In Memoriam: RIP List of 2023 Deceased Impacting World of NCAA DI Hoops

December 25th, 2023 - 17:23

"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln

With Auld Lang Syne chords playing in background, the final week of calendar year offered another time to say goodbye by acknowledging the passing away in 2023 of a striking number of major-college basketball movers and shakers. Hall of Fame national titlist coaching luminaries Denny Crum and Bob Knight died this year, overshadowing additional deceased multiple-year NCAA tourney mentors such as Jim Brandenburg, Lou Campanelli, Gary Colson, Terry Holland, Joey Meyer, Fred Shabel and Paul Webb.

All-Americans from six different current Big Ten Conference members are in necrology category this year including Jim Ashmore (Mississippi State), Fred Boyd (Oregon State), Terry Dischinger (Purdue), Frank Ehmann (Northwestern), Johnny Green (Michigan State), Dick Groat (Duke), Frank Howard (Ohio State), Henry Logan (Western Carolina), Willie McCarter (Drake), George McGinnis (Indiana), Ryan Minor (Oklahoma), Eric Montross (North Carolina), Cotton Nash (Kentucky), James Ray (Jacksonville), Phil Sellers (Rutgers), Bingo Smith (Tulsa) and George Wilson (Cincinnati). Groat, Howard, Minor and Nash were such outstanding all-around athletes they went on to play at the MLB level. Knight was a huge baseball fan but he probably didn't know that among the former major-college hoopers dying this year after MLB careers were Leo Burke (Virginia Tech), Bill Davis (Minnesota), Dave Frost (Stanford), Bob Garibaldi (Santa Clara), Mel Roach (Virginia) and Dave Stenhouse (Rhode Island).

The versatile major-college hoopers passing away this year included prominent participants in NFL/Super Bowl championship games such as Jim Brown (Syracuse), Bud Grant (Minnesota) and Joe Kapp (California). A distant memory, the defunct Yankee Conference, was hit particularly hard in the obituary column upon losing numerous all-league selections from the early 1950s to late 1960s - Dick Ader, Dick Eid, John Fultz, Clyde Lord, Billy Pappas, Jim Poteet, Jack Rose, Bob Stairs and the aforementioned Stenhouse. They are among the following alphabetical list of deceased who usually didn't "drop the ball" at end of year in Times Square or on a court anywhere else:

  • Richie Adderley was a Bahamian native who averaged 4.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 2.2 apg for Indiana State in 1986-87 and 1987-88.
  • Dick Ader, 81, averaged 11 ppg for Vermont from 1960-61 through 1962-63. All-Yankee Conference second-team selection as a junior.
  • Earl "Brother" Adkins, 89, averaged 4 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Kentucky from 1954-55 through 1957-58 (redshirt in 1955-56) under coach Adolph Rupp. As a senior, Adkins was the sixth-leading scorer for NCAA titlist.
  • Harold Alcorn, 88, was a SMU transfer who averaged 14.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg for St. Louis from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Eddie Hickey. As a senior, Alcorn was All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection for an NCAA tourney team. Father of Mark Alcorn, who played for St. Louis in 1977-78 and Louisiana State in 1979-80 before dying from cancer at the age of 23 in 1982.
  • Albert Almanza, 86, averaged 11.9 ppg and 8 rpg for Texas from 1958-59 through 1960-61. All-SWC second-team selection as a senior when he led the Longhorns in rebounding for second time in three years. Mexican Olympian in 1960 and 1964 participated in 1960 NCAA playoffs.
  • Al Andrews, 78, led Tulane in scoring all three seasons while averaging 18.7 ppg and 4.5 rpg from 1964-65 through 1966-67. He was the Green Wave's last All-SEC selection (second team as sophomore).
  • Jim Ashmore, 88, was a three-time All-SEC selection who averaged 20.6 ppg and 4 rpg for Mississippi State from 1953-54 through 1956-57. All-American as a senior when finishing sixth in the nation in scoring with 28.3 ppg.
  • Jim Babers, 89, averaged 11.4 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Texas Western from 1952-53 through 1955-56. He was an All-Border Conference first-team selection as a senior.
  • Kenny Bailey, 75, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2 rpg for Arkansas in 1966-67.
  • Mike Baker, 77, played for East Carolina in 1964-65 when the Pirates made transition to NCAA DI level.
  • Charles Balentine, 60, averaged 7.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg while shooting 58.3% from the floor for Arkansas from 1981-82 through 1984-85 under coach Eddie Sutton. As a junior, Balentine hit the game-winning baseline jumper with four seconds remaining when the Hogs upended top-ranked and undefeated North Carolina in mid-February 1984.
  • Coolidge Ball, 71, was a two-time All-SEC second-team selection who averaged 14.1 ppg and 9.9 rpg for Mississippi from 1971-72 through 1973-74. The Rebels' first African-American player led them in scoring (16.8 ppg) and was second in rebounding (10.3 rpg) as a sophomore. Instrumental in helping Ole Miss post three consecutive winning seasons for the first time since the late 1930s.
  • Paul Ball, 72, averaged 8.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Colorado State from 1970-71 through 1972-73 under coach Jim Williams.
  • Walter "Stan" Bane, 74, averaged 4.1 ppg for Pan American from 1969-70 through 1971-72.
  • Dr. John Bannon, 77, averaged 1.5 ppg for Rutgers in 1964-65 and 1965-66 under coach Bill Foster.
  • Jamal Barney, 37, averaged 2.4 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Providence in 2006-07 before transferring to Loyola (Md.), where he averaged 14.5 ppg and 4.7 rpg from 2008-09 through 2010-11. He was an All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference second-team selection as a sophomore when leading the league in scoring with 18.1 ppg.
  • Ernie Barrett, 93, averaged 8.4 ppg for Kansas State from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Jack Gardner. All-American and All-Big Seven Conference first-team selection as a senior when leading NCAA Tournament runner-up in scoring before becoming seventh pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Dave Bartley, 88, was a juco recruit who averaged 6.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 3.3 apg for Massachusetts in 1954-55 and 1955-56.
  • Gordon Bascom, 83, was a juco recruit who played for Weber State in 1964-65 under coach Dick Motta.
  • Howie Bash, 89, averaged 8.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for George Washington from 1956-57 through 1959-60.
  • Bill Bauer, 95, averaged 3.3 ppg for Creighton in 1950-51 after serving in U.S. military during WWII.
  • Ralph Bayard, 87, averaged 11.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Rutgers from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He was the Scarlet Knights' leading scorer each of his last two seasons.
  • Parkie Beam, 77. was a member of Marshall's back-to-back NIT teams in 1967 and 1968.
