Tom Meschery: The Bill Walton I Know, 1978

[Tom Meschery was recognized as one of the toughest of the NBA tough guys during his 10-year career (1961-1971). He also was acclaimed as the NBA’s poet laureate for his perceptive free verse, a collection of which he published in 1970 under the title Over the Rim. 

In 1971, Meschery signed on as the head coach of the ABA’s Carolina Cougars. Meschery chr…