SPECIAL 

Max Falkenstein

The legendary Kansas broadcaster died on Monday; he was 95 years old.  His 60-year broadcast career (1946-2006) is second only to Dodger broadcaster Vince Scully’s 67 seasons.  Although Falkenstein broadcast Kansas football it was basketball which became his specialty.  Imagine this rich broadcast basketball history, he described a hook shot from Clyde Lovellette who played on the 1952 NCAA championship team.  Falkenstein would be a first-hand witness as the NCAA widen the lane due to Wilt Chamberlain’s defensive dominance around the basket. Later Falkenstein broadcast the Jo Jo White shot, it was ruled the sharpshooter stepped out of bounds.  

The Kansas loss allowed history to occur, the TO gave Texas Western the opportunity to play for and win the 1966 NCAA champion.  All black Texas Western would play and beat all white Kentucky, the game changed college basketball history forever particularly in the south.  He described the play of young Paul Pierce and much later Andrew Wiggins.  These players and hundreds more Falkenstien broadcast their exploits over 60 years.  As Falkenstein first begin broadcasting Kansas basketball the legendary Phog Allen was head coach.  In addition to Allen he would interview Dick Harp and Ted Owens.  Later there would be Hall of Fame coaches Larry Brown, Roy Williams finally ending with Bill Self in 2006 all interviewed by the legend.  Max Falkenstein a giant of the broadcast industry, R.I.P.