In Memoriam: RIP List of 2025 Deceased Impacting World of NCAA DI Hoops

December 29th, 2025 - 8:33

"It is not length of life, but depth of life." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The time for my departure has come. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race: I have kept the faith." - II Timothy 4:6-7

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

Gone but not forgotten. With Auld Lang Syne chords playing in the background, the end of the calendar year offers another time to say goodbye by acknowledging the passing away in 2025 of a striking number of major-college basketball movers and shakers. The deceased included an abundance of coaches directing mid-major schools to their initial NCAA tourney appearance - Roger Gaeckler (Hofstra in 1976), Gene Iba (Houston Baptist in 1984), Frank Layden (Niagara in 1970), Kevin Mackey (Cleveland State in 1986), Don Monson (Idaho in 1982), Ernie Nestor (George Mason in 1989) and Bob Reinhart (Georgia State in 1991).

Four different California universities and former Pacific-8 Conference members had All-Americans in necrology category this year among Dick Barnett (Tennessee State), Junior Bridgeman (Louisville), Dave Downey (Illinois), Mike Farmer (San Francisco), David Greenwood (UCLA), Vern Hatton (Kentucky), Allan Hornyak (Ohio State), Barry Kramer (New York University), Stan Love (Oregon), Larry Miller (North Carolina), Lawrence Moten (Syracuse), Johnny O'Brien (Seattle), Gary Phillips (Houston), Rodney Rogers (Wake Forest), John Shumate (Notre Dame), Lenny Wilkens (Providence), Gus Williams (Southern California), Max Williams (Southern Methodist) and Andy Wolfe (California).

Among schools hit particularly hard in the obituary column were:
* Kentucky - All-SEC selections Vern Hatton and Larry Johnson.
* Louisville - all-league picks Junior Bridgeman and Ricky Gallon.
* Saint Louis - coach Ron Ekker and his top recruit with the Billikens (two-time All-Metro Conference guard David Burns).
* San Francisco - Final Four participants Stan Buchanan and Mike Farmer.
* Toledo - captains Bill Drenser (1958), Larry Jones (1962 and 1964) plus Joe Keifer (1965) in eight-year span.
* UCLA - first NCAA tourney team in 1950 under coach John Wooden (Art Alper and Eddie Sheldrake).

These are stark reminders that quality athletes, despite occasionally performing exceptional feats, are not superhuman. They're not immortal. Instead, they're comparable to the remainder of us. They get injured. They shed blood. They age. They get hospitalized for illness. They even die. Sadly, Elden Campbell (Clemson) and Danny Sumner (William & Mary) drowned on seemingly innocuous fishing trips as did transfers Gregg Glenn III (Tulane) and Deng Mayar (Omaha) on swimming excursions. They are among the following alphabetical list of deceased who usually didn't "drop the ball" on the court:

  • Mark Agather, 76, averaged 10.3 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Montana in 1967-68 (Grizzlies' runner-up in rebounding) and 1968-69.
  • Bob Allen, 79, averaged 7.5 ppg and 11.9 rpg for Marshall from 1965-66 through 1967-68, leading the Mid-American Conference in rebounding each of his last two seasons. He was an all-league second-team selection as a junior.
  • Art Alper, 96, averaged 3 ppg for UCLA from 1948-49 through 1950-51 in John Wooden's first three seasons as coach of the Bruins. As a junior, Alper played for their first-ever NCAA tourney team. He started for U.S. Volleyball team the second half of the 1950s (fourth place at 1956 World Championships in Paris and gold medal at 1959 Pan American Games).
  • Ed Anderson, 92, averaged 11.2 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Montana from 1951-52 through 1953-54, finishing runner-up in scoring with the Grizzlies each of his last two seasons. Team MVP and All-MSAC first-team selection as school's top rebounder as senior. Football team MVP in 1954. C hit .276 in the New York Yankees' farm system in three years (1954-57-58). One of his teammates with Peoria (Class B IL-IN-IA League in 1957) was Rod Kanehl, who went on to be a utilityman with the New York Mets.
  • Clyde "The Glide" Austin, 67, averaged 12 ppg, 3 rpg, 4.1 apg and 1.4 spg for North Carolina State from 1976-77 through 1979-80 in Norm Sloan's last four seasons as coach of the Wolfpack. All-ACC second-team selection as a sophomore.
  • Bob Badger, 92, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.4 ppg for Pacific in 1954-55 and 1955-56.
  • Charles Barham Jr., 95, played for Wake Forest in 1949-50 and 1950-51 under coach Murray Greason.
  • Ralph Barkey, 89, compiled a 169-144 coaching record with alma mater UC Santa Barbara in 12 seasons from 1966-67 through 1977-78.
  • Jim Barley, 91, averaged 5.1 ppg for Indiana from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Branch McCracken.
  • Dick Barnett, 88, was a two-time All-American and NAIA Tournament MVP for Tennessee State in 1957-58 and 1958-59 before becoming 5th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Norton Barnhill, 72, averaged 9.4 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Washington State from 1973-74 through 1975-76 under coach George Raveling.
  • James "Ted" Bassett III, 103, was a Yale letterman in 1942-43 before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.
  • Bob Beckel, 88, averaged 21.1 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Air Force in 1957-58 and 1958-59. Eventual Lieutenant General led the Falcons in scoring both seasons.
  • William "Whitey" Bell, 92, averaged 9.4 ppg and 3 rpg for North Carolina State in 1953-54, 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Everett Case.
  • Major General Richard Beltson, 87, played for Lehigh in 1956-57.
  • Hank Bertelkamp, 94, averaged 8.9 ppg for Tennessee from 1950-51 through 1952-53. He was senior captain as third-leading scorer (14.3 ppg) and rebounder (7.5 rpg) with the Volunteers after finishing runner-up in boards (8.2 rpg) the previous season. His son, Bert, averaged 6.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 3 apg with the Vols from 1976-77 through 1979-80.
  • Don Blakley, 84, played for Oklahoma State in 1960-61 under coach Hank Iba. Blakley also competed as a high jumper with the school's track and field squad.
  • Tom "Red" Booker, 85, averaged 13.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Richmond from 1958-59 through 1960-61. After becoming All-Southern Conference Tournament second-team selection in 1958, Booker led the Spiders in scoring average as a senior with 17.7 ppg. OF hit .240 in the New York Yankees' farm system from 1961 through 1963. In 1962 with Fort Lauderdale (Class D Florida State League), he was a teammate of eventual 15-year MLB OF Roy White.
  • Henry Booth Jr., 87, averaged 1 ppg for Navy in 1960-61 under coach Ben Carnevale.
  • Ken Boyd Sr., 73, averaged 20.6 ppg and 10.9 rpg for Boston University from 1971-72 through 1973-74. All-Yankee Conference first-team selection as a senior when Boyd led league in scoring (21.3 ppg) and finished among top five in rebounding for second year in a row. He also paced the Terriers in scoring as a sophomore with 23.4 ppg.
  • Tommy Boyer, 84, averaged 15.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg while shooting 89.2% from the free-throw line for Arkansas from 1960-61 through 1962-63. Two-time All-Southwest Conference selection led the nation in free-throw shooting as a junior (93.3%) and senior (91.3%).
  • Ron Bradley, 90, averaged 2.5 ppg for Georgia from 1953-54 through 1955-56. He led the Bulldogs' baseball squad in RBI in 1957.
  • Kevin Braswell, 46, averaged 13.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 5.4 apg and 2.7 spg for Georgetown from 1998-99 through 2001-02. Two-time All-Big East Conference selection finished all four seasons among league's top six in assists per game and top five in steals per game.
  • Sheldon "Skip" Brechtel Jr., 73, averaged 3 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Loyola of New Orleans in 1970-71 and 1971-72 in the school's last two seasons at major-college level.
  • James R. Brennan, 97, averaged 1.1 ppg for Niagara in 1947-48 and 1948-49 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Jim Breslin Jr., 82, was a member of St. Bonaventure's 1964 NIT team coached by Larry Weise.
  • Ulysses "Junior" Bridgeman, 71, averaged 15.4 ppg and 7.6 rpg for Louisville from 1972-73 through 1974-75 under coach Denny Crum. All-American as senior when three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection was second-leading scorer and rebounder with Final Four team before becoming 8th pick overall in NBA draft. As a businessman, he owned more than 450 fast-food restaurants (including over 160 Wendy's and 120 Chili'[s franchises). In 2016, Forbes ranked him as the fourth-wealthiest retired athlete in the world behind only Michael Jordan, David Beckham and Arnold Palmer.