  • Roy "Ice" Beekman, 67, averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg for Niagara from 1973-74 through 1977-78 (redshirt in 1976-77).
  • Tim Beeman, 80, was a Maryland transfer who averaged 1.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Duquesne in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
  • Stephen "Chuck" BeGell, 99, averaged 1.9 ppg for Maryland in 1950-51. He also played baseball for the Terrapins.
  • Dr. Earl Bellamy Jr., 92, played for Rice in 1950-51 and 1951-52.
  • Leon Benbow Jr., 74, averaged 17 ppg and 5 rpg for Jacksonville's three national postseason tournament teams from 1971-72 through 1973-74 (2 NIT/1 NCAA). He led the Dolphins in scoring as a senior.
  • Dale Bennett, 86, played for Drake in 1956-57 under coach John Benington.
  • Ron Bennink, 89, averaged 14 ppg for Washington State from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Jack Friel. Two-time All-PCC North Division first-team selection led the Cougars in scoring each of his last two seasons.
  • Lance Blanks, 56, averaged 1.7 ppg for Virginia in 1985-86 and 1986-87 under coach Terry Holland before transferring to Texas, where he averaged 20 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.7 apg and 3 spg in 1988-89 and 1989-90 for a pair of Tom Penders-coached NCAA tourney teams. Blanks, a first-round choice in NBA draft (26th pick overall), committed suicide according to his daughter.
  • John Blasingame, 83, averaged 3.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Arkansas in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
  • Allan Bontempo, 90, played for Georgetown in 1952-53 before transferring to Seton Hall.
  • Freddie Boyd, 73, was a senior All-American who averaged 15.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Oregon State from 1969-70 through 1971-72. Boyd was a two-time All-Pac-8 Conference selection while leading the Beavers in scoring and assists under coach Ralph Miller before becoming fifth pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Blake Bozeman, 31, averaged 7.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2 apg for Morgan State from 2011-12 through 2014-15 under his father (Todd Bozeman). Blake, who led the Bears in three-pointers as a senior, was killed in a shooting at a hookah lounge.
  • James "Spook" Bradley, 67, was a juco transfer who averaged 16.5 ppg and 9.2 rpg for Memphis State from 1976-77 through 1978-79. Two-time All-Metro Conference first-team selection when leading the Tigers in scoring and rebounding average as junior and senior.
  • Jim Brandenburg, 87, compiled a 254-213 coaching record in total of 16 seasons with Montana (27-28 in two years in 1976-77 and 1977-78), Wyoming (176-97 in nine years from 1978-79 through 1986-87) and San Diego State (52-87 in five years from 1987-88 through 1991-92.
  • Bill Brown, 71, was a two-year captain who averaged 11 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Ohio University from 1971-72 through 1973-74, earning All-Mid-American Conference first-team honors as a senior. One of his players while coaching Kenyon OH was DI mentor Shaka Smart.
  • Jim Brown, 87, averaged 13.1 ppg for Syracuse in 1954-55 (team runner-up in scoring as sophomore) and 1955-56. He was reluctant to specifically say why he quit hoops squad before his senior season when SU appeared in the NCAA tourney for first time, but indicated it was because of a racial quota for starters. His son, Jimmy, was a two-time All-MEAC first-team selection who played for three NCAA playoff squads with North Carolina A&T in the mid-1980s after transferring from Southern California. Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection as a running back with the Cleveland Browns.
  • Robert F. Brown, 85, played for Michigan in 1959-60.
  • Roger Brown, 73, averaged 7.9 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Kansas from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach Ted Owens. As a senior, Brown was top rebounder for the Jayhawks' Final Four team.
  • Doyle Brunson, 89, was runner-up in scoring with 12.5 ppg for 1953 NCAA tourney team from Hardin-Simmons TX as All-Border Conference first-team selection before his hoops career ended because of a summer job accident (leg broken in two places while unloading sheetrock). Two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion, a Poker Hall of Fame inductee and the author of several books on poker.
  • Leo Burke, 89, averaged 9.2 ppg for Virginia Tech in 1952-53 and 1953-54. He was a utilityman who hit .239 with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs in seven MLB seasons from 1958 through 1965.
  • Justin Burns, 39, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.9 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Cal State Fullerton from 2004-05 through 2006-07. He committed suicide (suffocation by strangulation) in prison where he was serving a sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in Las Vegas in 2010 (strangulation before taking her body to desert, setting it on fire and burying under rocks).
  • Terrence Butler was a junior-to-be for Drexel who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his on-campus apartment. Forward appeared in eight games in his two seasons with the Dragons while struggling with injuries.
  • Devin Butts, 22, played for three NCAA Division I schools - Mississippi State (1 ppg in 2019-20), Louisiana-Lafayette (6.4 ppg and 2 rpg in 2020-21) plus North Carolina Central (5.3 ppg in 2022-23).
  • Willie Cager, 80, averaged 8.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Texas Western from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Don Haskins. As a sophomore, Cager was the fourth-leading rebounder for the Miners' NCAA titlist.
  • Jim Caldwell, 80, averaged 15 ppg and 12.9 rpg for Georgia Tech from 1962-63 through 1964-65 before becoming 28th pick overall in NBA draft. Two-time All-SEC second-team selection led the Yellow Jackets in scoring and rebounding all three seasons.
  • Demetrius Calip Sr., 53, averaged 9.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 2 apg for Michigan from 1987-88 through 1990-91. Member of 1989 NCAA titlist was an All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as senior when leading the Wolverines in scoring and assists.
  • Lou Campanelli, 84, compiled a 361-226 coaching record in 21 seasons with James Madison (238-118 in 13 years from 1972-73 through 1984-85) and California (123-108 in eight years from 1985-86 to 1992-93). JMU's all-time winningest coach guided both schools to the NCAA tourney.
  • Chris Carpenter, 82, averaged 4.8 ppg and 4 rpg for California from 1961-62 through 1963-64. As a sophomore, he was runner-up with the Bears in total rebounds.
  • Jim Carrino, 82, averaged 13.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Georgetown from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He was runner-up in scoring average for the Hoyas all three seasons.
  • Clarence "Marvin" Cave, 97, averaged 1.4 ppg for Butler in 1947-48 under coach Tony Hinkle after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII and transferring from Berea College KY.
  • Hosea Champine, 66, averaged 4.7 ppg for Duquesne in 1974-75 before transferring to Robert Morris, where he averaged a team-high 17.6 ppg in 1978-79.
