Senior Celebrations: Pensive Parents Overwhelmed in Home-court Finale
Naturally, parental pride displayed from coast to coast during Senior Night or Day the end of February and early March doesn't necessarily need to stem from athletics. Amid proper priorities, your child didn't have to be the best but he had to try his level best.
A parent knows life goes on after the anticipation of a senior salute. But how can a mom and dad express appreciation for all of the memories shared together?
Adding sports as a factor for authentic student-athletes makes the lessons-learned equation more complex. Culminating at bittersweet senior celebration, it takes a significant amount of resilience to endure withdrawal from all of the devotion and emotion, last-second decisive shots, motivational talks coping with occasional slump, chance to dance in postseason competition, title dream dashed in close contest, team awards banquet, etc., etc., etc.
Who would have thought the first time he picked up a ball that he would make such a difference and stand so tall? Reflecting on all they've experienced, the parent is fortunate to still have a pulse whether their offspring is a walk-on or team standout.
It's easy enough to substitute girl for boy in the following poem portraying a parent trying to come to terms with an impending spread-their-wings departure; whether it be from high school to college or from college to the "real world." These reflections might be therapeutic if you went through a similar range of emotions amid whatever success your own flesh and blood enjoyed along the way.
Lord, there's a little thing I need to know
Where in the world did my little boy go?
Perplexed from time to time but one thing I know today
I'm a proud parent beyond words; what more can I say
Kids go through stages but not with this sort of speed
It was only yesterday he was unable to read
Wasn't it just months ago he went from crawl to walk
Hard-headed as a mule; certainly knew how to balk
Took one day at a time raising him the very best we could
Now inspires those around him just like we believed he would
High achiever turning a corner in his life
He has got what it takes to cope with any strife
Can't carry a tune but set school shooting star records
Now, the game-of-life clock dwindles from minutes to seconds
So angels above please watch over him daily
Although some of his antics may drive you crazy
He represents everything that I value the most
For that very reason, I'm offering a toast
But if he feels sorry for himself and about to give up
Do not hesitate to give him a gentle kick in the rump
Remembering what I did wrong but at least a couple things right
Always said you could do it; just try with all your might
I just yearn to see all of his grandest plans come true
God, it's my turn to have a great commission for You
Be with him, bless him and give him nothing but success
Aid his climb up that mountain; settle for nothing less
Guide his steps in the dark and rain
Pick up the pieces and ease any pain
Time to share our best with the remainder of the world
It is much like having a family flag unfurled
How can a once infant son make grown man cry
Groping for right words trying to say goodbye
To me, he'll always be a pure and spotless lamb
Cradled in our arms or holding his little hand
If I was Elton John, I'd tell everyone this is "Your Poem"
Simply sing how wonderful life was with you in our home
My soul swells with pride at any mention of you
How long gone are you going to be; wish I knew
Sure don't believe it is at all out of line
To seek to rebound for you just one more time
Although you're going to be many miles away
I will see you in my heart each and every day
So go down that windy path; don't you dare look back
You've found faith; it will keep you on the right track
He's headed for real world and all it offers
But first, here are your final marching orders
Always do the very best you possibly can
Refuse to lose even when you don't understand
There's no telling the goals you will be able to reach
By giving proper respect to instructors who teach
Aspire each and every day you wake
Not to waste a single breath you take
Might as well let all of your ability show
Because those gifts turn to dust whenever you "go"
Don't bury your talents in the ground
Lend helping hand to those you're around
I'll never forget the times when you were all you could be
Rose to the occasion and sent playoff game to OT
Cherish all the moments - the hugs and tears
For all your passion play through these years
My little guy is bound far beyond a Final Four
Poised for more success; prosperity at his door
All things are possible; he has found out
How much I love him is what I'm thinking about
Wherever you go, you'll be best from beginning to end
To that most truthful statement, I say Amen and Amen
After Senior Night, I'll stroll into your off-limits room
Try to keep my composure when it seems like doom and gloom
You will always be on my mind
But nothing like gut-wrenching time
When I ask the Lord a big thing I need to know
Where in His big world will His maturing man go?
They Had Game: Ali Can Claim to Be the Greatest Supporting Actor of Late
Kobe Bryant, who didn't study film making in college because he went straight to the NBA from high school, won an Oscar last year for "best animated short" (Dear Basketball). Two years ago, former Saint Mary's guard Mahershala Ali became the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar won an Academy Award for his best supporting actor role as a Miami drug dealer named Juan in Moonlight. Among his credits was role as Remy Danton in House of Cards. This year, Ali secured his second Academy Award for Supporting Actor stemming from his portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley in Green Book.
Previously known as Hershal Gilmore, he averaged 3.6 ppg and 1.1 rpg from 1992-93 through 1995-96 under coach Ernie Kent including 7 ppg as a senior. Said Ali: "When I graduated, I no longer thought of myself as an athlete. Honestly, I kind of resented basketball by the end of my time there. I'd see guys on the team get chewed up spat out and I was personally threatened with being shipped off to the University of Denver. All in the name of wins and productivity."
No one seems to boast the credentials to host the overtly-political Oscars these days. But legendary Oscar Robertson would definitely be accurate in a rambling, self-absorbed speech to describe their game as inferior to his era. In deference to Oscar Awards, following is an alphabetical list of movie actors/directors nominees who "had game" as well-rehearsed college basketball players before becoming famous entertainers:
DAVID ADKINS, Denver
Comedian known as Sinbad had a show by that name on the Fox Network and was a lead actor in the movie Houseguest. He vaulted to TV prominence as a co-star on the hit series A Different World and later briefly hosted Vibe, a late-night talk show.
Adkins averaged 4.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for Denver in his varsity career from 1974-75 through 1977-78 when the Pioneers were classified as a major-college independent. He shot at least 50% from the floor all four seasons.
LLOYD VERNET "BEAU" BRIDGES, UCLA
Actor with the hit movie Fabulous Baker Boys among his credits. He is the son of Lloyd Bridges and brother of Jeff Bridges.
The 5-9 guard averaged 0.6 points and 1.4 rebounds per game for UCLA's 1960-61 freshman team that compiled a 20-2 record. He was a frosh teammate of Fred Slaughter, the starting center for the Bruins' first NCAA championship team in 1964.
JIM CAVIEZEL, Bellevue (Wash.) Community College
Former Gap model played Jesus in Mel Gibson-directed The Passion of the Christ (2004) and was in Bobby Jones Stroke of Genius the same year. Also played the part of Slovnik in GI Jane (1997) with Demi Moore, Private Wit in Thin Red Line (1998), Catch in Angel Eyes (2001) with Jennifer Lopez, and Ashley Judd's husband in High Crimes (2002) with Morgan Freeman. In the TV drama Person of Interest on CBS, he played the role of Reese, a former member of the elite Special Forces who is now drinking heavily and at the end of his rope in New York City.
Bellevue coach Ernie Woods called Caviezel the hardest worker he had in 30 years. Caviezel's younger brother, Tim, played for the University of Washington, averaging 3.6 ppg in 1990-91 as a freshman and 4.2 ppg in 1991-92 as a sophomore before transferring to Long Beach State. Tim, a 6-7 swingman, subsequently transferred again to Western Washington, where Jim's wife, Kerri, ranks among the career leaders in five statistical categories for the women's basketball squad.
"Basketball taught me to train for every possible situation but always stay in the moment," Caviezel said.
CHEVY CHASE, Haverford (Pa.)
After a one-year stint on Saturday Night Live, Chevy quit to move to Los Angeles. Following mixed success in a variety of films, he became one of the biggest box-office draws in the U.S. in the 1980s with hits such as Caddyshack and National Lampoon's Vacation. One of his popular movie roles was as "Fletch" when he played for the Los Angeles Lakers in a dream sequence.
Chase was a JV basketball and soccer player as a freshman in 1962-63 before transferring to Bard (N.Y.).
MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN, Kankakee (Ill.) Community College/Alcorn State
Former bodyguard appeared in four films with Bruce Willis: Armageddon (1998; cast as Bear), Breakfast of Champions (1999), The Whole Nine Yards (2000) and Sin City (2005; cast as Manute, a powerful mobster). Breakout role occurred when he earned an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe nomination in The Green Mile. Voiced a dog Sam in Cats & Dogs (2001) and played Colonel Attar, a gorilla, in Planet of the Apes (2001). Starred alongside his friend, The Rock, in The Scorpion King (2002) and was the criminal mastermind behemoth Kingpin in Daredevil (2003).
The 6-5 Duncan was a teammate of eventual Chicago State coach Kevin Jones with Kankakee's 31-4 squad in 1980-81 before enrolling at Alcorn State under coach Davey Whitney. An excerpt in the Braves' 1983-84 media guide said: "He adds size, speed and excellent jumping ability to the roster. A very hard worker, he'll add tremendous depth to the bench." After dropping out of college because of family problems, he spent several years digging ditches for a gas company in his hometown of Chicago. "He was a tough, physical player," Whitney told CBSSports.com. "He was undersized and didn't weigh much back then, but he was very strong and powerful. He was just tough. He'd knock guys around."
LOUIS GOSSETT JR., New York University
The son of a porter and maid, he turned to acting in high school after a leg injury temporarily impeded his hopes for a basketball career. Following his Broadway debut at 17, he attended NYU on an athletic scholarship while continuing to perform on TV and the stage. He won an Emmy in 1977 for his role in the TV miniseries Roots-Part I before winning an Oscar in 1982 as supporting actor in the box-office hit An Officer and a Gentleman.
Gossett played for NYU's freshman squad in the late 1950s.
DENNY MILLER, UCLA
Miller became the first blond Tarzan in Tarzan, the Ape Man (1959), which lifted most of its footage from earlier Johnny Weissmuller movies. "Playing Tarzan is like being in a circus," says the 6-4 Miller on his web site. "Go ride that elephant, play with that chimp, swing on that vine. It's a terrific job for a guy who grew up to be a kid." Miller was a regular on Wagon Train in the early 1960s as Duke Shannon (his name was then Scott Miller) and played Juliet Prowse's husband in the TV series Meet Mona McClusky in 1965. For years, he was the "Gorton Fisherman," appearing in numerous commercials in his yellow rain gear.
Denny (7.4 ppg and 5.3 rpg in only eight games) and his brother Kent (7.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg) Miller were on the same Bruins squad in 1958-59 (16-9 record under coach John Wooden) as teammates of decathlete Rafer Johnson and eventual Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum. Denny Miller spent three years in the U.S. Army between averaging 4 ppg in 1954-55 and 3.1 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 1957-58.
PAUL ROBESON, Rutgers
World renowned orator and baritone was a 6-3, 215-pound two-way end who finally was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995. Valedictorian when he graduated in 1919, learned to speak 15 languages and forge a glorious international career as a singer and actor. Earned law degree from Columbia, financing way through school by playing pro football with the Akron Pros and Milwaukee Badgers (scored two touchdowns). Robeson, son of a runaway slave, was an outspoken antifascist and champion of racial equality and socialist causes who remained enough of a supporter of the Soviet Union to get him blacklisted on Broadway. Founder of the Progressive Party played roles in 11 films and established works such as The Emperor Jones and Show Boat and became the first black to play Othello with a white cast.
Robeson was a center for Rutgers' basketball team.
LEON ROBINSON, Loyola Marymount
Goes by the stage name "Leon." He was a lover-boy idol in Waiting to Exhale, and played a similar character in Tim Reid's acclaimed Once Upon a Time ... When We Were Colored. Robinson was the ruthless killer, Kinette, in Cliffhanger and was Derice, the sweet and charming captain of the Jamaican bobsled team, in the surprise comedy hit, Cool Runnings. Leon appeared as a football teammate of Tom Cruise in All the Right Moves, and was the leading man as New York high school hoop sensation Earl (The Goat) Manigault in Above the Rim. Leon starred opposite Robin Givens in the TV mini-series, The Women of Brewster Place and was cast as Jesus in Madonna's controversial 1989 music video Like a Prayer. Received critical acclaim for his portrayal of two legendary singers in made-for-TV movies: David Ruffin in the 1998 NBC miniseries The Temptations and Little Richard in the self-titled 2000 NBC production based on the life of the rock-and-roll pioneer.
Robinson lettered for the Lions in 1978-79 when he averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.4 rpg. The Bronx native also attended Orange Coast Community College (Calif.).
TOM SELLECK, Southern California
Television and movie star won an Emmy in 1984 for his work in Magnum, P.I. He had a two-year stint (1974-75) on The Young and the Restless. His big-screen career got a major boost with the box-office hit Three Men and a Baby in 1987.
Selleck was a 6-4, 200-pound forward for Southern California. After serving as captain of the basketball team at Los Angeles Valley Community College, he scored four points in seven games for the Trojans in 1965-66 and was scoreless in three games in 1966-67. Excerpt from USC's school guide: "Agile and quick performer who adds depth on front line. Business administration major is good jumper with fine mobility. Rapidly improving shooter has impressed coaches with his hustle in practice. Needs to work on defense."
RON SHELTON, Westmont (Calif.)
Writer-director is synonymous with sports movies such as The Best of Times (high school football/1986), Bull Durham (minor league baseball/1988), White Men Can't Jump (street basketball/1992), Cobb (major league baseball/1994), Blue Chips (college basketball/1994), Tin Cup (golf/1996) and Play It to the Bone (boxing/1999). One of his non-sports films, Blaze, became a personal milestone for him as he went on to marry one of the stars, Toronto-born Lolita Davidovich. In Blue Chips, actor Nick Nolte was coach Pete Bell, who broke the rules in order to get the players he needed to remain competitive. "I played pickup into my 40s, right up until the time I made White Men Can't Jump," Shelton said. "I knew the game. I just loved that world."
Shelton scored 1,420 points in the mid-1960s, finishing the 20th Century among his alma mater's top 10 career scorers. He went on to play five seasons of Organized Baseball as a second baseman in the Baltimore Orioles' minor league system.
RON TAYLOR, Southern California
Best known for his roles as Lothar in The Rocketeer (1991) and Roc in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994). He also played Al, the tall police detective whose face is never seen, in The Naked Gun (1988) and on the TV series Police Squad. Nicknamed "Tiny Ron," the seven-footer also appeared on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the role of the Hupyrian alien Maihar'du.
Three-year USC letterman in the late 1960s was a second-round choice by Seattle in the 1969 NBA draft (18th pick overall). He played three seasons in the ABA before competing professionally in Austria in the 1970s before starting his film career.
MIKE WARREN, UCLA
Television star portrayed Officer Bobby Hill on hit series Hill Street Blues. Also appeared in the following movies: The Kid Who Loved Christmas (1990), Heaven is a Playground (1991), Buffalo Soldiers (1997) and After All (1999).
The 5-11, 160-pound guard for UCLA averaged 16.6 points per game in 1965-66 as a sophomore, 12.7 in 1966-67 as a junior and 12.1 in 1967-68 as a senior. He was an All-NCAA Tournament selection in 1967 and 1968 when the Bruins won national titles by combining for a 59-1 record. Warren was named to Converse and Helms All-American squads as a junior. In his senior season, he was named to the 10-man United States Basketball Writers Association All-America team and was a third five selection on the Associated Press and United Press International All-American squads. Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 14th round of the 1968 NBA draft.
Excerpt from school guide: "Named on the Academic All-American first team. One of UCLA's all-time great ballhandlers as well as being an outstanding driver and jump shooter."
DENZEL WASHINGTON, Fordham
Oscar award-winning actor Denzel Washington earned rave reviews for his performance as a high school football coach in Remembering the Titans. Most Hollywood buffs remember Washington's performances as a regular on the TV drama series St. Elsewhere while becoming a critically-acclaimed screen actor and major box-office draw in the 1990s with his performances in hit films Malcolm X, The Pelican Brief, and The Preacher's Wife. The hits continued with Man on Fire (2004).
But what the most ardent moviegoer doesn't know, let alone remember, is that Washington was a walk-on freshman basketball player for Fordham under coach P.J. Carlesimo. Washington probably was acting when he said "he had game" in describing his basketball ability in an interview about his movie role as the father of the nation's No. 1 player in director Spike Lee's 1998 release He Got Game.
Walking Tall: 21st Century Boasts Five of Eight DI Players Taller Than 7-4
Who have been the tallest players in major-college history? Five of eight NCAA Division I players taller than 7-4 have impacted major-college hoops who could literally look down upon national POY winners Lew Alcindor (7-2/UCLA), Anthony Davis (7-0/Kentucky), Patrick Ewing (7-0/Georgetown) and Shaquille O'Neal (7-1/Louisiana State) plus two-time All-Americans Artis Gilmore (7-2/Jacksonville) and Hakeem Olajuwon (7-0/Houston). Consider the following list of skyscrapers taller than 7-3 (including active players Tacko Fall and Christ Koumadje for Florida universities via Africa):
| Tallest Players | Ht. | School(s) | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neil Fingleton | 7-7 1/2 | North Carolina/Holy Cross | Played one game with UNC in 2001-02 before averaging 2.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg and 0.7 bpg for HC in 2002-03 and 2003-04 |
| Tacko Fall | 7-7 | UCF | 9.7 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 2.4 bpg from 2015-16 to 2018-19 |
| Kenny George | 7-7 | UNC Asheville | 9.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 2.7 bpg in 2006-07 and 2007-08 before having part of his right foot amputated because of staph infection |
| Shawn Bradley | 7-6 | Brigham Young | 14.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 5.2 bpg in 1990-91 |
| Mike Lanier | 7-6 | Hardin-Simmons/UCLA | Averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Hardin-Simmons in 1988-89 and 1989-90 before averaging 1.3 ppg and 1.1 rpg with UCLA in 1991-92 and 1992-93. |
| Mamadou Ndiaye | 7-6 | UC Irvine | 10.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.5 bpg from 2013-14 through 2015-16 |
| Sim Bhullar | 7-5 | New Mexico State | 10.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 2.9 bpg in 2012-13 and 2013-14 |
| Chuck Nevitt | 7-5 | North Carolina State | 3 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 1 bpg from 1978-79 through 1981-82 |
| Alan Bannister | 7-4 | Oklahoma State/Arkansas State | 6.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 1.6 bpg with OSU in 1985-86 and 1987-88 |
| Lonnie Boeckman | 7-4 | Oklahoma State | 1.8 ppg and 1.4 rpg from 1973-74 through 1976-77 |
| Tom Burleson | 7-4 | North Carolina State | 19 ppg and 12.7 from 1971-72 through 1973-74 |
| Mark Eaton | 7-4 | UCLA | 1.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 0.9 bpg in 1980-81 and 1981-82 |
| Christ Koumadje | 7-4 | Florida State | 4.1 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.2 bpg from 2015-16 to 2018-19 |
| Rolf Mayr | 7-4 | Duquesne | 1.2 ppg and 1.2 rpg in 1987-88 |
| Ralph Sampson | 7-4 | Virginia | 16.9 ppg, 11.4 rpg and 3.5 bpg from 1979-80 through 1982-83 |
| Rik Smits | 7-4 | Marist | 18.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 3.2 bpg from 1984-85 through 1987-88 |
| Steve Turner | 7-4 | Vanderbilt | 8.1 ppg and 6.7 rpg from 1969-70 through 1972-73 |
NOTE: George Bell (7-8/Morris Brown GA, UC Riverside and Biola CA), Paul Sturgess (7-7/Florida Tech and Mountain State WV), Manute Bol (7-6/Bridgeport CT) and Priest Lauderdale (7-4/Central State OH) played for non-DI colleges.
Giving Voice to Basketball: Singing Praises of Some Former College Hoopers
In 2015-16, Yale's Brandon Sherrod, setting himself apart from anyone who ever played major-college basketball, established an NCAA Division I record by making 30 consecutive field-goal attempts covering five mid-season games. Singing his praises in helping the Bulldogs participate in the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 1962, Sherrod returned to them after taking a year off from school to tour the world as one of only 14 singers with Yale's a-capella group - the Whiffenpoofs.
Sherrod shared college basketball's lead-singer spotlight this decade with Wisconsin starting forward Vitto Brown, who participated with quartet singing the Star-Spangled Banner at the 2015 Final Four when the Badgers finished national runner-up to Duke.
Brown and Sherrod aren't the only talented singers who also made music as a college basketball player. Acclaimed jazz vocalist Al Jarreau, who passed away shortly before the Grammy Awards two years ago, is among the following crooners who didn't whiff in the music industry:
ISHMAEL BUTLER, Massachusetts
Known as Butterfly with the hip-hop group Digable Planets, which was nominated for a 1994 Grammy Award as the "Best New Artist."
He averaged 3.8 ppg and 2 rpg in John Calipari's first season as UMass coach in 1988-89.
JOHN FRED GOURRIER, Southeastern Louisiana
Lead vocalist and harmonica player for the rock-and-roll group John Fred and the Playboy Band boasting a hit single "Judy in Disguise" in 1967 and 1968.
The 6-5, 185-pound forward averaged eight points per game for Southeastern Louisiana as a junior in 1962-63 before scoring 248 points as a senior. The Baton Rouge native also played two seasons for SLU's baseball team and still shares the school single-game record for most RBI with eight.
VAUGHN HARPER, Syracuse
New York City disc jockey, the host with the mellow voice on "The Quiet Storm," for more than a quarter century in the New York City area.
One of the Orange's all-time leaders in rebounds per game (11.1). Harper also averaged 13.5 ppg from 1965-66 through 1967-68, leading Syracuse in scoring as a senior (15.8 ppg). Teammate of All-American Dave Bing and all-time winningest coach Jim Boeheim grabbed team-high 10 rebounds in 91-81 loss to Duke in 1966 East Regional final. Ninth-round selection in the 1968 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons.
AL JARREAU, Ripon (Wis.)
Innovative musical expressions made him one of the most exciting and critically-acclaimed performers of our time, winning five Grammys, including best jazz vocalist in 1978 and 1979. He began singing at the age of four, and was soon harmonizing with his brothers and performing solo at a variety of local events in his hometown of Milwaukee. Following an extended stint in Los Angeles, he was spotted by Warner Brothers Records talent scouts and signed to a recording contract in 1975. Two years later, Jarreau embarked on his first world tour. While on a break from touring in 1996, he accepted a three-month stint on Broadway playing the role of the Teen Angel in the hit musical Grease!
Member of Ripon's basketball team from 1958-59 through 1961-62 posted career highs of 5.9 ppg and 4.3 rpg as a sophomore. While attending college, he performed locally with a group called The Indigos on weekends and holidays before graduating with a B.S. in Psychology.
HARVEY MASON JR., Arizona
Six-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter/music producer (with Beyonce, Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson and Justin Timberlake) was elected as chairman of The Recording Academy in June of 2019. Mason served as executive producer on the film More Than a Game - a documentary featuring NBA star LeBron James. Son of noted jazz drummer is one-half of the hit-making production team "The Underdogs," whose past work includes films such as Dreamgirls, The Help, Pitch Perfect 2 and blockbuster hit Straight Outta Compton.
The 6-3 Mason averaged 3.9 ppg and connected on 42.4% of his three-point field-goal attempts from 1986-87 through 1989-90 under coach Lute Olson. His Final Four teammates in 1988 included Sean Elliott, Steve Kerr and eventual MLB outfielder Kenny Lofton.
MARK MILLER, Central Florida
Front man and principal songwriter for Sawyer Brown, one of the nation's most popular and enduring country music bands. Sawyer Brown, the top grossing country group in 1994, has sold more than 11 million records since getting a jump start in 1984 on Ed McMahon's Star Search and was named the Top Vocal Group in 1997 by the Academy of Country Music. Sawyer Brown's "Six Days on the Road" video, which came out in early 2000, emphasized the bald-headed Miller's shooting ability.
The 5-8 guard was scoreless in a total of 13 minutes in seven games for Central Florida in 1978-79. He had one assist and committed three turnovers. "I play whenever I can," Miller said. "I go at it really hard. I think my greatest strength in basketball is just seeing the floor and having a feel for where everything should go. And maybe that's my strength in music, too."
Miller, who majored in physical education, joined UCF the year after it went to the Final Four in Division II, and coach Torchy Clark was a local legend. "He (Torchy) wanted you to play hard, but he also wanted you to be a good person," Miller said. "If it came between winning and being a good person, he would rather you be a good person. He helped me as a player, and the lessons I learned from him have helped me in my career. Late at night while on tour, I still call him."
PERCY ROMEO MILLER JR., Southern California
Rapper/actor, son of entertainment mogul and entrepreneur Master P, has released multiple studio albums and compilation albums. His debut album titled after his original alias Lil' Romeo contained the hit single "My Baby" that charted #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-hop Singles.
Signed with the Trojans at same time as friend Demar DeRozan, who left for the NBA after only one season. Romeo, a 5-9 point guard, played 19 minutes in nine games in 2008-09 and 2009-10, scoring a total of five points.
DAVID PALACIO, Texas Western
Executive vice president of EMI Latin, which is affiliated with Capitol Records in Hollywood, Calif.
Backup guard for Texas Western's 1966 NCAA championship team scored a season-high four points against Loyola (La.). Contributed a second-half field goal when the Miners erased a 16-point halftime deficit to win in overtime at New Mexico, 67-64. In their next outing, he chipped in with another basket in a 69-67 triumph over Arizona State. Palacio averaged 7.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game the next season as a junior.
KENNY PARKER, St. Peter's
Brother of one of the most influential rap and hip-hop artists of the 1980s and early 1990s - KRS-ONE (born Kris Parker). Kenny, who performed as a DJ alongside his brother and in music videos as part of the hard-core hip-hop outfit Boogie Down Productions, was a producer for BDP recordings. He has produced TV commercials for Nike.
Parker was a four-year St. Peter's regular who had his best scoring season as a freshman (8.4 ppg in 1985-86 when he supplied a 26-point, nine-rebound effort against MAAC power La Salle).
DARRYL SHEPHERD, Pittsburgh
Produced two No. 1 hits on the R&B charts. An accomplished keyboard player, he also has worked on movie soundtracks and for numerous artists (including Smokey Robinson).
Participated in the NIT and NCAA playoffs in the mid-1980s with the Panthers. His wife, attorney Renee Henderson, was a former Pitt sprinter who won the 60- and 200-meter dashes in France at the 2008 World Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships (setting two American Records en route to winning gold).
JAREKUS SINGLETON, Southern Mississippi/William Carey (Miss.)
Blues guitarist, singer and songwriter made multiple trips to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. "I look at writing songs like watching film or running a play, putting the pieces of the puzzle together, the X's and O's," he said. "I look at the band members as my teammates. It's the same, but different."
NAIA Player of the Year in 2007 with nearby William Carey after averaging 7.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg for USM from 2003-04 through 2005-06.
Gross Negligence: Way Beyond Time For Rick Barnes to Be National COY
"It is better to be looked over than overlooked." - Mae West
It doesn't seem possible, but Rick Barnes of top-ranked Tennessee never has earned acclaim as national coach of the year by a major award. Barnes isn't the only prominent coach nationally shunned by the voting class. Maryland named its court after Gary Williams, the school's all-time winningest coach who guided the Terrapins to the 2002 NCAA title during a span when he became the only mentor ever to defeat the nation's top-ranked team in four straight seasons (2000-01 through 2003-04). Surprisingly, Williams never was courted as national coach of the year by one of the major awards, joining other NCAA championship coaches such as Denny Crum, Billy Donovan, Joe B. Hall, Don Haskins, Rollie Massimino and Jim Valvano "shorted" by this dubious distinction.
Does this blemish exist because of smug power-league coaches or is the media more of a mess than even its fiercest critics believe? A total of 14 individuals received acclaim as national COY despite never reaching an NCAA playoff regional final - Rod Barnes, Perry Clark, Jim Crews, Keno Davis, Matt Doherty, Cliff Ellis, Eddie Fogler, Frank Haith, Marv Harshman, Todd Lickliter, George Raveling, Al Skinner, Charlie Spoonhour and Dick Versace. Unless Steve Harvey announced the "beauty-contest" results, following is an alphabetical list of high-profile retired coaches never receiving one of the five major national coach of the year awards since 1955 despite their significant achievements:
Dave Bliss - Compiled a total of 14 20-win seasons with three different schools.
Dale Brown - Led LSU to 15 consecutive postseason tournaments (1979 through 1993) en route to becoming the second-winningest coach in SEC history at the time (behind Adolph Rupp) in both overall and SEC games.
Vic Bubas - Guided Duke to NCAA Tournament Final Four appearances three times in a four-year span from 1963 through 1966.
Pete Carril - Never incurred a losing record in 29 seasons with Princeton from 1968 through 1996.