  • Dave Brill, 81, averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Kansas from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
  • Bill Broderick, 80, averaged 5 ppg for Loyola of New Orleans in 1964-65.
  • Dale Brooks, 88, averaged 4 ppg for Denver in 1956-57 and 1957-58.
  • Bob Brown, 89, averaged 5.4 ppg and 6.4 rpg for NYU in 1956-57 and 1957-58 in Howard Cann's last two seasons as coach of the Violets.
  • Dion Brown, 57, averaged 12.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 2 apg for Washington from 1988-89 through 1990-91 after transferring from Chaminade (Hawaii). Senior captain and team MVP.
  • Joseph Broz, 84, averaged 4.6 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Navy in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ben Carnevale.
  • Stan Buchanan, 91, averaged 3.9 ppg for San Francisco from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Phil Woolpert. As a senior, Buchanan averaged 5.2 ppg as teammate of Bill Russell and K.C. Jones on NCAA Tournament titlist.
  • Don Buchman, 91, averaged 4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Pacific in 1953-54.
  • Jay Buckley, 83, averaged 10.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Duke from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Vic Bubas. All-ACC second-team selection as a senior when leading Final Four club in rebounding.
  • Charlie Buechlein, 90, averaged 1.1 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1952-53 through 1955-56 under coach Bob Polk.
  • Ned Bumgarner, 73, averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Army in 1971-72 and 1973-74.
  • Joe Buneta, 90, averaged 6.3 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Toledo from 1954-55 through 1956-57. As a junior, he led the Rockets in rebounding with 10.9 rpg.
  • David Burns, 66, was a juco recruit who averaged 19.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.1 spg for St. Louis in 1979-80 and 1980-81. Metro Conference co-Player of the Year as a senior when leading league in scoring (21.4 ppg).
  • Greg Bush, 81, played for DePaul in the early 1960s under coach Ray Meyer.
  • Kenny Byrd, 64, was a juco recruit who averaged 11.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Southern Illinois in 1981-82 and 1982-83. He led the Salukis in scoring both seasons.
  • Bob Camp, 82, averaged 10.7 ppg and 7.6 rpg for West Virginia from 1962-63 through 1964-65 in George King's last three seasons as coach of the Mountaineers. As senior captain, Camp was the leading scorer and rebounder with their NCAA tourney team.
  • Elden Campbell, 57, averaged 15.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.7 bpg and 1.1 spg while shooting 56.2% from the floor for Clemson from 1986-87 through 1989-90. Two-time All-ACC selection ranked among the nation's top 30 in blocked shots all four seasons and ranked 10th in field-goal shooting as a sophomore (62.9%). He died from drowning after a medical emergency while fishing solo in Florida.
  • Charles "Curtiss" Cates, 90, played for Davidson in 1953-54.
  • John Cegalis, 82, averaged 5.4 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Duquesne from 1961-62 through 1963-64. He was among the Dukes' top three rebounders each of his last two seasons.
  • Bill Chamberlain, 75, averaged 12.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 2.5 apg for North Carolina from 1969-70 through 1971-72 under coach Dean Smith. Chamberlain was a member of NCAA Tournament third-place team as a senior.
  • Frank Clark Jr., 75, averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Davidson in 1969-70 in Terry Holland's first season as coach of the Wildcats.
  • Dwayne Collins, 37, averaged 9.9 ppg and 7 rpg for Miami (Fla.) from 2006-07 through 2009-10 under coach Frank Haith, leading the Hurricanes in rebounding three of those seasons.
  • Robert Conibear, 97, averaged 1.5 ppg for Wayne State (Mich.) from 1948-49 through 1951-52 after serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • Jackie "Jack" Conway, 89, played for Wichita in 1953-54 under coach Ralph Miller. He was a football QB affiliated with the CFL in 1956.
  • Jaraan Cornell, 48, averaged 12.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.4 spg while shooting 36.9% from beyond the three-point arc for Purdue from 1996-97 through 1999-00 under coach Gene Keady. All-Big Ten Conference third-team selection as a sophomore and junior.
  • Dick Crews, 89, averaged 3.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Washington from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Tippy Dye. Crews was the Huskies' first African-American player.
  • William Currie, 94, averaged 2 ppg for New Mexico from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
  • Ken Daniel, 92, averaged 12.1 ppg and 11.1 rpg for Richmond from 1952-53 through 1955-56, becoming the Spiders' all-time rebounding leader.
  • Jim Davidson, 75, was a Concord College WV transfer who averaged 16.1 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Marshall from 1966-67 through 1968-69, leading the Thundering Herd's second straight NIT club in field-goal shooting as a junior (47.6%).
  • Kirk Davidson, 53, played for Brigham Young in 1989-90 before transferring to Nevada, where he averaged 5.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 1991-92 and 1992-93.
  • Dave Delaney, 80, averaged 2.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Boston University in 1964-65.
  • John DeVincentis, 91, played for Niagara in the mid-1950s under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Donte "Don" DeVincenzi, 84, averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Saint Mary's in 1964-65, 1965-66 and 1969-70, leading the Gaels in scoring as a junior with 14.7 ppg. He had a distinguished 35-year career with NASA including his last position as Chief of Life Sciences.
  • Dave Downey, 84, averaged 18.9 ppg and 11 rpg for Illinois from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Harry Combes, leading the Illini in scoring and rebounding all three seasons. All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection as a senior when he scored school single-game record of 53 points against Indiana before becoming 30th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Thomas Drabczyk, 88, lettered with Niagara in 1957-58.
  • Bill Drenser, 82, averaged 7.9 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Toledo from 1962-63 through 1964-65. He was senior co-captain.
  • Tommy Duffer, 84, averaged 3.9 ppg and 3 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach John Oldham.
  • Randy Echols averaged 9.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Cal State Los Angeles in 1974-75 in school's final season at major-college level.
  • Ron Ekker, 90, compiled a 101-142 coaching record in nine DI seasons with West Texas State (64-71 in five years from 1973-74 through 1977-78) and St. Louis (37-71 in four years from 1978-79 through 1981-82). WTSU reached the Top 20 in 1975-76 when Maurice Cheeks was the Buffs' point guard.
  • Lee Elia, 87, averaged 13.7 ppg in three basketball games with Delaware in 1957-58 in the Blue Hens' inaugural season at major-college level. Shortstop hit .203 with the Chicago White Sox in 1966 and Chicago Cubs in 1968. He compiled a 238-300 managerial record with the Cubs (1982 and 1983) and Philadelphia Phillies (1987 and 1988).
  • Kenny Elliott, 67, averaged 13.3 ppg and 2.6 rpg while shooting 80.2% from the free-throw line for Eastern Kentucky from 1975-76 through 1978-79. All-Ohio Valley Conference selection as a senior when NCAA Tournament participant (against Tennessee) led the Colonels in free-throw shooting for the third consecutive campaign.
  • Nolen Ellison, 83, averaged 13.9 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Kansas from 1960-61 through 1962-63. Two-time All-Big Eight Conference selection before becoming 29th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Dr. Ray Esquibel, 95, averaged 8 ppg for New Mexico in 1949-50, 1950-51 and 1954-55. After his college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. military, he was the Lobos' leading scorer as a senior with 12.4 ppg.
  • Aaron Etherington, 25, was on Toledo's roster in 2019-20 before transferring to UIndy.
  • Jim Fallon, 94, averaged 4 ppg for Duquesne from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Dudey Moore. As a senior, Fallon scored four points in NIT final when the Dukes defeated Dayton.
  • Don "Mike" Farmer, 88, averaged 10.6 ppg and 8.5 rpg for San Francisco from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Phil Woolpert. Two-time All-WCAC first-team selection was second-leading rebounder and fifth-leading scorer for undefeated 1956 NCAA Tournament titlist before becoming second-leading scorer and rebounder with national third-place team in 1957. All-American as a senior before becoming 3rd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Eartha Faust, 71, was a juco recruit who averaged 9.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for West Virginia in 1973-74 (team runner-up in scoring with 15.6 ppg) and 1974-75.
