THE END OF AN ERA
By Dave Magarity, Army

The Paramount closes its doors


Over the course of seasons and careers, coaches venture into some of the classic environments in college basketball. Over the course of time, many of the places fade from memory. But for those of us who have stepped off the bus and into the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre, the images will always be vivid.

On Thursday evening (Feb. 24), LIU will play its final game in the historic building, which is just a stone’s throw from Flatbush Avenue. There are many terrific venues in college basketball, but none quite like the atmosphere in Brooklyn. It was without question one of the most unique environments in America.

I can’t tell you how many times I found myself looking around wondering when the Phantom of the Opera was going to reveal himself. To hear the organ playing makes you wonder if you haven’t suddenly become part of an Edgar Allen Poe story. It’s not everyday that you play a game in place that has baroque décor and a Wurlitzer organ. It’s truly an unbelievable setting.

Known by many as the Schwartz Athletic Center, the Paramount Theatre was always one of my favorite places to visit. During my first visit, as an assistant coach at St. Francis (PA), I discovered Junior’s, which is a true Brooklyn landmark. Over the years I suffered my share of losses at LIU, but the ride home was always a little easier with an outstanding corn beef sandwich and slice of Junior’s tremendous cheesecake. Junior’s eased the burden of a loss and certainly made a contribution to my portly demeanor.

In addition to fine dining, another great memory of the Paramount are the journeys to the lockeroom, which take you past the old dressing rooms used by some legendary performers. On more than one occasion I thought I caught a glimpse of Bing Crosby and Duke Ellington. Great history, incredible architecture and classic basketball make the Paramount one college basketball’s true landmark venues.

When I took over at Marist College, in 1986, I began a yearly trek to Brooklyn. Like LIU, we were also in the Northeast Conference at that time. Throughout my coaching career, I had my share of memorable games, but perhaps the most memorable was in 1992, at the Paramount.

We had upset Monmouth in the NEC tournament quarterfinals and had to face the Blackbirds in the semis. The winner would play on ESPN for the right to go to the NCAA Tournament. It was a back-and-forth affair, which seemed as though it would never end.

One of the unique things about the court set up was the fact that the bench was situated right next to a long hallway. I can’t tell you how many times, during the course of that game, that I disappeared down the corridor. It was such an intense game that I needed to take a walk. And let me tell you, being alone in that hallway was a bit spooky. I swore that I heard the Phantom of the Opera saying, “Coach Magarity, Junior’s will still be open when the game ends.”

It took three overtimes, but it finally ended and we came out on top. It was one of my most memorable victories, highlighted by pastrami on rye for the ride home.

Over the years LIU won more than their fair share of big games at the Paramount. For over 40 years names like Riley Clarida, Albie Grant, Luther Green, Charles Jones, Barry Leibowitz, Paul Lizzo, Larry Newbold, Richie Parker and Roy Rubin provided many classic moments.

The first movie house built exclusively for talkies, the Paramount opened its doors for the first time in 1928. In 1963 it became the Blackbirds home court. And on Feb. 24 it will witness its final act.

Next season LIU will open the 40 Million, 100,000 square foot state-of-the-art complex. As with anything, eventually the old is replaced by the new. It will mark a new era in LIU basketball, but nobody will soon forget the 42 seasons at the Paramount. I just hope that a nice dining establishment is within walking distance of the new arena. Those triple-decker Turkey clubs were always an incentive to get LIU on the schedule.


Be sure to visit Coach Magarity's official website, DaveMagarity.com, which is maintained by CollegeInsider.com.