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NCAA Final Four
Johnny Holliday
Sports Radio Personality
Friday, March 30, 2001; 3 p.m. EST
Talk about the Final Four semi-finals between Maryland and Duke with Johnny Holliday, longtime radio voice of the Maryland Terrapins, live from the
Minneapolis MetroDome.
Johnny Holliday is one of the most familiar voices and faces to those in the Washington area. He does daily morning and afternoon sports reports for ABC Radio Network and is the studio host of Home Team Sports' "Gary Williams Show." He is the announcer for "This Week with Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts" and is also seen, and heard, in commercials for a variety of companies and products.
Submit your questions and comments to Johnny Holliday before or during today's discussion.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Johnny Holliday: Welcome to Minneapolis St. Paul. I'm delighted to be with you for the next hour to talk to you about Final Four in particular Maryland basketball for which I've been a part of for 22 years.
Accokeek, Md.:
I'd like to urge all fans to turn down the TV sound and listen to Johnny and Chris on the radio (630 AM). Johnny, I too miss Greg Manning's insight...but, then again that's not a knock for Knoche.
What do you think of Mich. State?
Your fan,
Fred Fifty (nine)
Johnny Holliday: Michigan State defending champions are certainly the team to beat. Thanks for your nice words about turning the television sound down and turning us up. Michigan State is loaded and they've got talent and experience and they and Arizona will be a terrific game. Although I pick Arizona to upset them.
Rockville, Md.:
Johnny:
First of all, we really have enjoyed listening to you and Chris during this NCAA tournament. You are so much better than the CBS guys. What is the story with Billy Packer and the Terps? He is so negative concerning the MD program. Thanks and have a great time in Minneapolis.
Johnny Holliday: Mr. Packer is sitting about 15 ft. away from me in the Metro Dome. Certain people have different opinions and different ways in calling the games. Try not to let the commentators get under your skin. They do the best job that they can. They try not favor any team or be biased.
Washington, D.C.:
I would like to know if Phil Chenier played on the 1978 Washington Bullet championship team.
Johnny Holliday: Yes he did.
Manassas, Va.:
With the increased playing time of Dukes reserve big men (Sanders et al). Do you think they will make an extra effort to go at Lonnie Baxter inside to get him in early foul trouble.
Johnny Holliday: I certainly would. Baxter is the key to Maryland's offense. If they can get him in trouble, that's a big plus to Duke. But he's been able to stay out of foul trouble recently. Let's hope that this doesn't happen.
Fairfax, Va.:
Johnny--
You are absolutely, positively the best radio play-by-play voice in the business. I grew up listening to you do Maryland sports. Your enthusiasm for what you do really shines through.
What would a national championship for Terps mean for you personally?
Johnny Holliday: The Terps winning the Final Four is like winning the Super Bowl. The team that your broadcasting for is the champion team. This would mean so much especially for the kids that play in the team and for Gary Williams, who not only I've worked with on a broadcaster-coach relationship but as a friend.
You can never say never but I don't think Gary is going to leave Maryland. It's his alma mater and loves the school and loves the ACC. I think he's going to finish his college coaching career at the University of Maryland.
washingtonpost.com :
Johnny, what is your favorite Maryland hoops team of all time and why?
Johnny Holliday: I think the teams of Gregg Manning, Albert King, Buck Williams, Ernie Graham would be one of my favorites along with Stevey Francis, Loran Profit, Obina Ekzeie, Terrell Stokes, Joe Smith. There's been a lot of them in 22 years. And last but no means least, this year's team.
Dulles, VA:
On a professional level, how does it feel to be broadcasting the Final Four?
Johnny Holliday: It's terrific. Very few guys get few chance to do this. Many broadcasters are in the business longer and never have a chance to do a Final Four.
Even though it has taken 22 years to get here. It has been well worth the wait.
College Park, Garyland:
Johnny,
Thanks for some great broadcasts and appreciating those first row fans who get there hours early and who sit behind you at the home games.
The best to you as you as you cheer on the Terps for all of us who couldn't make the trip to Minneapolis. Personally, I will be listening to you as I sit in Cole watching on Saturday. I wouldn't have it any other way. Terps on the big screen in Cole, 10,000 Terp Fanatics, and Johnny on the radio. GO TERPS! Fear the Turtle!
Johnny Holliday: Hey thanks for the nice words and the people who sit behind me are the most important people in the arena. It's great having them support the team and listening to their enthusiasm.
vienna, va:
who has been the most underrated player on the terps this year and why?
Johnny Holliday: Most underrated I think is Danny Miller. He lost his starting job and he could have packed it in and sulked. But he didn't and played harder. He really picked up his playing level tremondously. He would get my award for the most underrated.
washingtonpost.com :
Johnny, what do you hear about U-Md. recruiting? Any blue-chippers coming to College Park?
Johnny Holliday: Well they are still waiting for the qualifications for Andre Collins, point guard. They already have commitments from two such as Michael Grinnon. And I think they have one scholarship remaining. There are a lot of possiblities.
Kensington, MD:
Mr. Holliday,
Who was the best small forward: Nick Howey, Roger Goodman, Matt McCoy or Buddy Piccolino?