  • Bob Fedorko, 82, was a juco recruit who averaged 6.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg while shooting 55% from the floor for Tulsa in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
  • Larry Florence, 49, averaged 9.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.8 apg for Nebraska from 1996-97 through 1999-00 in Danny Nee's last four seasons as coach of the Huskers. Participated in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore before becoming leader in scoring (13 ppg) and steals (1.5 spg) as a senior.
  • George Flynn, 88, was a member of Loyola of New Orleans' 1958 NCAA tourney team.
  • Tom Flynn, 91, averaged 2.6 ppg for Iona in 1954-55 under coach Jim McDermott.
  • Dr. John Foker averaged 1.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Harvard in 1958-59. He was a football letterman with the Crimson in 1957 and 1958.
  • Eddie Ford, 81, averaged 3.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Murray State in 1964-65 and 1965-66. He is the father of former Missouri/Kentucky player and long-time DI coach Travis Ford.
  • Wally Fredricks, 90, averaged 4.5 ppg and 6.1 rpg for La Salle from 1954-55 through 1956-57. Member of the Explorers' 1955 NCAA Tournament runner-up tied for team leadership in rebounding as a senior with 8.7 rpg.
  • John Furlong, 86, averaged 2.9 ppg for Cornell from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
  • David "Roger" Gaeckler, 84, averaged 6.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Gettysburg College PA from 1961-62 through 1963-64, leading the Bullets in rebounding as a junior (10.9 rpg). He coached Hofstra to the school's first two NCAA playoff berths in 1976 and 1977, compiling an 84-102 record with the Flying Dutchmen in seven seasons from 1972-73 through 1978-79.
  • Ricky Gallon, 67, averaged 11.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg while shooting 55.2% from the floor for Louisville from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coach Denny Crum. As a freshman, Gallon was in regular rotation for a Final Four squad. As a sophomore, he led the Cardinals in scoring (15.3 ppg), rebounding (7 rpg) and field-goal shooting (59.4%/runner-up in Metro Conference). As a senior, Gallon paced their NCAA tourney team in rebounding (8.2 ppg) and blocked shots (1.5 bpg).
  • Bobby Gaston, 101, was a Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1944. Wingback on football team participating in Sugar Bowl following 1943 season went on to officiate 19 Bowl games.
  • James "Buck" Geary, 98, averaged 5.7 ppg for Wake Forest from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Murray Greason after serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • Dr. John "Hoot" Gibson, 94, averaged 4.4 ppg for Kansas State from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Jack Gardner. Gibson posted a career-high 6.1 ppg with NCAA Tournament runner-up in 1950-51.
  • Oliver Gibson, 53, collected eight points and five rebounds in seven basketball games for Notre Dame in 1990-91 in Digger Phelps' final year as coach of the Fighting Irish. Defensive tackle was was a fourth-round draft choice by the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers in 1995, playing four seasons for them before finishing nine-year career with five campaigns on roster of the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Gregg Glenn III, 22, played briefly for Michigan in 2022-23 under coach Juwan Howard before transferring to Tulane, where Glenn averaged 7.3 ppg and 4 rpg in 2023-24 and 2024-25 under coach Ron Hunter. Florida native drowned while swimming off the coast of Miami with a friend.
  • Bill Glidewell Jr., 92, played for Davidson in 1951-52.
  • E. "Bob" Goebel, 82, averaged 4.7 ppg for Murray State in 1961-62 and 1963-64.
  • Reid Goldsberry, 86, averaged 4.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Utah State in 1958-59, 1961-62 and 1962-63 (missed 1959-60 and 1960-61 seasons while serving Mormon mission in Australia). As a senior, he was a teammate of All-American Wayne Estes with the Aggies' NCAA tourney team coached by Ladell Andersen.
  • Bob Gongleski, 74, averaged 8.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Gettysburg College PA in 1970-71 before transferring to King's College PA.
  • Ken "Zeke" Grabinski, 75, averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Iowa from 1969-70 through 1971-72. He played in NCAA tourney as a sophomore before becoming the Hawkeyes' runner-up in rebounding as a junior with 5.8 rpg.
  • Larkin Gram, 80, played for Niagara in 1962-63 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Frank Grebowski, 86, averaged 4.3 ppg for Duquesne from 1957-58 through 1959-60. As a junior, he was the Dukes' third-leading rebounder with 5.7 rpg.
  • David Greenwood, 68, averaged 14.6 ppg and 8.7 rpg while shooting 54.3% from the floor for UCLA from 1975-76 through 1978-79. Freshman member of Final Four team was a senior All-American before becoming 2nd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • James Griffin, 78, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.7 ppg for Hardin-Simmons in 1968-69.
  • Jerry Grote, 85, averaged 13.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Loyola Marymount from 1959-60 through 1961-62, finishing among the Lions' top two scorers each season including their first NCAA tourney team his junior year. Three-time All-WCAC selection became 30th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Don Haase Sr., 92, averaged 11 ppg and 11.5 rpg for Detroit from 1954-55 through 1957-58 under coach Bob Calihan. Haase led the Titans in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Charles Hagenah, 88, averaged 10.9 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Colgate in 1957-58 and 1958-59 (captain when leading Red Raiders in scoring with 13.4 ppg).
  • Darnel Haney, 88, averaged 12.2 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Utah State in 1960-61 and 1961-62. He was the Aggies' runner-up in scoring (15.7 ppg) and rebounding (10.3 rpg) with their NCAA tourney team in his final season.
  • Clester Harrington, 89, averaged 8.9 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Tulsa from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Clarence Iba. Harrington led the Golden Hurricane in rebounding each of his first two seasons before finishing runner-up as a senior.
  • Jim Hatfield, 81, compiled a 96-122 coaching record in eight seasons with Louisiana-Lafayette (47-35 from 1975-76 through 1977-78), Mississippi State (40-42 from 1978-79 through 1980-81) and Hardin-Simmons (1981-82 and 1982-83). As a player, he averaged 1.1 ppg with East Tennessee State from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Vern Hatton, 89, averaged 15.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Kentucky from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Adolph Rupp. All-American as a senior when leading NCAA Tournament titlist in scoring with 17.1 ppg before becoming 10th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Phillip "Doom" Haynes, 63, averaged 12.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.6 apg for Memphis State from 1980-81 through 1983-84 under coach Dana Kirk. Haynes participated in Sweet 16 of NCAA playoffs each of his last three seasons. He was an All-Metro Conference second-team selection as a senior.
  • Jeff Hazard, 80, averaged 5.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for St. Bonaventure from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coach Larry Weise.
  • Tommy Hemans, 90, averaged 11.7 ppg for Niagara from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Taps Gallagher. As a senior, Hemans led the Purple Eagles in scoring with 18.5 ppg. He finished runner-up in rebounding with them each of his final two seasons with 14.2 rpg and 12.2 rpg, respectively.
  • Cornell Hess, 85, averaged 1.9 ppg for Fordham in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach John Bach.
  • Dave Hilger, 83, averaged 2 ppg for Montana in 1962-63.
  • Doug Hoffman, 88, averaged 9.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Clemson from 1956-57 through 1958-59 in Press Maravich's first three seasons as coach of the Tigers. CF led the Tigers' 1959 College World Series team in triples (five), homers (four) and walks (33).
  • Wynn Hoffman, 84, averaged 2.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Colorado State from 1960-61 through 1963-64 under coach Jim Williams (redshirt in 1962-63).
  • Dave Hollingsworth, 88, averaged 13.1 ppg for Davidson from 1955-56 through 1958-59. He led the Wildcats in rebounding as a sophomore (8.7 rpg) and junior (8.6 rpg) before pacing them in scoring as a senior (18.6 ppg).
  • Allan Hornyak, 74, averaged 22.8 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Ohio State from 1970-71 through 1972-73 under coach Fred Taylor. Two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection led the Buckeyes in scoring each season.
  • Walt Hoye Jr., 88, averaged 6.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Loyola Marymount from 1955-56 through 1957-58, finishing runner-up in scoring with the Lions as a senior with 10.3 ppg.
  • Pete Hugdahl, 82, averaged 8.6 ppg and 3 rpg for Air Force in 1964-65 and 1965-66 under coach Bob Spear.
  • Kim Hughes, 73, averaged 13.6 ppg and 11.2 rpg for Wisconsin from 1971-72 through 1973-74, leading the Badgers in rebounding all three seasons. He also paced them in scoring as a senior.
  • Bob "Pudgy" Hunt, 86, averaged 3.1 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Oregon in 1958-59 before transferring to Gonzaga, where he led the Zags in scoring with 20.3 ppg in 1961-62.