  • Reggie Chaney, 23, averaged 4.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Arkansas in 2018-19 and 2019-20 before transferring to Houston, where he averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg from 2020-21 through 2022-23 under coach Kelvin Sampson. As a senior graduate, he was the American Athletic Conference's Sixth Man of the Year. Participant in 2021 Final Four died from a fentanyl overdose.
  • Bob Chapman, 67, averaged 13.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Michigan State from 1974-75 through 1977-78. Senior captain for the Spartans when Hall of Famer Magic Johnson was a freshman.
  • George Chapman III, 75, averaged 5.5 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Cornell from 1966-67 through 1968-69.
  • Walter "Clyde" Chronister, 96, was a juco recruit who scored 175 points as Tulsa's lone senior in 1947-48.
  • Phil Cochran, 69, averaged 1.7 ppg for Mercer from 1973-74 through 1975-76.
  • Marshall "Skip" Coffman Jr., 82, averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Arkansas from 1959-60 through 1962-63 (redshirt in 1960-61).
  • Otis Cole Jr., 71, averaged 9.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2.5 apg for Florida State from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach Hugh Durham. The Seminoles were NCAA Tournament runner-up during Cole's sophomore season.
  • Gary Colson, 89, compiled a 375-306 NCAA Division I coaching record in 24 DI seasons with Pepperdine (153-137 in 11 years from 1968-69 through 1978-79), New Mexico (146-106 in eight years from 1980-81 through 1987-88) and Fresno State (76-73 in five years from 1990-91 through 1994-95).
  • Keith Colson, 88, was a juco recruit who averaged 6 ppg for New Mexico State in 1955-56.
  • John Connell, 54, averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg as starting senior center for Saint Peter's first NCAA tourney team in 1990-91.
  • John "Jack" Coogan Jr., 87, was a Notre Dame transfer who averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg for [Canisius](schools/canisius0 from 1954-55 through 1956-57. As a senior, he averaged 10 ppg in three NCAA playoff contests.
  • Jim Cook III, 53, averaged 1.3 ppg for Colgate in 1990-91.
  • Jerry Cooper, 87, averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.9 rpg for Virginia from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He led the Cavaliers in rebounding as a sophomore.
  • Rich Coppola, 78, averaged 3.5 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Arizona State from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Ned Wulk. As a sophomore, Coppola scored 13 points in a 92-90 defeat against Wayne Estes-led Utah State in West Regional.
  • Edward "Ned" Corcoran, 96, scored a total of 199 points for Brown in 1948-49 and 1949-50.
  • Charles "Corky" Cost, 87, averaged 3.1 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1954-55. He was also a RB, who rushed 138 times for 631 yards and two touchdowns from 1954 through 1956.
  • Adrian Coulter, 82, averaged 4.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg for East Tennessee State from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
  • Tom Crosby, 87, averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Alabama from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
  • Johnny Crouch Jr., 91, converted all three free-throw attempts for Texas Christian in one game in 1952-53. WR went on to become an eighth-round choice by the Green Bay Packers in 1955 NFL draft.
  • Denzil "Denny" Crum, 86, compiled a 675-295 coaching record with Louisville in 30 seasons from 1971-72 through 2000-01. The Cardinals' all-time winningest mentor reached NCAA Final Four six times (including national titles in 1980 and 1986). Juco recruit averaged 7.1 ppg and 2.7 rpg for UCLA in 1957-58 and 1958-59 under coach John Wooden.
  • Mike Curran, 76, averaged 1.6 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Marquette from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Al McGuire. Curran's father, Williams, played for MU the second half of the 1920s.
  • Ralphal "Rap" Curry Jr., 51, averaged 12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.4 apg and 1.8 spg for Saint Joseph's from 1990-91 through 1993-94. He led the Atlantic 10 Conference in assists as a senior.
  • Frank Cutko, 90, averaged 9.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Muhlenberg PA from 1951-52 through 1953-54. He went on to referee Patrick Ewing's initial game at Georgetown and David Robinson's debut at Navy.
  • Arthur "Bill" Davis, 80, averaged 6.4 ppg and 5 rpg for Minnesota from 1961-62 through 1963-64. First baseman hit .181 with the Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres in three MLB seasons (1965-66-69).
  • Dr. Tom Davis, 93, averaged 7.6 ppg for Penn in 1949-50 and 1950-51. He led the EIBL in free-throw accuracy in 1949-50.
  • Walter Davis, 69, averaged 15.7 ppg and 5.6 rpg for North Carolina from 1973-74 through 1976-77 under coach Dean Smith. Davis, a member of 1976 U.S. Olympic team, was runner-up in scoring and rebounding for 1977 NCAA Tournament runner-up before becoming fifth pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Henry Dickerson, 71, compiled a 119-171 NCAA Division I coaching record in 10 seasons with Chattanooga (72-73 in five years from 1997-98 through 2001-02) and North Carolina Central (47-98 in five years from 2004-05 through 2008-09).
  • Dr. Terry Dischinger, 82, averaged 28.3 ppg and 13.7 rpg for Purdue from 1959-60 through 1961-62 while pacing the Boilermakers in scoring and rebounding all three years. Three-time All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection ranked among the nation's top seven scorers each season.
  • Richard Duffy, 80, averaged 6.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Syracuse from 1962-63 through 1964-65. Two-year teammate of long-time Orange coach Jim Boeheim and All-American Dave Bing.
  • Carroll "Wayne" Dunn, 88, averaged 5 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Arkansas from 1955-56 through 1957-58. As a senior, he was third-leading rebounder for the Razorbacks' only NCAA tourney team in a 27-year span from 1950 through 1976.
  • John Dunnette, 89, played for Ohio University in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
  • George Dupree Jr., 75, averaged 8.1 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Trinity TX in 1965-66 before transferring to Texas Southern.
  • Ed Dwyer Jr., 92, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Drake in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
  • Frank Ehmann, 89, averaged 13.6 ppg for Northwestern from 1951-52 through 1954-55. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was an All-American as a senior when finishing 22nd in the nation in scoring (23.9 ppg) before becoming 32nd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Dick Eid, 89, averaged 11.2 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Massachusetts from 1953-54 through 1955-56. All-Yankee Conference first-team selection as a sophomore.
  • Jamarcus Ellis, 38, was a juco recruit who averaged 6.8 ppg, 7 rpg, 3.4 apg and 1.5 spg for Indiana in 2007-08 under coach Kelvin Sampson before transferring to Oklahoma City.
  • Steve Erwin, 70, averaged 5.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Nebraska from 1972-73 through 1974-75. He dished out a team-high 3.3 apg as a senior.
  • Billy Evans, 75, averaged 10.1 ppg for three Bob Cousy-coached Boston College national postseason tournament teams from 1966-67 through 1968-69. Evans averaged more than 8 apg each of his last two seasons.