Barry Williams
Johnny Holliday: Buddy Piccolino was very very underrated and never got the recognition he deserved.
Newark NJ:
Which has been your favorite basketball game to broadcast this year and why?
Johnny Holliday: The win over Duke in Cameron was one of my favorites because it was Senior day and Maryland was underdogs and they won by 11 points. The other favorite was the last game of the year at home against Virginia. Just last week, the victory in Anaheim over Stanford, the nation's #2 that they beat.
washingtonpost.com :
Johnny, how do you think the Terps are handling the pressure?
Johnny Holliday: I don't think there is any pressure on them to be honest. I think they love this. They just got through practicing and wer laughing and joking on the court. No one was tense at all. I think they are very confident in beating Duke tomorrow.
washingtonpost.com :
How many of the old Terps are in town for the Final Four?
Johnny Holliday: I believe Ben Coleman is here; he lives here. It's really too early to say because I can't pick them all out. There will be a lot of old Terps coming out tonight and tomorrow.
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ:
Which has been your favorite Terp bball player to interview over the years?
Johnny Holliday: Albert King, Stevey Francis, Juan Dixon, Tony Massenberg are just a few of them. I can't say there's any one kid I've enjoyed talking to, they've all been very nice.
washingtonpost.com :
How do feel about Cole closing? Lots of great memories. What do you think Maryland should do during the year to honor the place?
Johnny Holliday: Well, it's overdue. They need to get a new arena. Cole has a lot of structural faults. It will be sorely missed.
The new arena, the Comcast center, may duplicate Cole and keep the fans close to the floor to keep the home court advantage.
Jacksonville, Fl 32210:
Mr. Holiday
I live in Jacksonville, Fl but am from Silver Spring. I notice all your questions are taken from local area, dont leave us folks out in cold,we are as much a fan as anyone, please!!
How do you see matchup between Baxter and Boozer?
Johnny Holliday: I don't think Boozer is going to start. I think they will start K.C. Sanders. I think Baxter is quicker than Boozer and use that advantage to beat him to the basket. Duke with the sideline of Boozer's broken foot is still a strong team with or without him.
Darnestown, Md.:
Johnny,
My wife has a pair theater tickets to the Arena Stage this Saturday night at 8pm.
It's a folktale about a Coyote, that, according to the show's producers... "makes us laugh, because he is painfully human in his desire to control an uncontrollable world..."
Can you get WMAL radio reception inside the Arena Stage?
Larry
MD Class of 83
Johnny Holliday: Yes but you would be escorted out of the theater. Good luck!
Washington, DC:
Johnny, are you still doing theater work? Plays?
Johnny Holliday: Yes. I just finished 42nd Street at Toby's dinner theater. In October, I'll be playing Harold Hill in the "Music Man" at the University of Maryland's new Fine Arts theater. The performance is open to the public. It's a beautiful theater!
Fairfax, VA:
What do you think about having the NCAA require high-majors to schedule more mid-major opponents, especially at the mid-major's venue?
Johnny Holliday: Well I think the mid-majors should be given every opportunity to play the big guys. The players have the same competitiveness and desire as the big schools do. I think they should be given that opportunity.
Annapolis, MD:
Hey Johnny,
First off, congratulations!
You deserve this Final Four as much as anyone involved with the program. You are just a fantastic play-by-play guy and your devotion to the Terps is unparalleled.
How free do you feel to share your opinions and analysis of the games? You are technically the "play-by-play" guy, but through the years, you've probably seen as much basketball as anyone, and are probably as equipped as the analysts to comment on the games.
Johnny Holliday: I think I do comment and that's part of the job. I've been giving my opinions all these years. It's not structured and if there's something you like or don't like, I'll let it be known. I have no restrictions to what I can or can't say.
washingtonpost.com :
Johnny, do you think Lefty was *really* rooting for Georgetown?
Johnny Holliday: I think he has mixed emotions since he was fired. But deep down in his heart, I think he was pulling for the Terps a little bit. He spent many years there.
Beltsville, MD:
Do you think "Fear the Turtle" should be adopted as the school's official slogan?
Johnny Holliday: Sure why not? It's caught on after the Stanford game.
Even Mrs. Mott on the bus from the airport said "You've gotta fear the turtle!"
washingtonpost.com :
Johnny, will the football team get a bounce from all of this?
Johnny Holliday: Absolutely! It's the old ripple effect. When one team does well it will affect the other teams and the school in general. The women's and men's lacrosse team are number one in the country.
Fairfax, VA:
Why is it so hard for a team like the George Mason Patriots to get a team like the MD Terps to come play at GMU?
Johnny Holliday: That's got to be decided by the two athletic directors. A lot of times, the schedules are planned years in advance.
I would love to see Maryland play Georgetown, GWU, and George Mason every year. That would be difficult with the conference games and filling in the conferences.
Harrison, NJ:
Duke has Shane Battier as its floor leader. Who do you see in that role for the Terps in crunch time?
Johnny Holliday: Juan Dixon is the kid that wants the ball when the game is on the line. If there is one big shot that needs to be made, Juan would be the guy that they would go to.