Gale Catlett - Went his first 23 seasons without a losing record with Cincinnati and West Virginia; participated in nine consecutive national postseason tournaments in the 1980s.
Denny Crum - Won 15 regular-season conference championships in the Missouri Valley and Metro in his first 23 seasons with Louisville; only coach to twice win conference and NCAA tournaments in the same year (1980 and 1986).
Don DeVoe - Compiled a total of 12 20-win seasons with three different schools.
Don Donoher - One of first 10 coaches to take his first three teams to the NCAA playoffs guided his first seven Dayton clubs to national postseason competition; posted double digits in victories all 25 seasons.
Billy Donovan - Two-time national championship coach (2006 and 2007) became Florida's all-time winningest mentor.
Lefty Driesell - One of only three different coaches to guide four different schools to the NCAA playoffs; captured conference tournament titles in four different leagues; only coach to win more than 100 games for four different schools en route to total of 786 victories; had 14 final Top 20 rankings.
Hugh Durham - One of only three coaches in NCAA history to win at least 225 games for two Division I schools, directing both Florida State and Georgia to the Final Four.
Bill C. Foster - Only six losing records in 25 seasons at the Division I level with UNC Charlotte, Clemson, Miami (FL) and Virginia Tech.
Jack Gardner - Only coach to direct two different schools to the Final Four at least twice apiece.
Pete Gillen - Remarkable run with Xavier (winning five Midwestern Collegiate Conference Tournament titles in six-year span from 1986 through 1991) before posting 20-win seasons with Providence in the Big East and Virginia in the ACC.
Joe B. Hall - Averaged 23 victories annually in 13 seasons with Kentucky, reaching championship game in either NCAA Tournament or NIT three times in a four-year span from 1975 through 1978.
Don Haskins - Captured four Western Athletic Conference Tournament championships with Texas-El Paso in a seven-year span from 1984 through 1990 while winning more than 20 games each of those seasons; compiled a total of 17 20-win campaigns.
Lou Henson - Compiled only one losing record in his last 22 years with Illinois and New Mexico State; finished in first division of the Big Ten Conference nine straight seasons.
Terry Holland - Averaged 20 victories annually in 21 seasons with Davidson and Virginia.
Harry Litwack - Finished third with Temple in three consecutive national postseason tournaments (1956 and 1958 in NCAA and 1957 in NIT). Posted only one losing record in 21 seasons with the Owls through 1973.
Rollie Massimino - Averaged more than 20 victories annually in the 1980s; participated in 14 consecutive national postseason tournaments with Villanova and UNLV before coaching at small-school level in Florida.
Ray Mears - Finished lower than third place in SEC standings with Tennessee just once in his final 14 seasons from 1964 through 1977.
Shelby Metcalf - Averaged 18.6 victories annually with Texas A&M in an 18-year span from 1971-72 through 1988-89.
Eldon Miller - Won more than 20 games with three different DI schools (Western Michigan, Ohio State and Northern Iowa).
Joe Mullaney - Reached the 20-win plateau nine straight seasons from 1958-59 through 1966-67, directing Providence to the NIT semifinals four times in the first five years of that stretch; won more than two-thirds of his games with the Friars decided by fewer than five points.
C.M. Newton - Posted at least 22 victories with Alabama six times in the last seven seasons of the 1970s.
Dave Odom - Won 20 or more games 10 times in a 14-year span from 1992-93 through 2005-06 with Wake Forest and South Carolina.
Ted Owens - Finished first or second in Big Eight Conference standings each of his first seven seasons with Kansas from 1965 through 1971.
Tom Penders - Won at least 20 games with three different schools (Rhode Island, Texas and George Washington) a total of 10 times in a 13-year span from 1987 through 1999 before winning more than 20 games three times in six seasons with Houston.
Jack Ramsay - Worst record in 11 seasons with St. Joseph's was an 18-10 mark.
Bo Ryan - Wisconsin's all-time winningest coach never finished lower than fourth in Big Ten Conference standings in 14 full seasons with the Badgers from 2001-02 through 2014-15.
Wimp Sanderson - Won five SEC Tournament titles with Alabama, including three in a row from 1989 through 1991.
Fred Schaus - Won Southern Conference Tournament championships each of his six seasons with West Virginia from 1955 through 1960 before posting winning records in Big Ten competition all six years with Purdue.
Roy Skinner - Compiled only one losing record in 16 seasons with Vanderbilt.
Billy Tubbs - Directed Oklahoma to 12 consecutive 20-win seasons, a Big Eight Conference best; took the Sooners to national postseason play his last 13 years with them before moving on to TCU and Lamar.
Jim Valvano - Guided Iona to a school-record 29 victories in 1979-80 before winning at least 18 games each of his last nine seasons with North Carolina State from 1982 through 1990.
Gary Williams - All-time winningest coach for Maryland directed 13 teams to Top 20 finishes in final polls, including a couple of them with Boston College.
Ned Wulk - All-time winningest coach for Arizona State finished atop conference standings in six of his first seven seasons with the Sun Devils.
The Magnificent Seven: Best College Hoopers Who Wound Up in Super Bowl
Who are the premier four-year college hoopers to end up competing in the NFL's Super Bowl as players or coaches? The following Magnificent Seven include two small-school hoop sensations who became tight end teammates for multiple Buffalo Bills teams after powering their colleges to non-DI national championships and pair of North Carolina teammates who went from the Final Four to NFL title tilt:
| Rank | Versatile Athlete | Pos. | Super Bowl Team/Year(s) | Four-Year College Basketball Career Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ron Widby | P | Cowboys/V & VI | Three-time all-league selection scored 50 points for Tennessee vs. LSU as senior on his way to becoming SEC player of the year in 1966-67. |
| 2. | Cornell Green | DB | Cowboys/V & VI | Finished his three-year varsity career in 1962 as Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. |
| 3. | Harry "Bud" Grant | Coach | Vikings/IV, VIII, IX & XI | Third-leading scorer for Minnesota in 1948-49 (8.5 ppg) after named team MVP previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre. |
| 4. | Ronald Curry | WR | Raiders/XXXVII | Team leader in assists, including career-high 10 in ACC Tournament opener against Clemson, during 2000-01 when directing North Carolina to #1 ranking and 18-game winning streak. |
| 5. | Julius Peppers | DL | Panthers/XXXVIII | Member of North Carolina's 2000 Final Four squad started both NCAA Tournament games in 2001, including his first double-double (10 rebounds and career-high 21 points against Penn State). |
| 6. | Pete Metzelaars | TE | Bills/XXV through XXVIII | Set NCAA Division III FG shooting records for single season (75.3% in 1981-82 as senior) and career (72.4%). Led Wabash IN to 1982 DIII Tournament title, scoring tourney record 129 points in five games and earning tourney outstanding player honors. Scored DIII playoff-record 45 points in championship game against Potsdam State. |
| 7. | Keith McKeller | TE | Bills/XXV through XXVIII | Starting center for 1985 NCAA Division II champion Jacksonville State (Ala.). Led Gulf South Conference in rebounding each of first three seasons and finished second as senior. Four-time all-league pick averaged 12.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg from 1982-83 through 1985-86. |
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready For Some February Football
Long before kneeling knuckleheads, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-honor shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves in early-February football at the professional level:
FEBRUARY
2: Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas (averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 66.3% from floor with Portland State from 2006-07 through 2009-10) had four pass receptions in 24-13 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLVIII following 2013 season.
3: New York Giants TE Kevin Boss (averaged 3 ppg and 2.7 rpg while shooting 51.9% from floor for Western Oregon in 2004-05 and 2005-06) caught a 45-yard pass from Eli Manning to fuel fourth-quarter touchdown drive in 17-14 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII following 2007 season. The Patriots incurred their first defeat of campaign despite LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) supplying two sacks and five solo tackles. . . . Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco and opened the second half with 108-yard kickoff return for TD in 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII following 2012 season. . . . St. Louis Rams rookie LB Tommy Polley (played in one basketball game for Florida State in 1996-97 under coach Pat Kennedy) had seven solo tackles in a 20-17 setback against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI following 2001 campaign.
4: Tony Dungy (roommate of Flip Saunders averaged 2.6 ppg for Minnesota in 1973-74 under bench boss Bill Musselman) coached the Indianapolis Colts to a 29-17 win against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI following 2006 season.
5: New England Patriots TE Martellus Bennett (averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg as Texas A&M freshman in 2005-06 before playing next season under coach Billy Gillispie) caught five passes for 62 yards from Tom Brady in 34-28 overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51 following 2016 season.
6: Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-21 setback against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX following 2004 season. Eagles WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had nine pass receptions for 122 yards. . . . Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) named NFL Pro Bowl MVP following the 1993 season.
7: Denver Broncos WR Jordan Norwood (collected one rebound and one assist in four basketball games for Penn State in 2006-07) returned a punt 61 yards in 24-10 win against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in January
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in December
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in November
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in October
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in September
On This Date: February Calendar for Greatest Games in NCAA Hoops History
The most prolific outbursts came against small-college competition, but the three highest-scoring games in history by NCAA Division I players occurred in the month of February - Furman's Frank Selvy (100 points vs. Newberry SC in 1954), Villanova's Paul Arizin (85 vs. Philadelphia NAMC in 1949) and Portland State's Freeman Williams (81 vs. Rocky Mountain MT in 1978).
Louisiana State's Pete Maravich, the NCAA's career scoring leader who had the highest output in a power-conference game this month (69 at Alabama in SEC play in 1970), wasn't the only prolific point producer in the Pelican State from the guard position. In February 1972, Southwestern Louisiana junior Dwight "Bo" Lamar erupted for 51 points in each of back-to-back Southland Conference road games at Louisiana Tech and Lamar during USL's inaugural season at the major-college level before the school changed its name to Louisiana-Lafayette. For the record, Maravich twice tallied more than 50 in back-to-back SEC contests away from home (end of junior campaign and midway through senior season). This month also featured a third still-existing single-game scoring record by an individual opponent when "Bo Knows (Scoring)" Lamar exploded for 62 points at Northeast Louisiana the previous campaign en route to becoming the only player in NCAA history to lead the nation in scoring average at both the college and university divisions.
Existing single-game scoring standards for Bradley (Hersey Hawkins) and Detroit (Archie Tullos) were set in the same February assignment in 1988. As for regal rebounding records, Alabama's Jerry Harper retrieved 28 missed shots in back-to-back SEC contests two days apart in February 1956 and Wayne Embry pulled down 34 boards in back-to-back games for Miami of Ohio in the same time frame the next year. Following is a day-by-day calendar citing memorable moments in February college basketball history:
FEBRUARY
1 - Arkansas State's Don Scaife (43 points vs. Northeast Louisiana in 1975), Coppin State's Fred Warrick (40 at Howard in 1999) and Tulane's Jim Kerwin (45 vs. Southeastern Louisiana in 1961) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . North Carolina State's school-record 38-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Maryland (98-97 in 1975). . . . SEC Eastern Division cellar dweller Florida upset NCAA Tournament champion-to-be Kentucky in 1998. . . . Rudy Tomjanovich (30 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1969) set Michigan's single-game rebounding record.
2 - Brown's Harry Platt (48 points vs. Northeastern in 1938) and Delaware State's Tom Davis (50 vs. Brooklyn in 1989) set school single-game scoring records at the Division I level. . . . Central Arkansas' Nate Bowie (39 at Nicholls State in double overtime in 2008) and Eastern Michigan's Raven Lee (46 vs. Miami OH in 2016) set school single-game scoring records against a DI opponent. Lee's output came in only 24 minutes of playing time. . . . In 2014, Oakland's Travis Bader set an NCAA Division I record for most career three-pointers, surpassing the previous mark of 457 established by Duke All-American J.J. Redick. . . . Arizona's Bob Elliott (25 vs. Arizona State in 1974) and Long Island's Carey Scurry (26 vs. Marist in 1983) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Eventual MLB shortstop and manager Don Kessinger scored a career-high 49 points for Mississippi vs. Tulane in 1963.
3 - Buffalo's Mike Martinho (44 points vs. Rochester NY in 1998), Dayton's Donald Smith (52 at Loyola of Chicago in 1973), Grambling State's Brion Rush (53 vs. Southern in overtime in 2006), Portland State's Freeman Williams (81 vs. Rocky Mountain MT in 1978) and Wyoming's Joe Capua (51 vs. Montana in 1956) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Walt Lysaght (35 vs. North Carolina in 1953) set Richmond's single-game rebounding record.
4 - IPFW's Max Landis (44 points at South Dakota in 2016), La Salle's Kareem Townes (52 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1995), Monmouth's Rahsaan Johnson (43 vs. St. Francis NY in 2001), Rhode Island's Tom Harrington (50 vs. Brandeis MA in 1959), South Carolina's John Roche (56 vs. Furman in 1971) and Western Michigan's Gene Ford (46 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1969) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Dan Cramer (50 vs. Southern Mississippi in 1974) set Denver's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Illinois' school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Penn State (66-65 in 2006). . . . Alabama's Jerry Harper (28 vs. Georgia Tech in 1956), Fordham's Ed Conlin (36 vs. Colgate in 1953), Georgia Tech's Eric Crake (27 vs. Georgia in 1953), South Carolina's Lee Collins (33 vs. The Citadel in 1956) and Wake Forest's Dickie Hemric (36 vs. Clemson in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
5 - Akron's Joe Jakubick (47 points vs. Murray State in 1983), East Tennessee State's Tom Chilton (52 vs. Austin Peay in 1961), Kent State's Dan Potopsky (49 vs. Western Michigan in 1955), Prairie View A&M's Paul Queen (46 vs. Alabama State in 1994) and Troy State's Detric Golden (45 at Jacksonville in 2000) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Yale's Brandon Sherrod extended his NCAA record of consecutive successful field-goal attempts to 30 covering five 2016 games before misfiring against Columbia. . . . Kenny Davis (25 vs. Arizona State in 1977) tied Arizona's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Eventual MLB Hall of Fame OF Tony Gwynn (18 vs. UNLV in 1980) set San Diego State's single-game assists record against a DI opponent.
6 - Ernie McCray (46 points vs. Los Angeles State in 1960) set Arizona's single-game scoring record. . . . Southern Mississippi's John White (41 at Virginia Tech in double overtime in 1988) and Tulane's Calvin Grosscup (41 vs. Mississippi State in 1956) set school single-game scoring records against a major-college opponent. . . . Virginia Tech sophomore guard Bimbo Coles set Metro Conference single-game record with 51 points in a 141-133 double overtime victory against visiting Southern Mississippi in 1988. . . . Bradley's school-record 46-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Drake (86-76 in 1961). . . . Belmont erased an 18-point deficit with 3:22 remaining (75-57) to defeat Campbell, 87-84, in 2009. . . . Alabama's Jerry Harper (28 vs. Vanderbilt in 1956), American University's Kermit Washington (34 vs. Georgetown in 1971), West Virginia's Jerry West (31 vs. George Washington in 1960) and Wichita State's Terry Benton (29 vs. North Texas State in 1971) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
7 - Dartmouth's Jim Barton (48 points at Brown in overtime in 1987), Louisiana State's Pete Maravich (69 at Alabama in 1970) and South Dakota State's Nate Wolters (53 at IPFW in 2013) set school single-game scoring records. Maravich's output is also a SEC record in league competition. . . . Phil Hicks (41 at Samford in 1974) tied Tulane's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . In 1976, Purdue (25) and Wisconsin (22) combined to convert all 47 of their free-throw attempts, an NCAA record for two teams in a single game. . . . Duquesne's Dick Ricketts (28 vs. Villanova in 1955) and Southern's Jervaughn Scales (32 vs. Grambling in 1994) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
8 - Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson (62 points vs. North Texas State in 1960) and UNC Charlotte's George Jackson (44 at Samford in 1975) set school single-game scoring records. Robertson's output is also a Missouri Valley Conference record in league competition. . . . Buzz Wilkinson (45 vs. North Carolina in 1954) set Virginia's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Iowa State's Melvin Ejim (48 vs. TCU in 2014) set Big 12 Conference single-game scoring mark in league competition. . . . Kentucky established an NCAA single-game record by grabbing 108 rebounds against Mississippi in 1964. . . . Wofford set an NCAA three-point percentage record (minimum of 20 attempts) by hitting 17-of-21 shots from beyond the arc (81% against VMI in 2016). . . . Niagara's school-record 51-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Syracuse (60-55 in 1950). . . . Boston College's Terry Driscoll (31 vs. Fordham in 1969), Davidson's Fred Hetzel (27 vs. Furman in 1964), Eastern Michigan's Kareem Carpenter (27 vs. Western Michigan in 1995), Harvard's Bob Canty (31 vs. Boston College in 1955), Marquette's Pat Smith (28 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1967), Oklahoma City's Willie Watson (32 vs. Denver in 1969) and Seattle's John Tresvant (40 vs. Montana in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Gene Estes (24 vs. Oklahoma City in 1961) set Tulsa's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent. . . . Utah State All-American Wayne Estes, after scoring 48 points vs. Denver to eclipse the 2,000-point plateau, was electrocuted following a home game in 1965 when the 6-6 forward brushed against a downed high-power line upon stopping at the scene of an auto accident near campus. . . . Dayton center Chris Daniels, who finished the season as the nation's leader in field-goal shooting (68.3% in 1996), died because of a heart ailment.
9 - UALR's Carl Brown (46 points at Centenary in overtime in 1989), Butler's Darrin Fitzgerald (54 vs. Detroit in 1987), Canisius' Larry Fogle (55 vs. St. Peter's in 1974), Clemson's J.O. Erwin (58 vs. Butler Guards at Greenville in 1912), Colorado State's Bill Green (48 vs. Denver in 1963), Hofstra's Demetrius Dudley (44 vs. Central Connecticut State in 1993) and Loyola of Chicago's Alfredrick Hughes (47 vs. Detroit in 1985) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Brown's output is also an Atlantic Sun Conference record in league competition. . . . DePaul's Tom Kleinschmidt set the Great Midwest Conference single-game scoring record in league play with 37 points against UAB in 1994. . . . Charleston Southern's Tony Fairley set an NCAA single-game record against a DI opponent with 22 assists against Armstrong State GA in 1987. . . . Dartmouth ended Penn's Ivy League-record 48-game winning streak in 1996 and Duke's school-record 46-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Maryland (98-87 in 2000). . . . Southern Mississippi's Wendell Ladner (32 vs. Pan American in 1970) and Syracuse's Frank Reddout (34 vs. Temple in 1952) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Canisius' Larry Fogle (22 vs. St. Peter's in 1974) and Idaho's Gus Johnson (31 vs. Oregon in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
10 - Massachusetts' Billy Tindall (41 points vs. Vermont in 1968), Morehead State's Brett Roberts (53 vs. Middle Tennessee State in 1992), Northeast Louisiana's Calvin Natt (39 vs. Northwestern State in 1977), Ohio State's Gary Bradds (49 vs. Illinois in 1964) and Larry Lewis of Saint Francis PA (46 vs. St. Vincent PA in 1969) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Detroit's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Wisconsin-Green Bay (65-61 in 2002), Oral Roberts' school-record 52-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Marshall (106-103 in 1973) and Virginia Commonwealth's school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Virginia Tech (71-63 in 1978). . . . Georgetown's Charlie Adrion (29 vs. George Washington in 1968), Houston's Elvin Hayes (37 vs. Centenary in 1968) and Rider's Jason Thompson (24 vs. Siena in 2008) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Eventual Chicago White Sox RHP Dave DeBusschere scored a career-high 44 points for Detroit against Dayton in 1962.
11 - East Carolina's Oliver Mack (47 points vs. South Carolina-Aiken in 1978), Florida State's Ron King (46 at Georgia Southern in 1971), Hartford's Vin Baker (44 vs. Lamar in overtime in 1992), Southern California's John Block (45 vs. Washington in 1966) and Wisconsin-Green Bay's Tony Bennett (44 at Cleveland State in 1989) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Mal Graham (46 at Holy Cross in 1967) set New York University's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Morehead State (53) and Cincinnati (35) combined for an NCAA single-game record of 88 successful free throws in 1956. . . . Indiana State set an NCAA single-game record for most three-pointers without a miss by making all 12 attempts from beyond the arc (against Southern Illinois in 2012). . . . Weber State's school-record 44-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Idaho (68-67 in 1967). . . . Andrew Nicholson (23 vs. Duquesne in 2012) tied St. Bonaventure's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
12 - Marist's Izett Buchanan (51 points at Long Island University in 1994), Northern Iowa's Cam Johnson (40 at Drake in 1994) and Villanova's Paul Arizin (85 vs. Philadelphia NAMC in 1949) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Chris Rivers (40 vs. Canisius in 2001) set Fairfield's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . Wake Forest's Len Chappell (50 vs. Virginia in 1962) set ACC single-game scoring record in league competition. . . . Gonzaga's school-record 50-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Santa Clara (84-73 in 2007). . . . Drake's Ken Harris (26 vs. Tulsa in 1977) and Navy's David Robinson (25 vs. Fairfield in 1986) set school single-game rebounding records.
13 - Colorado's Cliff Meely (47 points vs. Oklahoma in 1971), Furman's Frank Selvy (NCAA-record 100 vs. Newberry SC in 1954), Portland's Matt Houle (43 vs. San Francisco in 1993), St. Peter's Rich Rinaldi (54 vs. St. Francis NY in 1971) and San Francisco's Keith Jackson (47 at Loyola Marymount in 1988) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Alabama's Bob Andrews (46 vs. Tulane in 1965), East Carolina's Gus Hill (43 at Navy in 1988), UNC Asheville's Andrew Rousey (41 at Radford in 2014), San Jose State's Olivier Saint-Jean (37 at Air Force in 1997) and Virginia's Buzz Wilkinson (45 vs. Georgetown in 1954) set school single-game scoring records against a Division I opponent. . . . In 1985, Connecticut became the first school to be ranked No. 1 in the men's and women's national polls at the same time. . . . Syracuse's school-record 57-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Georgetown (52-50 in 1980). . . . Kentucky's Bill Spivey (34 vs. Xavier in 1951), New Mexico's Tom King (26 vs. Wyoming in 1960), Northwestern's Jim Pitts (29 vs. Indiana in 1965) and Western Michigan's Frank Ayers (25 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1973) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Dan Roundfield (25 vs. Bowling Green State in 1974) set Central Michigan's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
14 - Auburn's John Mengelt (60 points vs. Alabama in 1970), Central Connecticut State's Kyle Vinales (42 at Wagner in 2013), Coppin State's Larry Stewart (40 vs. South Carolina State in 1991), Mount St. Mary's Sam Prescott (44 vs. Bryant in 2013), South Alabama's Eugene Oliver (46 at Southern Mississippi in 1974), Southwestern Louisiana's Bo Lamar (51 at Louisiana Tech in 1972) and Tennessee's Tony White (51 vs. Auburn in 1987) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Lamar's output also set a Southland Conference record in league competition. . . . Villanova's Larry Hennessy (45 vs. Boston College in 1953) and Virginia's Buzz Wilkinson (45 vs. Clemson in 1955) set school single-game scoring records against a DI opponent. . . . William & Mary's Bill Chambers, standing a mere 6-4, grabbed an NCAA-record 51 rebounds against Virginia on Valentine's Day in 1953. . . . Miami of Ohio's Wayne Embry (34 vs. Eastern Kentucky in 1957), Texas Tech's Jim Reed (27 vs. Texas in 1956), Wagner's Mike Aaman (23 vs. Fairleigh Dickinson in 2015) and West Virginia's Mack Isner (31 vs. Virginia Tech) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent. . . . Jacksonville junior-college recruit Artis Gilmore, the only player in major-college history to average more than 22 points and 22 rebounds per game in his career, had his only DI contest retrieving fewer than 10 missed shots (8 caroms at Loyola LA in 1970). . . . Massachusetts' school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by George Washington (80-78 in 1995). . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach to compile 600 victories the fastest with a 71-52 win over Notre Dame at Chicago in 1959 (705 games in 27th season).
15 - Coastal Carolina's Tony Dunkin (43 points vs. UNC Asheville in 1993), Columbia's Leonard "Buck" Jenkins (47 at Harvard in 1991), Maryland-Baltimore County's Derell Thompson (43 at Towson State in 1992), Southwest Missouri State's Danny Moore (36 at Creighton in 1997) and Wake Forest's Charlie Davis (51 vs. American University in 1969) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Rasaun Young (39 vs. Northeastern Illinois in 1997) set Buffalo's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Kentucky tied an NCAA record by erasing a 31-point, second-half deficit at LSU (99-95 UK victory in 1994). . . . Princeton's Bill Bradley (51 points vs. Harvard in 1964) set Ivy League scoring record in conference competition. . . . Oregon State ended UCLA's Pacific-8 Conference-record 50-game winning streak (61-57 in 1974). . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach to compile 400 victories the fastest with a 90-50 win over Mississippi in 1950 (477 games in 20th season). . . . Kansas' Wilt Chamberlain (36 vs. Iowa State in 1958), Oregon State's Swede Halbrook (36 vs. Idaho in 1955) and Rice's Joe Durrenberger (30 vs. Baylor in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Paul Millsap (29 vs. San Jose State in 2006) set Louisiana Tech's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Eventual MLB All-Star RHP Sonny Siebert scored a career-high 31 points for Missouri against Oklahoma in 1958.
16 - Illinois' Dave Downey (53 points at Indiana in 1963), Tennessee Tech's Jimmy Hagan (48 vs. East Tennessee State in 1959) and Texas-Pan American's Marshall Rogers (58 vs. Texas Lutheran in 1976) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Dikembe Dixson (40 at Youngstown State in 2OT in 2016) set Illinois-Chicago's single-game scoring record against an NCAA Division I opponent. . . . Wichita State ended Cincinnati's school-record 37-game winning streak (65-64 in 1963) and South Carolina's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Notre Dame (72-68 in 1974). . . . Cincinnati's Connie Dierking (33 vs. Loyola New Orleans in 1957), Miami of Ohio's Wayne Embry (34 vs. Kent State in 1957), NYU's Cal Ramsey (34 vs. Boston College in 1957) and Texas Christian's Goo Kennedy (28 vs. Arkansas in 1971) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Texas-El Paso's Jim Barnes (27 vs. Hardin-Simmons in 1963) and Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair (23 vs. Connecticut in 2009) set single-game rebounding records against major-college opponents. . . . Eventual 13-year N.L. LHP Joe Gibbon grabbed a career-high 24 rebounds for Mississippi against Georgia in 1957.
17 - George Washington's Joe Holup (49 points vs. Furman in 1956), Holy Cross' Jack Foley (56 vs. Connecticut in 1962), Quinnipiac's Cameron Young (55 at Siena in triple overtime in 2019) and Southwestern Louisiana's Bo Lamar (51 at Lamar in 1972) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Young's outburst set a MAAC single-game standard and Lamar's output tied his own Southland Conference record in league competition. . . . Antoine Gillespie (45 at Hawaii in 1994) set Texas-El Paso's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Dartmouth's school-record 38-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Army (44-36 in 1940). . . . Fresno State's Larry Abney (35 vs. Southern Methodist in 2000), Loyola of Chicago's LaRue Martin (34 vs. Valparaiso in 1971) and Toledo's Ned Miklovic (27 vs. Ohio University in 1958) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. Abney's total is the highest among all schools at the DI level since 1973.
18 - Scott Haffner (65 points vs. Dayton in 1989) set Evansville's single-game scoring record. Haffner's output is also a Horizon League record in conference competition. . . . Gonzaga's Adam Morrison (44 at Loyola Marymount in 2006) and Portland State's Freeman Williams (50 at UNLV in 1978) set school single-game scoring records against an NCAA Division I opponent. . . . Gonzaga and Loyola Marymount each scored 86 points after intermission in 1989 to set an NCAA record for highest offensive output in a half by both teams (172). . . . Louisiana State's school-record 42-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Mississippi (23-22 in 1921). . . . Florida's Jim Zinn (31 vs. Mississippi in 1957), McNeese State's Henry Ray (27 vs Texas-Arlington in 1974), New Orleans' Ervin Johnson (27 vs. Lamar in 1993), Penn's Barton Leach (32 vs. Harvard in 1955), Southern Illinois' Joe C. Meriweather (27 vs. Indiana State in 1974) and Xavier's Bob Pelkington (31 vs. St. Francis PA in 1964) set school single-game rebounding records.