  • Cecil Exum, 60, averaged 1.5 ppg for North Carolina from 1980-81 through 1983-84 under coach Dean Smith. Member of 1982 NCAA titlist. His Australian son, Dante, was an NBA first-round choice in 2014 (fifth pick overall).
  • Matt Favaro, 34, was a walk-on for Colorado in 2008-09.
  • Tom Flynn, 90, averaged more than 10 ppg with Idaho in 1952-53 and 1953-54. He was an All-PCC North Division second-team selection his final season.
  • Chris Ford, 74, averaged 15.8 ppg and 6 rpg for Villanova's three NCAA tourney teams from 1969-70 through 1971-72 under coach Jack Kraft. Ford was a junior starter with 1971 NCAA playoff runner-up.
  • Greg Francis, 48, averaged 13.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.3 apg for Fairfield from 1993-94 through 1996-97. All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference second-team selection as junior before becoming league tourney MVP the next year when helping the Stags reach NCAA tourney. Canadian Olympian in 2000.
  • Joseph Frazier, 40, averaged 7.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.6 apg and 1.7 spg for Cal State Northridge from 2001-02 through 2004-05. He led the Matadors in steals as a sophomore.
  • Bob Freeman, 73, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Army from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach Bob Knight. The Cadets participated in the NIT the first two of those seasons.
  • Dave Frost, 70, was a juco recruit under coach Lute Olson. Frost, who averaged 10.5 ppg and 4 rpg for Stanford from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach Howie Dallmar, led the Cardinal in free-throw percentage as a sophomore (82.1%). He was a college teammate of center Rich Kelley, who went on to play 11 NBA seasons. Frost was a RHP who compiled a 33-37 MLB record and 4.10 ERA with the Chicago White Sox, California Angels and Kansas City Royals in six A.L. seasons from 1977 through 1982.
  • John Fultz, 74, averaged 20.5 ppg and 9.7 rpg for Rhode Island from 1967-68 through 1969-70. All-Yankee Conference first-team selection each of his last two seasons when leading the Rams in scoring and rebounding.
  • Bob Garibaldi, 81, averaged 10.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Santa Clara in 1961-62. Garibaldi was a RHP who compiled an 0-2 record and 3.08 ERA in four brief stints with the San Francisco Giants (1962-63-66-69) after named Most Outstanding Player in the 1962 College World Series.
  • Ronnie Garner, 84, averaged 11.2 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Arkansas from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He led the Razorbacks in rebounding as a junior and senior.
  • Joe Goodman Jr., 96, was a starter for Arizona State in 1945-46.
  • Brock Gordon, 88, averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Furman from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Lyles Alley. As a sophomore, Gordon was a teammate of Frank Selvy when the All-American set NCAA single-game scoring record with 100 points against Newberry SC.
  • Lavalius "L.C." Gordon, 86, averaged 2.4 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Oklahoma State from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Hank Iba. Gordon was the first African-American player for a major-college program in Oklahoma.
  • Harry "Bud" Grant Jr., 95, was Minnesota's third-leading scorer in 1948-49 (8.5 ppg) after named team MVP the previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre. Finished 13th in the Big Nine Conference in scoring in 1946-47 with 9.3 ppg. Coach of four CFL champions with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1958-59-61-62) and four NFL Super Bowl losers with the Minnesota Vikings (IV, VIII, IX and XI). First-round choice by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1950 NFL draft caught 56 passes for 997 yards and seven touchdowns with them in 1952.
  • Glen Green, 61, averaged 13.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.7 apg and 1.2 spg for Murray State from 1979-80 through 1982-83. Two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team selection was the league's co-MVP as a senior.
  • "Jumpin' Johnny" Green, 89, averaged 16.9 ppg and 16.4 rpg for Michigan State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 after serving with U.S. Marines during the Korean Conflict. Top rebounder for 1957 Final Four squad (All-NCAA Tournament team) before becoming an All-American his last two seasons. Three-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection was the sixth pick overall in 1959 NBA draft.
  • Dick Groat, 92, averaged 23 ppg for Duke from 1949-50 through 1951-52. All-American each of his last two years when finishing among the nation's top five scorers. Placed runner-up in the country in assists with 7.6 per game as a senior. Eight-time N.L. All-Star shortstop hit .286 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants in 14 seasons (1952 and 1955 through 1967).
  • Calvin Grosscup Jr., 89, averaged 4.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg with Purdue in 1953-54 before transferring to Tulane, where he averaged 19.2 ppg and 10.5 rpg in 1955-56 and 1956-57 under coach Clifford Wells. Grosscup was an All-SEC second-team selection as a senior when leading the Green Wave in scoring and rebounding.
  • Teddy Grubbs, 62, averaged 7.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg for DePaul's three NCAA Tournament teams from 1979-80 through 1981-82 under coach Ray Meyer.
  • Cam Gunter, 31, averaged 1.1 ppg for Penn from 2010-11 through 2013-14.
  • Dick Haag, 92, averaged 10.4 ppg for Wyoming from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Everett Shelton, leading the Cowboys in rebounding each of his last two seasons. Haag was an All-Mountain States Athletic Conference second-team selection as junior before participating in NCAA playoffs for West Regional runner-up the next year.
  • Joe Hagler, 87, averaged 2.5 ppg and 2.1 rpg for California from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Pete Newell, appearing in NCAA tourney as a senior.
  • Billy Hahn, 69, compiled a 79-99 coaching record in six seasons with Ohio University (42-45 in three years from 1986-87 through 1988-89) and La Salle (37-54 in three years from 2001-02 through 2003-04). He averaged 1.7 ppg and 0.9 apg for Maryland from 1972-73 through 1974-75 under coach Lefty Driesell.
  • Burdette Haldorson, 89, averaged 15 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Colorado from 1951-52 through 1954-55. Leading scorer and rebounder as a senior for national third-place team. Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1956 and 1960).
  • Harry Hammonds, 81, averaged 10.8 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Alabama from 1963-64 through 1965-66. He led the Crimson Tide in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Aaron Harper, 42, averaged 12.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.1 spg for Mississippi from 2000-01 through 2003-04.
  • Jim Harrick Jr., 58, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.8 ppg and 2.2 apg for Pepperdine in 1985-86 and 1986-87 while playing under his father.
  • Ed "Possum" Harvard, 78, averaged 1.1 ppg for West Virginia from 1965-66 through 1967-68. Harvard was among a WV quintet that was first group of black players breaking color barrier in the Southern Conference.
  • Dan Heffernan, 94, played for Connecticut in the late 1940s under coach Hugh Greer.