  • Johnny Hunton, 97, played hoops for Maryland in 1948-49. INF in the New York Yankees' farm system for three years from 1952 through 1954. In his first year of Organized Ball with Norfolk (Class B Piedmont League), he was a teammate of eventual 14-year MLB INF-OF Woodie Held under eventual MLB manager Mayo Smith. In his final season in the minors with Binghamton (Class A Eastern League), Hunton's teammates included a couple of World Series participants at least five times apiece - 2B Bobby Richardson and RHP Ralph Terry. Hunton was Liberty's baseball coach when school transitioned to NCAA DI level in 1990s (compiling 175-175-3 record in seven campaigns highlighted by 1993 Big South Conference title).
  • Gene Iba, 84, compiled a 226-202 coaching record in 15 seasons at NCAA DI level with Houston Baptist (128-96 in eight years from 1977-78 through 1984-85) and Baylor (98-106 in seven years from 1985-86 through 1991-92), appearing in NCAA tourney with both schools. He played with Tulsa in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
  • Billy Bob Ingram, 83, was a juco recruit who averaged 3.4 ppg for Auburn in 1962-63 under coach Joel Eaves.
  • Bob Johnson, 83, averaged 2.8 ppg for Massachusetts in 1961-62 before transferring to Fitchburg State MA.
  • Davey Johnson, 82, averaged 1.7 ppg as a Texas A&M sophomore in 1961-62. Four-time All-Star INF hit .261 in with the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago in 13 years from 1965 to 1978. Slugged 43 (N.L. runner-up) of his 136 career homers with the Braves in 1973 after appearing in four World Series with the Orioles (1966-69-70-71). Owns distinction of being the only player to have hit behind both Hank Aaron and Japan's all-time home-run king (Sadaharu Oh). A.L. Manager of the Year in 1977 with the Orioles directed the New York Mets to victory over the O's in 1986 World Series. His 17-year managerial record with the Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals was 1,372-1,071.
  • Larry Johnson, 70, averaged 7.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.8 apg for Kentucky from 1973-74 through 1976-77. Member of NCAA Tournament runner-up in 1975 and NIT champion in 1976. All-SEC third-team selection as senior before becoming 24th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Larry Jones, 82, averaged 20.9 ppg and 9 rpg for Toledo from 1960-61 through 1963-64 (missed majority of 1962-63 after suffering fractured wrist in season opener). Two-time all-league selection in Mid-American Conference led the Rockets in scoring average in three campaigns.
  • Bill Juby, 90, averaged 1.9 ppg for Oklahoma City's NCAA tourney teams in 1954-55 and 1955-56.
  • Dan Kaufman, 85, was on roster of Butler's first-ever NCAA tourney team in 1962 coached by Tony Hinkle.
  • Joe Keifer, 91, averaged 12.3 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Toledo from 1954-55 through 1957-58 (redshirt in 1956-57). He was senior captain.
  • Kim Kellenberg, 77, averaged 2.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg for San Francisco in 1966-67 and 1967-68 before transferring to Humboldt State CA.
  • John "Jack" Kelly, 88, averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Villanova from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Alex Severance. As a senior, Kelly was the Wildcats' scoring leader (14.9 ppg). He compiled a 22-40 pitching record in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system in four years from 1958 through 1961. In 1959, lefthander was on same staffs with Columbus/Gastonia (Class A South Atlantic League) and Wilson (Class B Carolina League) as eventual MLB veterans of at least seven years Jack Lamabe, Bob Veale and Dave Wickersham. In Kelly's last two years of Organized Ball with Burlington (Class B IL-IN-IA League) and Asheville (Class A South Atlantic League), he led both teams in defeats on same staffs with eventual nine-year big leaguers Bob Priddy and Tommie Sisk. Kelly was also a Pirates farmhand during same time as fellow hurler Tom Butters, who was the A.D. responsible for hiring and then retaining Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski as Duke's basketball coach during some early difficult campaigns.
  • James "Mike" Kimmins, 77, averaged 1.6 ppg for West Texas State in 1967-68.
  • Al Kindelmann, 77, averaged 6.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Iona from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Jim McDermott. As a junior, Kindelmann was the Gaels' runner-up in rebounding with 9 rpg.
  • Nate Koppel, 89, averaged 3.4 ppg for Boston University in 1957-58 when the Terriers made transition to major-college level.
  • Bob Kordish, 91, averaged 4.5 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Colgate in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
  • Barry Kramer, 82, averaged 22.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg for New York University from 1961-62 through 1963-64, finishing runner-up in nation in scoring average as a junior with 29.3 ppg. As a senior, two-time All-American was runner-up to teammate Happy Hairston in scoring and rebounding with the Violets' NIT semifinalist. Kramer, the eighth overall pick in 1964 NBA draft, twice scored 42 points in Madison Square Garden.
  • Dick Kretch, 96, averaged 3.4 ppg for Miami of Ohio in 1948-49 and 1949-50.
  • Larry Krohn, 92, averaged 2.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Portland in 1953-54. He served in the U.S. Army.
  • Dr. Paul Kudelko, 82, averaged 1.2 ppg for Duquesne in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
  • Pete Kuzma, 68, averaged 7 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Ball State from 1974-75 through 1976-77.
  • Fred Lang, 74, averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Harvard in 1970-71.
  • Billy Lawrence, 81, was a North Carolina transfer who averaged 11.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for St. John's in 1963-64 under coach Joe Lapchick.
  • Bob Lawry, 84, averaged 1.3 ppg for Fordham in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach John Bach.
  • Frank Layden, 93, compiled a 119-97 coaching record with Niagara in eight seasons from 1968-69 through 1975-76. He guided the Purple Eagles to their initial NCAA Tournament appearance in 1970 before participating in NIT in 1972 and 1976.
  • George Leftwich, 84, averaged 10.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Villanova from 1961-62 through 1964-65 (redshirt in 1962-63) in Jack Kraft's first four seasons as coach with the Wildcats. As a sophomore, Leftwich was third-leading scorer (13.2 ppg) with their East Regional finalist.
  • Bob "Snake" LeGrand, 81, compiled a 122-184 coaching record with Texas-Arlington in 11 seasons from 1976-77 through 1986-87. He directed the Mavericks to their first-ever 20-win season and NIT in 1980-81.
  • Larry Lewis, 78, averaged 17.2 ppg and 17.7 rpg for St. Francis (Pa.) from 1966-67 through 1968-69, leading the Red Flash in rebounding all three seasons as one of nation's top nine boardmen (runner-up as senior with 20.6 rpg). In his final season, he scored a school single-game record of 46 points against St. Vincent (Pa.).
  • Bill Librera, 79, averaged 13.6 ppg and 8 rpg for Vermont from 1965-66 through 1967-68. He led the Catamounts in scoring as senior captain and paced them in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Dave Lillevand Jr., 88, averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg for San Francisco from 1956-57 through 1958-59 in Phil Woolpert's final three seasons as coach of the Dons. As a sophomore, Lillevand played in Final Four against Wilt Chamberlain-led Kansas.
  • Bob Long, 83, played for Wichita in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller. Long was a fourth-round selection by the Green Bay Packers in 1964 NFL draft (44th pick overall) who caught 98 passes for 1,539 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Pacers, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Rams in seven years through 1970.
  • Larry Loudis, 88, averaged 5.4 ppg for Syracuse from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
  • Stan Love, 76, averaged 21.1 ppg and 10.5 rpg for Oregon from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Three-time all-league selection in Pacific-8 Conference led the Ducks in scoring and rebounding each season. Father of UCLA All-American Kevin Love and younger brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love was employed as a caretaker/front man/bodyguard for Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, the Loves' cousin who also perished this year at the age of 82.
  • Boyd Lynch, 77, averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Eastern Kentucky from 1967-68 through 1969-70. As a senior, he was the Colonels' runner-up in scoring (14.8 ppg) and rebounding (11.2 rpg) while leading team in both shooting categories (52.4 FG% and 80.8 FT%).
  • Kevin Mackey, 79, compiled a 142-69 coaching record with Cleveland State in seven seasons from 1983-84 through 1989-90. He guided the Vikings to three consecutive national postseason tournament appearance from 1986 through 1988 (1 NCAA/2 NIT). Mackey recruited Manute Bol to CSU from Sudan and created a birthdate for him in conjunction with local immigration office. But the 7-7 center couldn't speak English well enough and transferred to Bridgeport CT. The Vikings were placed on two years' probation for providing improper financial assistance to Bol and two other African players.
