Right around 7 p.m. on Saturday night, University of Wisconsin men's basketball assistant coach Gary Close will take his seat on the visiting bench at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City.
By that point, he'll have spent countless hours watching film and preparing a scouting report on Iowa so that the first-place Badgers (13-4, 4-0 Big Ten) will have all the information they need to take on the Hawkeyes (12-5, 1-3).
Earlier this week, Close broke down Indiana's tendencies and presented them to the Badgers, who followed coach Bo Ryan's game plan to the letter and emerged with a stunning 64-59 road victory over the No. 2 Hoosiers on Tuesday night.
By the next morning, Close was back in his office at the Kohl Center breaking down clips on the Hawkeyes. Just another scouting report on a Big Ten team.
Well, not quite.
The tipoff for Saturday's game will mark the 20-year anniversary of the death — almost to the minute — of former Iowa player Chris Street. There will be a ceremony at halftime in memory of Street, who was a 20-year-old, 6-foot-8 junior forward on his way to becoming one of the Hawkeyes' all-time greats at the time of his death.
It was a little before 7 p.m. on Jan. 19, 1993, when Street was killed after the car he was driving collided with a dump truck mounted with a snow plow on the west edge of Iowa City.
Close, an Iowa assistant at the time, was at his home preparing for an opponent when he received the phone call informing him of Street's death. He had served as the lead recruiter during a process that ended with Street, a native of Indianola in western Iowa, committing to Hawkeyes coach Tom Davis.
"It was shocking," Close said. "It was hard to put into words. Here one minute and gone the next."
'He was competitive'
Street was on his way back to campus for a night class after leaving a team meal when he pulled his Chrysler LeBaron onto Iowa Highway 1 and was struck by the dump truck.
The snow plow blade caved in the driver's side of the Street's car, causing the LeBaron to flip over and collide with another vehicle. Street was killed instantly; his girlfriend Kimberly Vinton, a passenger in the car, survived the accident.
Those are the details Close, who was tentatively scheduled to spend time with Street later that night, would rather not think about. He has plenty of good memories about the young man he says "had a zest for life."
Like three days before the accident, when Street had helped the No. 13 Hawkeyes push No. 3 Duke, the two-time defending NCAA champion, to the limit at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Street was named Iowa's player of the game by the CBS commentators after a 65-56 loss to the Blue Devils.
"That was a knock-'em-down, drag-it-out game," Close said. "It was one blow after another. And Chris was right in the middle of it."
Close remembers one particular moment when Duke point guard Bobby Hurley was complaining to an official. Street had finally heard enough.
"Chris said, 'Why don't you just be quiet? You're too good of a player to be doing that. Why don't you just play?'" Close said. "And then he kind of laughed it off.
"He was very competitive, and that's why he was good."
Special bond
Close still keeps in close contact with Street's parents, Mike and Patty. The Streets have made the trip to Madison for games a few times and stayed with Close and his family.
"There was a bond before Chris's death, but even more afterward," Mike Street said this week in a phone interview. "Gary is a very close extension of our family."
Chris Street arrived at Iowa as a bit of a project because he had never concentrated on just one sport, but his drive and tireless work ethic had helped him develop into a rising star who was turning the heads of NBA scouts.
"We were at the Ohio State game (earlier in January) and he really played well, and I got a chance to go up to him after the game and say, 'Son, you made it. You made that level in the Big Ten that you wanted to get to. You got there,'" Mike Street said. "And he probably knew that. But I was just really glad that I got to tell him that, because he thought I was hard on him sometimes."
Close thinks of Street every time he steps foot in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. In fact, he thinks of Street every time he sees somebody wearing No. 40, no matter the sport.
Street was in Close's thoughts on Jan. 19, 2006, when his wife, Kellie, gave birth to the couple's second child, a daughter named Ellen.
Close looked up at the clock in a room at Meriter Hospital after seeing his daughter for the first time. It was a few minutes after 7 p.m.
Gary Close and Chris Street: A Bond Beyond Basketball
In the world of sports, stories of camaraderie and friendship that transcend the boundaries of the game hold a special place in our hearts. The narrative of Gary Close and Chris Street exemplifies this remarkable connection that goes beyond basketball, leaving an indelible mark on the sports community and inspiring individuals far beyond the court. In this article, we delve into the unique and heartwarming relationship between Gary Close and Chris Street, exploring their journey, the values they embodied, and addressing frequently asked questions to shed light on this exceptional bond.
The Connection and Journey:
Gary Close and Chris Street were more than just teammates on the University of Iowa basketball team; they were kindred spirits whose connection extended far beyond the court. Their shared experiences, mutual respect, and unwavering support for each other fostered a deep and lasting friendship.
Chris Street's dedication to the game was matched by his humility, work ethic, and the respect he showed to everyone he encountered. Gary Close, an assistant coach at the time, recognized Chris's potential not only as a player but also as a person who embodied the values of sportsmanship, determination, and selflessness.
Chris Street's Legacy:
Tragically, Chris Street's life was cut short in a car accident during his junior year at the University of Iowa. Despite the heartbreak of his passing, his legacy endured, serving as a reminder of the impact that an individual can have both on and off the court.
Chris Street's number 40 jersey was retired in his honor, and his memory continues to be celebrated by the University of Iowa community. His commitment to giving his all, his focus on team success over personal achievements, and his embodiment of humility and compassion continue to inspire athletes and individuals alike.
Gary Close's Role:
Gary Close played a significant role in Chris Street's life, serving as both a coach and a mentor. His guidance and support helped shape Chris into the remarkable individual he was known to be. Gary's commitment to fostering not only athletic skills but also qualities of character and integrity left an indelible mark on Chris and contributed to his lasting legacy.
The Legacy of Friendship:
Beyond their individual contributions to the world of basketball, the story of Gary Close and Chris Street underscores the profound impact that true friendship and mentorship can have. Their connection transcended the court, demonstrating that the bonds forged through shared values and experiences can shape lives and inspire others for generations to come.
Addressing FAQs about Gary Close and Chris Street:
Q: What were some of the qualities that defined Chris Street as a person?
A: Chris Street was known for his humility, work ethic, dedication to his team, and his unwavering commitment to giving his best in everything he did.
Q: How did Gary Close and Chris Street's friendship impact the University of Iowa community?
A: Their friendship served as a testament to the power of mentorship and the positive influence that strong relationships can have on individuals. It also reinforced the values of teamwork, humility, and sportsmanship within the University of Iowa community.
Q: How is Chris Street's legacy honored today?
A: Chris Street's legacy lives on through the University of Iowa's basketball program, where his number 40 jersey remains retired. Additionally, his memory is celebrated through scholarships, awards, and events that embody his spirit and values.
Q: Did Gary Close continue to be involved in coaching after his time at the University of Iowa?
A: Yes, Gary Close continued his coaching career, eventually becoming an associate head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His impact on players and the basketball community extended beyond his time with Chris Street.
Q: What lessons can individuals learn from the story of Gary Close and Chris Street?
A: The story emphasizes the significance of friendship, mentorship, and embodying values of humility, dedication, and compassion. It underscores the lasting impact individuals can have on each other's lives.
Conclusion:
The story of Gary Close and Chris Street transcends the realm of sports, embodying the essence of human connection and the enduring power of friendship. Their bond, which blossomed on the basketball court, left a legacy that continues to inspire individuals to strive for greatness while maintaining humility, empathy, and a commitment to the betterment of those around them. Their story teaches us that the impact we have on one another goes far beyond the immediate circumstances, echoing through time and touching the lives of countless individuals who draw inspiration from their example of camaraderie and shared values.
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