FlyerHoops had the honor to speak with 1980 Dayton Flyers graduate Jack Zimmerman. Mr. ZImmerman scored 1,482 career points in his four seasons including a memorable halfcourt shot just before halftime in 1977 against Syracuse. FlyerHoops presents Catchin' Up with Jack Zimmerman.

FlyerHoops: Where are you located now and what kind of work on you doing?

Jack Zimmerman: I live in Paris since January, 1993 so I guess that makes 27 years. I was also in Tel-Aviv for four years playing professional basketball (Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Hapoel Tel-Aviv). I came back to the U.S. in the mid 80's post career. I lead our global customer relationships with large Telco and IT companies for GlobalData. So helping my customers better plan, target and engage using our market/customer/competitor intelligence solutions so they can win more business with their customers.

FH: How did you end up in Paris?

JZ: I finished my basketball career in the mid-80’s, ended up in Atlanta, and then Boston, in a leadership role with a company in a similar high-tech business sphere. Our company then acquired a French company. Having lived abroad before, I had made it known that if they were looking for someone to be part of the international operation I would love that challenge. I hosted our CEO from Paris for customer visits on the east coast, and in Dayton (NCR at the time), including a visit with my Mom who made us milk shakes. The CEO went back and said I am the guy he would like to come to France. I had a contract for one year with an option for a second year. Two years became five and five years became ten and there you go, it is now year 2020.

FH: What's the lockdown been like for you and your family in France?

JZ: Well, we live in an 80 square meter flat in a beautiful part of Paris. We are not able to leave our home with completing and signing a daily authorization form and ticking the box for one of five explicit and justified reasons. We need to have that form with us to present to the authorities when asked. So we (my wife Ronit and I) go out very early in the morning for a long power walk. The rest of the day we are inside. I work from home anyway so not a huge adjustment in terms of work. However, we are also very nomadic, we travel often, for business, for pleasure, to see family and friends. We are also very active socially. So this aspect of our life is cramped.

FH: How often do you get back to the United States?

JZ: As often as I can to see family and friends. Obviously, challenging now but at normally at least four times per year for quality time.

FH: What do you remember most about your time at the University of Dayton?

JZ: This time of year is etched in my memory. Spring was in the air, students were out and milling about campus. NCAA tournament basketball was starting. Of course, my overall experience as a Flyer, with great teammates and coaches and administrators and fans and friends on campus. It was a high class program and we were treated great and I am proud to have had a chance to be a Flyer in all its context. Frankly, it is all a blended blur now but adds up to a beautiful time in my life. What I can say is that some of my very best lifelong friends today are from that time and program – Tim Pohlman, Jim Paxson, Rusty Schuermann, Joe Siggins, Doug Harris, Mike Lee (God rest his soul), Paul Donoher and others.

FH: What's your favorite moment as a Flyers player?

JZ: Boy, there were a bunch but guess my official first game as a Flyer as a freshman. I had earned a starting spot but had sprained my ankle just before our first game. So I came off the bench very early in the game and had a nice game, did not miss a shot. My good friend Doug Harris came up to me during one of my free throws and said “welcome to the big leagues”. Naturally, playing with Jim Paxson for three of my four years at UD. He was an outstanding player, teammate, roommate and remains a great friend. We had great telepathy on the court, we both understood the subtleties of the game and it was magical to see him over and over again backdoor his defender and create just enough space where I could deliver him the ball where he wanted it. He moved like a gazelle and those are wonderful creatures to experience in action. Beating Notre Dame and Syracuse and DePaul and other great teams in some monumental games. Going to the NIT twice, what a great and spirited crowd to support us. Exciting times.

FH: What impact did Coach Donoher have on your life?

JZ: Coach Donoher was in my life before I attended UD. I went to his basketball camps and became good friends with his son Paul. We played neighbourhood ball together. So there was a relationship there, but it was one of respect and admiration. He was one of the best coaches in college basketball. It was a goal to be part of his team. During my time at UD he provided the steadiness and discipline I would need during my college days just through the hours of practice we shared together and the guiding philosophy of doing things the right way.

FH: Do you stay in touch with Coach Donoher at all and when is the last time you spoke?

JZ: Yes, a couple times a year, usually a visit to his home or over lunch with other Flyers. We spoke over Christmas when I was home and intended to meet up (visit with his wife Sonia and him) but for a variety of reasons it did not work out this time. We share old hoop stories and connections (example, he was able to get to know a bit my coach at Maccabi Tel-Aviv during their mutual Olympic experience; or a chat on the recent film released last year “On the Map”). Mostly we just catch up on our lives and family as he is as interested in my life in Paris as I am in his in Dayton.

FH: When is the last time you got back to UD Arena for a game?

JZ: I was at the Grambling State game. I was super impressed with Ibi Watson. Our family still has four season tickets. My brother and his family are avid fans and go to every game. I usually catch one, and if I am lucky, two games live a year. Almost always around Christmas time.

FH: Besides the one game you attended, how well were you able to follow this year's team and how proud did they make you as a former UD player?

JZ: Yes, I followed the Flyers through all the media channels I could, often checking the highlights the next day. I socialized the Flyers with some of my work colleagues and friends here and in London who are basketball fans. I showed Obi highlights to our grandson in Tel-Aviv. So yes, the Flyers spirt crossed the ocean. They were really fun to watch and had an extraordinary year. They were the real thing, the kind of team you dream about playing with, sports or otherwise.

FH: Do you know Coach Grant at all? And what are you thoughts on the job he is doing so far at UD?

JZ: I have not had the honor to meet Coach Grant. Over Christmas, I did stop by the Fieldhouse and the basketball office with some family members on a Sunday. We were able to get in the office building for a short walk around, but the office itself was closed and Coach Grant was not there. It was my first time there. I am told there is some kind of autograph wall there to sign, so next time.

FH: Anything else you would like to say to the Flyer Faithful that are reading this?

JZ: The Flyer Faithful spirit and love for basketball and the community is contagious. They should know I can feel it over here in Paris. I felt it also forty years ago when I had the privilege to engage with, and perform for, the Flyer Faithful. I am thankful and blessed and, though I usually am looking only forward, it has been fun to reminisce a bit here, all inspired by the great team and fan base this year. Stay healthy and see everyone at a game next year!