  • Bill Madaus, 85, played for Holy Cross in 1960-61.
  • Nick Mandravelis, 84, averaged 13.2 ppg for New Hampshire from 1960-61 through 1963-64 (redshirt in 1961-62). As a senior, he was the Wildcats' leader in scoring (19.8 ppg) and runner-up in rebounding (8.8 rpg).
  • John Mangan, 88, averaged 7.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Penn in 1956-57 in Jack McCloskey's first season as coach of the Quakers. Mangan played in five U.S. Open tennis tournaments (Forest Hills).
  • Dave Mannen, 87, played for Kent State in the mid-1950s before serving in U.S. military during the Berlin Crisis.
  • Gene Marcy, 91, played for Niagara in 1955-56 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Leon Marlaire, 90, was an Illinois native who averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Alabama from 1952-53 through 1955-56 during Johnny Dee's four seasons as coach of the Crimson Tide. As a sophomore, Marlaire was an All-[SEC](conferences/southeastern-conference0 third-team selection.
  • Peter Marra, 84, was an Indiana football transfer who played hoops with Niagara in 1961-62 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Zeke Marshall, 52, averaged 11.3 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Cornell from 1990-91 through 1993-94 under coach Jan van Breda Kolff. Marshall was an All-Ivy League second-team selection each of his last two seasons when finishing runner-up in scoring average with the Big Red.
  • Brian Martin, 62, was a juco recruit who averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Kansas from 1981-82 through 1983-84 under coaches Ted Owens and Larry Brown. Martin participated in the NCAA playoffs as a senior.
  • David Grier "D.G." Martin Jr., 85, averaged 5 ppg for Davidson from 1959-60 through 1961-62. As a senior, he was named top defensive player with the Wildcats' first winning team under coach Lefty Driesell. Democrat narrowly lost two races for Congress from North Carolina in 1984 and 1986.
  • Daryl Mason, 73, averaged 10.6 ppg and 12.3 rpg for Butler from 1971-72 through 1973-74. He led the Bulldogs in rebounding all three seasons.
  • Dick Mast, 90, averaged 14.8 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Northwestern from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He was junior captain when finishing fourth in the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 21 ppg.
  • Virgil "Buddy" Matthews, 95, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.1 ppg for Hardin-Simmons in 1950-51.
  • Deng Mayar, 22, drowned in late summer after transferring to Omaha from North Dakota, where he averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
  • John McDonald, 94, averaged 3.6 ppg for Dartmouth in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
  • Thomas McGrann, 83, averaged 12.5 ppg and 7 rpg for Minnesota from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach John Kundla, leading the Golden Gophers in scoring and rebounding as a sophomore.
  • Harlan "Lefty" Melton, 92, was an All-PCC North Division first-team selection as Idaho's leading scorer with 14.9 ppg in 1954-55.
  • Gene Millard, 90, averaged 6 ppg for Ohio State from 1954-55 through 1956-57, serving as senior captain.
  • Larry Miller, 79, averaged 21.8 ppg and 9.2 rpg for North Carolina from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Dean Smith. Two-time All-American was leading scorer and second-leading rebounder for NCAA Tournament runner-up as senior and national fourth-place finisher as a junior.
  • Oliver Miller, 54, averaged 12.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 apg and 2.5 bpg while shooting 63.6% from the floor for Arkansas from 1988-89 through 1991-92 under Nolan Richardson Jr. As a sophomore, Miller led the Razorbacks' Final Four team in rebounds, blocked shots and field-goal shooting before pacing nation in FG% the next season (70.4) as All-SWC first-team selection. He twice led the SWC in rejections and field-goal percentage before All-SEC third-team choice as a senior became 22nd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Patrick Milmoe, 87, played for William & Mary in 1956-57.
  • Eric Minkin, 74, averaged 9.5 ppg and 7.1 rpg for Davidson from 1969-70 through 1971-72 in Terry Holland's first three seasons as coach of the Wildcats. Minkin was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection each of his last two seasons when finishing as team runner-up in rebounding.
  • Cliff Moller, 78, was a New York City product and juco recruit who averaged 3.1 ppg for Nebraska as a sophomore in 1968-69.
  • Don Monson, 92, compiled a 216-186 coaching record in 14 seasons with Idaho (100-41 in five years from 1978-79 through 1982-83 and Oregon (116-145 in nine years from 1983-84 through 1991-92), participating in six national postseason tournaments (2 NCAA/4 NIT). He averaged 3 ppg for Idaho in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
  • Steve Mortara, 76, averaged 5.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg for San Jose State in 1968-69 and 1969-70.
  • Lawrence Moten III, 53, averaged 19.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.8 spg for Syracuse from 1991-92 through 1994-95 under coach Jim Boeheim. Three-time All-Big East Conference first-team selection and All-American as a senior averaged 23.3 ppg in seven NCAA playoff contests.
  • Tom Mounkhall, 80, averaged 2.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Holy Cross from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Russ Mueller, 83, averaged 6.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Eastern Kentucky from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
  • Malik Murray, 50, played for DePaul from 1992-93 through 1995-96 under coach Joey Meyer.
  • Bill Murtha, 80, was a Loyola of Chicago transfer who averaged 10.9 ppg and 6.7 rpg for George Washington in 1964-65 under coach Bill Reinhart. While home for winter break in Staten Island, Murtha was in a catastrophic auto accident and spent the next nine months in the hospital, curtailing his college basketball career.
  • Dick Myers, 81, was a juco recruit who played for Texas Western's 1966 NCAA Tournament champion coached by Don Haskins.
  • Ernie Nestor, 78, compiled a 135-198 Division I coaching record in 11 seasons with George Mason (68-81 in five years from 1988-89 through 1992-93) and Elon (67-117 in six years from 2003-04 through 2008-09). He guided GMU to NCAA playoffs in his inaugural campaign with the Patriots.
  • Emanuel "Manny" Newsome, 83, averaged 26.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Western Michigan from 1961-62 through 1963-64, finishing among the nation's Top 20 scorers all three seasons. Three-time All-Mid-American Conference first-team selection provided three outbursts of at least 44 points as a senior (against Loyola of Chicago, Michigan State and Toledo).
  • Dean Nims, 93, played for Oklahoma State in 1951-52 under coach Hank Iba before transferring to Iowa State, where Nims averaged 4.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 1953-54.
  • Chester "Chet" Noe Jr., 93, averaged 11.4 ppg for Oregon from 1950-51 through 1952-53. All-PCC selection as a senior when leading league with 14.6 rpg before becoming 15th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Johnny O'Brien, 94, was a two-time All-American who averaged 25.8 ppg for Seattle from 1950-51 through 1952-53. As a senior averaging 32 ppg in three NCAA playoff games, he ranked 3rd in nation in scoring average, 5th in FG% and 6th in FT%. INF-RHP hit .250 and compiled a 1-3 pitching record with the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Braves in six seasons (1953 and 1955 through 1959).
  • Art Obrock, 87, averaged 11.9 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Washington University (Mo.) from 1957-58 through 1959-60 in the Bears' final three seasons at the major-college level. He was runner-up in total points each of his last two years.
  • Elijah Olaniyi, 26, averaged 12.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Stony Brook from 2017-18 through 2019-20 and 2021-22. He transferred to Miami (Fla.) for the 2020-21 campaign, averaging 10.5 ppg and 5.1 rpg under coach Jim Larranaga. America East Conference Rookie of the Year became an all-league selection the next two seasons when finishing 10th in AEC in rebounding average both years.
  • Kyle Owens, 24, averaged 6.5 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Montana from 2019-20 through 2021-22 before transferring to UC Riverside, where he averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.5 rpg in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
  • Jim Painten, 82, averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Massachusetts in 1963-64 and 1964-65 in Johnny Orr's first two seasons as coach of the Minutemen.
  • Tony Parker Sr., 70, averaged 17.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg for Loyola of Chicago from 1973-74 through 1976-77. Father of Hall of Fame playmaker with same name was incredibly consistent, averaging from 17.1 ppg to 17.7 ppg all four seasons while finishing among the Ramblers' top two in scoring average each campaign. Another one of his sons, Pierre, played for them in 2004-05 and 2005-06.