  • Cedric Henderson, 57, averaged 15.5 ppg and 7.1 rpg for Georgia as an All-SEC second-team selection in 1984-85. After declaring for NBA draft as an undergraduate, he was 32nd pick overall.
  • Danny Hester, 75, was a juco recruit who averaged 13.2 ppg and 10 rpg for Louisiana State in 1968-69 and 1969-70 (All-SEC third-team selection). Teammate of NCAA's leading scorer Pete Maravich finished runner-up in rebounding for the Tigers in both seasons.
  • Terry Holland, 80, compiled a 418-216 coaching record in a total of 21 seasons with alma mater Davidson (92-43 in five years from 1969-70 through 1973-74) and Virginia (326-173 in 16 years from 1974-75 through 1989-90). Coached the Cavaliers to 1980 NIT championship before reaching NCAA Final Four in 1981 and 1984. UVa's all-time winningest coach averaged 13.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in college under coach Lefty Driesell from 1961-62 through 1963-64 (All-Southern Conference second-team selection as senior).
  • Phil Hopkins, 73, compiled a 65-76 coaching record with Western Carolina in five seasons from 1995-96 through 1999-00. He guided the Catamounts to the NCAA playoffs in his first season with them.
  • Frank Howard, 87, averaged 17.4 ppg and 13.9 rpg for Ohio State from 1955-56 through 1957-58, earning All-American acclaim as a junior. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection ranked among the nation's top 28 rebounders all three seasons. OF-1B hit .273 with 382 homers and 1,119 RBI for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Senators, Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers for 16 years from 1958 through 1973.
  • Robert "Paul" Hudson, 77, averaged 2.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg for North Carolina State in 1965-66 and 1966-67 under coaches Press Maravich and Norm Sloan.
  • Tom Hunt, 74, averaged 9.1 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Gonzaga from 1968-69 through 1970-71. He led the Big Sky Conference in free-throw accuracy as a senior (77%).
  • Bill Hunter, 81, averaged 2.7 ppg for Princeton in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
  • Brandon Hunter, 42, averaged 16.9 ppg and 9.3 rpg for Ohio University from 1999-00 through 2002-03. Three-time all-league first-team selection in the Mid-American Conference led the Bobcats in scoring and rebounding his last three seasons. He paced the nation in rebounding as a senior (12.6 rpg).
  • Cedric Jenkins, 57, averaged 2.5 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Kentucky's four NCAA tourney teams from 1984-85 through 1987-88.
  • Brandon Jessie, 48, was a juco recruit who averaged 15.1 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Utah's NCAA tourney teams in 1994-95 and 1995-96 under coach Rick Majerus. Jessie was an All-WAC selection both seasons as runner-up in scoring for the Utes behind All-American Keith Van Horn.
  • Anthony Johnson, 37, was a juco recruit who averaged 18.4 ppg, 3 rpg and 3 apg for Montana in 2008-09 and 2009-10 under coach Wayne Tinkle. Two-time All-Big Sky Conference first-team selection led the Grizzlies in scoring and assists both seasons. He holds the school and Big Sky Tournament single-game scoring record with 42 points.
  • Eddie Johnson, 61, averaged 8.1 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Xavier from 1981-82 through 1985-86 (redshirt in 1983-84). He played for two NCAA tourney teams including his senior season when leading the Musketeers in rebounding.
  • Cam Jones, 29, was a juco recruit who averaged 11.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Radford in 2014-15 and 2015-16, leading the Highlanders in scoring as a senior.
  • Billy Jordan, 60, averaged 4.3 ppg for Arizona State from 1981-82 through 1984-85.
  • Charles Jordan, 69, averaged 15.6 ppg and 10.3 rpg for Canisius in 1973-74 and 1974-75. He led the Golden Griffins in rebounding his second season.
  • Bill Justus, 76, averaged 15.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Tennessee from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Ray Mears. Two-time All-SEC selection led the Volunteers in scoring each of his last two seasons.
  • Joe Kapp, 85, averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC championship clubs in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Pete Newell. Only QB to start in the Rose Bowl, Grey Cup and Super Bowl finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1958. Member of CFL Hall of Fame was a Pro Bowl selection in 1969 with the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Charlie Kehrt, 85, averaged 4.5 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Purdue from 1956-57 through 1958-59.
  • Floyd Kerr, 76, averaged 13 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Colorado State from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Jim Williams. He led the Rams in scoring average as a junior and helped propel them to Midwest Regional final as a senior. Twin brother of CSU teammate Lloyd Kerr was the 30th pick overall in 1969 NBA draft.
  • Richard Kiernan, 88, averaged 1.8 ppg for Connecticut in 1954-55 and 1955-56 under coach Hugh Greer.
  • Dave Kissinger, 84, was a juco recruit who became an All-Border Conference first-team selection for Hardin-Simmons TX in 1960-61 when averaging 21 ppg.
  • Bob Knight, 83, was a four-time national coach of the year who compiled an 899-374 record in 42 seasons with Army (102-50 in six years from 1965-66 through 1970-71), Indiana (659-242 in 29 years from 1971-72 through 1999-00) and Texas Tech (138-82 in seven years from 2001-02 to 2007-08). Reached Final Four five times (1973-76-81-87-92) and NIT semifinals on six occasions (1966-69-70-79-85 and 2003). Winningest coach in Big Ten Conference history also holds same distinction for IU. Averaged 3.8 ppg and 2.1 rpg with Ohio State from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Fred Taylor.
  • Dennis Kramer, 31, averaged 6.8 ppg and 4 rpg for San Diego from 2010-11 through 2013-14. He led the Toreros in rebounding as a senior.
  • Jerry Krause, 87, compiled a 16-37 NCAA Division I coaching record for Eastern Washington in 1983-84 and 1984-85 when school made transition to DI level after 15 previous non-DI seasons with him at helm.
  • Hartly Kruger, 92, averaged 13.4 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Idaho in 1951-52 and 1952-53 while earning All-PCC North Division honors.
  • Terry Kusnierz, 75, averaged 8.9 ppg and 7.8 rpg for Mississippi State from 1971-72 through 1973-74. He led the Bulldogs in rebounding as a sophomore with 12 rpg before becoming senior captain.
  • Bill Landers Sr., 87, averaged 1.5 ppg for Clemson in 1954-55 and 1956-57.
  • Randy Larson, 67, played for Iowa State in 1976-77.
  • Doug "Cowboy" Little, 72, averaged 12.9 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Oregon from 1970-71 through 1972-73. Two-time team MVP led the Ducks in scoring and rebounding as a junior before earning All-Pac-8 Conference second-team honors as a senior.