19 - Delaware's Liston Houston (52 points vs. Lebanon Valley PA in 1910), Liberty's Matt Hildebrand (41 vs. Charleston Southern in 1994), Longwood's Tristan Carey (40 vs. Liberty in 2013), Mississippi Valley State's Alphonso Ford (51 vs. Texas Southern in overtime in 1990), Northeastern's Reggie Lewis (41 vs. Siena in 1986), Oral Roberts' Anthony Roberts (66 vs. North Carolina A&T in 1977), Stetson's Mel Daniels (48 vs. UNC Wilmington in 1977) and Texas Tech's Dub Malaise (50 at Texas in 1966) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Bobby Mantz (44 vs. Lehigh in 1958) set Lafayette's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Holy Cross' Rob Feaster (46 vs. Navy in overtime in 1994) set Patriot League scoring record in conference competition. . . . Creighton's Paul Silas (38 vs. Centenary in 1962), Northern Illinois' Jim Bradley (31 vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1973) and Purdue's Carl McNulty (27 vs. Minnesota in 1951) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell (24 vs. Seton Hall in 1977) set Charlotte's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
20 - Baylor's Vinnie Johnson (50 points vs. Texas Christian in 1979), Idaho State's Willie Humes (53 at Montana State in 1971), Illinois State's Robert "Bubbles" Hawkins (58 vs. Northern Illinois in 1974), San Diego State's Anthony Watson (54 vs. U.S. International in 1986) and South Carolina State's Jackie Robinson (40 at Morgan State in 1993) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Humes' output is also a Big Sky Conference record in league competition. . . . Delaware State's Tom Davis (47 vs. Florida A&M in 1989) set MEAC scoring record in league competition at DI level. . . . Rhode Island's Art Stephenson (28 vs. Brown in 1968) and Tennessee Tech's Jimmy Hagan (30 vs. Morehead State in 1959) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Kansas' 28-17 victory at Drake in 1924 triggered an NCAA-record 35-game road winning streak.
21 - Boston College's John Austin (49 points vs. Georgetown in 1964), Rutgers' Eric Riggins (51 vs. Penn State in double overtime in 1987) and Virginia Tech's Allan Bristow (52 vs. George Washington in 1973) set school single-game scoring records. Riggins' output is also an Atlantic 10 Conference record in league competition. . . . LSU's Pete Maravich (64) and Kentucky's Dan Issel (51) each scored more than 50 points in the same game in 1970. . . . UCLA's school-record 98-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Oregon (65-45 in 1976). . . . Clemson's Tommy Smith (30 vs. Georgia in 1955) and North Carolina's Rusty Clark (30 vs. Maryland in 1968) set school single-game rebounding records.
22 - Bradley's Hersey Hawkins (63 points at Detroit in 1988), California's Ed Gray (48 at Washington State in 1997), Detroit's Archie Tullos (49 vs. Bradley in 1988), Manhattan's Bob Mealy (51 vs. CCNY in 1960), Missouri-Kansas City's Michael Watson (Summit League-record 54 at Oral Roberts in double overtime in 2003), Oklahoma State's Bob Kurland (58 vs. St. Louis in 1946) and Oregon State's Gary Payton Sr. (58 vs. Southern California in overtime in 1990) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Appalachian State's Junior Braswell (43 at Davidson in 1997), High Point's Nick Barbour (44 vs. Campbell in 2012), Long Island's Antawn Dobie (53 vs. St. Francis NY in 2003) and Mississppi State's Bailey Howell (45 vs. Louisiana State in 1958) set school single-game scoring records against a Division I opponent. Dobie's output is also a Northeast Conference record in league competition. . . . Drexel set NCAA record by erasing a 34-point deficit late in the first half (53-19) to defeat visiting Delaware, 85-83, in 2018. . . . Nebraska stunned Wilt Chamberlain-led Kansas, 43-41, in 1958 to avenge a 56-point defeat four games earlier. . . . Memphis' school-record 47-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Tennessee (66-62 in 2008). . . . Massachusetts' Julius Erving (32 vs. Syracuse in 1971) and Mississippi's Ivan Richmann (25 vs. Tulane in 1958) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Hakim Shahid (25 vs. Jacksonville in 1990) set South Florida's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
23 - Boston University's Jim Hayes (47 points vs. Springfield MA in 1970), Indiana's Jimmy Rayl (56 vs. Michigan State in 1963), Louisiana Tech's Mike McConathy (47 vs. Lamar in 1976), Miami's Rick Barry (59 vs. Rollins FL in 1965), Providence's Marshon Brooks (52 vs. Notre Dame in 2011) and Texas Southern's Harry "Machine Gun" Kelly (60 vs. Jarvis Christian TX in 1983) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Brooks' output is also a Big East Conference record in league competition. . . . Los Angeles State's Raymond Lewis set Pacific Coast Athletic Association (now Big West) single-game scoring record with 53 points vs. Long Beach State in double overtime in 1973. . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach to compile 700 victories the fastest with a 99-79 win over Auburn at Montgomery in 1964 (836 games in 32nd season). . . . Jimmie Baker (26 vs. San Francisco in 1973) set UNLV's single-game rebounding record before transferring to Hawaii. . . . Eventual 13-year N.L. LHP Joe Gibbon scored a career-high 46 points for Mississippi against Louisiana State in 1957.
24 - Alcorn State's DeCarlos Anderson (41 points vs. Southern in 1996), Florida A&M's Jerome James (38 at Delaware State in overtime in 1997), Houston's Elvin Hayes (62 vs. Valparaiso in 1968), Iowa's John Johnson (49 vs. Northwestern in 1970), Northwestern's Rich Falk (49 vs. Iowa in 1964), St. Bonaventure's Bob Lanier (51 vs. Seton Hall in 1969) and Utah's Billy McGill (60 at Brigham Young in 1962) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . East Tennessee State's Tom Chilton (47 vs. Western Kentucky in 1961) and Ohio University's Dave Jamerson (52 at Kent State in 1990) set school single-game scoring records against a DI opponent. . . . Washington & Lee's Jay Handlan had an NCAA-record 71 field-goal attempts vs. Furman in 1951. . . . Alabama A&M's Mickell Gladness set an NCAA single-game record with 16 blocked shots against Texas Southern in 2007. . . . Temple's school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by West Virginia (64-61 in 1987). . . . Ed Corell (30 vs. Oregon in 1962) set Washington's single-game rebounding record.
25 - Austin Peay's Bubba Wells (43 points vs. Morehead State in 1997 quarterfinals) set Ohio Valley Conference Tournament single-game scoring record. . . . Alabama A&M's Desmond Cambridge (50 at Texas Southern in 2002), Central Florida's Jermaine Taylor (45 vs. Rice in 2009), Cleveland State's Frank Edwards (49 at Xavier in 1981), Indiana State's Larry Bird (49 vs. Wichita State in 1979), Texas' Raymond Downs (49 at Baylor in 1956), Virginia Military's QJ Peterson (46 vs. Mercer in 2016) and William & Mary's Jeff Cohen (49 vs. Richmond in 1961) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Lew Alcindor (61 vs. Washington State in 1967) set UCLA and Pac-12 Conference single-game scoring record. . . . Jim Christy (44 at Maryland in 1964) set Georgetown's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Southwestern Louisiana's Sydney Grider set the American South Conference single-game scoring record in league competition (40 vs. Louisiana Tech in 1989). . . . St. Bonaventure's 99-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Niagara (87-77 in 1961). . . . Appalachian State's Tony Searcy (23 vs. The Citadel in 1978), Memphis' Ronnie Robinson (28 vs. Tulsa in 1971) and Northern Iowa's Jason Reese (21 vs. Illinois-Chicago in 1989) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
26 - Denver's Matt Teahan (61 points vs. Nebraska Wesleyan in 1979), Florida Atlantic's Earnest Crumbley (39 vs. Campbell in 2004), Richmond's Bob McCurdy (53 vs. Appalachian State in double overtime in 1975), San Diego's Mike Whitmarsh (37 at Loyola Marymount in 1983), Texas' Slater Martin (49 vs. Texas Christian in 1949), Western Illinois' Joe Dykstra (37 vs. Eastern Illinois in 1983) and Yale's Tony Lavelli (52 vs. Williams MA in 1949) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Kansas' Isaac "Bud" Stallworth set Big Eight Conference single-game scoring record with 50 vs. Missouri in 1972. . . . New Mexico's school-record 41-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Brigham Young (83-62 in 1998). . . . Cornell's George Farley (26 vs. Brown in 1960), Montana State's Doug Hashley (24 vs. Nevada-Reno in 1982), Old Dominion's Clifton Jones (23 vs. UNC Wilmington in 2001), Rutgers' George "Swede" Sundstrom (30 vs. Army in 1954) and Saint Joseph's Cliff Anderson (32 vs. La Salle in 1967) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
27 - Bowling Green's Jim Darrow (52 points vs. Marshall in 1960), George Mason's Carlos Yates (42 vs. Navy in 1985), Georgetown's Jim Barry (46 at Fairleigh Dickinson in 1965), San Diego's Marty Munn (37 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1988), Texas State's J.B. Conley (42 at Northwestern State in 2010) and Towson's Devin Boyd (46 at Maryland-Baltimore County in double overtime in 1993) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Darrow's output is also a Mid-American Conference record and Boyd's output is a Big South Conference record in league competition. . . . Houston's Robert McKiver (52 vs. Southern Mississippi in 2008) set C-USA scoring record in league competition. . . . Connecticut's Toby Kimball (34 vs. New Hampshire in 1965), Maryland's Len Elmore (26 vs. Wake Forest in 1974) and Tulsa's Michael Ruffin (24 vs. Texas Christian in 1997) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Holy Cross' school-record 47-game homecourt winning streak snapped by Connecticut (78-77 in 1954).
28 - Xavier's Byron Larkin (45 points vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1986 semifinals) set Horizon League Tournament single-game scoring record. . . . Air Force's Bob Beckel (50 vs. Arizona in 1959), Army's Kevin Houston (53 vs. Fordham in overtime of MAAC Tournament opener in 1987), Eastern Michigan's Ray Lee (50 at Central Michigan in 2017), Long Island's Sherman White (63 vs. John Marshall in 1950), Northern Illinois' Paul Dawkins (47 at Western Michigan in overtime in 1979) and Purdue's Rick Mount (61 vs. Iowa in 1970) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Houston's output is also a MAAC Tournament single-game record and Mount's output is a Big Ten Conference record in league competition. Lee's outburst was accumulated in only 26 minutes. . . . The first basketball game telecast occurred when W2XBS carried a doubleheader from Madison Square Garden in 1940 (Pittsburgh vs. Fordham and NYU vs. Georgetown). . . . Ron Weilert (21 vs. Tulane in 1970) set Air Force single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Eventual MLB All-Star 1B Joe Adcock contributed 15 field goals for Louisiana State in a first-round victory against Tulane in 1946 SEC Tournament.
29 - Tony Miller (54 points vs. Chicago State in 1972) set Florida's single-game scoring record. . . . Paul Marigney (40 vs. Pepperdine in 2004) tied Saint Mary's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Pittsburgh's school-record 40-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Syracuse (49-46 in 2004). . . . Bernie Janicki (31 vs. North Carolina in 1952) set Duke's single-game rebounding record. . . . Eventual eight-time N.L. All-Star SS Dick Groat scored a career-high 48 points for Duke against North Carolina in 1952.
Memorable Moments in January College Basketball History
Memorable Moments in December College Basketball History
Memorable Moments in November College Basketball History
Black History Month Headline for Historic Hoopers Breaking Color Barrier
"Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally." - Abraham Lincoln
Unless you're a devotee of #MSLSD host Joy-less Reid or #Dimorat presidential candidate Mr. Groper (a/k/a T-Bone's friend), certainly it's not a Jussie Smollett hate-crime to also claim "White Players Matter." But Black History Month has arrived and accompanying it are an assortment of facts and opinions celebrating positive contributions African-Americans have made to the American landscape. Granted, Robin Roberts' lame ABC interview of Smollett isn't one of them. Taking more than 100 years after emancipator Abraham Lincoln to make a nationwide transition, nowhere is that emphasis more evident than in an athletic world bereft of quotas and unconnected to alleged Oscar-snubbing. There clearly is more evidence of joyful honor in basketball arenas than in the Smollett-hoax political arena, where a tax cheat such as Al "Not So" Sharpton has been given a freeloader forum by Mess-LSD and brotherly backdoor free-pass entrance to previous POTUS' Oval Office (perhaps for H&R Block seminars to set him lien free at last).
Letting authentic freedom ring, every sports fan acknowledges the cultural significance of Jackie Robinson (180 degrees removed from smug Smollett's nutrition plan). A movie ("42") debuted several springs ago regarding Robinson beginning his major league baseball career, but it is easy to forget there was a time when the now 75% black National Basketball Association was 100% white. It's also easy to forget how Robinson was instrumental in college basketball's "civil rights" movement.
Before Robinson arrived on the scene in the National League, however, there was Columbia's George Gregory, who became the first African-American to gain college All-American honors in 1930-31. In an era of low scoring, he was the team's second-leading scorer with a 9.2-point average. But he was proudest of his defense, and a statistic that is no longer kept: "goals against." In 10 games, Gregory held rival centers to only eight baskets. "That's less than one goal a game," he told the New York Times. "I think they should have kept that statistical category. Nowadays, one guy scores 40 points but his man scores 45. So what good is it?
"It's funny, but even though I was the only black playing for Columbia, and there was only one other black playing in the Ivy League - Baskerville of Harvard - I really didn't encounter too much trouble from opponents. Oh, I got into a couple of fights. And one time a guy called me 'Nigger,' and a white teammate said, 'Next time, you hit him high and I'll hit him low.' And we did, and my teammate, a Polish guy named Remy Tys, said to that other player, 'That's how we take care of nigger callers.'"
But Gregory said the worst racial incident he encountered was at his own school. "After our last game in my junior year, the team voted me captain for the next season. Well, there was a hell of a battle when this came out. Columbia didn't want a black captain, or a Jewish captain, either, I learned. The dean was against it, and the athletic director was against it, and even the coach was against it.
"The coach told me, 'Get yourself together, Gregory, or I'll take your scholarship away.' They were worried that if we played a school in the South and met the other captain before the game, the guy would refuse to come out and it would embarrass the school. But the campus was split 50-50 on whether to have a black captain for its basketball team.
"The fight went on for three or four weeks. The school insisted that the team vote again. We did, and I won again. One of my teammates said, 'You forced the school to enter the 20th Century.'"
Harrison "Honey" Fitch, Connecticut's first black player, was center stage during a racial incident delaying a game at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for several hours in late January 1934. Coast Guard officials entered a protest against Fitch, arguing that because half of the Academy's student body was from southern states, they had a tradition "that no Negro players be permitted to engage in contests at the Academy." Eventually, UConn's coach kept Fitch on the bench the entire contest and never explained why.
The first black to appear in the NBA didn't occur until a couple of decades after Gregory graduated and Fitch transferred to American International. UCLA's first basketball All-American Don Barksdale, one of the first seven African-Americans to play in the NBA, was the first black U.S. Olympic basketball player (1948) as well as the first black to play in an NBA All-Star Game (as a rookie in 1952).
Inspired by the black labor movement in the 1930s, Barksdale said, "I made up my mind that if I wanted to do something, I was going to try to do it all the way, no matter the obstacles."
As a 28-year-old rookie with the Baltimore Bullets, he was paid $20,850 (one of the NBA's top salaries) to play and host a postgame radio show, but that notoriety also put extra pressure on him. Forced to play excessive minutes during the preseason, he sustained ankle injuries that plagued him the remainder of his four-year NBA career (11 ppg and 8 rpg).
Why play so many minutes? "It's Baltimore, which is considered the South," said Barksdale, who wound up back in the Bay Area as a well-known jazz disc jockey. "So the South finally signed a black man, and he's going to play whether he could walk or crawl."
Chuck Cooper, who attended Duquesne on the GI Bill, was the first black player drafted by an NBA franchise. "I don't give a damn if he's striped or plaid or polka-dot," were the history-making words of Boston Celtics Owner Walter Brown when he selected Cooper, who averaged 6.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in six pro seasons. In Cooper's freshman campaign, Duquesne was awarded a forfeit after refusing to yield to Tennessee's refusal to compete against the Dukes if Cooper participated in a game just before Christmas.
In the 1955-56 season, the Hazleton (Pa.) Hawks of the Eastern League became the first professional league franchise to boast an all-black starting lineup - Jesse Arnelle, Tom Hemans, Fletcher Johnson, Floyd Lane and Sherman White. Arnelle (Penn State) and White (Long Island) were former major-college All-Americans.
As for the multi-talented Robinson, UCLA's initial all-conference basketball player in the 1940s was a forward who compiled the highest scoring average in the Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with the Bruins (12.3 points per league game in 1939-40 and 11.1 ppg in 1940-41) after transferring from Pasadena (Calif.) City College. Continuing his scoring exploits, the six-time National League All-Star who spurred #42 uniforms throughout MLB was the leading scorer for the Los Angeles Red Devils' barnstorming team in 1946-47.
Seven-time All-Star outfielder Larry Doby, the first black in the American League, was also a college basketball player who helped pave the way for minorities. He competed on the hardwood for Virginia Union during World War II after originally committing to LIU. The four-month lead Robinson had in integrating the majors casts a huge shadow over Doby, who was the first black to lead his league in homers (32 in 1952), first to hit a World Series homer and first to win a World Series title.
With less than 10% of current MLB rosters comprised of African-Americans, Robinson clearly had much more of a longstanding impact on basketball than baseball. All of the trailblazers didn't capitalize on a Methodist faith like Robinson, but they did boast temperaments unlike "fohty-five" Congressional Black Caucus members or so such as #MadMaxine sitting on their hands or boycotting SOTU speech. How much do kneeling Ole Miss players know about ground-breaking alumnus Coolidge Ball? In deference to "firsts" and the number 42, following is a ranking of the 42 best players (including Ball) deserving applause for breaking the color barrier at the varsity level of a major university (*indicates junior college recruit):
| Rank | First Black Player | School | First Varsity Season | Summary of College Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Elvin Hayes | Houston | 1965-66 | Three-time All-American averaged 31 ppg and 17.2 rpg in three seasons. The Hall of Famer led the Cougars in scoring and rebounding each year before becoming first pick overall in 1968 NBA draft. |
| 2. | Hal Greer | Marshall | 1955-56 | The first African-American to play intercollegiate athletics in the state of West Virginia averaged 19.4 ppg and 10.8 rpg in three seasons. Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer led the Thundering Herd in rebounding as a junior (13.8 rpg) and senior (11.7 rpg) before becoming a 10-time NBA All-Star. |
| 3. | Charlie Scott | North Carolina | 1967-68 | Averaged 22.1 ppg and 7.1 rpg in three seasons. He was a consensus second-team All-American choice his last two years. |
| 4. | Clem Haskins | Western Kentucky | 1964-65 | Three-time OVC Player of the Year was a consensus first-team All-American as a senior. Averaged 22.1 ppg and 10.6 rpg in three varsity seasons. First-round NBA draft pick (3rd overall) in 1967. |
| 5. | K.C. Jones | San Francisco | 1951-52 | Shut-down defender Jones, a member of the 1955 NCAA champion featuring Bill Russell and 1956 Olympic champion, averaged 8.8 ppg in five seasons (played only one game in 1953-54 before undergoing an appendectomy). |
| 6. | Walter Dukes | Seton Hall | 1950-51 | Averaged 19.9 ppg and 18.9 rpg in three seasons. Consensus first-team All-American as a senior when he averaged 26.1 ppg and 22.2 rpg to lead the Dukes to a 31-2 record and NIT title. Played two full seasons with the Harlem Globetrotters before signing with the New York Knicks, who picked him in 1953 NBA draft. |
| 7. | Don Chaney | Houston | 1965-66 | Defensive whiz Chaney, an All-American as a senior, averaged 12.6 ppg in three seasons and was a member of Final Four teams in 1967 and 1968. |
| 8. | John Austin | Boston College | 1963-64 | Two-time All-American averaged 27 ppg in his Eagles' career. Ranked among the nation's leading scorers in 1964 (8th), 1965 (7th) and 1966 (22nd). Scored 40 points in a 1965 NIT contest. He was a fourth-round choice by the Boston Celtics in 1966 NBA draft. |
| 9. | Mike Maloy | Davidson | 1967-68 | Three-time All-American averaged 19.3 ppg and 12.4 rpg in his career. Southern Conference Player of the Year as a junior and senior. He was the leading scorer (24.6 ppg) and rebounder (14.3 rpg) for the winningest team in school history (27-3 in 1968-69). Selected by the Pittsburgh Condors in the first five rounds of 1970 ABA draft. |
| 10. | Cleo Littleton | Wichita | 1951-52 | Averaged 19 ppg and 7.7 rpg in four seasons, leading the Shockers in scoring each year. School's career scoring leader (2,164 points) is the only four-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference choice. He was selected by the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1955 NBA draft. |
| 11. | Wendell Hudson | Alabama | 1970-71 | Averaged 19.2 ppg and 12 rpg in his career, finishing as Bama's fourth-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder. The two-time All-SEC first-team selection was a Helms All-American choice as a senior in 1972-73 before being selected in the second round of NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. |
| 12. | Bob Gibson | Creighton | 1954-55 | Future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher was the school's first player to average at least 20 ppg in his career (20.2). Led the Bluejays in scoring (22 ppg) and rebounding (7.6 rpg) as a junior. Gibson, who said he couldn't eat or stay with the rest of the Bluejays' team on his first trip to Tulsa, went on to play with the Harlem Globetrotters. |
| 13. | Bill Garrett | Indiana | 1948-49 | First impact African-American player in Big Ten Conference averaged 12 ppg while leading the Hoosiers in scoring each of his three varsity seasons. Paced them in rebounding as a senior (8.5 rpg) when he was an all-league first-team selection. Selected by the Boston Celtics in second round of 1951 NBA draft. Grandson Billy Garrett Jr. became Big East Conference Rookie of the Year with DePaul in 2013-14. |
| 14. | Earl Robinson | California | 1955-56 | Three-time All-PCC second-team selection averaged at least 10 ppg each of three varsity seasons as 6-1 guard under HOF coach Pete Newell. Robinson averaged 15.5 points in four NCAA Tournament games his last two years, leading the Bears in scoring in two of the playoff contests. |
| 15. | Tom Payne | Kentucky | 1970-71 | Led the Wildcats in rebounding (10.1 rpg) and was their second-leading scorer (16.9 ppg) in his only varsity season before turning pro. The All-SEC first-team selection had a 39-point, 19-rebound performance against Louisiana State before leaving school early and becoming an NBA first-round draft choice by the Atlanta Hawks. |
| 16. | Ron "Fritz" Williams | West Virginia | 1965-66 | Southern Conference player of the year as a senior led Mountaineers in scoring and assists all three varsity seasons on his way to finishing with averages of 20.1 ppg and 6 apg. Williams, a two-time all-league first-team selection, was a first-round pick in 1968 NBA draft (9th overall). |
| 17. | James Cash | Texas Christian | 1966-67 | SWC's initial African-American player averaged 13.9 ppg and 11.6 rpg in three seasons. Two-time all-league second-team selection led the Horned Frogs in scoring (16.3 ppg) and rebounding (11.6 rpg) as a senior. Cash had six games with at least 20 rebounds. |
| 18. | John Savage | North Texas | 1961-62 | Detroit product averaged 19.2 ppg in leading the Eagles in scoring all three of his varsity seasons with them. Three-time All-MVC selection was fifth-round choice by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1964 NBA draft. |
| 19. | Willie Allen | Miami (Fla.) | 1968-69 | Averaged 17.2 ppg and 12.2 rpg in three seasons. Led Hurricanes in scoring (19.9 ppg) and rebounding (17.2 rpg) as senior. Fourth-round choice of the Baltimore Bullets in 1971 NBA draft played briefly for ABA's The Floridans during 1971-72 season. |
| 20. | Jerry Jenkins | Mississippi State | 1972-73 | All-SEC selection as a junior and senior when he was the Bulldogs' leading scorer each year, averaging 19.3 ppg and 7 rpg in three seasons. |
| 21. | Stew Johnson | Murray State | 1963-64 | Averaged 16.8 ppg and 12.9 rpg in three seasons en route to finishing his career as the school's all-time fourth-leading scorer (1,275 points) and second-leading rebounder (981). He was a third-round choice of New York Knicks in 1966 NBA draft before becoming a three-time ABA All-Star. |
| 22. | Gene Knolle* | Texas Tech | 1969-70 | Two-time All-SWC first-team selection averaged 21.5 ppg and 8.4 rpg in two seasons before becoming a seventh-round choice by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1971 NBA draft. |
| 23. | Joe Bertrand | Notre Dame | 1951-52 | Averaged 14.6 ppg in three seasons, including 16.5 as senior when Irish finished year ranked sixth in final AP poll. He was 10th-round choice in 1954 NBA draft by Milwaukee Hawks. Served as Chicago's city treasurer as first black elected to citywide office. His grandson with same name played hoops for Illinois. |
| 24. | Hadie Redd | Arizona | 1953-54 | Led the Wildcats in scoring (13.2 ppg and 13.6) and rebounding (7 rpg and 9.4) in both of his varsity seasons. |
| 25. | Almer Lee* | Arkansas | 1969-70 | He was the Hogs' leading scorer in 1969-70 (17 ppg) and 1970-71 (19.2 ppg as All-SWC second-team selection). |
| 26. | John "Jackie" Moore | La Salle | 1951-52 | Averaged 10.3 ppg and 12.1 rpg in two seasons. Second-leading rebounder both years for the Explorers behind All-American Tom Gola. Played three seasons in the NBA as first black player for Philadelphia Warriors. |
| 27. | Greg Lowery* | Texas Tech | 1969-70 | Averaged 19.7 ppg in his three-year career. First-team All-SWC as a sophomore and senior and second-team choice as junior en route to finishing as school's career scoring leader (1,476 points). |
| 28. | Henry Harris | Auburn | 1969-70 | Averaged 11.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 2.5 apg in three-year varsity career. Standout defensive player was captain as a senior. He was an eighth-round choice by the Houston Rockets in 1972 NBA draft. |
| 29. | Tommy Bowman | Baylor | 1967-68 | Two-time All-SWC first-team selection led the Bears in scoring (13.5 ppg) and rebounding (9.4 rpg) in his first varsity season. |
| 30. | Ronnie Hogue | Georgia | 1970-71 | Finished three-year varsity career as the second-leading scorer in school history (17.8 ppg). Hogue was an All-SEC second-team choice with 20.5 ppg as a junior, when he set the school single-game scoring record with 46 points against LSU. He was a seventh-round choice of the Capital Bullets in 1973 NBA draft. |
| 31. | Coolidge Ball | Mississippi | 1971-72 | Two-time All-SEC second-team selection (sophomore and junior years) averaged 14.1 ppg and 9.9 rpg in three seasons. He led the Rebels in scoring (16.8 ppg) and was second in rebounding (10.3 rpg) as a sophomore. |
| 32. | Carl Head* | West Virginia | 1965-66 | Averaged 17.1 ppg and 7.9 rpg in two seasons. Paced the team in field-goal shooting as a junior (53.5%) and in scoring as a senior (20.5 ppg). |
| 33. | Perry Wallace | Vanderbilt | 1967-68 | Averaged 12.9 ppg and 11.5 rpg in three varsity seasons. He was the Commodores' leading rebounder as a junior (10.2 rpg) and leading scorer as a senior (13.4 ppg). Fifth-round choice by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1970 NBA draft. |
| 34. | Don Eaddy | Michigan | 1951-52 | The Wolverines' top scorer in Big Ten Conference competition as a sophomore (13.8 ppg) averaged 11.4 ppg in four seasons. Eaddy was an infielder who played briefly with the Chicago Cubs in 1959. |
| 35. | Garfield Smith | Eastern Kentucky | 1965-66 | Averaged 14.5 ppg and 13.2 rpg in three seasons. He was an All-Ohio Valley Conference choice as a senior when he finished second in the nation in rebounding (19.7 rpg). Third-round choice by the Boston Celtics in 1968 NBA draft. |
| 36. | Tommy Woods | East Tennessee State | 1964-65 | Two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference choice averaged 15.3 ppg and 16.2 rpg in three seasons. He grabbed 38 rebounds in a game against Middle Tennessee en route to finishing third in the nation in rebounding as a sophomore (19.6 rpg). |
| 37. | Willie Brown | Middle Tennessee State | 1966-67 | All-Ohio Valley Conference choice as junior and senior averaged 20.3 ppg and 7.4 rpg in three seasons en route to finishing his career as the school's all-time scoring leader (1,524 points). He was a 10th-round choice by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969 NBA draft. |
