The Artis Gilmore Interview
By:
Michael D. McClellan
|
Friday, May 6th, 2005
Everyone, it seems, has a favorite Red Auerbach story. Do you have one that
stands out?
Not
really – just that Red was Red; he was always smoking those cigars, and he
always had great advice to give. Everyone calls him a genius, and he has
the track record to back that up. The Celtics have won so many
championships through the years, and Red has been involved in every one.
After years of battling the 'Big Three', you were finally a teammate. What
was it that made Robert, Kevin and Larry the greatest frontline in NBA
history?
They
knew their roles and played them to perfection. It was a complimentary
relationship. Larry was the main focus on offense, taking the big shots and
making the big plays. Robert was phenomenal in the paint – he could score
if he had to, but his primary job was to rebound and run the court. Kevin
had those long arms and low-post moves. He was a little bit of both.
Of
your time spent with the Boston Celtics, do you have a fond memory or an
amusing story that stands out most?
Larry
and I have become very good friends because of my time there. We had a
chance to reflect on some of our earlier memories, dating back to the time
when he was at Indiana State. He and I had spent some time together in
Panama City back then, with a very good friend of his. When Larry lived in
French Lick, he would come up and visit with me during my time with the
Kentucky Colonels. So that is probably the fondest memory that I have of my
time with the Celtics. Larry and I still talk quite frequently.
Let's talk life after basketball. What have you been up to in the years
since retiring from the NBA?
My
wife Enola and I live in Jacksonville, and we’ve worked really hard to give
our kids a quality education, and to keep them focused on their studies.
Time flies, especially when you are involved with your children. Artis II
is a good student, and we want to make sure that he continues to make good
grades like he is making right now. That's our primary focus.
I work for a mechanical engineering company, W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractors, in the area of private development. It’s also based in Jacksonville. We do commercial estimating, HVAC, design/build, a whole host of things. I’m currently focused on customer relations and private development, and I have played a part in turning W.W. Gay into the largest mechanical contractor in the southeast. It is very satisfying work.
Final
Question: You’ve achieved great success in your life. You are universally
respected and admired by many people, both inside and outside of the NBA.
If you could offer one piece of advice on life to others, what would that
be?
Stay
focused. Continue to work hard, and positive things will happen.
