'At the time they were good” My Interview with Hawkeye Legend Acie Earl

“At the time they were good” My Interview with Hawkeye Legend Acie Earl 

I was 3 when Acie Earl first played a game for the Iowa Hawkeyes. I don't actually remember watching him play. I do remember my dad, brother and grandfather talking about him alot though. He was the closest thing Iowa had to a rock star in the early 1990's. Along with Les Jespen, James Moses, Matt Bullard, Chris Street and others Iowa would be a contender in the Big Ten the entire time he was there. As a Junior Acie was named the Chicago Tribune's Big Ten Player of the Year and Earl graduated as the 1992 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Needless to say he is an Iowa Basketball legend. 

Acie Earl 

Earlier this week I was able to interview Acie about his time as a Hawkeye and his opinion on the current state of the Hawkeye Basketball program: 

Why did you choose to play at Iowa?

“It was close to home, great style in play because of Coach Davis' style of fast break and at the time they were good, and on TV all the time.” 

What was the best part of being a Hawkeye?

“Fan support, and recognition. No matter where you went and who was around.” 

What was your favorite game you played in?

“A few. One was North Carolina at home. The announcer said there were 10 pros on the court and it was my Freshman year. Sophomore year we beat UCLA. Junior year cant remember and Senior year we beat Michigan State after Chris died and we beat the “Fab Five” after that at home.” 

Who was the hardest team to play against at that time?

“Different eras different teams, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Purdue though.” 

What did it mean to you to wear the black and gold?

“Back then it was all the world, as kids grew up to wear the black and gold and I played with at least 4-6 guys who never even visited another college. It was all Iowa so it rubbed off on us.” 

What was it was like playing at Carver?

“Back then I never played less in front of less then the 15,500. There was only 1 time it was not full and that was due to a snow storm.” 

What is your opinion of the current state of the Hawks? “I think they are on right track, I'm not around to bash them as former players do sometimes, its their era and I respect that.” 

After his time at Iowa, Acie was drafted 19th Overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1993 NBA Draft. He played 2 years with the Celtics and then with the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks. 

Acie also had a lengthy career playing overseas from 1997-2004. 

Acie continues to coach basketball with his camp known as Venom Sports Training. He educates and coaches kids on the fundamentals of basketball throughout the Iowa City, Coralville and Iowa City area. 

You can find out more at www.venomsportstraining.com

Joseph Larsen

Community Contributor