LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- With the passing of Hoosier legend Big George McGinnis, here's a recollection that helped solidify hs status as one of our all-time greats...

The Indiana - Kentucky All-star series in 1969 was the stage for one of the most remarkable performances ever turned in by any Hoosier hardwood legend.

Following a lackluster Hoosier win in the first contest, 6-8 240 pound Kentucky center Joe Voskuhl made the unwise move of calling out Big George McGinnis: "There's no way McGinnis will ever be as good as Oscar." Very BIG mistake...

Indiana had entered the front end of the classic with some big names and as a pretty solid favorite to sweep both contests that year. However, Kentucky had led at halftime of the first game 42-36 and even sported a slim lead with just under three minutes to go. Behind some poor Kentuckian charity tosses and a late rally by Hoosier jump shooters, Indiana had been able to pull it out 91-83.

Still some were left with a bit of an uneasy feeling following the win.

Kentucky's 6-8 240 pound bruiser of a center, Joe Voskuhl built a bit of confidence for himself by playing McGinnis to a virtual standoff. However, this is where his youth betrayed him and he made a very big mistake.

Speaking to reporters following game one in Indianapolis, Voskuhl professed these words of wisdom:

"There is no way McGinnis will ever be as good as Oscar [Robertson]. I put my hand in his face and he was off every time."

Big Mac, Baby Bull, Mount, or just Big George, whatever the nickname, the finest post player ever to come out of Indiana was now given an entire week to absorb the full impact of this statement.

In addition to being incredibly physically gifted, McGinnis was above all else a fierce competitor that hated to lose...or even worse, be upstaged. Voskuhl didn't know what hit him. Neither did Kentucky. With the table set by ill advised words from south of the border, Big George left the crowd at Louisville's Freedom Hall spellbound.

In the first seven minutes, McGinnis gathered in a remarkable twenty-one rebounds.

For a bit of perspective, the entire Kentucky team mustered just twenty total boards for the game.

And points?

How about 53. "Ain't no good, am I? Huh? Huh?" McGinnis repeatedly yelled at Voskuhl as the two ran up and down the court.

When the popcorn and crushed soda cups had finally been swept away, the scoreboard showed a 114-83 Hoosier victory. ...And Big George had solidified his place among Indiana high school basketball legends.

McGinnis was even afforded the rare honor of a standing ovation by the home-standing Kentucky fans.

George's father expressed his and everyone else's disbelief over the performance.

"I knew he was good," he exclaimed, "but Lord almighty, I didn't know he was that good."