  • Kent Lockhart, 59, averaged 8.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.3 apg for Texas-El Paso from 1981-82 through 1984-85 under coach Don Haskins. Lockhart appeared in the NCAA tourney each of his last two seasons.
  • Henry Logan, 77, averaged 30.8 ppg and 6 rpg for Western Carolina from 1964-65 through 1967-68. All-American as a senior when leading NAIA in scoring with 36.2 ppg.
  • Ed Long, 96, was an Arizona State starter from 1946-47 through 1948-49.
  • Dr. Clyde Lord Sr., 85, averaged 19.5 ppg for Vermont as an All-Yankee Conference first-team selection each season from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He was team captain as a junior.
  • Johnny Lujack, 98, averaged 3.4 ppg for Notre Dame as a starting guard in 1943-44. Heisman Trophy winner in 1947 after his three years as quarterback helped the Irish win a national championship each season and a 26-1-1 record overall. First-round choice of the Chicago Bears in 1946 played QB, DB and K for them from 1948 through 1951, leading club in scoring all four years. He intercepted a team-high eight passes as a rookie and holds the franchise record for most passing yards in a single game with 468 in a 1949 contest.
  • Eddie Lumpkin, 73, played for Alabama in 1968-69 and 1969-70 under coach C.M. Newton.
  • Brendan Malone, 81, compiled a 17-39 coaching record for Rhode Island in two seasons in 1984-85 and 1985-86.
  • Rudy Marisa, 89, averaged 8.5 ppg for Penn State from 1953-54 through 1955-56. As a sophomore, he was a teammate of All-American Jesse Arnelle with the Nittany Lions' only Final Four team.
  • Edward Martin III, 84, averaged 7.4 ppg and 9.6 rpg for Connecticut's three NCAA tourney teams from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Hugh Greer. Martin led the Huskies in rebounding as a junior.
  • James Mastaglio, 47, averaged 6.4 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Princeton from 1994-95 through 1997-98. He participated in NCAA tourney each of his last three years.
  • Don Matuszak, 87, averaged 7.2 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Kansas State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Tex Winter. Member of 1958 Final Four squad before becoming an All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection as a senior.
  • Willie McCarter, 76, averaged 19.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Drake from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Maury John. All-American as a senior when he was named to All-NCAA Tournament team as leading scorer for national third-place finisher. McCarter compiled a 33-48 record as Detroit's coach in three seasons from 1979-80 through 1981-82.
  • George McGinnis, 73, led the Big Ten Conference in scoring and rebounding as all-league first-team selection while averaging 30 ppg, 14.7 rpg and 2.8 apg for Indiana in 1970-71. All-American ranked fourth in the nation in scoring and 18th in rebounding. He left college as an undergraduate to sign with the ABA's Indiana Pacers shortly before Bob Knight became IU's coach.
  • Walt McGrory, 24, played for Wisconsin from 2017-18 to 2020-21. He made a three-point field goal against Oregon in 2019 South Regional defeat.
  • George McLeod, 92, averaged 14.8 ppg for Texas Christian from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Buster Brannon. McLeod, a two-time All-SWC first-team selection, participated in NCAA tourney as a senior when leading the Horned Frogs in scoring.
  • Jerry Messick, 82, attended Houston before transferring to Iowa, where he averaged 8.1 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
  • Joseph "Joey" Meyer, 74, averaged 16.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg for DePaul from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach Ray Meyer, leading the Blue Demons in scoring as a senior. Joey succeeded his Hall of Fame father as bench boss, compiling a 231-158 record in 13 seasons from 1984-85 through 1996-97. He guided his alma mater to the NCAA playoffs his first five years as mentor and seven of first eight campaigns.
  • Bruce Michelsen, 89, averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Virginia in 1957-58 and 1959-60 after serving in U.S. Navy.
  • John Milhoan, 84, averaged 16.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Marshall from 1957-58 through 1959-60. Two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection led the Thundering Herd in scoring as a senior.
  • Guy Minnifield, 62, averaged 5.8 ppg and 1.4 apg with Iowa State in 1979-80 before transferring to Morehead State, where he averaged 13.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.8 spg from 1981-82 through 1983-84. Two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference second-team selection participated in back-to-back NCAA tourneys. He led the OVC in assists and steals as a junior.
  • Ryan Minor, 49, averaged 16.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Oklahoma from 1992-93 through 1995-96 under coach Kelvin Sampson. Two-time All-American was Big Eight Conference Player of the Year as a junior. 3B with the Baltimore Orioles replaced Cal Ripken Jr. in their lineup on September 20, 1998, ending Ripken's MLB record of 2,632 consecutive games played.
  • Eric Montross, 52, averaged 11.7 ppg and 6.8 rpg while shooting 58.5% from the floor for North Carolina from 1990-91 through 1993-94 under coach Dean Smith. Two-time All-American was leading scorer and second-leading rebounder for 1993 NCAA Tournament champion before becoming ninth pick overall in 1994 NBA draft.
  • Dwight "Red" Morrison, 91, was a two-time All-PCC North Division second-team selection for Idaho in 1952-53 and 1953-54 before becoming 14th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Gene Morse, 85, averaged 8.4 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Bradley from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Chuck Orsborn. As a sophomore, Morse was the third-leading scorer and rebounder for NIT titlist.
  • John Nacincik, 89, was a U.S. Navy veteran who averaged 9.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Maryland from 1955-56 through 1957-58 before All-ACC second-team selection became 22nd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Charles "Cotton" Nash, 80, was a three-time All-American who averaged 22.7 ppg and 12.3 rpg for Kentucky from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Adolph Rupp. Nash led UK in scoring and rebounding all three seasons. 1B went 3-for-16 (.188) in three brief stints with the Chicago White Sox (1967) and Minnesota Twins (1969 and 1970).
  • Garry Nelson, 73, averaged 12.8 ppg and 9.6 rpg for Duquesne from 1968-69 through 1970-71, leading the Dukes in rebounding each of his first two seasons. He combined with twin brother Barry to help them make three national postseason tournament appearances (two NCAA/one NIT).
  • Bobby Noland, 69, averaged 3.2 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Kansas State from 1972-73 through 1975-76 under coach Jack Hartman. Noland participated in the NCAA tourney as a junior.
  • Marty Norville, 83, played for Loyola of Chicago in the early 1960s under coach George Ireland.
  • Francis "Fran" O'Malley, 88, averaged 8.5 ppg and 8 rpg for La Salle from 1953-54 through 1955-56. He was among the Explorers' top seven scorers with 1954 NCAA titlist and 1955 national runner-up before leading them in scoring and rebounding as a senior.
