Episode 06: Ernie DiGregorio

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Ernie DiGregorio is a New England sports icon. Today, Bernie welcomes the College Basketball Hall of Famer and former NBA Rookie of the Year to the program to discuss his early years growing up in North Providence, playing for Dave Gavitt at nearby Providence College and his brief but distinguished pro career with the Buffalo Braves, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. The pair talk about Ernie’s role in catapulting the Friars into the national spotlight in 1973, as he and teammate Marvin Barnes formed one of the great duos in NCAA history on their way to the Final Four in St. Louis. Plus: reflections on the 1973 USA vs. Russia Exhibition Series and the short-lived Braves-Celtics rivalry of the mid-70s. Later, Ernie brings us up to date on his post-basketball life including a story about a friendly game of one-on-one with Sugar Ray Leonard; his 18-year run as public relations host at Foxwoods Casino, and the hats he currently wears as an author, movie producer and inventor.