  • Battista "B.J." Pecoraro, 89, was a juco recruit and member of Loyola of New Orleans' 1958 NCAA tourney team.
  • Bill Perusek, 94, averaged 6.1 ppg for John Carroll (Ohio) from 1949-50 through 1951-52. As a senior, he was team runner-up in scoring with 9.8 ppg.
  • Ron Petro, 84, led Manhattan in scoring (21.5 ppg) and rebounding (8.5 rpg) in 1961-62 under coach Ken Norton. Petro coached Marist when the Red Foxes made transition to major-college level, compiling a 40-44 record from 1981-82 through 1983-84.
  • Gary Phillips, 85, averaged 18.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Houston from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Guy Lewis before becoming 8th pick overall in NBA draft. As a senior All-American, Phillips averaged 20.3 ppg in three NCAA playoff games.
  • Larry Phillips, 82, averaged 15 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Rice from 1961-62 through 1963-64. All-SWC second-team selection as a senior was the Owls' runner-up in scoring and rebounding to eventual ABA player Kendall Rhine each season.
  • Walt Piatkowski Jr., 80, averaged 21.6 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1965-66 through 1967-68. Three-time all-league selection in Mid-American Conference while finishing among loop's top three scorers each season.
  • Stan Pivic, 94, averaged 4.8 ppg for Colorado State from 1951-52 through 1953-54. As a senior, he scored a team-high 13 points for the Rams' first-ever NCAA tourney team in a West Regional setback against Idaho State.
  • Walter Poff, 93, averaged 11.2 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Detroit from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Bob Calihan. All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection as a senior when Poff led the Titans in scoring with 16.7 ppg.
  • John "Jack" Powers, 89, averaged 15.4 ppg and 7.5 rpg for Manhattan from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Ken Norton, leading the Jaspers in scoring as a senior. Powers posted game highs of 29 points and 15 rebounds when upsetting top-ranked West Virginia in 1958 NCAA tourney, outscoring and outrebounding All-American Jerry West (10-4). Powers also scored a game-high 26 points in school's first-ever NCAA playoff contest (1956 defeat against Connecticut). He compiled a 142-114 coaching record with his alma mater in 10 seasons from 1968-69 through 1977-78) before becoming executive director of the NIT.
  • Elliott Press, 92, averaged 6.5 ppg for St. Francis (N.Y.) from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Daniel Lynch. Press was the Terriers' runner-up in scoring average as a senior with 10.7 ppg.
  • Ian Progin, 47, was a Rutgers walk-on in 1999-00.
  • Roy Quinn, 87, averaged 8.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg for VMI from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
  • Ed Quinones, 93, averaged 1 ppg for St. Bonaventure from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Jon Rapp, 82, averaged 8 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Regis CO in 1963-64 under coach Joe B. Hall.
  • Charles Rappard, 83, averaged 5.8 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Hardin-Simmons in 1962-63 in Lou Henson's first season as coach of the Cowboys. Two years later, Rappard was their runner-up in rebounding average with 7.1 rpg.
  • Marshall Rauch, 102, played for Duke under coach Eddie Cameron before serving in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. He was founder of one of the largest Christmas ornament manufacturers in the world. His grandson, Julian, kicked field goal with 26 seconds remaining to give Appalachian State a stunning football victory at Michigan in 2007 season opener.
  • George Raveling, 88, averaged 9.8 ppg and 12.1 rpg for Villanova from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Alex Severance, leading the Wildcats in rebounding as a junior and senior. Raveling compiled a 336-292 coaching record in 22 seasons with Washington State (167-136 in 11 years from 1972-73 through 1982-83), Iowa (54-38 in three years from 1983-84 through 1985-86) and Southern California (115-118 in eight years from 1986-87 through 1993-94).
  • Ryan Reid, 38, averaged 5 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Florida State from 2006-07 through 2009-10 under coach Leonard Hamilton, participating in NCAA tourney each of his last two seasons.
  • Bob Reinhart, 87, was a Kentucky Wesleyan transfer who averaged 1.7 ppg for Indiana in 1958-59 and 1959-60 under coach Branch McCracken. Reinhart compiled a 107-148 coaching record with Georgia State in nine seasons from 1985-86 through 1993-94, guiding the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA playoff berth in 1991.
  • Naseby Rhinehart Jr., 88, played for Montana in 1955-56. He was also on the Grizzlies' track and field squad.
  • Carmen Riazzi, 90, averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Dayton from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Tom Blackburn.
  • Michael Ray Richardson, 70, averaged 17.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Montana from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coaches Jud Heathcote and Jim Brandenburg before becoming 4th pick overall in NBA draft. Three-time All-Big Sky Conference first-team selection led the league in scoring as a senior with 24.2 ppg.
  • Bob Risk, 87, averaged 3.1 ppg for SEC member Tulane from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Clifford Wells.
  • Jason Roberts, 52, averaged 9.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.8 spg for Saint Francis (Pa.) from 1992-93 through 1995-96. He led the Red Flash in steals all four seasons.
  • Mike Roberts, 71, averaged 9 ppg for Canisius from 1972-73 through 1974-75. As a junior, Roberts averaged 12.2 ppg when teammate Larry Fogle paced the nation in scoring with 33.4 ppg.
  • Gaylen Rodgers, 90, played for Wichita in 1954-55 under coach Ralph Miller before transferring to McPherson College KS.
  • Rodney Rogers Jr., 54, averaged 19.3 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Wake Forest from 1990-91 through 1992-93 under coach Dave Odom. ACC Freshman of Year became a two-time all-league first-team selection and All-American as a junior before declaring early for NBA draft (ninth pick overall). He averaged 20.7 ppg in six NCAA playoffs while competing in tourney each of his three seasons.
  • Jerry Romney, 96, averaged 6.5 ppg for Brigham Young from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Stan Watts. In Romney's first two seasons, he played for the Cougars' first two NCAA tourney teams. As a senior, he was their runner-up in scoring (10.7 ppg).
  • Gary Ruprich, 83, averaged 1.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Western Michigan in 1960-61 and and [1961-62](seasons/1961-620.
  • John Russell, 83, averaged 12.9 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coaches Bob Polk and Roy Skinner. Russell led the Commodores in scoring as a junior with 15.4 ppg.
  • Bill Ryczaj, 80, averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.2 rpg for West Virginia from 1963-64 through 1965-66. He participated in the NCAA playoffs as a junior.
  • Bob Salankiewicz, 88, averaged 2.7 ppg for Bucknell from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
  • Steve Satir, 80, led Gettysburg College PA in scoring with 16 ppg in 1966-67.
  • Jim Savoini, 91, averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Colorado State in 1953-54 (Rams first-ever NCAA tourney team) and 1954-55.
  • Donald Scharlach, 98, was a U.S. Navy veteran who played for Rice in 1945-46 in Buster Brannon's last season as coach of the Owls.
  • Charlie Schmaus, 81, averaged 19.5 ppg and 10.5 rpg for VMI from 1963-64 through 1965-66. Two-time All-Southern Conference first-team selection ranked 15th in the nation in scoring as a senior with 25.9 ppg (runner-up in league). Coached his alma mater to a 75-90 record in six seasons from 1976-77 through 1981-82, guiding the Keydets to their first NCAA playoff victory in his inaugural campaign as bench boss.
  • Burke Scott, 92, averaged 8.2 ppg for Indiana from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Branch McCracken. As a sophomore, Scott was fourth-leading scorer with NCAA Tournament titlist.
  • Don Seamster, 83, averaged 8.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Hardin-Simmons in 1961-62 and 1962-63 (Lou Henson's first season as coach of the Cowboys).
  • Bill Shanahan Jr., 84, averaged 4.4 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Dartmouth from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Doggie Julian. Shanahan was third-leading rebounder (8.1 rpg) as senior captain. He was COO and President of Colgate-Palmolive for more than four decades.
  • Edward "Ned" Sharpenter, 77, averaged 2.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Dayton from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Don Donoher. As a sophomore, Sharpenter collected eight points and five rebounds in 1967 NCAA Tournament final setback against Lew Alcindor-led UCLA.
  • Chuck Sheaffer, 102, was a member of Washington's first-ever NCAA tourney team in 1943. After having his college career interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII, he was the Huskies' co-captain in 1946-47 in Hec Edmundson's 27th and final season as their coach.
  • Ralph "Cooney" Shearer, 88, scored 11 points for Tennessee Tech in the John Oldham-coached Golden Eagles' first-ever NCAA playoff game (defeat against Notre Dame in 1958).