  • Billy Packer, 82, averaged 14.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Wake Forest from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He was an All-ACC first-team selection as a junior before finishing runner-up in scoring to All-American Len Chappell on the Demon Deacons' national third-place finisher as a senior. Son of 16-year Lehigh coach Tony Packer was a long-time NBC and CBS television analyst.
  • John Papcun, 84, averaged 11 ppg and 7 rpg for Toledo in 1958-59 and 1959-60 (All-Mid-American Conference second-team selection).
  • Billy Pappas, 89, averaged 18.1 ppg for New Hampshire from 1951-52 through 1954-55 (redshirt in 1953-54). Two-time All-Yankee Conference first-team selection in hoops also played QB.
  • Carl "KR" Pierpoint, 98, was an All-Big Seven Conference second-team selection for Missouri as a senior in 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • Jan Post, 55, was a 7-0 center on Temple's 1991 East Regional finalist coached by John Chaney.
  • Jim Poteet, 89, averaged 13.9 ppg, 5 rpg and 5.3 apg for New Hampshire as an All-Yankee Conference second-team selection in 1951-52 before transferring to Ball State, where he averaged 4.6 ppg in 1954-55.
  • Cincinnatus "Cincy" Powell, 80, was a Louisiana native who averaged 15.2 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Portland from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
  • Ernest "Dickie" Prater Jr., 92, averaged 10.6 ppg for South Carolina in 1957-58 and 1958-59. He played his freshman season with Kentucky in the early 1950s before serving a four-year stint in U.S. Air Force.
  • John Ptacek, 83, averaged 5.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Iowa State from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
  • John "Jack" Rafferty Sr., 84, averaged 4.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Georgetown in 1957-58 before transferring to St. Joseph's.
  • James Ray, 66, was a three-time All-Sun Belt Conference first-team selection who averaged 14.5 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Jacksonville from 1976-77 through 1979-80. All-American and league MVP as a senior was the fifth pick overall in NBA draft.
  • David Redmon, 50, averaged 6.5 ppg for UALR in 1990-91 before transferring to Valparaiso, where he averaged 17.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.4 apg and 1.2 spg from 1992-93 through 1994-95. Two-time All-Mid-Continent Conference first-team selection was league MVP as a senior.
  • Willis Reed, 80, averaged 18.7 ppg and 15.2 rpg while shooting 59.7% from the floor for Grambling from 1960-61 through 1963-64 before becoming 10th pick overall in NBA draft. He compiled a 52-65 coaching record with Creighton in four seasons from 1981-82 through 1984-85.
  • Bill Reeves, 88, averaged 7.6 ppg and 10.7 rpg for Arizona from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Fred Enke. Two-year captain when leading the Wildcats in rebounding set existing school single-season record with 13.2 rpg as a junior.
  • Bill Reynolds, 78, averaged 14.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Brown from 1965-66 through 1967-68, finishing his career as the school's seventh-leading career scorer. He led the Bears in scoring as a junior and senior. Longtime sports columnist for the Providence Journal authored books about Big East Conference, Bob Cousy, Rick Pitino, Chris Herren (Basketball Junkie) and memoir Glory Days.
  • John Calhoun "J.C." Calhoun Jr., 85, averaged 1.8 ppg for Furman from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Lyles Alley.
  • Morris "Moe" Rivers, 70, was a juco recruit who averaged 12.5 ppg and 3 rpg for North Carolina State in 1973-74 and 1974-75 under coach Norm Sloan. Rivers was fourth-leading scorer with 1974 NCAA Tournament champion.
  • Mel Roach, 90, averaged 9.3 ppg for Virginia in 1952-53, playing in the contest when William & Mary's Bill Chambers grabbed an NCAA-record 51 rebounds. Roach was a MLB bonus-baby utilityman who hit .238 with the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies in eight N.L. seasons in 1953, 1954 and 1957 through 1962.
  • Danny Roberts, 88, compiled a 67-92 coaching record with Campbell in the school's first six seasons at the NCAA Division I level from 1977-78 through 1982-83. He is the Camels' all-time winningest mentor (235 victories) after beginning his career with them in 1968-69.
  • James Rogers, 72, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Purdue from 1969-70 through 1971-72 under coach George King.
  • Lorenzo "A.J." Rollins, 49, averaged 9.3 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Saint Mary's from 1992-93 through 1996-97 (medical redshirt in 1995-96). He led the Gaels in rebounding in 1992-93 and participated in 1997 NCAA tourney.
  • Jon "Jack" Rose, 85, averaged 14.5 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Connecticut's three NCAA tourney teams from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Hugh Greer. Rose was the Huskies' top scorer as a sophomore and junior.
  • Paul "Herky" Rubincam Jr., 89, averaged 9.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Penn in 1954-55 and 1958-59. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army.
  • Randy Saal, 78, played for Purdue in 1966-67 under coach George King.
  • Francis "Frank" Saier, 78, averaged 5.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Furman in 1964-65 under coach Lyles Alley before transferring to Florida to concentrate on track and field. In 1968, Saier became the first SEC high-jumper to clear 7 feet.
  • Bob Sassone, 91, averaged 11.2 ppg for St. Bonaventure from 1950-51 through 1952-53. As a sophomore and junior, he was the top scorer for the Bonnies' first two national postseason tournament participants in NIT.
  • Dave Schuff, 92, was a juco recruit who averaged 9.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 3 apg as an All-Border Conference second-team selection for Arizona's first NCAA tourney team in 1951.
  • John "Jack" Schulte, 69, averaged 8.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Arkansas from 1972-73 through 1975-76. He was the Razorbacks' third-leading rebounder as a sophomore and junior.
  • Phil Sellers, 69, averaged 21 ppg and 9.8 rpg for Rutgers from 1972-73 through 1975-76 under coach Tom Young, leading team in scoring and rebounding each of his last three seasons. Sellers was an All-American as a senior when the Scarlet Knights entered the Final Four unbeaten.
  • Fred Shabel, 90, compiled a 72-29 coaching record (.713) with Connecticut in four seasons from 1963-64 through 1966-67, participating in three NCAA tourneys. He averaged 3.5 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Duke from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Harold Bradley.
  • Steve Showers, 40, played for Drexel in 2001-02 and 2002-03 under coach Bruiser Flint.
  • Wayne Sims, 54, averaged 9.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Louisiana State's four NCAA tourney teams from 1987-88 through 1990-91 under coach Dale Brown. His son, Wayde, also attended LSU prior to murder of him as active player was slated to commence fall practice in 2018.