| 38. | Julius Pegues | Pittsburgh | 1955-56 | Spent one year at a Detroit technical school before enrolling at Pitt. Averaged 13.6 ppg in three seasons, finishing as the school's second-leading scorer (17.6 ppg) as a senior behind All-American Don Hennon. Pegues, who scored a game-high 31 points in an 82-77 loss to Miami of Ohio as a senior in 1958 NCAA Tournament, was a fifth-round choice by the St. Louis Hawks in NBA draft. |
| 39. | Sebron "Ed" Tucker* | Stanford | 1950-51 | Averaged 15.8 ppg in two seasons, leading the team in scoring both years. Paced the PCC in scoring as a junior (16.5 ppg) before becoming an all-league South Division first-team pick as a senior. |
| 40. | Collis Temple Jr. | Louisiana State | 1971-72 | Averaged 10.1 ppg and 8.1 rpg in three seasons. Ranked second in the SEC in rebounding (11.1 rpg) and seventh in field-goal shooting (54.9%) as a senior. Sixth-round choice by the Phoenix Suns in 1974 NBA draft had two sons play for his alma mater (Collis III and Garrett). |
| 41. | Charlie White* | Oregon State | 1964-65 | Led the Beavers in rebounding (7 rpg) and was their second-leading scorer (9.6 ppg) as a junior. The next year as a first five pick on the All-Pacific-8 team, he was OSU's 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%). |
| 42. | Ruben Triplett* | Southern Methodist | 1971-72 | Averaged 14.9 ppg and 9 rpg in two seasons. Named All-SWC as a junior when he led the Mustangs in scoring (18.2 ppg) and rebounding (10.8 rpg). Scored a career-high 33 points at Oklahoma City. |
MOST OVERLOOKED PIONEERS FOR MAJOR UNIVERSITIES
| First Black Player | DI School | First Varsity Season | Summary of College Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Abram | Missouri | 1956-57 | Averaged 11 ppg over four seasons. He led the Tigers in scoring (16.1 ppg), rebounding (8.9 rpg) and field-goal shooting (45%) in 1958-59. |
| Don Barnette | Miami (Ohio) | 1953-54 | All-MAC first-team selection as a senior averaged 11.6 ppg and 5.2 rpg during three-year career. Played for the Harlem Globetrotters in the late 1950s and early 1960s. |
| Charlie Brown* | Texas-El Paso | 1956-57 | Air Force veteran, a three-time All-Border Conference choice, led the league in scoring as a sophomore (23.4 ppg). He averaged 17.5 ppg in three varsity seasons, leading the Miners in scoring each year. |
| Earl Brown | Lafayette | 1971-72 | Grabbed 21 rebounds in a game against Lehigh as a sophomore before averaging 11 ppg and 10.6 rpg as a junior and 13.7 ppg and 12.1 rpg as a senior. Ninth-round NBA draft choice by the New York Knicks in 1974. |
| Mario Brown* | Texas A&M | 1971-72 | Averaged 13 ppg and 4.3 apg in two seasons, leading the team in assists both years. |
| Harvey Carter | Bucknell | 1970-71 | Led the Bison in scoring and rebounding all three varsity seasons (14.1 ppg and 11.5 rpg as a sophomore, 14.8 ppg and 12.4 rpg as a junior and 14.2 ppg and 9.8 rpg as a senior). |
| Larry Chanay | Montana State | 1956-57 | Four-year Air Force veteran finished his four-year college career as the school's all-time leading scorer (2,034 points). He led the Bobcats in scoring all four seasons. Chanay was a 14th-round choice by the Cincinnati Royals in 1960 NBA draft. |
| John Codwell | Michigan | 1951-52 | The Wolverines' second-leading scorer as a junior (10.5 ppg) averaged 6.4 ppg in three seasons. |
| Vince Colbert* | East Carolina | 1966-67 | Averaged 14.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg in two seasons. He led ECU in rebounding as a junior (7.1 rpg). |
| Robert Cox | Loyola Marymount | 1953-54 | Averaged 16.9 ppg and 11.1 rpg in two seasons while leading the Lions in both categories each year. |
| John Crawford | Iowa State | 1955-56 | Averaged 13.4 ppg and 9.7 rpg in three seasons. He led the Cyclones in rebounding all three years and paced them in scoring as a senior (14.1 ppg). |
| L.M. Ellis | Austin Peay State | 1963-64 | The first OVC black player averaged 9.3 ppg and 10.5 rpg as a junior and 6.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg as a senior after transferring from Drake to his hometown school. |
| Ed Fleming | Niagara | 1951-52 | Averaged 15 ppg and 8.7 rpg in four seasons to finish No. 1 on the school's all-time scoring list (1,682). All-time top rebounder (975) was selected by the Rochester Royals in 1955 NBA draft. |
| Larry Fry | Mississippi State | 1972-73 | Averaged 13.8 ppg and 8.1 rpg in three seasons. |
| Julian Hammond* | Tulsa | 1964-65 | Averaged 12.2 ppg and 7.6 rpg in two seasons. Led the Golden Hurricane in scoring (16.4 ppg) and rebounding (7.6 rpg) as a senior when he was an All-MVC first-team selection and paced the nation in field-goal shooting (65.9%). He was a ninth-round choice by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1966 NBA draft. |
| Charlie Hoxie | Niagara | 1951-52 | Averaged 11.7 ppg and 8.4 rpg in four seasons to finish his career as the school's third-leading scorer (1,274). Second-leading rebounder (916) was selected by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1955 NBA draft before playing with the Harlem Globetrotters. |
| Eddie Jackson | Oklahoma City | 1962-63 | Center averaged 12.3 ppg and 10 rpg in three-year OCU career after transferring from Oklahoma. He led the Chiefs in rebounding as a sophomore and junior. Selected in the sixth round by the San Francisco Warriors in 1965 NBA draft. |
| Leroy Jackson | Santa Clara | 1960-61 | Averaged 10.1 ppg and 8.3 rpg in three seasons, leading the team in rebounding all three years. Named to second five on All-WCAC team as a senior when he averaged 11.9 ppg and 10.9 rpg. |
| Curt Jimerson* | Wyoming | 1960-61 | Forward averaged 14.6 ppg in two seasons, including a team-high 17.5 ppg as a senior when he was an All-Mountain States Conference first-team selection. |
| Junius Kellogg | Manhattan | 1950-51 | Averaged 12.1 ppg in three-year career, leading the Jaspers in scoring as a sophomore and junior. Former Army sergeant refused bribe and exposed a major point-shaving scandal. |
| Charlie Lipscomb | Virginia Tech | 1969-70 | Averaged 11.4 ppg and 9.4 rpg in three varsity seasons. He led the team in rebounding (10.4 rpg) and was its second-leading scorer (12.1 ppg) as a sophomore. |
| Jesse Marshall* | Centenary | 1968-69 | Led the Gents in scoring (16 ppg) and rebounding (9.6 rpg) as a senior after being their second-leading scorer (15.9 ppg) and leading rebounder (10.2 rpg) as a junior. |
| Shellie McMillon | Bradley | 1955-56 | Member of 1957 NIT champion averaged 14.1 ppg and 9.3 rpg in three varsity seasons, including a team-high 16.4 ppg in 1957-58. McMillon, who scored 42 points against Detroit, was an All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team choice as a senior before becoming a sixth-round NBA draft choice by the Detroit Pistons. |
| Eugene Oliver* | South Alabama | 1972-73 | Averaged 17.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg in two seasons, leading the team in scoring both years and setting a school single-game record with 46 points against Southern Mississippi. |
| Charley Parnell | Delaware | 1966-67 | First-team All-East Coast Conference choice led the Blue Hens in scoring with 18.5 ppg. |
| Garland Pinkston | George Washington | 1967-68 | Second-leading scorer (12.5 ppg) and rebounder (7.3 rpg) in his only varsity season for GWU. |
| Art Polk | Middle Tennessee State | 1966-67 | MTSU's second-leading rebounder as a junior and senior averaged 12.3 ppg and 9.2 rpg in three seasons. |
| Charley Powell | Loyola (New Orleans) | 1966-67 | First African-American to play for a predominantly white college in Louisiana averaged 21.5 ppg in three-year career, finishing 13th in the nation with 26 ppg as a junior. |
| Larry Robinson* | Tennessee | 1971-72 | Averaged 10.9 ppg and 8.8 rpg in two seasons. Led the Volunteers in rebounding and field-goal shooting both years. He was a 16th-round choice by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973 NBA draft. |
| Ron Satterthwaite | William & Mary | 1973-74 | Averaged 13.2 ppg in four seasons. He led the Tribe in scoring as a sophomore and junior, averaging 17 ppg during that span. Guard was an All-Southern Conference first-team selection as a sophomore and second-team choice as a junior. |
| Oscar Scott* | The Citadel | 1971-72 | Three-year Army veteran averaged 11.8 ppg and 7 rpg in two seasons. He led the Bulldogs in rebounding as a senior. |
| Dwight Smith | Western Kentucky | 1964-65 | Three-time All-OVC guard averaged 14.6 ppg and 10.9 rpg in his college career. Led the Hilltoppers in rebounding as a sophomore (11.3 rpg) and as a senior (11.9 rpg). Smith was a third-round choice of the Los Angeles Lakers (23rd overall). |
| Sam Smith | Louisville | 1963-64 | Third-round choice of the Cincinnati Royals in 1967 NBA draft averaged 9.2 ppg and team-high 11 rpg in his only varsity season with the Cardinals before transferring to Kentucky Wesleyan. |
| Sam Stith | St. Bonaventure | 1957-58 | Averaged 14.8 ppg and 4.1 rpg in three-year career. After All-American brother Tom Stith arrived the next season, they combined to average 52 ppg in 1959-60, an NCAA single-season record for brothers on the same team. |
| Harold Sylvester | Tulane | 1968-69 | Averaged 12.5 ppg and 9.1 rpg in three varsity seasons. He led the Green Wave in rebounding as a sophomore and was its second-leading rebounder and scorer as a junior and senior. |
| John Thomas | Pacific | 1954-55 | Averaged 15.1 ppg and 11.3 rpg in three years while leading the team in scoring and rebounding each campaign. Finished his career as the school's all-time scoring leader (1,178 points). He set UOP single-season records for points (480) and rebounds (326) in 1955-56. |
| Liscio Thomas* | Furman | 1969-70 | Averaged 17 ppg and 9.9 rpg in two seasons. He led the Paladins in scoring as a junior (17.7 ppg) and was the second-leading scorer and rebounder for 1971 Southern Conference champion. |
| Solly Walker | St. John's | 1951-52 | First African-American ever to play in game at Kentucky averaged 7.8 ppg and 6.8 rpg in three seasons. Member of 1952 NCAA runner-up and 1953 NIT runner-up. Led the team in scoring (14 ppg) and rebounding (12.2 rpg) as a senior. Selected by the New York Knicks in 1954 NBA draft. |
| John Edgar Wideman | Penn | 1960-61 | Two-time All-Ivy League second-team swingman led the Quakers in scoring as a junior (13.2 ppg in 1961-62) and a senior (13.8 ppg in 1962-63). The Pittsburgh native also paced them in rebounding as a junior (7.6 rpg). |
Super Men: College Basketball's Impact on 53 Seasons of NFL's Super Bowl
College basketball fans shouldn't be assessed an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty if the NFL isn't their favorite sport, but they should rush to hold on because following is more super stuff to digest while blitzed by enough notes, quotes and anecdotes to have one seeking a sedative when assessing Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots.
For what it's worth hoop-wise, did you know former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue was a 6-5 forward who averaged 11.4 points and nine rebounds per game for Georgetown in three varsity seasons from 1959-60 through 1961-62? He led the Hoyas in rebounding as a sophomore (8.9 rpg) and junior (8.2 rpg) and was their second-leading rebounder as a senior captain. Well-rounded trivia buffs should also know that Tagliabue's predecessor, Pete Rozelle, was the basketball publicist for 1949 NIT champion San Francisco before orchestrating events leading to the Super Bowl becoming a national phenomenon.
The Super Bowl's link to college basketball is much more extensive than these commissioners and had more impact than unveiling of new commercials plus halftime entertainers. Actually, there are a striking number of ex-college hoopers who participated in the Super Bowl as players. In fact, the inaugural Super Bowl in 1967 featured six former four-year college varsity basketball players for schools currently classified at the NCAA Division I level: Bobby Bell, Reg Carolan, Len Dawson, Dave Robinson, Otis Taylor and Fuzzy Thurston.
Kneeling in deference to the 53rd anniversary of the Super Bowl, following are 53 questions tackling versatile players such as Bell, Carolan, Dawson, Peppers, Taylor and Thurston in this distinctive two-way athlete category that should surprise you with some of the marquee names. If you get them all correct before peeking at answers at the end of this gridiron quiz, then you boast inflated brainpower sufficiently omnipotent to know in advance what will transpire at halftime and which new commercials offer the most entertainment.
1. Name the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback with the Cincinnati Bengals who appeared in Super Bowl XVI following the 1981 season after finishing his career as the fifth-leading scorer in his college's history. The high school teammate of Kentucky All-American and All-Pro Dan Issel led Augustana (Ill.) in field-goal accuracy and free-throw shooting as a freshman and sophomore.
2. Name the linebacker who was one of only two first-year players on the Miami Dolphins' undefeated team in 1972 and was still with the franchise the next season when the Dolphins repeated as Super Bowl champions for a 32-2 two-year mark, the best ever in the NFL. He played briefly for Louisville's varsity basketball squad before Cardinals football coach Lee Corso persuaded him to concentrate on the gridiron.
3. Name the nine-time All-Pro linebacker who was with the Kansas City Chiefs for their Super Bowl IV winner after becoming the first African American to play basketball for Minnesota when he appeared in three games in the 1960-61 season.
4. Name the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end who appeared in Super Bowl III with the Baltimore Colts vs. the New York Jets after becoming a first-team selection as a basketball center for South Dakota in the All-North Central Conference when he averaged 7.8 points per game in 1952-53 and 11 points in 1953-54.
5. Name the first black starting quarterback in the NFL who was later converted to wide receiver and caught two passes to help the undefeated Miami Dolphins beat Minnesota in Super Bowl VIII after averaging 9.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 14 basketball games for Nebraska-Omaha in 1964-65.
6. Name the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who caught five passes for 83 yards in Super Bowl XV for the Philadelphia Eagles after he was the top rebounder for two seasons with Southern (La.). He established an NFL record for most consecutive games with a pass reception (127).
7. Name the 1963 Pro Bowl selection who participated in Super Bowl I as a defensive end with the Kansas City Chiefs after the 6-6, 235-pounder played three varsity seasons with Idaho's basketball team, averaging four points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
8. Name the 1994 first-round draft choice who was a defensive end on the Dallas Cowboys' last Super Bowl team after playing nine games during the 1992-93 season for Arizona State's hoop squad that was decimated with injuries.
9. Name the Pro Bowl selection who appeared in Super Bowl XXXI with the New England Patriots after the 6-5, 245-pounder played basketball one season for Livingstone (N.C.). He held the NFL single-season record for most receptions by a tight end with 96 in 1994.
10. Name the four-year starter who set school career records for total offense, passing yards and rushing yards by a quarterback plus rushing touchdowns by a QB. Most Outstanding Player in the 2002 Peach Bowl as a quarterback was activated for Super Bowl XXXVII as a rookie with the Oakland Raiders before succeeding all-time great Tim Brown as a starting wide receiver. He was North Carolina's leader in assists during 2000-01 when he directed the Tar Heels to a basketball No. 1 ranking and an 18-game winning streak.
11. Name the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who was MVP in Super Bowl IV after playing in two basketball games as a 6-0, 180-pound guard for Purdue in the 1956-57 campaign.
12. Name the defensive left end on Miami's undefeated team in 1972 who played in four Super Bowls with the Dolphins after the 6-6, 220-pound basketball center finished his four-season career at Central College as the Pella, Iowa-based school's all-time leading scorer (15.5 ppg) and rebounder (12.4 rpg). He grabbed a school-record 29 rebounds in a game his senior season (1970-71).
13. Name the Hall of Fame tight end who played in two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, catching a TD pass to cap the scoring in Super Bowl VI, before coaching the Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears following the 1985 season after the 6-2, 205-pound forward averaged 2.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in two seasons with the Pittsburgh Panthers.
14. Name the defensive back for the Baltimore Colts' Super Bowl V champion who led the NFL in kickoff return average (35.4) in 1970 after playing basketball for Maryland-Eastern Shore.
15. Name the prominent ex-NFL coach who was a defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl XIII champion after averaging 2.6 ppg in 16 basketball contests with the Minnesota Gophers in 1973-74 under coach Bill Musselman.
16. Name the starting middle linebacker for a team in two of three Super Bowls in one stretch who started two games at point guard for St. Francis (Pa.) as a freshman in 1993-94 when he averaged three points per game. After transferring back home to Cleveland, the 5-10 dynamo collected 109 points and 52 rebounds in 27 games for John Carroll before quitting basketball midway through the 1995-96 campaign to concentrate on football.
17. Name the Super Bowl X tight end for the Dallas Cowboys after leading Amherst (Mass.) in scoring and rebounding in 1970-71.
18. Name the five-time Pro Bowl defensive back with the Dallas Cowboys who played in two Super Bowls after finishing his three-year varsity career as Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. The 6-4 forward scored 46 points in a game against New Mexico en route to leading the Aggies in scoring with 21.2 points per game in 1959-60 (34th in the nation), 20.3 in 1960-61 (57th) and 25.6 in 1961-62 (13th).
19. Name the Hall of Fame quarterback who played in three Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins after he was a 6-1, 185-pound sophomore guard in 1964-65 when scoring 22 points in 16 games in his only varsity basketball season for Purdue.
20. Name the 12-year veteran safety who played in Super Bowl IV with the Minnesota Vikings after averaging four points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 10 contests for Wisconsin's basketball team in 1958-59.
21. Name the wide receiver who caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Roger Staubach for the Dallas Cowboys' final touchdown in a 21-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl X after he averaged 12.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in three varsity seasons (1972-73 through 1974-75) for Austin Peay. It was the only pass reception in his NFL career. The 6-4, 215-pound forward averaged seven points and seven rebounds per game in four NCAA Tournament contests in 1973 and 1974 as a teammate of folk hero James "Fly" Williams.
22. Name the third-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins in 1998 who backed up MVP Ray Lewis as a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV after being a member of Cincinnati's basketball team for the first month of 1997-98 campaign.
23. Name the three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman who appeared in three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys after the 6-8, 230-pound backup post player averaged 1.7 points and 2.6 rebounds for Tennessee State in his freshman and sophomore seasons (1969-70 and 1970-71).
24. Name the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver who caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco and opened the second half with a 108-yard kickoff return for a TD in a 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII after the Southeastern Louisiana track transfer was a part-time hoop starter for Lane (Tenn.), averaging 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg in 2004-05 and 2005-06.
25. Name the 16-year quarterback who started Super Bowl VII for the Washington Redskins after scoring eight points in six games for coach John Wooden's 1959-60 UCLA basketball team.
26. Name the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback who participated in Super Bowl XVII with the Washington Redskins after the 6-4, 190-pound forward averaged 13.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for San Diego State in 1969-70 and 1970-71. He was the Aztecs' second-leading scorer (15.2 ppg) and rebounder (7.6 rpg) as a junior.
27. Name the 10-time Pro Bowl defensive back who competed in four Super Bowls after collecting nine assists, four points and three rebounds in six games for Southern California's basketball squad as a junior in 1979-80.
28. Name the 11-year defensive lineman who played in Super Bowl XIII for the Minnesota Vikings after averaging 12.3 ppg with Michigan Tech in 1962-63.
29. Name the Minnesota Vikings defensive back who let former Prairie View basketball player Otis Taylor (Kansas City Chiefs) elude him for a long touchdown in Super Bowl IV after being a basketball teammate of Utah State legend Wayne Estes in 1964-65.
30. Name the NFL Hall of Fame tight end who caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas in Super Bowl V after collecting 28 points and 28 rebounds in six basketball games with Syracuse in 1960-61.
31. Name the defensive end who scored six touchdowns in his 14-year NFL career and tackled John Elway of the Denver Broncos for a safety in the New York Giants' Super Bowl XXI victory following the 1986 season after the 6-5, 225-pound forward-center averaged just over 10 points and 10 rebounds per game for Oregon's freshman squad in 1971-72. He played briefly for the Ducks' varsity basketball team the next season.
32. Name the tight end who played in four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills after he was the starting center for Jacksonville State's 1985 NCAA Division II championship team. He led the Gulf South Conference in rebounding each of his first three seasons and finished runner-up in that category as a senior.
33. Name the defensive lineman in Super Bowl XI for the Oakland Raiders who played basketball in the 1975 NAIA Tournament for Morningside (Iowa).
34. Name the quarterback who set an NFL record with 24 consecutive completions over a two-game span in 2004 before guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX the next year. He collected a career-high 10 points and six rebounds and made two clinching free throws with 2.7 seconds remaining in a 77-74 victory over Georgetown in 1997 before Syracuse appeared in the NIT. He scored two points in two 1996 NCAA Tournament games for the Orangemen's national runner-up.
35. Name the tight end who played in four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills, catching a TD pass in Super Bowl XXVI, after the 6-8, 235-pound center for the basketball squad at Wabash (Ind.) averaged 19.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg in four varsity seasons. He set NCAA Division III field-goal shooting records for a single season (75.3% in 1981-82 as a senior) and career (72.4). He collected 45 points and 13 rebounds in the 1982 championship game, scoring a Division III Tournament record 129 points in five games and earning tourney outstanding player honors.
36. Name the Pro Bowl offensive tackle who appeared in three consecutive Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins after leading Lamar in rebounding as a senior with 12.6 per game in 1968-69.
37. Name the valuable addition to Super Bowl XXXIX-bound Philadelphia Eagles in 2004 who had nine pass receptions for 122 yards against the New England Patriots after setting an NFL single-game record with 20 receptions for the San Francisco 49ers against the Chicago Bears in 2000. He collected 57 points and 49 rebounds in 38 games (four starts) for UT-Chattanooga's basketball squad in three seasons from 1993-94 through 1995-96.
38. Name the 14-year running back who played in five Super Bowls, catching more passes (five) than anyone in Super Bowls X and XII, after the guard-forward averaged 8.7 points and 6 rebounds per game as a senior in 1966-67 to finish his three-year Illinois varsity career with 5.2 ppg and 3.6 rpg.
39. Name the 2002 NFL defensive rookie of the year for the Carolina Panthers who appeared in Super Bowl XXXVIII the next season after being a member of North Carolina's 2000 Final Four squad. He started both NCAA Tournament games for the Tar Heels in 2001, including his first double-double (10 rebounds and career-high 21 points against Penn State).
40. Name the wide receiver who made a two-point conversion on a run for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIV and threw a flea flicker touchdown pass in Super Bowl XX after collecting 16 points and 11 assists in 11 games for Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team, including two points in each of the Hoosiers' playoff contests (against George Washington and St. John's).
41. Name the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who scored the first touchdown at Super Bowl XXXI for the Green Bay Packers after he was a 6-1, 185-pound backup guard in basketball for Michigan State in two seasons (1985-86 and 1987-88).
42. Name the Hall of Fame offensive tackle who participated in two Super Bowls (XI and XV) with the Oakland Raiders after he was a two-year basketball letterman as a 6-5, 265-pound center for Maryland State College (now called Maryland-Eastern Shore).
43. Name the Denver Broncos wide receiver who had a game-high 152 receiving yards (including 80-yard touchdown pass from John Elway) in Super Bowl XXXIII after earning Missouri Southern State hoops letter as sophomore in 1990-91.
44. Name an offensive tackle for the Super Bowl XVII champion Washington Redskins after the strike-shortened 1982 campaign who averaged 2.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 50.5% from the floor with Columbia in 1968-69 and 1969-70.
45. Name the Hall of Fame quarterback who guided the Dallas Cowboys to four Super Bowls after averaging 9.3 points per game for the 1961-62 Navy plebe (freshman) basketball team. The 6-2, 190-pound forward scored five points in four games for the Midshipmen varsity squad the next season. He was MVP in Super Bowl VI.
46. Name the defensive back for the Baltimore Colts who appeared in two Super Bowls (III and V) after playing basketball for Maryland-Eastern Shore.
47. Name the wide receiver who played in two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, catching 10 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, after he was a backup small forward in the Prairie View A&M era following the school's glory years with pro basketball standout Zelmo Beaty.
48. Name the linebacker who registered two sacks and five solo tackles in Super Bowl XLII when the New England Patriots lost against New York Giants for first defeat of season after he averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg as reserve forward for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98.
49. Name the Denver Broncos tight end who caught four passes from Peyton Manning in Super Bowl XLVIII after being Portland State's second-leading rebounder in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
50. Name the offensive guard with the Green Bay Packers who participated in the first two Super Bowls after originally enrolling at Valparaiso on a basketball scholarship. He averaged 1.5 points per game in eight contests as a freshman with Valpo in 1951-52 before concentrating on football.
51. Name the Pro Bowl punter who appeared in two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys after averaging 14.5 points and 8.3 rebounds as a sophomore, 17.3 points and eight rebounds as a junior and 22.1 points and 8.7 rebounds as a senior for Tennessee. The 6-4, 210-pound forward scored 50 points against LSU as a senior on his way to becoming SEC player of the year in 1967.
52. Name the defensive end for the Denver Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl champions (XXXII and XXXIII) who registered one steal while playing in one minute of one Big Eight Conference basketball game for Colorado in 1989-90.
53. Name the offensive tackle who was an NFL All-Pro six straight seasons in the 1970s and played in the Super Bowl five times that decade with the Dallas Cowboys after earning All-SIAC basketball recognition for Fort Valley State (Ga.).
ANSWERS TO 53 COLLEGE BASKETBALL-IMPACTING SUPER BOWL TRIVIA QUESTIONS
1. Ken Anderson; 2. Larry Ball; 3. Bobby Bell; 4. Ordell Braase; 5. Marlin Briscoe; 6. Harold Carmichael; 7. Reg Carolan; 8. Shante Carver; 9. Ben Coates; 10. Ronald Curry; 11. Len Dawson; 12. Vern Den Herder; 13. Mike Ditka; 14. Jim Duncan; 15. Tony Dungy; 16. London Fletcher; 17. Jean Fugett; 18. Cornell Green; 19. Bob Griese; 20. Dale Hackbart; 21. Percy Howard; 22. Brad Jackson; 23. Ed "Too Tall" Jones; 24. Jacoby Jones; 25. Billy Kilmer; 26. Joe Lavender; 27. Ronnie Lott; 28. Bob Lurtsema; 29. Earsell Mackbee; 30. John Mackey; 31. George Martin; 32. Keith McKeller; 33. Herb McMath; 34. Donovan McNabb; 35. Pete Metzelaars; 36. Wayne Moore; 37. Terrell Owens; 38. Preston Pearson; 39. Julius Peppers; 40. Antwaan Randle El; 41. Andre Rison; 42. Art Shell; 43. Rod Smith; 44. George Starke; 45. Roger Staubach; 46. Charlie Stukes; 47. Otis Taylor; 48. Adalius Thomas; 49. Julius Thomas; 50. Fuzzy Thurston; 51. Ron Widby; 52. Alfred Williams; 53. Rayfield Wright.
Only One NFL Pro Bowl Failed to Have College Basketball Representation
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins opted out of Pro Bowl because of a shoulder injury sustained in wild-card playoff contest after tying NFL single-season record for pass receptions with 115. When Hopkins (Clemson) was named to regal roster, there remained only one Pro Bowl (following 1985 season) when there wasn't at least one gridiron participant who previously played college basketball.
