from Branch McCracken to Lou Watson that paved the way for Bob Knight.
Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth wrap up their conversation with IU historian Bill Murphy, exploring the Hurrying Hoosiers era, legendary shooters, early NIL deals, and the dramatic transition from Branch McCracken to Lou Watson that paved the way for Bob Knight.
The Splendid Splinter
Bill shares unforgettable stories about Jimmy Rayl’s two 56-point performances, including how Rayl insisted he would’ve scored 80 against Michigan State if Branch hadn’t pulled him with four minutes left—and how 17 of his makes would’ve been three-pointers.
Mike recounts witnessing an elderly Rayl at a Larry Bird exhibition game, calibrating his first shot then draining seven straight from Steph Curry range, hitting nothing but net each time.
Early NIL and Record-Breaking Rebounds
Bill reveals a forgotten piece of IU history: Walt Bellamy was promised a car by a Bloomington auto dealer if he set the Big Ten rebounding record.
During the final home game, Branch McCracken and Jimmy Rayl sat on the bench with a gum wrapper and golf pencil, tracking every rebound to make sure Bellamy earned his wheels. Bellamy’s 33-rebound performance still stands as the Big Ten record.
Watson’s Rollercoaster Ride
Lou Watson inherited disaster in 1965—just 120 points returning after seven seniors left—and finished tied for ninth (dead last) in his first year. But he engineered the first last-to-first turnaround in Big Ten history the very next season, winning the 1967 championship.
Bill then reveals the shocking reason Watson’s final team collapsed: two players stopped passing to each other because they were dating the same girl, derailing what should’ve been a championship run with one of IU’s greatest recruiting classes.
Branch’s Final Stand
When doctors told Branch a heart attack meant retirement, he shocked everyone by celebrating: “How many people know how they’re gonna die? I’m still coaching.”
Bill also shares his lingering frustration with AD Bill Orwig, who accused Branch of illegal recruiting and forced him to take a lie detector test, and praises Lou Watson’s grace in helping Bob Knight transition into the program.
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