  • Andre Smith, 64, was Nebraska's leading scorer and All-Big Eight Conference selection his last three seasons. Smith averaged 15.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 2 apg plus shooting 58.6% from the floor from 1977-78 through 1980-81. League Player of the Year as a senior paced the Huskers in rebounding his final two campaigns.
  • Gerard "Jerry" Smith, 96, was the first player in Fordham history to reach 1,000 career points. He led the Rams in scoring as a senior in 1948-49 with 12.1 ppg after averaging 14.5 ppg the previous season.
  • Lee Smith, 89, averaged 2 ppg for Georgetown in 1951-52.
  • Robert "Bingo" Smith, 77, averaged 17.8 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Tulsa from 1966-67 through 1968-69. All-American and All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection as senior before becoming sixth pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Dick Soergel, 85, averaged 8.5 ppg and 4.9 for Oklahoma State in 1958-59 as teammate of Eddie Sutton under coach Hank Iba. Soergel was QB in win against Florida State in 1958 Bluegrass Bowl and winning pitcher in 1959 College World Series championship game vs. Arizona.
  • Felton Spencer, 55, averaged 8.7 ppg and 5.2 rpg while shooting 62.8% from the floor for Louisville from 1986-87 through 1989-90 under coach Denny Crum. He was an All-Metro Conference first-team selection as a senior when setting existing school single-season record for field-goal shooting (68.1%) before becoming sixth pick overall in NBA draft. He played with NCAA tourney teams each of his last three years.
  • Bob Stairs, 92, averaged 7 ppg for Rhode Island from 1953-54 through 1955-56 after serving in U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. All-Yankee Conference second-team selection as a senior.
  • Bob Stakem, 97, was a two-year letterman for West Virginia in the mid-1940s, participating in the 1945 NIT.
  • Dave Stenhouse, 90, was a three-time All-Yankee Conference selection for Rhode Island while averaging 13.1 ppg from 1951-52 through 1954-55. An American League All-Star RHP as a rookie, Stenhouse compiled a 16-28 record in three MLB seasons from 1962 through 1964. His son, Mike, was a big league OF-1B with three different franchises in the mid-1980s after playing hoops for Harvard in 1977-78.
  • Joe Stevens, 86, averaged 16.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Wichita from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Ralph Miller. Stevens was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection who led the Shockers in scoring each of his last two seasons.
  • Roger "Keith" Thomas, 79, averaged 12.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Roy Skinner. Thomas was an All-SEC first-team selection as a senior when finishing runner-up in scoring to All-American Clyde Lee for a Top 10 team.
  • Ramon Trice, 56, averaged 1.1 ppg for Fresno State's NIT team in 1984-85 before transferring back home to St. Louis, where he averaged 3.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.7 apg with the Billikens in 1986-87 and 1987-88.
  • David Turbridy, 79, played for Providence in the mid-1960s.
  • Gary Turner, 80, was a juco recruit who averaged 20.2 ppg and 12.3 rpg for Texas Christian from 1963-64 through 1965-66. Three-time All-SWC selection led the Horned Frogs in scoring and rebounding each season before becoming 28th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Denis Vollom, 81, averaged 3.3 ppg and 2 rpg for California as a starting guard much of 1961-62.
  • Stanley "Whitey" Von Nieda Jr., 101, played for Penn State in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Army as a paratrooper during WWII.
  • Dickie Walker, 75, averaged 15 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Wake Forest from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Jack McCloskey. Walker led the Demon Deacons in scoring as a sophomore before finishing runner-up each of his last two seasons.
  • Dan Waterstradt, 37, averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Rutgers in 2004-05 and 2005-06 before transferring to Oakland, where he averaged 5.2 ppg and 4.9 rpg in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
  • Paul Webb, 94, compiled a 196-99 coaching record with Old Dominion in 10 seasons from 1975-76 through 1984-85. Webb directed ODU to a 22-game winning streak in the Monarchs' first season at NCAA Division I level in 1976-77. He guided them to three DI tourney appearances during the first half of 1980s.
  • Don Wetzel Sr., 74, averaged 9.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Montana from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Known as "Soaring Eagle," he was co-founder of the state's Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
  • Bob Wheeler, 94, was an All-PCC North Division second-team selection for Idaho in 1950-51 when averaging 8.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
  • Charlie White, 85, was a four-year Army veteran and juco recruit who led Oregon State in rebounding (7 rpg) as a junior in 1964-65. The next year as a first-five pick on All-AAWU team, the school's first African-American hooper on scholarship was the Beavers' captain and second-leading scorer (11.7 ppg) and rebounder (6.6 rpg), pacing the team in field-goal shooting (49.4%) and free-throw shooting (81.4%).
  • Gerald White, 58, averaged 7.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 5.1 apg and 1.3 spg for Auburn's four NCAA tourney teams from 1983-84 through 1986-87. White, the school's career assists leader, was a freshman teammate of All-American Charles Barkley on the school's first playoff squad.
  • Pete White, 89, averaged 10.7 ppg for West Virginia from 1951-52 through 1954-55. He was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection as senior co-captain and leading rebounder (12 rpg) of school's first-ever NCAA tourney team (coached by Fred Schaus).
  • Dedric Willoughby, 49, averaged 8.4 ppg and 2.2 rpg for New Orleans in 1992-93 and 1993-94 before transferring with coach Tim Floyd to Iowa State, where Willoughby averaged 19.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.3 apg in 1995-96 and 1996-97. All-Big 12 Conference first-team selection as a senior.
  • George Wilson, 81, averaged 13.2 ppg and 10.4 rpg for Cincinnati from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Ed Jucker. Member of 1962 NCAA titlist, 1963 national runner-up (named to All-NCAA Tournament team) and 1964 U.S. Olympic team. Two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection was an All-American as junior. Territorial pick by Cincinnati Royals in 1964 NBA draft.
  • Tom Wilson, 53, played for Bradley in 1990-91 under coach Stan Albeck before transferring to SIU-Edwardsville.
  • Rob Yanders, 44, was a juco recruit who averaged 10.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.1 apg for Southwest Missouri State in 2000-01 and 2001-02.
  • Edward "Skip" Young, 74, averaged 11.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Florida State from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach Hugh Durham. As a sophomore, Young led the Seminoles in assists (6 apg) and was runner-up to All-American Dave Cowens in scoring (15 ppg). He was later known as Ahmad Aliyy.
  • Bob Ziegler, 79, averaged 12.7 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Iowa State from 1963-64 through 1965-66. All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection as a junior. He pitched two years in the Minnesota Twins' farm system, compiling a 3-1 record and 5.40 ERA in 1966 and 1967.

NECROLOGY FROM PREVIOUS 11 YEARS

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