Al McGuire Quotes, Alfred James McGuire, born September 7, 1928, in New York City, and passing on January 26, 2001, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was an American college basketball coach, broadcaster, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (1992). Raised in Rockaway Beach, Queens, McGuire played in the NBA for the New York Knicks and Baltimore Bullets (1951–1954) before coaching Belmont Abbey College (1957–1964) and Marquette University (1964–1977). At Marquette, he led the Golden Eagles to the 1977 NCAA championship, the 1970 NIT title, and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, finishing with a 295–80 record. Known for his street-smart philosophy, eccentric charm, and phrases like “seashells and balloons,” he became a beloved CBS and NBC commentator (1977–2000), coining “The Big Dance” for March Madness. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, public statements, and posts on X—reflect his wisdom on basketball, leadership, education, and life, capturing his wit and larger-than-life persona.
15 Al McGuire Quotes
- “The only mystery in life is why the kamikaze pilots wore helmets.” (The New York Times, quoted in QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “Winning is overrated. The only time it is really important is in surgery and war.” (Sports Illustrated, quoted in QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “I think everyone should go to college and get a degree and then spend six months as a bartender and six months as a cabdriver. Then they would really be educated.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I don’t discuss basketball. I dictate basketball. I’m not interested in philosophy classes.” (The Milwaukee Journal, quoted in AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “They call me eccentric. They used to call me nuts. I haven’t changed. The only difference between being eccentric and being nuts is the number of security boxes you own.” (Marquette Tribune, quoted in InspiringQuotes.us, n.d.)
- “Live in the moment that you are in.” (Sports Feel Good Stories, quoted in SportsFeelGoodStories.com, 2024)
- “If the waitress has dirty ankles, the chili is good.” (The New York Times, quoted in JSONline.com, 2017)
- “I don’t believe in looking past anybody—I wouldn’t look past the Little Sisters of the Poor after they stayed up all night.” (Sports Illustrated, quoted in QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “I’m an Einstein of the streets and an Oxford scholar of common sense.” (Marquette University Connect, quoted in Tumblr.com, 2011)
- “A team should be an extension of a coach’s personality. My teams are arrogant and obnoxious.” (The Milwaukee Journal, quoted in AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “I don’t know why people question the academic training of an athlete. Fifty percent of the doctors in this country graduated in the bottom half of their classes.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The nicest thing about coaching is that one day you feel like you can play handball against a curb, and on other days you feel like you can fly to the moon.” (Sports Feel Good Stories, quoted in QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “If winning weren’t important, nobody would keep score.” (The New York Times, quoted in JSONline.com, 2017)
- “Don’t be just another guy going down the street and going nowhere.” (Marquette Magazine, quoted in TheOdysseyOnline.com, 2015)
- “I went into a restaurant one night and ordered lobster, and the waiter brought me one with a claw missing. I called him over and told him about it. He told me that in the back there’s a tank they keep the lobsters in and while they’re in there, they fight and sometimes one loses a claw. I told him, ‘Then bring me a winner.’” (Sports Illustrated, quoted in InspiringQuotes.us, n.d.)
Al McGuire’s quotes are a colorful blend of street-smart wit, coaching wisdom, and life-affirming humor, inspiring us to live boldly, lead with personality, and find joy in the moment. Which one’s got you ready to hit the court or chase your own “seashells and balloons”? Drop it in the comments and keep McGuire’s vibrant legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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