An average of eight ex-college cagers annually participated the first decade of the event in the 1950s with a high of 10 following the 1959 campaign. Following is an alphabetical list of Pro Bowlers who previously played hoops at varsity level for a four-year college:
| NFL Pro Bowl Selection | Pos. | NFL Team(s) | 4-Year Hoop College(s) | Pro Bowl Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Anderson | QB | Cincinnati Bengals | Augustana (Ill.) | 1975-76-81-82 |
| Doug Atkins | RDE | Chicago Bears | Tennessee | 1957-58-59-60-61-62-63-65 |
| Al Baker | RDE | Detroit Lions | Colorado State | 1978-79-80 |
| Erich Barnes | RDH | Chicago Bears/New York Giants/Cleveland Browns | Purdue | 1959-61-62-63-64-68 |
| Connor Barwin | OLB | Philadelphia Eagles | Cincinnati | 2014 |
| Sammy Baugh | QB | Washington Redskins | Texas Christian | 1951 |
| Bobby Bell | LLB | Kansas City Chiefs | Minnesota | 1970-71-72 |
| Martellus Bennett | TE | Chicago Bears | Texas A&M | 2014 |
| Cloyce Box | E | Detroit Lions | West Texas A&M | 1950 and 1952 |
| Ordell Braase | RDE | Baltimore Colts | South Dakota | 1966 and 1967 |
| Pete Brewster | LE | Cleveland Browns | Purdue | 1955 and 1956 |
| Marlin Briscoe | WR | Buffalo Bills | Nebraska-Omaha | 1970 |
| Jim Brown | FB | Cleveland Browns | Syracuse | 1957-58-59-60-61-62-63-64-65 |
| Junious "Buck" Buchanan | RDT | Kansas City Chiefs | Grambling | 1970 and 1971 |
| Jordan Cameron | TE | Cleveland Browns | Brigham Young/Southern California | 2013 |
| Harold Carmichael | WR | Philadelphia Eagles | Southern (La.) | 1973-78-79-80 |
| Fred Carr | RLB | Green Bay Packers | Texas Western | 1970-72-75 |
| John Carson | LE | Washington Redskins | Georgia | 1957 |
| Rick Casares | FB | Chicago Bears | Florida | 1955-56-57-58-59 |
| Chris Chambers | WR | Miami Dolphins | Wisconsin | 2005 |
| Lynn Chandnois | RH | Pittsburgh Steelers | Michigan State | 1952 and 1953 |
| Ben Coates | TE | New England Patriots | Livingstone (N.C.) | 1994-95-98 |
| George Connor | LT | Chicago Bears | Holy Cross/Notre Dame | 1950-51-52-53 |
| Charley Cowan | RT | Los Angeles Rams | New Mexico Highlands | 1968-69-70 |
| Glenn Davis | LH | Los Angeles Rams | Army | 1950 |
| Len Dawson | QB | Kansas City Chiefs | Purdue | 1971 |
| Mike Ditka | TE | Chicago Bears | Pittsburgh | 1961-62-63-64-65 |
| Jim Finks | QB | Pittsburgh Steelers | Tulsa | 1952 |
| London Fletcher | LB | Washington Redskins | St. Francis (Pa.)/John Carroll (Ohio) | 2009-10-11-12 |
| Len Ford | DE | Cleveland Browns | Morgan State | 1951-52-53-54 |
| Jean Fugett | TE | Washington Redskins | Amherst (Mass.) | 1977 |
| Antonio Gates | TE | San Diego Chargers | Eastern Michigan/Kent State | 2004-05-06-07-08-09-10-11 |
| Tony Gonzalez | TE | Kansas City Chiefs/Atlanta Falcons | California | 1999 and 2000-01-02-03-04-05-06-07-08-10-11-12-13 |
| Jimmy Graham | TE | New Orleans Saints/Seattle Seahawks | Miami (Fla.) | 2011-13-14-16-17 |
| Otto Graham | QB | Cleveland Browns | Northwestern | 1950-51-52-53-54 |
| Cornell Green | DB | Dallas Cowboys | Utah State | 1965-66-67-71-72 |
| Bob Griese | QB | Miami Dolphins | Purdue | 1970-71-73-74-77-78 |
| Todd Heap | TE | Baltimore Ravens | Arizona State | 2002 and 2003 |
| Harlon Hill | LE | Chicago Bears | Florence State (Ala.) | 1954-55-56 |
| Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch | RE | Los Angeles Rams | Michigan | 1951-52-53 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | WR | Houston Texans | Clemson | 2015-17-18 |
| Paul Hornung | LH | Green Bay Packers | Notre Dame | 1959 and 1960 |
| Vincent Jackson | WR | San Diego Chargers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Northern Colorado | 2009-11-12 |
| Dave Jennings | P | New York Giants | St. Lawrence (N.Y.) | 1978-79-80-82 |
| Brad Johnson | QB | Washington Redskins | Florida State | 1999, 2000 and 2002 |
| John Henry Johnson | RB | San Francisco 49ers/Pittsburgh Steelers | Saint Mary's | 1954-62-63-64 |
| Johnny Johnson | RB | Phoenix Suns | San Jose State | 1990 |
| Ed "Too Tall" Jones | LDE | Dallas Cowboys | Tennessee State | 1981-82-83 |
| Jacoby Jones | KR | Baltimore Ravens | Lane (Tenn.) | 2012 |
| Joe Kapp | QB | Minnesota Vikings | California | 1969 |
| Billy Kilmer | QB | Washington Redskins | UCLA | 1972 |
| Ron Kramer | TE | Green Bay Packers | Michigan | 1962 |
| Gary Larsen | DT | Minnesota Vikings | Concordia (Minn.) | 1969 and 1970 |
| Johnny Lattner | RH | Pittsburgh Steelers | Notre Dame | 1954 |
| Joe Lavender | RCB | Washington Redskins | San Diego State | 1979 and 1980 |
| Rolland Lawrence | CB | Atlanta Falcons | Tabor (Kan.) | 1977 |
| Bobby Layne | QB | Detroit Lions/Pittsburgh Steelers | Texas | 1951-52-53-56-58-59 |
| Ronnie Lott | DB | San Francisco 49ers | Southern California | 1981-82-83-84-86-87-88-89-90-91 |
| Johnny Lujack | QB | Chicago Bears | Notre Dame | 1950 and 1951 |
| Lamar Lundy | LDE | Los Angeles Rams | Purdue | 1959 |
| John Mackey | TE | Baltimore Colts | Syracuse | 1963-65-66-67-68 |
| Jack "Cy" McClairen | E | Pittsburgh Steelers | Bethune-Cookman | 1957 |
| Donovan McNabb | QB | Philadelphia Eagles | Syracuse | 2000-01-02-03-04-09 |
| Zeke Moore | CB | Houston Oilers | Lincoln (Mo.) | 1969 and 1970 |
| Elbie Nickel | RE | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati | 1952-53-56 |
| Karl Noonan | SE | Miami Dolphins | Iowa | 1968 |
| Terrell Owens | WR | San Francisco 49ers/Dallas Cowboys | UT-Chattanooga | 2000-01-02-03-04-07 |
| Julius Peppers | DE-LB | Carolina Panthers/Chicago Bears/Green Bay Packers | North Carolina | 2004-05-06-08-09-10-11-12-15 |
| Sonny Randle | WR | St. Louis Cardinals | Virginia | 1960-61-62-65 |
| Garet "Jerry" Reichow | WR | Minnesota Vikings | Iowa | 1961 |
| Andre Rison | WR | Atlanta Falcons/Kansas City Chiefs | Michigan State | 1990-91-92-93-97 |
| Dave Robinson | LB | Green Bay Packers | Penn State | 1966-67-69 |
| Otto Schnellbacher | RS | New York Giants | Kansas | 1950 and 1951 |
| Tom Scott | LDE | Philadelphia Eagles | Virginia | 1957 and 1958 |
| Joe Senser | TE | Minnesota Vikings | West Chester (Pa.) State | 1981 |
| Bob Shaw | E | Chicago Cardinals | Ohio State | 1950 |
| Art Shell | LT | Oakland Raiders | Maryland-Eastern Shore | 1973-74-75-76-77 |
| Del Shofner | RH-SE | Los Angeles Rams/New York Giants | Baylor | 1958-59-61-62-63 |
| Rod Smith | WR | Denver Broncos | Missouri Southern State | 2000-01-05 |
| Norm Snead | QB | Washington Redskins/Philadelphia Eagles/New York Giants | Wake Forest | 1962-63-65-72 |
| Ed Sprinkle | DE | Chicago Bears | Hardin-Simmons (Tex.) | 1950-51-52-54 |
| Roger Staubach | QB | Dallas Cowboys | Navy | 1971-75-76-77-78-79 |
| Greg Stemrick | CB | Houston Oilers | Colorado State | 1980 |
| Hugh "Bones" Taylor | LE | Washington Redskins | Tulane/Oklahoma City | 1952 and 1954 |
| Jason Taylor | RDE | Miami Dolphins | Akron | 2000-02-04-05-06-07 |
| Otis Taylor | WR | Kansas City Chiefs | Prairie View A&M | 1971 and 1972 |
| Adalius Thomas | LB | Baltimore Ravens | Southern Mississippi | 2003 and 2006 |
| John Thomas | LG | San Francisco 49ers | Pacific | 1966 |
| Julius Thomas | TE | Denver Broncos | Portland State | 2013 and 2014 |
| Emlen Tunnell | DB | New York Giants | Toledo | 1950-51-52-53-54-55-56-57-59 |
| Brad Van Pelt | LLB | New York Giants | Michigan State | 1976-77-78-79-80 |
| Doak Walker | LH | Detroit Lions | Southern Methodist | 1950-51-53-54-55 |
| Ron Widby | P | Dallas Cowboys | Tennessee | 1971 |
| Norm Willey | RDE | Philadelphia Eagles | Marshall | 1954 and 1955 |
| Alfred Williams | RDE | Denver Broncos | Colorado | 1996 |
| Billy Wilson | RE | San Francisco 49ers | San Jose State | 1954-55-56-57-58-59 |
| Rayfield Wright | RT | Dallas Cowboys | Fort Valley State (Ga.) | 1971-72-73-74-75-76 |
Picture Perfect: Which School Will Supply 13th Team With Undefeated Mark?
"We will either find a way or make one." - Hannibal, Carthaginian military commander
UCLA, in a stellar 10-year stretch from 1963-64 through 1972-73 ruling the scene much like Hannibal, accounted for four of only 12 squads to go undefeated since the start of national tournament postseason competition in the late 1930s. Kentucky came close to becoming #13 four years ago before bowing against Wisconsin in the national semifinals.
UK was soundly whipped by undefeated LIU in 1938-39 prior to the Wildcats going unbeaten themselves 15 years later. The average number of defeats the previous year for the first 12 unbeaten teams was five. The only time in major-college history two undefeated major colleges met in a national postseason tournament was the 1939 NIT final between Loyola of Chicago and Long Island University. LIU (23-0) defeated Loyola (21-1), 44-32.
In a seven-year span, all-time greats Lew Alcindor (UCLA in 1966-67), Bill Walton (UCLA in 1971-72) and David Thompson (North Carolina State in 1972-73) weren't freshmen but they were in their first season of varsity eligibility when leading their unbeaten teams in scoring. Alcindor (29 ppg), Lennie Rosenbluth (28 ppg with North Carolina in 1956-57) and Thompson (24.7 ppg) tallied the three highest-scoring averages among these undefeated squads.
Each of the dozen unbeaten major universities had at least one outing decided by fewer than eight points. Following are the schedules and team statistics for the 12 squads, including the last one to achieve the feat in 1975-76 (Indiana won five regular-season games by fewer than five points or in overtime), to go undefeated since the start of national tournament postseason competition:
Long Island (23-0 in 1938-39)
Coach: Clair Bee (eighth of 18 seasons with Blackbirds)
| 1938-39 LIU Opponents | Score | LIU's High Scorer |
|---|---|---|
| Newark University (N.J.) | 64-14 | George Newman 14 |
| Panzer College | 41-35 | Daniel Kaplowitz 15 |
| Princeton/Seminary | 82-37 | John Bromberg/Irv Torgoff 10 |
| McGill University (Quebec) | 77-39 | Irv Torgoff 12 |
| Montclair Teachers College (N.J.) | 63-40 | Irv Torgoff 10 |
| East Stroudsburg Teachers (Pa.) | 63-33 | John Bromberg 14 |
| Southern California | 33-18 | Daniel Kaplowitz 12 |
| Kentucky | 52-34 | John Bromberg 12 |
| Marquette | 41-34 | Arthur Hillhouse 14 |
| New York Athletic Club | 64-43 | Arthur Hillhouse 15 |
| Toledo | 46-39 | Irv Torgoff 18 |
| Geneva College (Pa.) | 48-39 | Irv Torgoff 15 |
| Duquesne | 48-31 | John Bromberg 13 |
| Scranton (Pa.) | 65-53 | Daniel Kaplowitz 16 |
| Canisius | 62-50 | Myron Sewitch 15 |
| St. Francis (N.Y.) | 61-20 | Ossie Schechtman 13 |
| St. Bonaventure | 70-31 | Irv Torgoff 12 |
| University of Baltimore | 52-34 | Daniel Kaplowitz 9 |
| John Marshall College | 65-25 | Irv Torgoff 11 |
| at La Salle | 28-21 | Daniel Kaplowitz 7 |
| New Mexico State (NIT) | 52-45 | Irv Torgoff 14 |
| Bradley (NIT) | 36-32 | John Bromberg 12 |
| Loyola of Chicago (NIT) | 44-32 | Irv Torgoff 12 |
NOTES: La Salle game technically played on a neutral court (Philadelphia Convention Hall). . . . NIT games played at Madison Square Garden.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR LIU REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irv Torgoff | F | Sr. | 23 | 9.5 |
| Daniel Kaplowitz | F | Sr. | 23 | 8.1 |
| *Arthur Hillhouse | C | Sr. | 12 | 7.1 |
| John Bromberg | G | Sr. | 23 | 6.6 |
| Oscar "Ossie" Schechtman | G | Soph. | 22 | 4.8 |
| Seymour "Cy" Lobello | C | Soph. | 22 | 4.4 |
| **Dolly King | C | Soph. | 10 | 4.0 |
| Myron Sewitch | C | Sr. | 21 | 3.9 |
| Solomon Schwartz | G | Soph. | 22 | 3.8 |
| George Newman | G | Sr. | 23 | 3.5 |
| Joseph Shelly | G | Soph. | 20 | 3.5 |
| Irving Zeitlin | G | Soph. | 18 | 1.7 |
| Maxwell Sharf | G-F | Soph. | 16 | 1.4 |
*Hillhouse completed eligibility at the end of the first semester.
**King became eligible at the start of the second semester.
Seton Hall (19-0 in 1939-40)
Coach: John "Honey" Russell (fourth of 18 seasons with Pirates)
| 1939-40 Seton Hall Opponents | Date | Score | Pirates High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumni | D8 | 45-29 | Nick Parpan 12 |
| Mount St. Mary's | D18 | 58-32 | Ed Sadowski 13 |
| Tulane | D20 | 53-25 | Bob Davies 9 |
| Florida | D28 | 43-41 | Bob Davies/Ed Sadowski 13 |
| William & Mary | J6 | 51-35 | Ed Sadowski 17 |
| at Scranton | J12 | 48-32 | Ed Sadowski 17 |
| Becker | J17 | 69-29 | Ed Sadowski 14 |
| at Kutztown (Pa.) | J24 | 42-34 | Ed Sadowski 15 |
| Loyola (Md.) | F2 | 50-40 | Ed Sadowski 13 |
| at St. Peter's | F3 | 55-27 | Bernie Coyle 13 |
| at Brooklyn | F5 | 51-34 | Bob Fischer 13 |
| Rider | F9 | 44-32 | Bob Davies/John Ruthenberg 8 |
| St. Francis (Pa.) | F14 | 48-36 | Bob Davies 17 |
| St. Bonaventure | F17 | 46-41 | Bob Davies 19 |
| Kutztown (Pa.) | F21 | 53-33 | Bob Davies 15 |
| Canisius | F23 | 52-46 | Bob Davies 17 |
| Catholic (D.C.) | F26 | 53-27 | Edward Ryan 13 |
| Brooklyn | F28 | 43-41 | Frank Delany 16 |
| Scranton (Pa.) | M1 | 68-39 | Bob Davies 16 |
NOTE: Seton Hall played its home games at five different arenas - East Orange High School, Elizabeth Armory, Orange Armory, Orange High School and Dickinson High School (Jersey City).
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR SETON HALL REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Sadowski* | C | Sr. | 9 | 12.2 |
| Bob Davies | F | Soph. | 18 | 11.8 |
| Bob Fischer | F | Soph. | 18 | 4.9 |
| John Ruthenberg | G-C | Soph. | 19 | 4.7 |
| Bob Holm | G | Soph. | 17 | 4.2 |
| Frank Delany | G-F | Sr. | 19 | 3.8 |
| Bernie Coyle | G-F | Sr. | 18 | 3.7 |
| Nick Parpan | G-F | Jr. | 14 | 3.4 |
| Ken Pine | C | Soph. | 16 | 3.2 |
| Ray Studwell | F-G | Soph. | 18 | 1.2 |
*Sadowski missed the second half of the season because of a broken kneecap.
Army/U.S. Military Academy (15-0 in winter of 1944)
Coach: Ed Kelleher (first of two seasons with Cadets)
| 1943-44 Army Opponents | Score | Army's High Scorer |
|---|---|---|
| Swarthmore (Pa.) | 80-29 | Bob Faas 20 |
| Colgate | 69-44 | Dale Hall 18 |
| St. John's | 49-36 | Dale Hall 21 |
| at Columbia | 55-37 | Dale Hall 17 |
| Penn State | 49-38 | Dale Hall 14 |
| Coast Guard | 55-37 | Doug Kenna 11 |
| West Virginia | 58-31 | Dale Hall 18 |
| at Rochester (N.Y.) | 57-43 | Dale Hall 23 |
| Pittsburgh | 66-32 | Ed Christl 16 |
| Hobart (N.Y.) | 69-36 | Dale Hall/Doug Kenna 20 |
| Pennsylvania | 55-38 | Dale Hall 18 |
| Villanova | 34-22 | Dale Hall 23 |
| New York University | 46-36 | Dale Hall 18 |
| Maryland | 85-22 | Dale Hall 32 |
| Navy | 47-40 | Doug Kenna 17 |
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR ARMY REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dale Hall | F | Jr. | 15 | 18.2 |
| Doug Kenna | G | Jr. | 15 | 10.1 |
| Ed Christl | C | Sr. | 12 | 8.3 |
| Bob Faas | F | Sr. | 15 | 7.1 |
| Bill Ekberg | C | Jr. | 15 | 4.7 |
| Jack Hennessey | G | Sr. | 15 | 1.7 |
Kentucky (25-0 in 1953-54)
Coach: Adolph Rupp (24th of 41 seasons with Wildcats)
| 1953-54 UK Opponents | Date | Score | UK's High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple | D5 | 86-59 | Cliff Hagan 51 |
| at Xavier | D12 | 81-66 | Frank Ramsey 27 |
| Wake Forest | D14 | 101-69 | Cliff Hagan 18 |
| at St. Louis | D18 | 71-59 | Frank Ramsey 21 |
| Duke | D21 | 85-69 | Cliff Hagan 27 |
| La Salle | D22 | 73-60 | Cliff Hagan 28 |
| Minnesota | D28 | 74-59 | Frank Ramsey 23 |
| Xavier | J4 | 77-71 | Cliff Hagan 20 |
| Georgia Tech | J9 | 105-53 | Cliff Hagan 34 |
| DePaul | J11 | 81-63 | Cliff Hagan/Frank Ramsey 22 |
| Tulane | J16 | 94-43 | Frank Ramsey 26 |
| at Tennessee | J23 | 97-71 | Frank Ramsey 37 |
| at Vanderbilt | J30 | 85-63 | Frank Ramsey 24 |
| Georgia Tech* | F2 | 99-48 | Cliff Hagan 23 |
| Georgia | F4 | 106-55 | Frank Ramsey 29 |
| Georgia* | F6 | 100-68 | Cliff Hagan 29 |
| at Florida | F8 | 97-55 | Cliff Hagan 22 |
| Mississippi | F13 | 88-62 | Cliff Hagan 38 |
| Mississippi State | F15 | 81-49 | Cliff Hagan 26 |
| Tennessee | F18 | 90-63 | Cliff Hagan 24 |
| at DePaul | F20 | 76-61 | Cliff Hagan 29 |
| Vanderbilt | F22 | 100-64 | Cliff Hagan 22 |
| Auburn* | F27 | 109-79 | Frank Ramsey 28 |
| at Alabama | M1 | 68-43 | Cliff Hagan 24 |
| Louisiana State* (SEC Playoff) | M9 | 63-56 | Frank Ramsey 30 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR KENTUCKY REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cliff Hagan | F-C | Sr. | 25 | .455 | .691 | 24.0 | 13.5 |
| Frank Ramsey | G | Sr. | 25 | .416 | .729 | 19.6 | 8.8 |
| Lou Tsioropoulos | F | Sr. | 25 | .351 | .690 | 14.5 | 9.6 |
| Billy Evans | F-G | Jr. | 25 | .372 | .778 | 8.4 | 7.2 |
| Gayle Rose | G | Jr. | 23 | .346 | .646 | 6.7 | 1.3 |
| Phil Grawemeyer | F-C | Soph. | 25 | .372 | .543 | 5.9 | 6.1 |
| Linville Puckett | G | Soph. | 24 | .295 | .673 | 5.1 | 2.2 |
| Bill Bibb | F | Soph. | 16 | .313 | .583 | 1.7 | 1.6 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 25 | .383 | .678 | 87.5 | 52.7 |
San Francisco (29-0 in 1955-56)
Coach: Phil Woolpert (fifth of nine seasons with Dons)
| 1955-56 USF Opponents | Date | Score | USF's High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chico State (Calif.) | D2 | 70-39 | Bill Russell 15 |
| Southern California | D3 | 58-42 | Bill Russell 24 |
| San Francisco State | D6 | 72-47 | Bill Russell 20 |
| Marquette* | D16 | 65-58 | Bill Russell 16 |
| at DePaul | D17 | 82-59 | K.C. Jones 23 |
| at Wichita | D20 | 75-65 | Bill Russell 17 |
| at Loyola of New Orleans | D23 | 61-43 | Bill Russell 20 |
| La Salle* | D26 | 79-62 | Bill Russell 26 |
| Holy Cross* | D27 | 67-51 | Bill Russell 24 |
| UCLA* | D28 | 70-53 | Bill Russell 17 |
| Pepperdine | J6 | 62-51 | Bill Russell 20 |
| Santa Clara | J10 | 74-56 | Mike Farmer 18 |
| at Fresno State | J13 | 69-50 | Bill Russell 22 |
| at California | J28 | 33-24 | K.C. Jones 15 |
| San Jose State | J31 | 67-40 | Bill Russell 21 |
| Loyola of Los Angeles | F3 | 68-46 | Carl Boldt 20 |
| at Pacific | F7 | 77-60 | Bill Russell 24 |
| Fresno State | F10 | 79-46 | Bill Russell 23 |
| at San Jose State | F14 | 76-52 | Bill Russell 21 |
| at St. Mary's | F17 | 76-63 | Bill Russell 28 |
| at Santa Clara | F24 | 80-44 | Bill Russell 29 |
| Pacific | F28 | 87-49 | Bill Russell 28 |
| at Pepperdine | M2 | 68-40 | Carl Boldt 14 |
| at Loyola of Los Angeles | M3 | 65-48 | Bill Russell 24 |
| St. Mary's | M6 | 82-49 | Bill Russell 22 |
| UCLA* (NCAA Tournament) | M16 | 72-61 | Gene Brown 23 |
| Utah* (NCAA Tournament) | M17 | 92-77 | Bill Russell 27 |
| Southern Methodist* (NCAA Tournament) | M22 | 86-68 | Mike Farmer 26 |
| Iowa* (NCAA Tournament) | M23 | 83-71 | Bill Russell 26 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR USF REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Russell | C | Sr. | 29 | .513 | .495 | 20.6 | 21.0 |
| K.C. Jones* | G | Sr. | 25 | .365 | .655 | 9.8 | 5.2 |
| Hal Perry | G | Sr. | 29 | .365 | .729 | 9.1 | 2.0 |
| Carl Boldt | F | Jr. | 28 | .326 | .783 | 8.6 | 5.0 |
| Mike Farmer | F | Soph. | 28 | .371 | .548 | 8.4 | 7.8 |
| Gene Brown | G | Soph. | 29 | .377 | .641 | 7.1 | 4.4 |
| Mike Preaseau | F | Soph. | 29 | .366 | .609 | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| Warren Baxter | G | Sr. | 26 | .301 | .667 | 2.2 | 0.7 |
| Bill Bush | G | Sr. | 22 | .208 | .625 | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Jack King | F | Jr. | 22 | .162 | .462 | 0.8 | 1.0 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 29 | .388 | .604 | 72.2 | 54.2 |
*Ineligible for NCAA Tournament as a fifth-year player.