  • Eddie Sheldrake, 98, was an All-PCC South Division selection as a UCLA senior in 1950-51 when team captain averaged 10.4 ppg under coach John Wooden after serving in U.S. Navy. Sheldrake scored 11 points in the Bruins' first-ever NCAA Tournament game (73-59 setback against Bradley in 1950) before tallying team-high 21 points in 83-62 loss against Brigham Young in Western Regional third-place contest. Restauranteur was largest holder of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Anaheim-based Polly's Pies franchises in the country, operating as many as 15 KFCs and 13 Polly's in Southern California. Co-founded the first Polly's Pies Restaurant in 1968 with his brother.
  • Tanner Shell, 44, averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Arizona State from 1999-00 through 2001-02.
  • Joe Sheridan Sr., 77, played for Niagara in the mid-1960s.
  • Clarence Sherrod, 75, averaged 19.6 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Wisconsin from 1968-69 through 1970-71. All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection each of his last two seasons when leading the Badgers in scoring (among top seven in league).
  • Jake Shoff, 46, averaged 6.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Weber State in 1997-98 and 2000-01 before transferring to Brigham Young, where he averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg with NCAA tourney teams in 2002-03 and 2003-04. His college career was interrupted by serving a Mormon mission in Honduras.
  • John Shumate, 72, averaged 22.6 ppg and 11.6 rpg for Notre Dame in 1972-73 and 1973-74 under coach Digger Phelps before All-American declared for NBA draft as an undergraduate and became fourth pick overall. In 1973-74, he ranked 10th in nation in scoring average (24.2 ppg) and fourth in field-goal shooting (62.7%). Shumate compiled a 78-118 coaching record with Southern Methodist in seven seasons from 1988-89 through 1994-95.
  • Alan Simpson, 93, lettered with Wyoming in 1952-53 by scoring seven points in six games for an NCAA tourney team coached by Everett Shelton. Staunch conservative was a U.S. Senator from the state from 1978 to 1996.
  • Joe Simpson, 93, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.6 ppg for Hardin-Simmons in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
  • Fred Slaveski, 86, averaged 1.4 ppg for St. Joseph's in 1957-58 under coach Jack Ramsay.
  • Ed Slevin, 88, played for San Francisco in 1958-59 under coach Phil Woolpert.
  • Bill Smith, 89, averaged 8.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Muhlenberg PA in 1954-55.
  • Bob Dudley Smith Sr., 95, averaged 7.7 ppg for Vanderbilt from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Bob Polk. Smith was an All-SEC Tournament second-team selection as a junior.
  • Don Smith, 83, compiled an 84-83 record with New Orleans in six seasons from 1979-80 through 1984-85 after the Privateers moved up to NCAA Division I level in the mid-1970s.
  • Don R. Smith, 83, averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Dayton from 1961-62 through 1963-64 in Tom Blackburn's final three seasons as coach of the Flyers.
  • John Smith, 85, averaged 4.6 ppg for Siena in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
  • Kevin Smith Sr., 60, averaged 5.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Minnesota from 1983-84 to 1985-86. As a junior, his career was disrupted by a sexual assault case involving him and two teammates although all were acquitted.
  • Bruce Springate, 87, averaged 7.4 ppg for Eastern Kentucky from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Paul McBrayer. Springate appeared in 1959 NCAA playoffs against Louisville before finishing runner-up with the Colonels in scoring as a senior (11.7 ppg).
  • John Stafford Jr., 87, averaged 1.7 ppg for Davidson in 1957-58.
  • Maurice Stevens, 87, averaged 1 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Oregon State in 1963-64 and 1964-65 after serving in U.S. Navy.
  • Joe Stiltner, 66, played for North Carolina State in 1977-78 under coach Norm Sloan.
  • Charles Stockton, 82, played for New Mexico State in 1962-63.
  • John "Jack" Storer III, 97, played for Penn State's hoops squad in 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He was a member of school's football team participating in Cotton Bowl following 1947 campaign.
  • Charles Stroughter, 82, averaged 4.7 ppg and 6 rpg for Portland from 1965-66 through 1967-68 after serving hitch in U.S. Army. East St. Louis native was runner-up in rebounding average with the Pilots each of his first two seasons.
  • Danny Sumner, 37, averaged 9.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for William & Mary from 2006-07 through 2009-10, finishing runner-up in scoring and rebounding with the Tribe as a junior before helping school reach its second-ever national postseason tournament appearance (NIT) as a senior. He and his six-year-old son drowned on a fishing trip.
  • Dr. Tom Sutherland, 77, averaged 5.3 ppg and 2 rpg for Loyola of New Orleans in 1966-67 and 1967-68.
  • Joe Sutter, 74, was a two-time All-Southern Conference first-team selection who averaged 15.8 ppg and 7.5 rpg for Davidson in 1970-71 (Wildcats' leading scorer and rebounder) and 1971-72 under coach Terry Holland.
  • Ed Swails, 66, averaged 3.8 ppg for Howard University in 1981-82 under coach A.B. Williamson.
  • Alasdair "Al" Swanson, 90, averaged 10.7 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Navy from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Ben Carnevale. Leading scorer (11.9 ppg) as senior captain. Football RB-P rushed 40 times for 150 yards and one TD while catching seven passes for 68 yards in 1956 and 1957.
  • Ed Szczerba Sr., 81, averaged 3.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Delaware from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Paul Tagliabue, 84, averaged 11.4 ppg and 9 rpg for Georgetown from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He led the Hoyas in rebounding as a sophomore and junior. NFL commissioner from October 1989 to July 2006.
  • Lionel Taylor, 89, averaged 16 ppg for New Mexico Highlands, leading team in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 ppg in 1956-57. First player in pro football history to catch 100 passes in a season holds the AFL record for most pass receptions in a career with 587 as wide receiver with the Denver Broncos (1960 through 1966) and Houston Oilers (1967 and 1968). Three-time Pro Bowl selection led the AFL in pass receptions five times (1960-61-62-63-65).
  • Oliver "Ollie" Taylor, 78, was a juco recruit who averaged 22 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 3.3 apg for Houston in 1968-69 and 1969-70 under coach Guy Lewis. Taylor led the Cougars in scoring both seasons, tallying 26 points in two of three NCAA playoff contests as a senior.
  • Lamont "Tip Dog" Thornton, 58, was a juco recruit who averaged 3.7 ppg and 3.7 apg for New Orleans in 1987-88 and 1988-89 (team-high 5.1 apg in Tim Floyd's first season as coach of the Privateers). Harlem legend was stabbed to death by his son.
  • Billy Tindall, 79, averaged 17.3 ppg, 11.3 rpg and 2.1 apg for Massachusetts from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coaches Johnny Orr and Jack Leaman. Three-time All-Yankee Conference selection led the Minutemen in scoring each of his last two seasons and paced them in rebounding as a sophomore and senior.
  • Bill "Squirrel" Tipton, 84, averaged 16.9 ppg and 4 rpg for East Tennessee State in 1965-66.
  • Elmer Tolson, 95, averaged 14.9 ppg for Eastern Kentucky in 1951-52 and 1952-53 under coach Paul McBrayer. All-OVC selection was the top scorer (17.7 ppg) and runner-up in rebounding (8.8 rpg) with the Colonels' first-ever NCAA tourney team in 1953.
  • Steve Toyloy, 37, was a juco recruit who averaged 3.6 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Cincinnati in 2008-09 and 2009-10 under coach Mick Cronin.
  • Larry Trunk Sr., 86, averaged 12.4 ppg for Loyola of New Orleans from 1958-59 through 1960-61. In an abbreviated senior season, Trunk led the Wolfpack in scoring average (18 ppg) and was runner-up in rebounding average (9.3 rpg). He also paced team in scoring as a junior.
  • William "Milam" Turner Jr., 90, averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Washington & Lee VA in 1953-54.
  • LeRoy Walker, 81, was a juco recruit who averaged 17.7 ppg and 7.3 rpg for Utah State in 1963-64 and 1964-65 under coach Ladell Andersen.
  • Graylin Warner, 62, averaged 14.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 2.2 apg while shooting 53.6% from the floor for Louisiana-Lafayette from 1980-81 through 1983-84. All-Southland Conference second-team selection as a sophomore and team-leading scorer as junior for pair of NCAA playoff participants.