Arlington, Va.:
I know you're a former rock 'n' roll disk jockey. Well known. Do you listen to the radio much now for music? If so, what stations. And what is your favorite oldie, at least at this moment?
Johnny Holliday: When I listen, it's always Oldies 100. They played my kind of music when I was a disc jockey.
College Park, MD:
Do you follow any other sports in the off season?
Johnny Holliday: I follow baseball and golf tournaments in the off season.
Annapolis, MD:
This team seems amazingly tight-knit, and the media has made quite an issue of the selfless nature of this team. They seem like a great group of kids.
Seeing this team as often as you do, are they as close and as likeable as they appear?
Johnny Holliday: Yeah, they're one of my favorite teams of all the years I've covered. They're personable, funny, accomodating and accessible. They're a great bunch of kids. What you say is true--they're very tight and have good comoradery. As a collective group they're outstanding.
Wheaton, Maryland:
Johnny -- Did you used to play basketball with the "Radio One-ders" in the early '70s? If my memory serves me, you and your team played a promotional game at my high school, Northwood, against the faculty to help us pay for a class trip. Thanks, belatedly!
Johnny Holliday: Yeah we had a team called Radio Wonders and raising money for schools. I remember Wheaton and Mrs. Kerry Garafano set up the game. I remember the game well!
College Park, Garyland:
Johnny,
What do you think of the way the University has handled the situation with the student fans and their behavior? Do you think they should bring back Rock and Roll Part 2?
Johnny Holliday: The only thing I don't like is abusive language and throwing things. That's not appropriate collegiate event. Rock and Roll part 2 doesn't bother me at all. It obviously bothers the school though.
Ryan in Garyland:
Johnny - Do you feel that the officials played a big part in Duke's wins against us this season? Any word yet on who will be officiating tomorrow's game?
Johnny Holliday: First of all, I don't think the officials had any affect on that game. I don't know who will be officiating yet. I think both of the losses Maryland could have and should have won if they shot better. I think fans naturally blame a loss on the officials.
Woodbridge, VA:
Is George Evans of GMU the best center you've seen all year?
Johnny Holliday: He's one of the best. I tried to get to him to shake his hand but couldn't get into the locker room. I think he's a wonderful guy and I hope that some NBA signs him so he can continue to show his talent.
Williamsburg, VA:
Do you buy into the "calmer, gentler" Gary Williams theory? Do you see any change in his personality?
Johnny Holliday: I see a little bit. I see the competitive fire is burning like I've always seen. But I think the older we get, the more mellow we get. If it's working for him, let's stick with it. It's worked for the last ten games.
Midland Park, NJ:
I used to have to stick the antenna by the window to hear your broadcasts in NJ before the internet came along. Do you have any idea of the impact that streaming audio has had on your listening audience?
Johnny Holliday: I think the audio has been taken our broadaast to a different level. I hear from people all over the country who have listened through the Internet. Too bad it wasn't around 15 years ago ... it's been a big boost to our games.
Monument, CO - Leslie Hart:
Johnny - I was wondering if I should bring my golf clubs to Minneapolis? I was thinking you and I and my brother Chris could play a round as we did in Puerto Rico!! In seriousness, do you think that Steve Blake can contain Williams one more time this year and is that the key to a Terps victory on Saturday?
Johnny Holliday: Steve Blake plays Jason Williams as good as anybody but gets helps from his teammates. Williams scored a lot of points. The key for Duke won't be so much as Williams but Battier and Williams.
Sarasota, FL.:
I've been following the Terps all year via washingtonpost.com and have seen them through there ups and downs, it seems they are on a tremendous up right now. Do you agree?
Johnny Holliday: Good to hear from my home state! I'm from North Miami Florida.
They've been playing their best now from all year long. To think that they are only two games away from the national championship!
Dongola, IL:
Johnny,
I am searching for a ruling on a play in baseball.
The Arizona Diamondbacks game when pitcher Randy Johnson's pitch hit a dove before it reached hime plate. What is the ruling on the pitch?
Johnny Holliday: I have no idea what they're ruling would be! That's one for the rule book!
Terrapin Station:
Hi Johnny,
We are lucky to have you as the "Voice of the Terps." Thanks for all you have contributed to the University over the years.
Somebody summed up tomorrow nights game like this: It's a game Maryland wants but a game Duke does not want.
Thoughts?
Johnny Holliday: I think that Maryland doesn't mind this match up as much as Duke does. I think they were feel fortuanate to win against Maryland the last two games. I think the game goes psychologically to the Terps.... thinking that there would be no way Duke can beat Maryland three times.
Jacksnville, Fl 32210:
Mr. Holiday,
Tankyou very much for your time. This is my first oppurtunity to enjoy the enlightening information in real time. I look forward to more in future!
Johnny Holliday: Thank you very much for your time. I hope to visit you online again!
Johnny Holliday: I think I've seen a very calm and confident Maryland team all throughout the week. They are very loose and confident out here. I just have a feeling that they are going to pull an upset against Duke tomorrow evening. No matter what happens, I think this has been a great season for Maryland.
I think they're not just happy getting here, they want to win the whole thing. I think they can win the tournament.
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