North Carolina (32-0 in 1956-57)
Coach: Frank McGuire (fifth of nine seasons with Tar Heels)
| 1956-57 UNC Opponents | Date | Score | Carolina's High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furman | D4 | 94-66 | Lennie Rosenbluth 47 |
| Clemson* | D8 | 94-75 | Pete Brennan 28 |
| George Washington | D12 | 82-55 | Lennie Rosenbluth 27 |
| at South Carolina | D15 | 90-86 | Tommy Kearns 29 |
| Maryland | D17 | 70-61 | Lennie Rosenbluth 26 |
| at New York University | D20 | 64-59 | Bob Cunningham 16 |
| Dartmouth* | D21 | 89-61 | Lennie Rosenbluth 30 |
| Holy Cross* | D22 | 83-70 | Lennie Rosenbluth 23 |
| Utah* | D27 | 97-76 | Lennie Rosenbluth 36 |
| Duke* | D28 | 87-71 | Lennie Rosenbluth 32 |
| Wake Forest* | D29 | 63-55 | Lennie Rosenbluth 18 |
| at William & Mary | J8 | 71-61 | Pete Brennan 20 |
| Clemson | J11 | 86-54 | Lennie Rosenbluth 34 |
| Virginia | J12 | 102-90 | Lennie Rosenbluth 30 |
| at North Carolina State | J15 | 83-57 | Lennie Rosenbluth 29 |
| at Western Carolina | J30 | 77-59 | Lennie Rosenbluth 26 |
| at Maryland | F5 | 65-61 (2OT) | Lennie Rosenbluth 25 |
| Duke | F9 | 75-73 | Lennie Rosenbluth 35 |
| at Virginia | F11 | 68-59 | Lennie Rosenbluth 23 |
| Wake Forest | F13 | 72-69 | Lennie Rosenbluth 24 |
| North Carolina State | F19 | 86-57 | Lennie Rosenbluth 28 |
| South Carolina | F22 | 75-62 | Pete Brennan 26 |
| at Wake Forest | F26 | 69-64 | Lennie Rosenbluth 30 |
| at Duke | M1 | 86-72 | Lennie Rosenbluth 40 |
| Clemson* (ACC Tournament) | M7 | 81-61 | Lennie Rosenbluth 45 |
| Wake Forest* (ACC Tournament) | M8 | 61-59 | Lennie Rosenbluth 23 |
| South Carolina* (ACC Tournament) | M9 | 95-75 | Lennie Rosenbluth 38 |
| Yale* (NCAA Tournament) | M12 | 90-74 | Lennie Rosenbluth 29 |
| Canisius* (NCAA Tournament) | M15 | 87-75 | Lennie Rosenbluth 39 |
| Syracuse* (NCAA Tournament) | M16 | 67-58 | Lennie Rosenbluth 23 |
| Michigan State* (NCAA Tournament) | M22 | 74-70 (3OT) | Lennie Rosenbluth 31 |
| Kansas* (NCAA Tournament) | M23 | 54-53 (3OT) | Lennie Rosenbluth 20 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR NORTH CAROLINA REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lennie Rosenbluth | F | Sr. | 32 | .483 | .758 | 28.0 | 8.8 |
| Pete Brennan | F | Jr. | 32 | .394 | .706 | 14.7 | 10.4 |
| Tommy Kearns | G | Jr. | 32 | .434 | .711 | 12.8 | 3.1 |
| Joe Quigg | C | Jr. | 31 | .434 | .719 | 10.3 | 8.6 |
| Bob Cunningham | G | Jr. | 32 | .393 | .598 | 7.2 | 6.7 |
| Tony Radovich | G | Sr. | 16 | .525 | .769 | 3.9 | 1.8 |
| Bill Hathaway | C | Soph. | 15 | .333 | .417 | 2.8 | 5.0 |
| Stan Groll | G | Soph. | 12 | .370 | .556 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| Bob Young | C | Sr. | 15 | .256 | .538 | 1.9 | 2.1 |
| Ken Rosemond | G | Jr. | 15 | .400 | .556 | 1.1 | 0.6 |
| Danny Lotz | F | Soph. | 24 | .350 | .391 | 1.0 | 1.6 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 32 | .431 | .701 | 79.3 | 46.7 |
UCLA (30-0 in 1963-64)
Coach: John Wooden (16th of 27 seasons with Bruins)
| 1963-64 UCLA Opponents | Date | Score | Bruins High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young | D6 | 113-71 | Walt Hazzard 20 |
| Butler | D7 | 80-65 | Walt Hazzard 21 |
| Kansas State* | D13 | 78-75 | Gail Goodrich 21 |
| Kansas* | D14 | 74-54 | Gail Goodrich 23 |
| Baylor* | D20 | 112-61 | Walt Hazzard 23 |
| Creighton* | D21 | 95-79 | Walt Hazzard 26 |
| Yale | D26 | 95-65 | Gail Goodrich 25 |
| Michigan | D27 | 98-80 | Gail Goodrich 30 |
| Illinois | D28 | 83-79 | Gail Goodrich 21 |
| at Washington State | J3 | 88-83 | Gail Goodrich 28 |
| at Washington State | J4 | 121-77 | Gail Goodrich 21 |
| Southern California | J10 | 79-59 | Walt Hazzard 21 |
| Southern California | J11 | 78-71 | Gail Goodrich 23 |
| Stanford | J17 | 84-71 | Gail Goodrich 23 |
| Stanford* | J18 | 80-61 | Walt Hazzard 31 |
| UC Santa Barbara | J31 | 107-76 | Gail Goodrich/Walt Hazzard 21 |
| UC Santa Barbara* | F1 | 87-59 | Gail Goodrich 31 |
| at California | F7 | 87-67 | Gail Goodrich 26 |
| at California | F8 | 58-56 | Walt Hazzard 17 |
| Washington | F14 | 73-58 | Walt Hazzard 17 |
| Washington | F15 | 88-60 | Gail Goodrich 22 |
| at Stanford | F22 | 100-88 | Walt Hazzard 27 |
| at Washington | F24 | 78-64 | Keith Erickson/Walt Hazzard 21 |
| Washington State | F29 | 93-56 | Walt Hazzard 19 |
| California | M2 | 87-57 | Gail Goodrich 23 |
| Southern California | M6 | 91-81 | Gail Goodrich 23 |
| Seattle* (NCAA Tournament) | M13 | 95-90 | Walt Hazzard 26 |
| San Francisco* (NCAA Tournament) | M14 | 76-72 | Walt Hazzard 23 |
| Kansas State* (NCAA Tournament) | M20 | 90-84 | Keith Erickson 28 |
| Duke* (NCAA Tournament) | M21 | 98-83 | Gail Goodrich 27 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR UCLA REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gail Goodrich | G | Jr. | 30 | .458 | .711 | 21.5 | 5.2 |
| Walt Hazzard | G | Sr. | 30 | .445 | .718 | 18.6 | 4.7 |
| Jack Hirsch | F | Sr. | 30 | .528 | .664 | 14.0 | 7.6 |
| Keith Erickson | F | Jr. | 30 | .403 | .623 | 10.7 | 9.1 |
| Fred Slaughter | C | Sr. | 30 | .466 | .484 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| Kenny Washington | F-G | Soph. | 30 | .458 | .627 | 6.1 | 4.2 |
| Doug McIntosh | C | Soph. | 30 | .519 | .500 | 3.6 | 4.4 |
| Kim Stewart | F | Sr. | 23 | .393 | .467 | 2.2 | 2.0 |
| Rich Levin | F | Jr. | 19 | .372 | .500 | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| Mike Huggins | G | Sr. | 23 | .382 | .478 | 1.6 | 1.0 |
| Chuck Darrow | G | Soph. | 23 | .379 | .583 | 1.6 | 1.2 |
| Vaughn Hoffman | C | Soph. | 21 | .476 | .500 | 1.2 | 1.3 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 30 | .455 | .644 | 88.9 | 55.7 |
UCLA (30-0 in 1966-67)
Coach: John Wooden (19th of 27 seasons with Bruins)
| 1966-67 UCLA Opponents | Date | Score | Bruins High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California | D3 | 105-90 | Lew Alcindor 56 |
| Duke | D9 | 88-54 | Lew Alcindor/Lucius Allen 19 |
| Duke | D10 | 107-87 | Lew Alcindor 38 |
| Colorado State | D22 | 84-74 | Lew Alcindor 34 |
| Notre Dame | D23 | 96-67 | Lew Alcindor 25 |
| Wisconsin | D28 | 100-56 | Lew Alcindor 24 |
| Georgia Tech | D29 | 91-72 | Lew Alcindor 18 |
| Southern California | D30 | 107-83 | Lew Alcindor 25 |
| at Washington State | J7 | 76-67 | Lew Alcindor 28 |
| at Washington | J9 | 83-68 | Lew Alcindor 28 |
| California | J13 | 96-78 | Lew Alcindor 26 |
| Stanford | J14 | 116-78 | Lew Alcindor 37 |
| Portland | J20 | 122-57 | Lew Alcindor 27 |
| UC Santa Barbara | J21 | 119-75 | Lew Alcindor 37 |
| at Loyola of Chicago | J28 | 82-67 | Lew Alcindor 35 |
| Illinois* | J29 | 120-82 | Lew Alcindor 45 |
| at Southern California | F4 | 40-35 (OT) | Lew Alcindor 13 |
| Oregon State | F10 | 76-44 | Lew Alcindor/Lucius Allen 22 |
| Oregon | F11 | 100-66 | Lucius Allen 20 |
| at Oregon | F17 | 34-25 | Lew Alcindor 12 |
| at Oregon State | F18 | 72-50 | Lew Alcindor 28 |
| Washington | F24 | 71-43 | Lew Alcindor 37 |
| Washington State | F25 | 100-78 | Lew Alcindor 61 |
| at Stanford | M3 | 75-47 | Lew Alcindor 20 |
| at California | M4 | 103-66 | Lew Alcindor 30 |
| Southern California | M11 | 83-55 | Lew Alcindor 26 |
| Wyoming* (NCAA Tournament) | M17 | 109-60 | Lew Alcindor 29 |
| Pacific* (NCAA Tournament) | M18 | 80-64 | Lew Alcindor 38 |
| Houston* (NCAA Tournament) | M24 | 73-58 | Lynn Shackelford 22 |
| Dayton* (NCAA Tournament) | M25 | 79-64 | Lew Alcindor 20 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR UCLA REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lew Alcindor | C | Soph. | 30 | .667 | .650 | 29.0 | 15.5 |
| Lucius Allen | G | Soph. | 30 | .479 | .713 | 15.5 | 5.8 |
| Mike Warren | G | Jr. | 30 | .465 | .758 | 12.7 | 4.5 |
| Lynn Shackelford | F | Soph. | 30 | .480 | .821 | 11.4 | 5.9 |
| Ken Heitz | F-G | Soph. | 30 | .506 | .600 | 6.1 | 3.2 |
| Bill Sweek | G | Soph. | 30 | .479 | .565 | 4.7 | 2.8 |
| Jim Nielsen | F-C | Soph. | 27 | .519 | .455 | 4.6 | 3.4 |
| Don Saffer | G | Jr. | 27 | .451 | .542 | 2.9 | 0.8 |
| Gene Sutherland | G | Jr. | 20 | .455 | .583 | 1.9 | 0.8 |
| Neville Saner | F-C | Jr. | 24 | .308 | .667 | 1.4 | 1.9 |
| Joe Chrisman | F | Jr. | 19 | .320 | .364 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 30 | .520 | .653 | 89.6 | 49.8 |
UCLA (30-0 in 1971-72)
Coach: John Wooden (24th of 27 seasons with Bruins)
| 1971-72 UCLA Opponents | Date | Score | Bruins High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Citadel | D3 | 105-49 | Henry Bibby 26 |
| Iowa | D4 | 106-72 | Henry Bibby 32 |
| Iowa State | D10 | 110-81 | Bill Walton 24 |
| Texas A&M | D11 | 117-53 | Bill Walton 23 |
| Notre Dame | D22 | 114-56 | Henry Bibby 28 |
| Texas Christian | D23 | 119-81 | Bill Walton 31 |
| Texas | D29 | 115-65 | Bill Walton 28 |
| Ohio State | D30 | 79-53 | Bill Walton 14 |
| at Oregon State | J7 | 78-72 | Henry Bibby 17 |
| at Oregon | J8 | 93-68 | Bill Walton 30 |
| Stanford | J14 | 118-79 | Bill Walton 32 |
| California | J15 | 82-43 | Bill Walton 20 |
| Santa Clara | J21 | 92-57 | Keith Wilkes 16 |
| Denver | J22 | 108-61 | Henry Bibby/Larry Farmer 19 |
| at Loyola of Chicago | J28 | 92-64 | Henry Bibby/Bill Walton 18 |
| at Notre Dame | J29 | 57-32 | Henry Bibby 15 |
| Southern California | F5 | 81-56 | Bill Walton 22 |
| Washington State | F11 | 89-58 | Bill Walton 25 |
| Washington | F12 | 109-70 | Bill Walton 27 |
| at Washington | F19 | 100-83 | Bill Walton 31 |
| at Washington State | F21 | 85-55 | Larry Hollyfield/Keith Wilkes 16 |
| Oregon | F25 | 92-70 | Bill Walton 37 |
| Oregon State | F26 | 92-72 | Bill Walton 26 |
| at California | M3 | 91-71 | Bill Walton 24 |
| at Stanford | M4 | 102-73 | Greg Lee 16 |
| at Southern California | M10 | 79-66 | Bill Walton 20 |
| Weber State* (NCAA Tournament) | M16 | 90-58 | Henry Bibby 16 |
| Long Beach State* (NCAA Tournament) | M18 | 73-57 | Henry Bibby 23 |
| Louisville* (NCAA Tournament) | M23 | 96-77 | Bill Walton 23 |
| Florida State* (NCAA Tournament) | M25 | 81-76 | Bill Walton 24 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR UCLA REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Walton | C | Soph. | 30 | .640 | .704 | 21.1 | 15.5 |
| Henry Bibby | G | Sr. | 30 | .450 | .806 | 15.7 | 3.5 |
| Keith Wilkes | F | Soph. | 30 | .531 | .696 | 13.5 | 8.2 |
| Larry Farmer | F | Jr. | 30 | .456 | .549 | 10.7 | 5.5 |
| Greg Lee | G | Soph. | 29 | .492 | .824 | 8.7 | 2.0 |
| Larry Hollyfield | F | Jr. | 30 | .514 | .651 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Swen Nater | C | Jr. | 29 | .535 | .609 | 6.7 | 4.8 |
| Tommy Curtis | G | Soph. | 30 | .437 | .636 | 4.1 | 2.1 |
| Andy Hill | G | Sr. | 26 | .356 | .709 | 2.7 | 0.8 |
| Vince Carson | F | Soph. | 28 | .400 | .667 | 2.4 | 2.6 |
| Jon Chapman | F | Sr. | 28 | .465 | .500 | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Gary Franklin | F | Soph. | 26 | .412 | .438 | 1.3 | 1.0 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 30 | .504 | .695 | 94.6 | 54.9 |
UCLA (30-0 in 1972-73)
Coach: John Wooden (25th of 27 seasons with Bruins)
| 1972-73 UCLA Opponents | Date | Score | Bruins High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | N25 | 94-53 | Bill Walton 26 |
| Bradley | D1 | 73-38 | Bill Walton 16 |
| Pacific | D2 | 81-48 | Keith Wilkes 18 |
| UC Santa Barbara | D16 | 98-67 | Bill Walton 30 |
| Pittsburgh | D22 | 89-73 | Keith Wilkes 20 |
| Notre Dame | D23 | 82-56 | Keith Wilkes 18 |
| Drake* | D29 | 85-72 | Bill Walton 29 |
| Illinois* | D30 | 71-64 | Bill Walton 22 |
| Oregon | J5 | 64-38 | Larry Farmer/Keith Wilkes 14 |
| Oregon State | J6 | 87-61 | Keith Wilkes 19 |
| at Stanford | J12 | 82-67 | Larry Farmer/Larry Hollyfield/Bill Walton 18 |
| at California | J13 | 69-50 | Larry Farmer/Keith Wilkes 18 |
| San Francisco | J19 | 92-64 | Bill Walton 22 |
| Providence | J20 | 101-77 | Larry Farmer 21 |
| at Loyola of Chicago | J25 | 87-73 | Bill Walton 32 |
| at Notre Dame | J27 | 82-63 | Keith Wilkes 20 |
| at Southern California | F3 | 79-56 | Bill Walton 20 |
| at Washington State | F10 | 88-50 | Bill Walton 17 |
| at Washington | F12 | 76-67 | Bill Walton 29 |
| Washington | F16 | 93-62 | Bill Walton 26 |
| Washington State | F17 | 96-64 | Bill Walton 29 |
| at Oregon | F22 | 72-61 | Keith Wilkes 18 |
| at Oregon State | F24 | 73-67 | Bill Walton 21 |
| California | M2 | 90-65 | Bill Walton/Keith Wilkes 15 |
| Stanford | M3 | 51-45 | Bill Walton 23 |
| Southern California | M10 | 76-56 | Bill Walton/Keith Wilkes 17 |
| Arizona State (NCAA Tournament) | M15 | 98-81 | Bill Walton 28 |
| San Francisco (NCAA Tournament) | M17 | 54-39 | Larry Farmer 13 |
| Indiana* (NCAA Tournament) | M24 | 70-59 | Tommy Curtis 22 |
| Memphis State* (NCAA Tournament) | M26 | 87-66 | Bill Walton 44 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR UCLA REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Walton | C | Jr. | 30 | .650 | .569 | 20.4 | 16.9 |
| Keith Wilkes | F | Jr. | 30 | .525 | .652 | 14.8 | 7.3 |
| Larry Farmer | F | Sr. | 30 | .511 | .701 | 12.2 | 5.0 |
| Larry Hollyfield | G | Sr. | 30 | .466 | .492 | 10.7 | 2.9 |
| Tommy Curtis | G | Jr. | 24 | .512 | .667 | 6.4 | 1.7 |
| Dave Meyers | F | Soph. | 28 | .477 | .756 | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Greg Lee | G | Jr. | 30 | .473 | .790 | 4.6 | 1.3 |
| Swen Nater | C | Sr. | 29 | .459 | .652 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| Pete Trgovich | G-F | Soph. | 25 | .382 | .400 | 3.1 | 1.7 |
| Vince Carson | F | Jr. | 26 | .514 | .471 | 1.7 | 2.2 |
| Gary Franklin | F | Jr. | 24 | .485 | .500 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| Bob Webb | G | Jr. | 21 | .148 | .833 | 0.6 | 0.2 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 30 | .519 | .632 | 81.3 | 49.0 |
Assists leader: Walton 168.
North Carolina State (27-0 in 1972-73)
Coach: Norman Sloan (seventh of 14 seasons with Wolfpack)
| 1972-73 N.C. State Opponents | Date | Score | Wolfpack High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State | N27 | 130-53 | David Thompson 33 |
| Atlantic Christian | D1 | 110-40 | David Thompson 32 |
| Georgia Southern | D4 | 144-100 | David Thompson 40 |
| South Florida | D8 | 125-88 | David Thompson 30 |
| Wake Forest* | D15 | 88-83 | David Thompson 29 |
| North Carolina* | D16 | 68-61 | David Thompson 19 |
| Davidson* | D19 | 103-90 | Joe Cafferky 25 |
| at Georgia | D23 | 97-83 | David Thompson 26 |
| at Virginia | J6 | 68-61 | Monte Towe 17 |
| Duke | J10 | 94-87 | Monte Towe/Tom Burleson 20 |
| Lehigh | J12 | 115-53 | Tom Burleson 30 |
| at Maryland | J14 | 87-85 | David Thompson 37 |
| at Clemson | J20 | 86-76 | David Thompson 24 |
| at Furman | J27 | 98-73 | David Thompson 27 |
| Maryland | J31 | 89-78 | David Thompson 24 |
| Virginia | F3 | 64-59 | David Thompson 18 |
| North Carolina | F5 | 76-73 | David Thompson 22 |
| Clemson* | F9 | 68-61 | David Thompson 30 |
| Georgia Tech* | F10 | 118-94 | David Thompson 36 |
| East Carolina | F13 | 105-70 | David Thompson 33 |
| at Wake Forest | F17 | 81-59 | David Thompson 21 |
| at Duke | F21 | 74-50 | David Thompson 31 |
| UNC Charlotte | F24 | 100-64 | Tom Burleson 26 |
| at North Carolina | F27 | 82-78 | David Thompson 18 |
| Wake Forest | M3 | 100-77 | Tom Burleson 27 |
| Virginia* (ACC Tournament) | M9 | 63-51 | Tom Burleson/David Thompson 14 |
| Maryland* (ACC Tournament) | M10 | 76-74 | Tom Burleson 14 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR N.C. STATE REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Thompson | F | Soph. | 27 | .569 | .825 | 24.7 | 8.1 |
| Tom Burleson | C | Jr. | 27 | .512 | .730 | 17.9 | 12.0 |
| Monte Towe | G | Soph. | 27 | .468 | .729 | 10.0 | 1.7 |
| Rick Holdt | F | Sr. | 27 | .531 | .660 | 8.3 | 3.7 |
| Tim Stoddard | F | Soph. | 27 | .482 | .569 | 7.9 | 5.3 |
| Joe Cafferky | G | Sr. | 25 | .569 | .767 | 7.2 | 2.1 |
| Greg Hawkins | F | Jr. | 25 | .448 | .706 | 5.6 | 3.3 |
| Mark Moeller | G | Soph. | 27 | .579 | .516 | 4.7 | 1.6 |
| Steve Nuce | F | Jr. | 26 | .474 | .571 | 4.4 | 2.1 |
| Craig Kuszmaul | G | Soph. | 19 | .667 | .400 | 2.4 | 0.9 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 27 | .520 | .715 | 92.9 | 46.5 |
INDIANA (32-0 in 1975-76)
Coach: Bob Knight (fifth of 29 seasons with Hoosiers)
| 1975-76 IU Opponents | Date | Score | IU's High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA* | N29 | 84-64 | Scott May 33 |
| Florida State* | D8 | 83-59 | Scott May 24 |
| Notre Dame | D11 | 63-60 | Scott May 25 |
| Kentucky* | D15 | 77-68 (OT) | Kent Benson/Scott May 27 |
| Georgia | D19 | 93-56 | Scott May 18 |
| Virginia Tech | D20 | 101-74 | Scott May 27 |
| Columbia* | D26 | 106-63 | Kent Benson 15 |
| Manhattan* | D27 | 97-61 | Scott May 32 |
| at St. John's | D28 | 76-69 | Scott May 29 |
| at Ohio State | J3 | 66-64 | Scott May 24 |
| Northwestern | J5 | 78-61 | Kent Benson 22 |
| at Michigan | J10 | 80-74 | Kent Benson 33 |
| at Michigan State | J12 | 69-57 | Kent Benson 23 |
| at Illinois | J17 | 83-55 | Scott May 27 |
| Purdue | J19 | 71-67 | Scott May 32 |
| at Minnesota | J24 | 85-76 | Tom Abernethy 22 |
| at Iowa | J26 | 88-73 | Scott May 32 |
| Wisconsin | J31 | 114-61 | Scott May 30 |
| Michigan | F7 | 72-67 (OT) | Scott May 27 |
| Michigan State | F9 | 85-70 | Kent Benson 38 |
| Illinois | F14 | 58-48 | Kent Benson 17 |
| at Purdue | F16 | 74-71 | Scott May 26 |
| Minnesota | F21 | 76-64 | Tom Abernethy 22 |
| Iowa | F23 | 101-81 | Quinn Buckner 24 |
| at Wisconsin | F26 | 96-67 | Scott May 41 |
| at Northwestern | M1 | 76-63 | Scott May 24 |
| Ohio State | M6 | 96-67 | Kent Benson/Scott May 21 |
| St. John's* (NCAA Tournament) | M13 | 90-70 | Scott May 33 |
| Alabama* (NCAA Tournament) | M18 | 74-69 | Scott May 25 |
| Marquette* (NCAA Tournament) | M20 | 65-56 | Kent Benson 18 |
| UCLA* (NCAA Tournament) | M27 | 65-51 | Kent Benson 16 |
| Michigan* (NCAA Tournament) | M29 | 86-68 | Scott May 26 |
*Neutral court games.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS FOR INDIANA REGULARS
| Player | Pos. | Class | G. | FG% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott May | F | Sr. | 32 | .527 | .782 | 23.5 | 7.7 |
| Kent Benson | C | Jr. | 32 | .578 | .684 | 17.3 | 8.8 |
| Tom Abernethy | F | Sr. | 32 | .561 | .743 | 10.0 | 5.3 |
| Quinn Buckner | G | Sr. | 32 | .441 | .488 | 8.9 | 2.8 |
| Bobby Wilkerson | G-F | Sr. | 32 | .493 | .630 | 7.8 | 4.9 |
| Wayne Radford | G | Soph. | 30 | .563 | .712 | 4.7 | 2.1 |
| Jim Crews | G | Sr. | 31 | .468 | .857 | 3.3 | 0.7 |
| Jim Wisman | G | Soph. | 26 | .367 | .724 | 2.5 | 0.8 |
| Rich Valavicius | F | Fr. | 28 | .483 | .625 | 2.4 | 1.8 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 32 | .517 | .698 | 82.1 | 41.4 |
Assists leader: Wilkerson 171.
Blocked shots leader: Benson 39.
Steals leader: Buckner 65.
Last of Unbeatens: Odds Against Michigan and Virginia Winning NCAA Title
No NCAA Division I men's team has compiled an undefeated record since Indiana in 1975-76. Virginia and Michigan were the last remaining unbeaten teams this season until they bowed at Duke and Wisconsin, respectively on the same day.
The historical odds are against UM and UVa winning the NCAA title because only three final undefeated teams in the previous 39 years - (Duke '92, UConn '99 and Florida '06) - went on to capture the national crown.
Prior to probation-shackled SMU three seasons ago, Clemson (winner of its first 17 outings in 2006-07), was the only school in this last-of-the-unbeaten category to fail to participate in the NCAA playoffs. The Tigers finished runner-up in the NIT.
It's the third time in last four years that no NCAA DI team was undefeated entering February since national polling was introduced in the late 1940s. Following in reverse order are vital facts on final unbeaten teams since the Hoosiers a half-century ago:
| Season | Last Unbeaten (Wins) | First Defeat | Date | Score | Final Record/Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | Michigan (17) | at Wisconsin | 1-19-19 | 64-54 | To be determined |
| 2018-19 | Virginia (16) | at Duke | 1-19-19 | 72-70 | To be determined |
| 2017-18 | Arizona State (12) | Arizona | 12-31-17 | 84-78 | 20-12/NCAA Play-In |
| 2016-17 | Gonzaga (29)* | Brigham Young | 2-25-17 | 79-71 | 37-2/National Runner-up |
| 2015-16 | Southern Methodist (18) | at Temple | 1-24-16 | 89-80 | 25-5/Probation |
| 2014-15 | Kentucky (38)* | vs. Wisconsin | 4-4-15 | 71-64 | 38-1/NCAA Final Four |
| 2013-14 | Wichita State (35)* | vs. Kentucky | 3-23-14 | 78-76 | 35-1/Second Round |
| 2012-13 | Michigan (16) | at Ohio State | 1-13-13 | 56-53 | 31-8/NCAA Runner-up |
| 2011-12 | Murray State (23)* | Tennessee State | 2-9-12 | 72-68 | 31-2/Second Round |
| 2010-11 | Ohio State (24) | at Wisconsin | 2-12-11 | 71-67 | 34-3/Regional Semifinal |
| 2009-10 | Kentucky (19) | at South Carolina | 1-26-10 | 68-62 | 35-3/Regional Final |
| 2008-09 | Wake Forest (16) | Virginia Tech | 1-21-09 | 78-71 | 24-7/First Round |
| 2007-08 | Memphis (26) | Tennessee | 2-23-08 | 66-62 | 38-2/National Runner-up |
| 2006-07 | Clemson (17)* | at Maryland | 1-13-07 | 92-87 | 25-11/NIT Runner-up |
| 2005-06 | Florida (17)* | at Tennessee | 1-21-06 | 80-76 | 33-6/NCAA Champion |
| 2004-05 | Illinois (29)* | at Ohio State | 3-6-05 | 65-64 | 37-2/NCAA Runner-up |
| 2003-04 | Saint Joseph's (27)* | vs. Xavier | 3-11-04 | 87-67 | 30-2/Regional Final |
| 2002-03 | Duke (12) | at Maryland | 1-18-03 | 87-72 | 26-7/Regional Semifinal |
| 2001-02 | Duke (12) | at Florida State | 1-6-02 | 77-76 | 31-4/Regional Semifinal |
| 2000-01 | Stanford (20) | UCLA | 2-3-01 | 79-73 | 31-3/Regional Final |
| 1999-00 | Syracuse (19) | Seton Hall | 2-7-00 | 69-67 | 26-6/Regional Semifinal |
| 1998-99 | Connecticut (19) | Syracuse | 2-1-99 | 59-42 | 34-2/NCAA Champion |
| 1997-98 | Utah (18) | at New Mexico | 2-1-98 | 77-74 | 30-4/NCAA Runner-up |
| 1996-97 | Kansas (22) | at Missouri (2OT) | 2-4-97 | 96-94 | 34-2/Regional Semifinal |
| 1995-96 | Massachusetts (26)* | George Washington | 2-24-96 | 86-76 | 35-2/NCAA Final Four |
| 1994-95 | Connecticut (15) | at Kansas | 1-28-95 | 88-59 | 28-5/Regional Final |
| 1993-94 | UCLA (14) | at California | 1-30-94 | 85-70 | 21-7/First Round |
| 1992-93 | Virginia (11) | at North Carolina | 1-20-93 | 80-58 | 21-10/Regional Semifinal |
| 1991-92 | Duke (17) | at North Carolina | 2-5-92 | 75-73 | 34-2/NCAA Champion |
| 1991-92 | Oklahoma State (20) | at Nebraska | 2-5-92 | 85-69 | 28-8/Regional Semifinal |
| 1990-91 | UNLV (34) | vs. Duke | 3-30-91 | 79-77 | 34-1/NCAA Final Four |
| 1989-90 | Georgetown (14) | at Connecticut | 1-20-90 | 70-65 | 24-7/Second Round |
| 1988-89 | Illinois (17) | at Minnesota | 1-26-89 | 69-62 | 31-5/NCAA Final Four |
| 1987-88 | Brigham Young (17)* | at UAB | 2-6-88 | 102-83 | 26-6/Sweet 16 |
| 1986-87 | DePaul (16) | at Georgetown | 1-25-87 | 74-71 | 28-3/Regional Semifinal |
| 1985-86 | Memphis State (20) | at Virginia Tech | 2-1-86 | 76-72 | 28-6/Second Round |
| 1984-85 | Georgetown (18) | St. John's | 1-26-85 | 66-65 | 35-3/NCAA Runner-up |
| 1983-84 | North Carolina (21) | vs. Arkansas | 2-12-84 | 65-64 | 28-3/Regional Semifinal |
| 1982-83 | UNLV (24) | at Cal State Fullerton | 2-24-83 | 86-78 | 28-3/Second Round |
| 1981-82 | Missouri (19) | Nebraska | 2-6-82 | 67-51 | 27-4/Regional Semifinal |
| 1980-81 | Oregon State (26)* | Arizona State | 3-7-81 | 87-67 | 26-2/Second Round |
| 1979-80 | DePaul (26)* | at Notre Dame (2OT) | 2-27-80 | 76-74 | 26-2/Second Round |
| 1978-79 | Indiana State (33)* | vs. Michigan State | 3-26-79 | 75-64 | 33-1/NCAA Runner-up |
| 1977-78 | Kentucky (14) | at Alabama | 1-23-78 | 78-62 | 30-2/NCAA Champion |
| 1976-77 | San Francisco (29) | at Notre Dame | 3-5-77 | 93-82 | 29-2/First Round |
*All-time top winning streaks.
NOTES: North Carolina lost in Pine Bluff, Ark. . . . Saint Joseph's lost in Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament quarterfinals at Dayton.
Markus Hangs 53: Single-Game Scoring Standards By Individual Opponents
When Marquette junior guard Markus Howard tallied 53 points at Creighton, the eruption triggered research regarding which individual opponent has the highest single-game scoring outburst against each major university. Howard's outburst not only established a school record but also set the individual standard by an opponent against Creighton. A year ago also on the road, Howard set a similar "toxic-masculinity" standard by an opponent at Providence with 52 points.
