Can someone give me a current comparison player for each of these ex coogs. Unfortunately i was not able to see any live games when they played. But i would like to know how their game was for the era they played in. For example micheaux is nicknamed Mr. mean. Was he an enforcer on the blocks or did he just not smile on the court. I heard birdsong had the sweetest jumper in coog history. Any information from those that saw the play would be great.
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I didn’t start watching Coog basketball until 1980 so I didn’t see Birdsong play for us. Mr. Mean Micheaux was not like any one player in the CKS era, but he was sort of like a cross between Gorham and White. Better scorer than Gorham, better rebounder than White.
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Micheaux was nicknamed “Mean” for a reason. Had he not played on those Phi Slama Jama teams his rebound and scoring averages would have been a lot better.
If a fight broke out Mean wasn’t a bad one to have on your side.
Birdsong was simply poetry in motion, one of best pure shooters and scorers we have ever had here.
Had a game similar to Rob Gray but much more polished and skilled.
He would be on my first all Cougar team for sure
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Mr Mean was a little like Chaney in regards to physique. He was a rebounder and had an excellent two step move to the basket. He played D with his chest in the opponent’s throat.
Saw him the other day in Missouri City. Still in good shape.
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He ended having a 10+ yr career in Spain or a couple Countries in Europe. Did well for himself
That’s basketball. Great opportunities.
Two excellent posts by Mike & Butch, spot on from my point of view on the two. 
Here is a 1986 highlight clip of Birdsong (#10 jersey) as a New Jersey Net. He still had the sweet jumper and the all-round game. If you look closely, you will see he is playing Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, et al. and at one point guarding Larry Bird.
His best NBA years were with the Kansas City Kings.
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Here are some highlights for Mr. Mean as a Kansas City King.
Just a tough, tough player. Look at his blocks. If I am not mistaken, he blocks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
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Otis was simply one of the top 5 all time Imho players in UH BB history, saw him and Bird play in Hofheinz, game was a sight to behold he scored 38 Bird 44 pt I believe respectively. Great show of 2 great players in their day. Birdsong was 4 time NBA all-star player.
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I so remember that final shot by Bird at the buzzer rimming out and preserving a Coog one point win
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I put our top 5 all time against any top 5 in NCAA history including UCLA.
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Butch-- The play you are describing was much like the one in the clip above. At the end of the game, it came down to Bird vs. Birdsong in the NIT game. Bird had the last shot, and missed the game winner as he was guarded by Birdsong.
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Great memories…I had never heard of Larry Bird before coach Lewis started talking about him one day. To be honest, it was something I had to see for myself…as normal coach was right on the money…
Thanks for that video of Micheaux. Damn! I thought the Kings were gone from KC by then. Time plays with your mind.
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Is that Reggie Theus in that shot with Micheaux.
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Jim, if i recall in his first 4-5 yrs as KC King he avg in high teens or even rt at 20 pts/ gm.
Don’t feel like looking up at the moment.
For sure
Remember when the Kings moved to Sac and they would hold that ceremony before the games: “The King’s Court is now in session!”
I hated that. I wanted to break in there and spray parrot ### on those people.
Birdsong averaged 18 ppg in his career.
Also, people don’t remember that he was the #2 pick in the entire NBA draft. Only Big E and Dream were drafted higher (#1)
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