The  history Of 
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The video is on YouTube, check it out there

A October 6, 2008 interview with Bob Sassone, Bonnies basketball player and coach. His association with the team lasted for decades.

0:00--He discusses his recruitment to Bona's by coach Ed Melvin (Milkovich) in 1949 and his days as a player. Chuck Daly, Eddie Donovan, Ken Murray, Fred Diute, Frank LoVuolo,

12:15--1951 season, NIT 14:15--1952 season, NIT

17:32--1953 season, 4 players drafted by the pros. Hired Eddie Donovan after 11-11 season.

20:35--Scouting for professional teams. Willis Reed, Red Holtzman

23:38--Coaching with Eddie Donovan, Larry Weise, Jim Satalin, Jim Baron

24:08--Playing in the Olean Armory. Tom Stith, Sam Stith, Fred Crawford, Barry Herbert, Whitey Martin,

27:42--Traditions--Coffin, Ramsey Lewis' "Wading in the Water" theme song, Louis Russo, "New York, New York",

29:18--Playing in the Buffalo Auditorium. Canisius' harassment, Madison Square Garden (32:35--Little Three) Louis Magnano

36:45--Playing with Ed Melvin as a coach.

45:05--Drafted into NBA, Philadelphia, drafted into Army. Coached basketball and baseball. Hired by Eddie Donovan to come back to Bona's as a grad. student and coach. NIT. Coached high school, Olean. Worked with Larry Weise from 1968. 51:28--NIT-recruited Essie Hollis, Greg Sanders, Nick Urzetta, Jim Baron.

53:45--played or coached in 11 post-season games. 54:05--Coached in Yugoslavia, Italy and Poland.

55:00--Career decisions

56:35--Bob Lanier, Greg Sanders

59:00--Recruiting, 1968 probation, recruiting tactics, international recruiting The interview was done by Mike Licata.

Created By M. Licata 11-11-2008; Moved to YouTube 3/25/2025