  • Larry Weatherford, 76, averaged 14.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg while shooting 84% from the free-throw line for Purdue from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach George King. Member of NCAA Tournament runner-up as a sophomore before pacing the Boilermakers in scoring and assists as a senior.
  • James "Norman" Weaver, 79, was a Kentucky transfer who averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Western Kentucky from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach John Oldham. Weaver appeared in the NCAA Tournament as a junior.
  • Jim Whalen Sr., 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Colorado State in 1959-60 under coach Jim Williams.
  • Jon Wickizer, 51, averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Utah State from 1992-93 through 1995-96.
  • Randy Wiel, 74, averaged 1.3 ppg for North Carolina from 1975-76 through 1978-79 under coach Dean Smith. Wiel compiled a 116-140 coaching record in nine seasons with UNC Asheville (32-50 in three years from 1993-94 through 1995-96) and Middle Tennessee (84-90 in six years from 1996-97 through 2001-02).
  • Kenny Wiens, 75, was a juco recruit who averaged 14.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Cornell in 1969-70 and 1970-71 (team-high 17.3 ppg).
  • Leonard "Lenny" Wilkens, 88, averaged 14.9 ppg for Providence from 1957-58 through 1959-60. All-American as a senior when he was NIT's MVP before becoming first-round selection in NBA draft.
  • Clarence "Max" Williams, 86, averaged 12.9 ppg and 4 rpg for Southern Methodist from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Doc Hayes. Three-time All-SWC selection was an All-American as a senior.
  • Culbert Williams, 86, played for New Mexico State in 1958-59.
  • Gus Williams, 71, averaged 16 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 4.4 apg for Southern California from 1972-73 through 1974-75. NCAA consensus second-team All-American as a senior when leading the Pac-8 Conference in assists per game (5.4 apg) and finishing league runner-up in scoring average (21.2 ppg).
  • Quayson Williams, 28, averaged 7.4 ppg and 2.4 rpg for The Citadel from 2015-16 through 2018-19. As a freshman, he tied for the Bulldogs' lead in three-pointers made with 65.
  • Rich Wilson, 72, played for Bucknell in 1972-73.
  • Jackie Winders, 89, averaged 1.2 ppg for Murray State in 1957-58 before transferring to Austin Peay State after serving stint in U.S. Army.
  • Efrem Winters, 61, averaged 11.5 ppg and 6.6 rpg for Illinois from 1982-83 through 1985-86 under coach Lou Henson. Winters led the Illini's 1984 Mideast Regional finalist in scoring (14.7 ppg).
  • Hal Wissel, 86, compiled a 122-195 coaching record in 12 seasons with three different DI schools - Lafayette (43-59 in four years from 1967-68 through 1970-71), Fordham (57-74 in five years from 1971-72 through 1975-76) and UNC Charlotte (22-62 in three years from 1982-83 through 1984-85).
  • Rich Witkowski, 80, played for DePaul from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Ray Meyer.
  • Andy Wolfe, 99, was a three-time All-PCC South Division selection who averaged 11.5 ppg for California from 1945-46 through 1947-48. Leading scorer for 1946 fourth-place team in NCAA Tournament became an All-American as a senior.
  • Cameron Woodall, 26, averaged 8.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Grambling State in 2020-21 before transferring to Tougaloo College MS. He died in an ATV accident.
  • Bob Wright, 85, averaged 2.3 ppg and 2 rpg for Detroit from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Bob Calihan. RHP compiled a 1-6 record in the Detroit Tigers' farm system in 1962. A fellow hurler with Jamestown (Class D NY-Penn League) was eventual 13-year MLB veteran Jim Rooker.
  • Art Yancy averaged 5.7 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Oklahoma City from 1966-67 through 1969-70 under coach Abe Lemons.
  • Gerald Yentes, 87, averaged 3.7 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Morehead State from 1956-57 through 1958-59.
  • Lawrence Young Jr., 95, played for Southern Methodist in the early 1950s under coach Doc Hayes.
  • Bill Zepplin was a juco recruit who averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Virginia Commonwealth in the Rams' inaugural season at NCAA DI level in 1973-74.
  • Adrian Zuber, 77, played for Bowling Green State in 1967-68 under coach Bill Fitch.

NECROLOGY AND NOTABLE OBIT ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS 13 YEARS
2024 - couple of Top Ten players in NCAA history (UCLA's Bill Walton and West Virginia's Jerry West) passed away along with Hall of Fame coaches Lou Carnesecca, Don Donoher and Lefty Driesell while Western Kentucky lost All-Americans Tom Marshall and Bobby Rascoe, New Mexico lost conference players of the year Greg Brown and Ruben Douglas and a pair of 1950-51 All-Americans from Philly schools perished (Penn's Ernie Beck and Temple's Bill Mlkvy)
2023 - deceased ex-college hoopers included eventual vital NFL championship game/Super Bowl participants Jim Brown, Bud Grant and Joe Kapp; two prominent Penn State players from 1950s with last name of Edwards; Colorado State twins Floyd and Lloyd Kerr (both selected by Phoenix Suns in third round of 1969 NBA draft); former Big 12 Conference first-team selections Ryan Minor (Oklahoma) and Dedric Willoughby (Iowa State) at only 49 years of age, plus inordinate number of all-league selections from old Yankee Conference
2022 - deceased included striking number of African-Americans breaking color barrier at predominantly white major universities while Dayton was hit particularly hard in obituary column by losing five notable players who participated in national postseason tournament competition
2021 - former all-conference selections from five different Pac-12 members perished as did two former Murray State coaches registering more than 100 victories for the Racers (Ron Greene and Cal Luther), striking number of players with last name of Clark plus two backup frontcourters for UCLA's first NCAA titlist in 1964 (Doug McIntosh and Kim Stewart)
2020 - Connecticut had at least 15 former players bid adieu while Brigham Young was also particularly hard hit with four former all-conference players passing away; celebrated coaches who perished included Lou Henson (797 wins), Lute Olson (779), Eddie Sutton (802), John Thompson Jr. (596) and Billy Tubbs (609) - combining for 14 Final Four appearances and more than 3,600 Division I victories
2019 - brothers Jim and Leo Power - Boston College players in the mid-1950s - both passed away along with a pair of Ole Miss All-Americans (Joe Gibbon and Johnny Neumann) plus striking number of players with last name of Cox
2018 - in a version of "Louisiana Perish," Louisiana-Lafayette had three former hoopers 45 or younger die, Louisiana State active player Wayde Sims was murdered, highly-regarded small-college Pelican State coach Billy Allgood died while brothers Gary and Roy Stoll - Indiana products who combined to start for SEC member Tulane much of the 1950s - both passed away
2017 - striking number of deceased ex-college hoopers were versatile athletes who went on to play at least eight seasons at MLB level (Bob Cerv, Gene Conley, Dick Gernert, Jerry Kindall, Don Lock, Sam Mele and Gene Michael) plus brothers Roman Jones and Steve "Snapper" Jones - both of whom played for Oregon in first half of 1960s - died in same week while brothers Jim Burst (Washington MO) and Don Burst (St. Louis) perished a little over two months apart
2016 - deceased included Iowa All-Americans John Johnson and Murray Wier, pair of national Top 20 scorers for Jacksonville (Ernie Fleming and Rex Morgan), novelist Pat Conroy (The Citadel), heart surgeon Denton Cooley (Texas), New Orleans columnist Peter Finney Sr. (Loyola NO) plus Rear admiral Ned Hogan (Navy)
2015 - deceased included members of legendary UCLA coach John Wooden's first and final NCAA tourney teams - John Matulich in 1950 and Dave Meyers in 1975 - plus a pair of Illinois All-Americans (George BonSalle and Dave Scholz)
2014 - MLB Hall of Fame outfielder Tony Gwynn Sr. (San Diego State playmaker), two St. Joseph's players with last name of Carney and Tarzan actor (UCLA's Denny Miller) were among the deceased
2013 - two Vermont players among top 16 selections in 1947 BAA Draft died (Larry Killick and Bob Jake) while Ivy League brothers George Hauptfuhrer Jr. (Harvard after transferring from Louisville) and Bob Hauptfuhrer (Princeton) perished nine days apart during first half of August
2012 - Cincinnati All-American Jack Twyman and his brother (Duquesne's Ned Twyman) died within a two-month span and five former Kentucky regulars under legendary coach Adolph Rupp passed away