Third and Long

I remember the first time I saw Melvin Turpin. He was tall and and seemed liked a giant. That was in 1980 when I was nine and he was just starting his career at the University of Kentucky.
I still have a picture of me with Turpin and Fred Cowan when several Kentucky players and retired coach Joe B. Hall made an appearance at the Richmond City Park during a “Meals on Wheels” benefit. As you would imagine, I was starstruck and so happy when members of the team and coach Hall signed my program. I still have the program and the picture.
On that very day, I became a big fan of “Dinner Bell Mel” and he became one of my favorite players when I was young. My first-ever game at Rupp Arena was in 1984 when Turpin and Sam Bowie formed the “Twin Towers.” I don’t remember who Kentucky played that night, but I do remember purchasing a game program and a poster with a picture of Bowie and Turpin overlooking Seattle, site of the Final Four that year. I also watched plenty of games on television, many on tape delay and cheered on the Wildcats while others in the house thought I was asleep.
Bowie battled injuries for most of his career at Kentucky, but Turpin developed into an inside force and made a name for himself in the post and was a consistent player.
Turpin passed away Thursday at his home at the age of 49 and will forever been remembered in my mind as a gentle giant. Rest in Peace, Melvin.

Barnhart, Calipari speak on Turpin’s passing

University of Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart issued a statement through the university on the passing of Turpin.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Melvin Turpin,” he said. “Our hearts and prayers are with his family and friends as they mourn their loss. The University of Kentucky and the Big Blue Nation will forever remember Melvin and all his contributions to our basketball program.”
Current men’s basketball coach John Calipari also issued words of condolences to the family and Big Blue Nation.
“I want to express my deepest sympathy to all of Melvin Turpin’s family and friends,” he said. “I also pray for their strength during this time of grief.”