Furman's Darrell Floyd and Frank Selvy collaborated for a total of nine scoring records in this category existing since the mid-1950s. Such scorched-earth outputs have been difficult to come by thus far in the 21st Century (unofficially nine such uprisings). Many schools don't keep track of a standard perhaps reflecting a mite negatively upon them but following is what CollegeHoopedia.com unearthed on the topic:
*Unofficial.
Changing in Midstream: Are Bruins in Ruins After Firing Alford in Mid-Year?
What happens to a team when a coach doesn't last half a season such as when UCLA dismissed Steve Alford prior to entering Pac-12 Conference competition with a 7-6 record (including five defeats by at least 14 points)? A total of 32 different schools in the previous 22 seasons (including Charlotte twice in previous four years) had a coach relieved of his duties, retire or pass away after the start of the season but before the second half of the campaign. Three years ago, Wisconsin's Greg Gard (15-8) became only the eighth "successor" coach piloting a club more than half of a campaign since the NCAA playoffs expanded to at least 64 entrants in 1985 to post a winning record the remainder of the season. He joined Jeff Dittman (10-8 with Sam Houston State in 1988-89), Dave Fehte (9-8 with Saint Mary's in 1990-91), Max Good (13-9 with UNLV in 2000-01), Ray Harper (11-8 with Western Kentucky in 2011-12), Mike Perry (10-9 with Georgia State in 2002-03), Brad Soderberg (16-10 with Wisconsin in 2000-01) and Derek Waugh (14-8 with Stetson in 2000-01). Gard, Harper and Soderberg guided the squads they inherited to an NCAA playoff berth.
At the power-conference level, John Brady (Louisiana State in 2007-08), Lou Campanelli (California in 1992-93), Gale Catlett (West Virginia in 2001-02), Jim Dutcher (Minnesota in 1985-86), Dennis Felton (Georgia in 2008-09), Larry Glass (Northwestern in 1968-69), Mark Gottfried (Alabama in 2008-09), Joe Harrington (Colorado in 1995-96), Bob Knight (Texas Tech in 2007-08), Ward "Piggy" Lambert (Purdue in 1945-46), Shelby Metcalf (Texas A&M in 1989-90), Kevin O'Neill (Southern California in 2012-13), Charlie Parker (Southern California in 1995-96), Steve Patterson (Arizona State in 1988-89) and Quin Snyder (Missouri in 2005-06) comprise the list of coaches who lasted more than half of a specific season before their tenures ended for one reason or another.
Following is an alphabetical list of universities in the pre-midseason coaching turnover category since the start of national postseason competition and the records of their coaches that season:
| Division I School | Season | Successor/Interim (Record) | Departing Coach (Record) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State | 1974-75 | Russ Bergman (2-12) | Peter "Press" Maravich (1-11) |
| Boise State | 1972-73 | Doran "Bus" Connor (6-7) | Murray Satterfield (5-8) |
| Brigham Young | 1996-97 | Tony Ingle (1-25) | Roger Reid (1-6) |
| Buffalo | 1999-00 | Reggie Witherspoon (3-20) | Tim Cohane (2-3) |
| Cal Poly | 2000-01 | Kevin Bromley (3-12) | Jeff Schneider (5-7) |
| Centenary | 1977-78 | Tommy Canterbury (6-9) | Riley Wallace (4-8) |
| Central Connecticut State | 1987-88 | C.J. Jones (8-15) | Bill Detrick (2-3) |
| Charlotte | 2014-15 | Ryan Odom (8-11) | Alan Major (6-7) |
| Charlotte | 2017-18 | Houston Fancher (3-17) | Mark Price (3-6) |
| Chicago State | 1996-97 | Phil Gary (4-17) | Craig Hodges (0-6) |
| The Citadel | 1939-40 | Ben Parker (4-5) | Absalon "Rock" Norman (4-4) |
| Colgate | 1997-98 | Paul Aiello (10-12) | Jack Bruen (0-6) |
| Connecticut | 1946-47 | Hugh Greer (12-0) | Blair Gullion (4-2) |
| Connecticut | 1962-63 | George Wigton (11-4) | Hugh Greer (7-3) |
| Dartmouth | 1966-67 | Dave Gavitt (2-15) | Alvin "Doggie" Julian (5-2) |
| Dartmouth | 2009-10 | Mark Graupe (2-13) | Terry Dunn (3-10) |
| Denver | 1948-49 | Hoyt Brawner (11-6) | Ellison Ketchum (6-9) |
| DePaul | 2009-10 | Tracy Webster (1-15) | Jerry Wainwright (7-8) |
| Detroit | 1987-88 | John Mulroy (7-20) | Don Sicko (0-3) |
| Detroit | 2007-08 | Kevin Mondro (3-13) | Perry Watson (4-10) |
| East Carolina | 2017-18 | Michael Perry (8-16) | Jeff Lebo (2-4) |
| Eastern Kentucky | 1961-62 | Jim Baechtold (6-3) | Paul McBrayer (4-3) |
| Eastern Michigan | 1985-86 | Ben Braun (5-10) | Jim Boyce (4-8) |
| Fordham | 2009-10 | Jared Grasso (1-22) | Dereck Whittenburg (1-4) |
| Georgetown | 1998-99 | Craig Esherick (8-10) | John Thompson Jr. (7-6) |
| Georgia State | 1984-85 | Mark Slonaker (1-24) | Tom Pugliese (1-2) |
| Georgia State | 2002-03 | Mike Perry (10-9) | Charles "Lefty" Driesell (4-6) |
| Howard | 1999-00 | Billy Coward (1-18) | Kirk Saulny (0-9) |
| Idaho State | 1967-68 | Dan Miller (10-12) | Claude Retherford (3-1) |
| Idaho State | 2011-12 | Deane Martin (7-13) | Joe O'Brien (2-8) |
| Iowa | 1949-50 | Frank "Bucky" O'Connor (6-5) | Lawrence "Pops" Harrison (9-2) |
| Jacksonville | 1996-97 | Buster Harvey (5-17) | George Scholz (0-6) |
| Kent State | 1977-78 | Mike Boyd (5-11) | Rex Hughes (1-10) |
| Long Island | 2001-02 | Ron Brown (5-13) | Ray Martin (0-9) |
| Louisville | 1970-71 | Howard Stacey (12-8) | John Dromo (8-1) |
| Monmouth | 1986-87 | Ron Krayl (7-13) | Ron Kornegay (1-6) |
| UNC Greensboro | 2011-12 | Wes Miller (11-11) | Mike Dement (2-8) |
| North Carolina State | 1964-65 | Peter "Press" Maravich (20-4) | Everett Case (1-1) |
| Northern Illinois | 2000-01 | Andy Greer (4-16) | Brian Hammel (1-6) |
| Oral Roberts | 1982-83 | Dick Acres (11-9) | Ken Hayes (3-5) |
| Penn | 2009-10 | Jerome Allen (6-15) | Glen Miller (0-7) |
| Princeton | 1944-45 | Leonard Hattinger (5-8) | William Logan (2-4) |
| Princeton | 1960-61 | Jake McCandless (9-6) | Franklin "Cappy" Cappon (9-2) |
| St. John's | 2003-04 | Kevin Clark (4-17) | Mike Jarvis (2-4) |
| Saint Mary's | 1990-91 | Dave Fehte (9-8) | Paul Landreaux (4-9) |
| Sam Houston State | 1988-89 | Jeff Dittman (10-8) | Gary Moss (2-8) |
| San Francisco | 1970-71 | Bob Gaillard (10-12) | Phil Vukicevich (0-4) |
| San Francisco | 2007-08 | Eddie Sutton (6-13) | Jessie Evans (4-8) |
| South Alabama | 1994-95 | Judas Prada (8-15) | Ronnie Arrow (1-3) |
| South Carolina | 1942-43 | Rex Enright (10-6) | Frank Johnson (2-0) |
| South Florida | 1979-80 | Gordon Gibbons (2-13) | Hunter "Chip" Conner (4-8) |
| Southeast Missouri State | 2008-09 | Zac Roman (0-18) | Scott Edgar (3-9) |
| Southeastern Louisiana | 1987-88 | Leo McClure (4-12) | Newton Chelette (3-9) |
| Southern California | 2004-05 | Jim Saia (11-15) | Henry Bibby (2-2) |
| Stetson | 2000-01 | Derek Waugh (14-8) | Murray Arnold (4-4) |
| Tennessee State | 1984-85 | Ed Meyers (6-13) | Ed Martin (3-6) |
| Tennessee State | 2002-03 | Hosea Lewis/Teresa Phillips (0-20) | Nolan Richardson III (2-5) |
| Tennessee Tech | 1988-89 | Frank Harrell (8-17) | Tom Deaton (2-3) |
| Texas-El Paso | 2017-18 | Phil Johnson (10-15) | Tim Floyd (1-5) |
| Tulsa | 2004-05 | Alvin "Pooh" Williamson (7-15) | John Phillips (2-5) |
| UNLV | 2000-01 | Max Good (13-9) | Bill Bayno (3-4) |
| Western Kentucky | 2011-12 | Ray Harper (11-8) | Ken McDonald (5-11) |
| Wisconsin | 2000-01 | Brad Soderberg (16-10) | Dick Bennett (2-1) |
| Wisconsin | 2015-16 | Greg Gard (15-8) | William "Bo" Ryan (7-5) |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Ready For Some January Pro Football
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves in January football at the professional level:
JANUARY
1: Houston Oilers TE John Carson (Georgia hoops letterman in 1952 and 1953) had a 13-yard pass reception in 24-16 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in AFL championship contest following 1960 season. Oilers rookie WR Bill Groman (led Heidelberg OH in scoring average as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught a touchdown pass from George Blanda. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw two 29-yard first-half touchdown passes in a 31-7 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1967 AFL championship game. FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) provided the go-ahead TD catch from Dawson. . . . FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) scored the Buffalo Bills' only touchdown with a 69-yard pass from Jack Kemp in 31-7 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in AFL playoffs following 1966 season. . . . Arizona Cardinals TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) had a 37-yard touchdown reception in 44-6 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 2016 season finale. . . . Dallas Cowboys E Pete Gent (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection averaged 17.4 ppg and 8.3 rpg in leading Michigan State in scoring each season from 1961-62 through 1963-64) caught three passes for 28 yards in a 34-27 playoff setback against the Green Bay Packers following 1966 season. Packers WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) had a nine-yard pass reception. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 34-9 playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings following 1988 season. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) had 81-yard punt return for a touchdown in 35-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 2006. . . . Baltimore Ravens LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) scored a touchdown on fumble recovery return in 20-16 setback against the Cleveland Browns in regular-season finale of 2005 campaign.
2: Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught four passes for 146 yards in a 30-23 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2005. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 14 passes for 144 yards in a 24-17 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2005. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) opened the game's scoring by throwing a 75-yard touchdown pass to Paul Warfield in 21-0 playoff win against the Baltimore Colts following 1971 season. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for a 13-yard touchdown in 23-12 playoff win against the Cleveland Browns following 1965 season. . . . Philadelphia Eagles rookie QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-31 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1999 season finale. . . . Washington Redskins TE Robert Royal (collected 10 points and six rebounds in five LSU basketball games in 2000-01) caught a touchdown pass in his third consecutive contest in 2004 regular-season finale. . . . Baltimore Ravens LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) had two sacks and two forced fumbles in a 30-23 win against the Miami Dolphins in regular-season finale of 2004 campaign. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Lamar Thomas (collected 16 points and 4 rebounds in four games for Miami FL in 1990-91) caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Dan Marino in the fourth quarter to provide the difference in 24-17 playoff win against the Buffalo Bills following 1998 season. . . . New York Jets DE Marvin Washington (played in 1985 NCAA Tournament with UTEP under coach Don Haskins before averaging 2.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Idaho under Tim Floyd in 1987-88) had career-high 2 1/2 sacks in a 24-0 setback against the Houston Oilers at end of 1993 regular season. . . . Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) punted six times for 270 yards (45.0 average) in a 14-3 playoff win against the San Francisco 49ers following 1971 season.
3: Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) had a playoff-career high seven pass receptions in 31-16 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1981. . . . Baltimore Colts CB Jim Duncan (UMES hooper) returned four kickoffs for 105 yards (26.3 average) in a 27-17 playoff win against the Oakland Raiders following 1970 season. . . . TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) opened the Arizona Cardinals' scoring by catching a touchdown pass in 27-16 setback against the Carolina Panthers in playoffs following 2014 season. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) had eight pass receptions in a 23-17 playoff win against the Indianapolis Colts following 2008 season. . . . Minnesota Vikings TE Andrew Glover (All-SWAC second-team selection as senior in 1990-91 when leading Grambling with 16.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg while pacing league in field-goal shooting) had three pass receptions for 84 yards in a 38-22 playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers following 1997 season. 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) rushed for two touchdowns on goal-line plunges. . . . TE Demetrius Harris (led Milwaukee in FG% and rebounding as senior in 2012-13) contributed the Kansas City Chiefs' final score with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Alex Smith in 23-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2015 season finale. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in 20-17 playoff setback against the Tennessee Titans following 2003 season. . . . St. Louis Rams WR Jordan Kent (part-time starter for Oregon under his father while averaging 3.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg from 2003-04 through 2005-06) had his lone NFL pass reception (five yards against San Francisco 49ers in 2009 regular-season finale). . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions - returning one of them 20 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown - in 38-24 playoff win against the New York Giants following 1981 season. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught a game-winning 25-yard touchdown pass from Steve Young in 30-27 playoff win against the Green Bay Packers following 1998 season. . . . Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned an interception 34 yards in 29-10 playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys following 2003 season. . . . San Francisco 49ers TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught three passes for 70 yards in a 17-10 playoff setback against the Dallas Cowboys following 1970 season.
4: Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Gene Washington in 27-7 playoff win against the Cleveland Browns following 1969 season. . . . Cleveland Browns WR Dave Logan (three-time scoring runner-up averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) had two pass receptions for 36 yards in a 14-12 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders following 1980 season. Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) caught three passes for 54 yards. Browns WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) caught two passes for 38 yards. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) caught three of four touchdown passes by Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) in a 37-7 playoff win against the Los Angeles Rams following 1975 season. . . . Kansas City Chiefs WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had playoff career-highs of eight pass catches and 110 receiving yards in a 14-10 setback against the Denver Broncos following 1997 season. Broncos DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) had two sacks.
5: New England Patriots LB Don Blackmon (collected 42 points and 32 rebounds in 12 games for Tulsa in 1977-78) registered two sacks in a 27-20 playoff win against the Oakland Raiders following 1985 season. . . . San Diego Chargers DT Ernie Ladd (intended on only playing hoops for Grambling before legendary coach Eddie Robinson got him to play football) had a sack in 51-10 win against the Boston Patriots in AFL championship game following 1963 season. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had nine pass receptions for 177 yards - including two touchdowns from Jeff Garcia (76 and 26 yards) - in a 39-38 wild-card win against the New York Giants following 2002 season. 49ers WR Tai Streets (collected four points and seven rebounds in 13 games for Michigan's NIT titlist in 1997 under coach Steve Fisher) caught game-winning TD pass from Garcia with one minute remaining in fourth quarter. . . . WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) returned a punt 66 yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers' first touchdown in 36-33 playoff win against the Cleveland Browns following 2002 season. Five years later, Randle El had a seven-yard TD reception for the Washington Redskins' first score in 35-14 playoff setback against the Seattle Seahawks following 2007 campaign.
6: San Diego Chargers WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) had six pass receptions for 121 yards in a 17-6 playoff win against the Tennessee Titans following 2007 season. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) had five pass receptions for 114 yards - including a 25-yard touchdown from Philip Rivers. . . . TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) provided the Kansas City Chiefs' lone touchdown with a six-yard pass from Trent Green in 23-8 playoff setback against the Indianapolis Colts following 2006 season. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) had nine pass receptions in a 34-16 playoff setback against the Minnesota Vikings following 2000 season. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 58 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown in 41-13 playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings following 1989 season. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) closed out the regular season with two first-quarter touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia (56 and 60 yards) in a 38-0 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2002.
7: New York Giants CB Jason Sehorn (averaged 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg for Shasta Community College CA in 1990-91) returned a Donovan McNabb interception 32 yards for touchdown in 20-10 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in NFC Divisional Round playoff game following 2000 season. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 28-0 playoff win against the Los Angeles Rams following 1978 season. . . . Houston Oilers CB Greg Stemrick (played in two basketball games for Colorado State in 1973-74) intercepted a pass by QB Terry Bradshaw in their 34-5 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC Championship game following 1978 season.
8: Oakland Raiders RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed three times for 15 yards, caught two passes for 14 yards, returned two kickoffs for 57 yards and returned five punts for 45 yards in a 27-10 playoff win against the Cleveland Browns following 1982 season.
9: Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) threw two first-quarter touchdown passes in a 44-17 playoff setback against the New York Jets following the 1982 season. . . . Bud Grant (third-leading scorer for Minnesota in 1948-49 after named team MVP previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre) coached the Minnesota Vikings when they suffered a 32-14 setback against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XI following 1976 season. . . . Minnesota Vikings TE Joe Senser (two-time NCAA Division I leader in FG% averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg while shooting 66.2% from floor in four-year career for West Chester State PA) caught six passes for 81 yards in a 30-24 playoff win against the Atlanta Falcons following 1982 campaign. . . . Denver Broncos WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) had a 13-yard pass reception in 42-24 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders following 1993 season. . . . Denver Broncos DE Marvin Washington (played in 1985 NCAA Tournament with UTEP under coach Don Haskins before averaging 2.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Idaho under Tim Floyd in 1987-88) had a sack in 38-3 win against the Miami Dolphins in AFC Divisional Round following 1998 season. . . . Dallas Cowboys rookie DE Peppi Zellner (averaged 10.3 ppg and team-high 9.1 rpg for Fort Valley State GA in 1997-98) had four tackles in a 27-10 playoff setback against the Minnesota Vikings following 1999 campaign.
10: Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) threw two touchdown passes in a 27-7 playoff win against the San Diego Chargers following 1981 season. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Justin Gage (averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Missouri from 1999-00 through 2001-02) had 10 pass receptions for 135 yards in a 13-10 playoff setback against the Baltimore Ravens following 2008 season. . . . Minnesota Vikings TE Andrew Glover (All-SWAC second-team selection as senior in 1990-91 when leading Grambling with 16.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg while pacing league in field-goal shooting) caught a touchdown pass from Randall Cunningham in 41-21 playoff win against the Arizona Cardinals following 1998 season. . . . St. Louis Rams WR Dane Looker (averaged 4.8 ppg as Western Washington freshman in 1995-96 and 10.2 ppg as sophomore in 1996-97 before transferring to Washington and concentrating on football) caught two passes for 31 yards and a two-point conversion late in fourth quarter of 29-23 NFC Divisional Round setback in double overtime against the Carolina Panthers following 2003 season. Rams LB Tommy Polley (played in one basketball game for Florida State in 1996-97 under coach Pat Kennedy) returned an interception 37 yards.
11: Chicago Bears DE Doug Atkins (third-leading scorer as Tennessee center with 9.9 ppg in 1950-51) named co-NFL Pro Bowl MVP following the 1958 season. . . . Cleveland Browns DE Sam Clancy (two-time Eastern 8 first-team selection ended career in 1981 as Pittsburgh's all-time leading rebounder) had a sack in his second straight playoff game following the 1986 campaign. . . . Bud Grant (third-leading scorer for Minnesota in 1948-49 after named team MVP previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre) coached the Minnesota Vikings when they suffered a 23-7 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV following 1969 season. Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) completed 16-of-25 passes for 183 yards. Vikings DB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two UTEP basketball games in 1967-68 under coach Don Haskins) returned three kickoffs and two punts. Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) caught a 46-yard touchdown pass from Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57). . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two touchdown passes in a 20-17 playoff win against the Green Bay Packers following 2003 season.
12: Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Rickey Dudley (averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as senior in 1994-95 when leading Ohio State in rebounding and finishing third in scoring) caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) in 31-6 playoff win against the San Francisco 49ers following 2002 season. Johnson threw two second-quarter TD passes. . . . Weeb Ewbank (hoops letterman for Miami OH in 1926-27 and 1927-28) coached the New York Jets to a 16-7 victory against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III following 1968 season. Jets DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had an interception. . . . Bud Grant (third-leading scorer for Minnesota in 1948-49 after named team MVP previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre) coached the Minnesota Vikings when they suffered a 16-6 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl IX following 1974 season. . . . Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) caught a 70-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco with 31 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the score before they won against the Denver Broncos, 38-35, in double overtime in playoff game following 2012 season. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones (started two of his 11 Arkansas games in 2001-02 when averaging 4.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg and 10 of 17 in 2003-04 when averaging 5 ppg and 4.5 rpg) opened the game's scoring with an eight-yard touchdown catch in a 31-20 playoff setback against the New England Patriots following 2007 season. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-9 playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following 2001 season. . . . New England Patriots TE Derrick Ramsey (grabbed three rebounds in two Kentucky games in 1975-76) caught a touchdown pass in 31-14 playoff win against the Miami Dolphins following 1985 season.
13: San Diego Chargers WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Philip Rivers in 28-24 playoff win against the Indianapolis Colts following 2007 season. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) had team highs of seven pass receptions and 93 receiving yards. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Vern Den Herder (finished Central College IA career in 1970-71 as school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder) delivered a sack in 24-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII following 1973 season. Bud Grant (third-leading scorer for Minnesota in 1948-49 after named team MVP previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre) coached the Vikings. . . . WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) opened the Dallas Cowboys' scoring with a five-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo in 21-17 playoff setback against the New York Giants following 2007 season. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Tai Streets (collected four points and seven rebounds in 13 games for Michigan's NIT titlist in 1997 under coach Steve Fisher) caught a game-tying touchdown pass from Jeff Garcia in fourth quarter of 25-15 wild-card setback against the Green Bay Packers following 2001 season.
14: Following the 1961 season, Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) earned his first of three NFL Pro Bowl MVP awards in a five-year span. . . . New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught two touchdown passes from Drew Brees - including 66-yarder - in a 36-32 playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers following 2011 season. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) named NFL Pro Bowl MVP following the 1950 season. . . . Green Bay Packers LB Dave Robinson (made two free throws and grabbed five rebounds in two basketball games for Penn State in 1960-61) returned a fumble 16 yards in 33-14 win against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II following 1967 season.
15: Kansas City Chiefs TE Reg Carolan (Idaho three-year letterman in early 1960s averaged 4 ppg and 4.7 rpg) had a seven-yard pass reception in 35-10 setback against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl I following 1966 campaign. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco in 31-24 playoff setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers following 2010 season. . . . St. Louis Rams WR Dane Looker (averaged 4.8 ppg as Western Washington freshman in 1995-96 and 10.2 ppg as sophomore in 1996-97 before transferring to Washington and concentrating on football) caught three passes for 38 yards and rushed once for 11 yards in a 47-17 NFC Divisional Round setback against the Atlanta Falcons following 2004 season. Rams LB Tommy Polley (played in one basketball game for Florida State in 1996-97 under coach Pat Kennedy) had nine solo tackles. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) opened the game's scoring with a six-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger in 21-18 playoff win against the Indianapolis Colts following 2005 season.
16: Dallas Cowboys TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) in 24-3 win against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI following 1971 season. Staubach threw two TD passes in the game. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 27-14 playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings following 2004 season. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) named NFL Pro Bowl MVP following the 1954 season.
17: San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) had eight pass receptions in a 17-14 playoff setback against the New York Jets following 2009 season. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) had seven receptions for 111 receiving yards. . . . Baltimore Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Johnny Unitas in 16-13 win against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V following 1970 season.
18: Dallas Cowboys TE Jean Fugett (leading scorer and rebounder for Amherst MA as junior in 1970-71) had a pass reception in 21-17 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl X following 1975 season. Cowboys WR Percy Howard (All-OVC selection as senior averaged 12.4 ppg and 7.3 rpg for Austin Peay from 1972-73 through 1974-75) caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) in the fourth quarter. Staubach threw two TD passes in the game. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three second-half touchdown passes in a 32-25 playoff setback against the Arizona Cardinals following 2008 season. . . . Indianapolis Colts TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) had a game-high 90 receiving yards in 24-14 playoff setback against the New England Patriots following 2003 season.
19: Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two touchdown passes in a 33-19 playoff win against the Chicago Bears following 2001 season. . . . Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas (averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 66.3% from floor with Portland State from 2006-07 through 2009-10) had playoff career-high eight pass receptions in a 26-16 win against the New England Patriots following 2013 season.
20: San Diego Chargers WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) had a playoff career-high seven pass receptions in 21-12 setback against the New England Patriots following 2007 season. . . . Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) had eight pass receptions - one for touchdown - in a 28-24 playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers following 2012 season. . . . DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) had an interception in his third consecutive playoff game to help the New York Giants reach Super Bowl XLII following 2007 season. . . . St. Louis Rams rookie LB Tommy Polley (played in one basketball game for Florida State in 1996-97 under coach Pat Kennedy) had two interceptions, returning one 34 yards for a touchdown, in 45-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in NFC Divisional Round following 2001 campaign.
21: Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-31 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIII following 1978 season.
22: Green Bay Packers CB Quinten Rollins (led Miami OH in steals all four seasons from 2010-11 through 2013-14 including Mid-American Conference as senior) had four tackles in a 44-21 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in NFC championship game following 2016 season. Packers LB Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) chipped in with two tackles.
23: Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two touchdown passes in a 27-10 playoff win against the Atlanta Falcons following 2004 season.
24: QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) accounted for all three of the Cincinnati Bengals' three touchdowns (two passing/one rushing in second half) in a 26-21 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XVI following 1981 season. . . . Green Bay Packers LB Fred Carr (played for defending NCAA champion Texas Western in 1967 playoffs) shared the NFL Pro Bowl MVP award following 1970 season. . . . Arizona Cardinals TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer in 49-15 setback against the Charlotte Panthers in NFC championship game following 2015 season.
25: New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) tackled John Elway for a safety in 39-20 win against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI following 1986 season.
26: Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) coached Chicago Bears to a 46-10 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX following 1985 season. Patriots TE Derrick Ramsey (grabbed three rebounds in two Kentucky games in 1975-76) caught two passes for 16 yards. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw two touchdown passes in a 48-21 win against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII following 2002 season. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Pete Metzelaars (averaged 19.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Wabash IN while setting NCAA Division III field-goal shooting records for single season as senior in 1981-82 and career) caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Jim Kelly in 37-24 setback against the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXVI following 1991 season. . . . Green Bay Packers WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) opened the game's scoring with a 54-yard touchdown reception from Brett Favre in 35-21 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI following 1996 season.
29: Bobby Ross (averaged 3 ppg as VMI freshman in 1955-56) coached the San Diego Chargers when they lost against the San Francisco 49ers, 49-26, in Super Bowl XXIX following 1994 season.
30: Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy (earned hoops letter with Coe IA in 1949-50) lost his fourth consecutive Super Bowl game (30-13 against Dallas Cowboys following 1993 season). Bills TE Keith McKeller (starting center for Jacksonville State's 1985 NCAA Division II championship team led Gulf South Conference in rebounding each of his first three seasons and finished second as senior) had at least one pass reception in his fourth straight Super Bowl.
31: Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from John Elway in 34-19 win against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII following 1998 season. Falcons rookie Ephraim Salaam (scored 22 points in five games for San Diego State in 1996-97) started at RT in their first-ever trip to NFL title tilt.
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in December
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in November
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in October
Impact of former college hoopers on professional football in September
On This Date: January Calendar for Premier Games in NCAA Hoops History
Louisiana State's Pete Maravich, the NCAA's career scoring leader, still holds the all-time single-game scoring mark by an individual opponent against eight universities (Alabama, Auburn, Duquesne, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Tulane and Vanderbilt). Do you know who holds the mark for highest output against the Tigers? It was achieved this month by Ole Miss' Johnny Neumann, who fired in a school-record 63 points at LSU the season after Maravich's eligibility expired.
This month also features UCLA's single-game rebounding record and the mark wasn't established by Lew Alcindor or Bill Walton. Speaking of rebounding, existing single-game standards against a Division I opponent for Lamar and Oral Roberts were set in the same contest in 1972 and USC's single-game mark against a DI foe came from two different players on the same day 22 years apart. In one of the most dominating performances of the 20th Century, Rick Barry set Miami FL scoring and rebounding records in the same game. Following is a day-by-day calendar citing memorable moments in January college basketball history:
JANUARY
1 - Hank Luisetti (50 points vs. Duquesne at Cleveland in 1938) set Stanford's single-game scoring record. . . . Seton Hall's school-record 46-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by William & Mary (57-55 in 1954). . . . Penn opposed Yale in 1927 in debut game at the legendary Palestra in Philadelphia. . . . Bailey Howell (34 vs. Louisiana State in 1957) set Mississippi State's single-game rebounding record.
2 - Georgia State's Chris Collier (49 points vs. Butler in 1991) and Wofford's Ian Chadwick (40 at Georgia Southern in 2001) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Mississippi State's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Auburn (64-48 in 1960). . . . Morehead State's Steve Hamilton (38 vs. Florida State in 1957) and Murray State's Dick Cunningham (36 vs. MacMurray IL in 1967) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Eventual MLB INF Jack Kubiszyn scored a career-high 47 points for Alabama in a game against Mississippi College in 1957.
3 - Markus Howard set Marquette scoring record and tied Big East Conference game standard (52 points at Providence in 2018). . . . Jamal Barney (41 at Canisius in 2009) set Division I single-game scoring record for Loyola (Md.). . . . Wake Forest snapped North Carolina State's school-record 36-game winning streak (83-78 in 1975). . . . Brigham Young's school-record 53-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Wake Forest (94-87 in 2009). . . . Pacific Coast Conference cellar dweller Oregon upset NCAA Tournament champion-to-be California in 1959. . . . DePaul's Ken Warzynski (28 vs. Harvard in 1970), Long Beach State's Michael Zeno (22 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1983) and Wisconsin's Paul Morrow (30 vs. Purdue in 1953) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
4 - Ball State's Chris Williams (48 points at Akron in overtime in 2003), Jacksonville State's Trenton Marshall (37 at Southeast Missouri State in 2010), Lamar's Mike James (52 vs. Louisiana College in 2011), Loyola Marymount's Bo Kimble (54 at St. Joseph's in 1990) and Texas-El Paso's Jim Barnes (51 vs. Western New Mexico in 1964) set school single-game scoring records. . . . In 2003, Butler's Darnell Archey established an NCAA Division I standard by converting his 74th of 85 consecutive free throws. . . . Illinois' school-record 31-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Iowa (60-59 in 1986). . . . Delaware's Jack Waddington (31 vs. Rutgers in 1956), Middle Tennessee State's Mike Milholland (32 vs. Austin Peay State in 1965), Nebraska's Bill Johnson (26 vs. Iowa State in 1954), Nevada's Pete Padgett (30 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1973) and Valparaiso's Chris Ensminger (24 vs. Northeastern Illinois in 1996) set school single-game rebounding records.
5 - Eastern Washington's Rodney Stuckey (45 points at Northern Arizona in 2006), Michigan State's Terry Furlow (50 vs. Iowa in 1976) and West Virginia's Hot Rod Hundley (54 vs. Furman in 1957) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Eastern Michigan's Derrick Dial (45 vs. Marshall in 1998) and Stephen F. Austin State's Scott Dimak (40 at Texas Southern in 1989) set school single-game scoring records against a DI opponent. . . . In 1991, Loyola Marymount's 186-point output is the highest in NCAA history by a team in a single game and Kevin Bradshaw's 72-point outburst for U.S. International CA is the most ever for a player against a major-college opponent. . . . Fairfield's Darren Phillip (25 vs. Marist in 2000), Texas-San Antonio's Lennell Moore (25 vs. Centenary in 1987) and Tulane's Mel Payton (31 vs. Mississippi State in 1951) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Sacramento State's NCAA-record 56-game losing streak away from home (road and neutral sites) ended with a 68-56 success at Loyola of Chicago in 1995.
6 - Drexel's John Rankin (44 points vs. Rider in 1988), Pepperdine's William "Bird" Averitt (57 vs. Nevada-Reno in 1973) and Xavier's Steve Thomas (50 vs. Detroit in 1964) set school single-game scoring records. Averitt's output is also a West Coast Conference record in league competition. . . . Ernie Losch (41 vs. Utah State in 1973) set Tulane's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . Bob Mortell (24 vs. Virginia Military in 1960) set Virginia's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
7 - UC Riverside's Rickey Porter (40 points at Pacific in 2006), Campbell's Clarence Grier (39 vs. Virginia Wesleyan in 1987), Michigan's Rudy Tomjanovich (48 vs. Indiana in overtime in 1969) and Southwest Texas State's Lynwood Wade (42 vs. Sam Houston State in double overtime in 1993) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Odell Johnson (40 vs. Pepperdine in 1956) set Saint Mary's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . North Carolina hit an NCAA-record 94.1% of its second-half field-goal attempts (16-of-17 vs. Virginia in 1978). . . . Niagara's Gary Bossert set an NCAA single-game record by hitting 11 consecutive three-point field-goal attempts against Siena in 1987. . . . Long Beach State ended UNLV's Big West Conference-record 40-game winning streak (101-94 in 1993), Pacific's school-record 45-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Long Beach State (91-85 in 1973), Tennessee's school-record 37-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Gonzaga (89-79 in overtime) and UNLV's school-record 72-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by New Mexico (102-98 in 1978). . . . Alex "Boo" Ellis (31 vs. Kent State in 1957) set Niagara's single-game rebounding record.
8 - Arizona State's Eddie House (61 points at California in double overtime in 2000) set the school and tied the Pac-12 Conference single-game scoring record. . . . Michael Hicks (47 points at Cal Poly in overtime in 2001) set Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's single-game scoring record. . . . Georgia Tech snapped Kentucky's NCAA-record 129-game homecourt winning streak and SEC-record 51-game winning streak in 1955. . . . Nelson Richardson (26 vs. Manhattan in 1977) set Siena's single-game rebounding record.
9 - Cincinnati sophomore Oscar Robertson (56 points) personally outscored Seton Hall in a 118-54 rout of the Pirates at Madison Square Garden in 1958. . . . Alabama's Jerry Harper (28 vs. Mississippi State in 1956), Texas-Arlington's Albert Culton (24 vs. Northeastern in 1981), Villanova's Howard Porter (30 vs. St. Peter's in 1971) and Virginia Tech's Chris Smith (36 vs. Washington & Lee VA in 1959) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
10 - Connecticut's Bill Corley (51 points vs. New Hampshire in 1968), John Conforti of St. Francis NY (45 vs. Wagner in 1970), Washington's Bob Houbregs (49 vs. Idaho in 1953) and Winthrop's Melvin Branham (45 at Charleston Southern in 1994) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Navy's David Robinson (45 at James Madison in 1987) set CAA scoring record in league competition. . . . Saint Joseph's and Xavier combined to have an NCAA-record eight players foul out in 1976. . . . Connecticut's school-record 31-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Marquette (73-69 in 2007) and Western Kentucky's school-record 67-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Xavier (82-80 in overtime in 1955). . . . Ed Diddle made his Western Kentucky head coaching debut in 1923 with a 103-7 decision over the Adairville Independents en route to a school-record 759 victories. . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach to compile 500 victories the fastest with a 92-59 win over DePaul in 1955 (584 games in 23rd season). . . . Louisiana-Lafayette's Roy Ebron (28 vs. Northwestern State in 1972) and Vanderbilt's Clyde Lee (28 vs. Mississippi in 1966) set school single-game rebounding records.
11 - Don Scaife (43 points at Samford in 1975) set Arkansas State's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Texas Tech's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Colorado (80-78 in 1997). . . . Alcorn State's Larry Smith (21 vs. Mississippi Valley State in 1979), UC Santa Barbara's Eric McArthur (28 vs. New Mexico State in 1990) and Dartmouth's Rudy LaRusso (32 vs. Columbia in 1958) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Bill Clark (23 vs. Oakland in 1973) set Ball State's single-game rebounding record at DI level.
12 - Bucknell's Al Leslie (45 points vs. American in 1980) set the East Coast Conference single-game scoring record. . . . Mike Olliver (50 at Portland State in 1980) set Lamar's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . Iowa State's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Oklahoma State (69-66 in 2002) and Michigan State's school-record 53-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Wisconsin (64-63 in 2002). . . . Marshall's Charlie Slack (43 vs. Morris Harvey in 1954), Monmouth's Karl Towns (23 vs. Morgan State in 1985) and Robert Morris' Mike Morton (20 vs. Baltimore in 1980) set school single-game rebounding records.
13 - Boise State's Chandler Hutchison (44 points vs. San Diego State in 2018), Bowling Green's Jim Darrow (52 vs. Toledo in overtime in 1960), Cal Poly's Shanta Cotright (43 vs. George Mason in 1996), Charleston Southern's Dwyane Jackson (43 at Virginia Military in 2007), Kentucky's Jodie Meeks (54 at Tennessee in 2009), Sacramento State's Loren Leath (41 at Northern Colorado in 2009), Southeastern Louisiana's Sam Bowie (39 at Central Florida in 1996), Southeast Missouri State's Daimon Gonner (37 at Tennessee State in double overtime in 2005) and UAB's Andy Kennedy (41 vs. Saint Louis in 1991) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Oklahoma ended Kansas' NCAA-record 35-game winning streak on the road, 45-19, in 1928. . . . Marquette's school-record 81-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Notre Dame (71-69 in 1973). . . . Doug Hess (27 vs. Marshall in 1971) tied Toledo's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
14 - Syracuse's Bill Smith (47 points vs. Lafayette in 1971) and Virginia Commonwealth's Chris Cheeks (42 vs. Old Dominion in overtime in 1989) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Damon Stoudamire (45 at Stanford in 1995) set Arizona's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent.
15 - Coppin State's school-record 42-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by North Carolina A&T (76-70 in 1997), Murray State's school-record 47-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Southeast Missouri State (84-78 in 2000) and Virginia's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by North Carolina (101-95 in 1983). . . . Texas-Pan American ended its NCAA-record 64-game road losing streak with a 79-62 triumph at Oral Roberts in 2000. . . . Bob Reiter (27 vs. Kansas State in 1955) set Missouri's single-game rebounding record. . . . . Bob Lazor (23 vs. Penn State in 1955) set Pittsburgh's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
16 - Columbia's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Penn (66-64 in 1952).
17 - New Mexico State's John Williamson (48 points at California in 1972) and UNC Wilmington's Brian Rowsom (39 at East Carolina in 1987) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Virginia Military's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Appalachian State (73-58 in 1979). . . . Steve Stiepler (22 vs. Charleston Southern in 1977) set James Madison's single-game rebounding record.
18 - Stan Mayhew (45 points vs. Utah State in 1977) set Weber State's single-game scoring record. . . . Damon Lynn (34 at North Carolina A&T in 2014) set NJIT's single-game scoring record at the NCAA Division I level. . . . A weekly ritual began when the Associated Press announced results of its first weekly basketball poll in 1949 (SLU was initial #1). . . . Indiana State's Jim Cruse (25 vs. Drake in 1997) and North Texas' Ken Williams (29 vs. Lamar in 1978) set school single-game rebounding records.
19 - UC Davis' Corey Hawkins (40 points at Hawaii in 2013), Charleston Southern's Ben Hinson (43 vs. Edward Waters FL in 1985) and New Hampshire's Brad Cirino (39 at Maine in four overtimes in 1996) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Jim Ashmore (45 vs. Mississippi in 1957) set Mississippi State's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Notre Dame came from behind in the closing minutes to end visiting UCLA's NCAA-record 88-game winning streak in 1974. . . . George Mason's Andre Smith set an NCAA single-game record by sinking all 10 of his shots from beyond the three-point arc against James Madison in 2008. . . . Ron deVries (24 vs. Pacific in 1974) set Illinois State's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Chris Street, Iowa's top rebounder with 9.5 per game, died instantly in 1993 in a collision between the car he was driving and a county dumptruck/snowplow.
20 - Austin Peay's James "Fly" Williams (51 points vs. Tennessee Tech in 1973), Fordham's Ken Charles (46 vs. St. Peter's in 1973), Memphis State's Larry Finch (48 vs. St. Joseph's IN in 1973) and Oklahoma City's Gary Gray (55 at West Texas State in 1967) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Houston ended UCLA's 47-game winning streak (71-69 in Astrodome in 1968), Minnesota's school-record 40-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Nebraska (22-21 in 1905) and West Virginia's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by St. Bonaventure (64-63 in 1983). . . . Visiting Texas-El Paso snapped Memphis' NCAA-record 52-game winning streak in regular-season conference competition (C-USA/72-67 in 2010). . . . Cliff Robinson (28 vs. Portland State in 1978) and David Bluthenthal (28 vs. Arizona State in 2000) set and tied Southern California's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
21 - Howard's Ron Williamson (52 points vs. North Carolina A&T in 2003) and Saint Joseph's Jack Egan (47 at Gettysburg PA in 1961) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Kansas' school-record 69-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Texas (74-63 in 2011) and DePaul's school-record 36-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Dayton (67-63 in 1985). . . . Terry Rutherford (21 vs. Marshall in 1978) set Western Carolina's single-game rebounding record against a Division I opponent.
22 - Lee Campbell (20 vs. Cleveland State in 1990) tied his own Missouri State single-game rebounding record against a Division I opponent.
23 - Eastern Illinois' Jay Taylor (47 points vs. Chicago State in 1989), Middle Tennessee State's Mike Milholland (44 vs. Austin Peay in 1965), Nicholls State's Anatoly Bose (46 at Northwestern State in double overtime in 2010), South Florida's Dominique Jones (46 at Providence in overtime in 2010) and Tennessee State's Anthony Mason (44 at Eastern Kentucky in 1988) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Jacksonville's James Ray (45 vs. South Florida in 1980) set Sun Belt Conference single-game scoring record in league competition. . . . Northeastern's Steve Carney (23 vs. Hartford in 1988) and Ohio University's Howard Joliff (28 vs. Kent State in 1960) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
24 - Appalachian State's Stan Davis (56 points at Carson-Newman TN in 1974), Chattanooga's Oliver Morton (50 vs. Pikeville KY in 2001), IUPUI's Odell Bradley (41 vs. Oral Roberts in triple overtime in 2004), Loyola of New Orleans' Ty Marioneaux (53 vs. Virginia Commonwealth in 1970), Oakland's Travis Bader (47 vs. IUPUI in 2013) and Texas-Arlington's Steven Barber (43 at Texas-San Antonio in 2002) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . San Diego State's Ben Wardrop set an NCAA record for shortest playing time before disqualification by fouling out in only 1:11 at Colorado State in 2004. . . . Notre Dame's school-record 45-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Connecticut (69-61 in 2009).
25 - Connell "C.J." Wilkerson (41 points at North Carolina A&T in 2011) set North Carolina Central's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . Southern's Avery Johnson tied an NCAA single-game record against DI opponent with 22 assists against Texas Southern in 1988. . . . Brigham Young's school-record 44-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Utah (79-75 in 2003). . . . East Carolina's Erroyl Bing (24 vs. South Florida in 2003), Kansas State's David Hall (27 vs. Oklahoma in 1971), Lamar's Steve Wade (27 vs. Oral Roberts in 1972), Oral Roberts' Eddie Woods (30 vs. Lamar in 1972) and Seton Hall's Nick Werkman (32 vs. Boston College in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . The final 36 seconds of Ohio State's 50-44 win at Minnesota in 1972 were not played after a melee ensued following a flagrant foul on Buckeyes center Luke Witte as he attempted a layup. The Gophers, despite a pair of remainder-of-season suspensions, went on to capture the Big Ten Conference championship while OSU finished runner-up.
26 - Gonzaga's Frank Burgess (52 points vs. UC Davis in 1961) and Youngstown State's Tilman Bevely (55 vs. Tennessee Tech in 1987) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Bevely's output also tied Ohio Valley Conference record in league competition. . . . Arizona and Northern Arizona combined for an NCAA-record 130 free-throw attempts in 1953. . . . Herb Neff (36 vs. Georgia Tech in 1952) set Tennessee's single-game rebounding record.
27 - Georgia Southern's Johnny Mills (44 points vs. Samford in 1973), Indiana's Jimmy Rayl (56 vs. Minnesota in 1962), James Madison's Steve Stiepler (51 vs. Robert Morris in 1979), UNC Greensboro's Trevis Simpson (41 vs. Chattanooga in 2013) and West Texas State's Simmie Hill (42 at Texas Western in 1968) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Visiting New Mexico State overcame a 28-0 deficit to defeat Bradley in 1977. . . . Big Ten Conference perennial cellar dweller Northwestern upset Magic Johnson and NCAA Tournament champion-to-be Michigan State by 18 points in 1979 and Big Eight Conference sixth-place finisher Nebraska upset Danny Manning and NCAA playoff champion-to-be Kansas in 1988. . . . Centenary's Robert Parish (33 vs. Southern Mississippi in 1973) and Florida's Neal Walk (31 vs. Alabama in 1968) set school single-game rebounding records.
28 - Syracuse's Sherman Douglas tied an NCAA single-game record with 22 assists against Providence in 1989. . . . Jim Loscutoff of Oregon (32 vs. Brigham Young in 1955), Maurice Stokes of Saint Francis PA (39 vs. John Carroll OH in 1955) and Willie Naulls of UCLA (28 vs. Arizona State in 1956) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Barney Cable (28 vs. Marquette in 1956) set Bradley's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
29 - Arkansas State's Jeff Clifton (43 points vs. Arkansas-Little Rock in 1994), Jacksonville's Ernie Fleming (59 vs. St. Peter's in 1972), Seton Hall's Nick Werkman (52 vs. Scranton PA in 1964), Utah Valley's Ryan Toolson (63 at Chicago State in quadruple overtime in 2009), Vermont's Eddie Benton (54 vs. Drexel in 1994) and Wagner's Terrance Bailey (49 vs. Brooklyn in triple overtime in 1986) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Benton's output is also an America East Conference record in league competition. . . . Big East Conference West Division cellar dweller Rutgers upset Carmelo Anthony and NCAA Tournament champion-to-be Syracuse in 2003. . . . Columbia's Jacob "Jack" Molinas (31 vs. Brown in 1953), North Carolina State's Ronnie Shavlik (35 vs. Villanova in 1955) and Penn State's Jesse Arnelle (27 vs. Temple in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records.
30 - Maryland-Eastern Shore's Tee Trotter (42 points at Howard in overtime in 2003), Mississippi's Johnny Neumann (63 at Louisiana State in 1971), New Orleans' Ledell Eackles (45 at Florida International in 1988), Seattle's Elgin Baylor (60 vs. Portland in 1958), Tennessee Tech's Kevin Murphy (50 vs. SIU-Edwardsville in 2012) and Western Kentucky's Clem Haskins (55 vs. Middle Tennessee State in 1965) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Haskins' output is also an Ohio Valley Conference record in league competition. . . . Rick Barry (51 vs. Oklahoma City in 1965) set Miami's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . William & Mary ended West Virginia's Southern Conference-record 44-game winning streak in 1960. . . . UC Irvine's Kevin Magee (25 vs. Long Beach State in 1982), Miami's Rick Barry (29 vs. Oklahoma City in 1965) and Oklahoma State's Andy Hopson (27 vs. Missouri in 1973) set school single-game rebounding records.
31 - LSU's Pete Maravich, despite having 13 regular-season games remaining in 1970, passed Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson (2,973 points from 1957-58 through 1959-60) with 4:43 left against Mississippi to become the NCAA's career scoring leader. . . . Gerhard "Jerry" Varn (51 points vs. Piedmont GA in 1953) set The Citadel's single-game scoring record. . . . Holy Cross' Jim McCaffrey (46 vs. Iona in 1985) set MAAC scoring record in league competition. . . . Loyola Marymount outgunned U.S. International CA (181-150 in 1989) in the highest-scoring game in major-college history. . . . Manhattan's Bruce Seals established an NCAA single-game record with 27 three-point field-goal attempts (making nine vs. Canisius in 2000). . . . Canisius' Darren Fenn (22 vs. Manhattan in 2000), George Mason's Kenny Sanders (22 vs. American in 1989), Loyola Marymount's Hank Gathers (29 vs. U.S. International CA in 1989), Princeton's Carl Belz (29 vs. Rutgers in 1959) and St. Bonaventure's Bob Lanier (23 vs. Niagara in 1970) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
Memorable Moments in December College Basketball History
Memorable Moments in November College Basketball History
In Memoriam: RIP Look at 2018 Deceased Who Impacted College Basketball
With Auld Lang Syne chords playing in the background, the final day of the calendar year offered another time to say goodbye by acknowledging the passing away in 2018 of a striking number of movers and shakers who impacted major-college basketball. The NCAA Division I deceased list included All-Americans such as Lawrence Butler (Idaho State), Len Chappell (Wake Forest), Bill Hanson (Washington), Tony Hanson (Connecticut), Mel Hutchins (Brigham Young), George Kaftan (Holy Cross), Bill Logan (Iowa), Bob Mattick (Oklahoma A&M), Willie Murrell (Kansas State), Willie Naulls (UCLA), Bob Patterson (Tulsa), Frank Ramsey (Kentucky), Clifford Rozier (Louisville), Gene Tormohlen (Tennessee) and Jo Jo White (Kansas). Tex Winter, Murrell's coach for 1964 Final Four squad, also passed away as did fellow '64 national semifinalist coach Vic Bubas (Duke). Joining Chappell, Kaftan, Murrell, Ramsey and Rozier among former F4 regulars dying this year were Eric Anderson (Indiana), Bret Bearup (Kentucky), Elmer Behnke (Bradley), Donnie Forman (NYU), J.L. Parks (Oklahoma A&M), Kendall Sheets (Oklahoma A&M), Bernie Simpson (California), Howard Stacey (Louisville), Daryl Thomas (Indiana), Ron Thomas (Louisville) and Taylor Thorne (North Carolina).
Bud Olsen joined Rozier, Stacey and Thomas among Louisville luminaries and three Oklahoma State frontcourt standouts dying in 2018. Louisiana-Lafayette, which had an ex-Cajun starter or signee 36 or younger die each of the previous two years, was treated cruelly again in 2018 as three former hoopers 45 or younger perished. Brothers Gary and Roy Stoll - Indiana products who combined to start for SEC member Tulane much of the 1950s - both passed away in 2018.
An estimated 350 World War II veterans die daily. Parks and Thorne joined former college hoopers/WWII vets Bob Ambler, Erwin Antoni, Marty Badoian, Gene Berce, Charles Binford, Jim Blozie, Preston Brimball, Costin Bufkin, Al Burstein, Bill Cannon, Mike Cokinos, Marty Costa, Joe Crowley, Billy Dale, Lou Desci, Frank Dulapa, Bobby Giles, Bertram Goddard, Bill Hailey, Ralph Hale, Bob Haring, Dick Lynch, Bob Malott, Walter McCarthy, Robert Mehl, John Mitchell, Ed Moeller, Jimmy Nutter, Billy Parker, John Parks, Ray Penno, Don Powars, Bob Prewitt, Jim Riffey, Charlie "Pete" Robinson, Howie Schueller, John Schwartz, William Seymour, Ron Siegrist, Milt Simon, Joe Stottlebower, Troye Svendson, Taylor Thorne, Garland Townes, Calvin Wunsch and Marty Zippel deserving an extra salute as they are among the following alphabetical list of deceased in 2018 who didn't drop the ball on the court:
- Ron Abegglen, 81, compiled a 151-84 coaching record for Weber State in eight seasons from 1991-92 through 1998-99. In his final campaign with the Wildcats, Abegglen became the only mentor since the NCAA eliminated first-round byes in 1980 to defeat North Carolina in the first round of national playoffs. He averaged 5.6 ppg with Brigham Young in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
- Anthony Agoglia, 93, averaged 1.8 ppg for St. John's NIT team in 1943-44 under coach Joe Lapchick before serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Agoglia subsequently attended St. Francis (N.Y.), where he averaged 5.2 ppg in 1947-48.
- James "Gerry" Alaimo, 82, averaged 14.1 ppg and 11.8 rpg for Brown from 1955-56 through 1957-58. All-Ivy League second-team selection as a senior finished among the Bears' top two in scoring and rebounding all three seasons. He coached his alma mater to an 88-145 record in nine seasons from 1969-70 through 1977-78.
- Dick Allen, 88, averaged 4.2 ppg for Texas Christian from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Buster Brannon. Allen, named team MVP as senior captain, played for the Horned Frogs' first two NCAA tourney teams his last two seasons.
- Dr. Mike Allen, 79, averaged 2.3 ppg for Montana in 1958-59 before transferring to North Dakota.
- Billy Allgood, 87, was a four-year Southern Mississippi letterman in the early 1950s under coach Lee Floyd, the father of long-time NCAA Division I mentor Tim Floyd. Teammate of Minneapolis Lakers draft choice and New Orleans product Nick "The Cat" Revon went on to coach Louisiana College for 26 seasons (including upset win at UTEP over Naismith Hall of Fame bench boss Don Haskins plus triumphs over Tulane and Mississippi State from 1967-68 through 1969-70). From 1964-65 through 1974-75, LC beat six eventual DI in-state schools at least five times apiece - Louisiana Tech, McNeese State, Nicholls State, Northeast Louisiana, Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana. Notre Dame's all-time winningest coach Mike Brey, as a guard for Northwestern State, lost four consecutive contests against Allgood-coached LC squads from 1977-78 through 1979-80. Allgood also broke the color barrier in Louisiana late in 1969-70 campaign by upending #19 overall NBA draft pick Fred Hilton-led Grambling, 71-52, in contest featuring the first time a predominantly white school in state competed against HBCU. He had two pupils picked in NBA draft in the 1970s (Billy Jones was fourth-round choice by the Baltimore Bullets in 1970 and Paul Poe was seventh-round selection by Utah Jazz in 1979). Allgood, who played minor-league baseball in 1954, personally constructed LC's baseball facility bearing his name (Yankees' Cy Young Award winner Ron "Louisiana Lightning" Guidry of USL won first contest there in 1970), coaching the school in more than 1,000 baseball games including a historic upset of defending College World Series champion LSU in 1994 (first time an NAIA institution defeated a reigning NCAA DI titlist).
- Vern Altemeyer, 80, was a Transylvania KY transfer who averaged 4.7 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Illinois in 1958-59 and 1959-60 under coach Harry Combes.
- Joe Alvado, 87, averaged 10 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Kent State in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
- John Amaya averaged 4 ppg for Colorado from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
- Bob Ambler, 93, averaged 8.6 ppg for Arkansas from 1948-49 through 1950-51, leading the Razorbacks' NCAA tourney team in scoring as a sophomore when earning All-SWC second-team selection acclaim. Served in U.S. Army during WWII taken up in gliders where he was quietly flown in behind enemy lines at night to do demolition work destroying strategic targets.
- Keith Amerson, 50, averaged 5.2 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Kansas State in 1989-90 and 1990-91 under coach Dana Altman. Juco recruit was captain and team-leading rebounder as senior.
- Eric Anderson, 48, averaged 13.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg as four-year starter for Indiana from 1988-89 through 1991-92 under coach Bob Knight. Member of 1992 Final Four team after leading the Hoosiers in rebounding each of his first three seasons.
- Rolla Anderson, 97, was a Southeast Missouri State transfer who played for Western Michigan in 1943-44.
- Glenn Angelino, 67, averaged 4.7 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Iowa from 1970-71 through 1972-73.
- Erwin Antoni Sr., 94, played basketball for Penn in 1942-43 and 1946-47 with his career interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII. In 1948, he was a member of the U.S. Olympic soccer team as an alternate.
- Frank Ascione, 79, averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Fordham in 1958-59 and 1959-60 under coach John Bach.
- Bill Atkinson, 90, averaged 6 ppg as Florida's senior captain in 1948-49. Track athlete was introduced to the sport of polo at the age of 27 and commenced a 43-year career, winning the U.S. Open Polo Championship in 1969 and 1973.
- Joseph "J.C." Auer, 92, scored a total of 323 points for Washington & Lee VA from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
- John Avery, 64, averaged 6.1 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Columbia in 1973-74 under coach Jack Rohan.
- Jack Avina, 89, is Portland's all-time winningest coach (222-243 record in 17 seasons from 1970-71 through 1986-87). He played with San Jose State in the early 1950s.
- Karim Sameh Azab, 22, was backup center from Egypt when diagnosed with leukemia lymphoma as Memphis was preparing to compete in 2018 AAC championship in Orlando.
- Marty Badoian, 90, averaged 7.1 ppg for Brown from 1949-50 through 1951-52 after a two-year stint in the U.S. Army. He was runner-up in team scoring as senior captain with 13.9 ppg.
- Cedric Bailey, 56, averaged 6.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Southern California from 1980-81 through 1983-84 under coach Stan Morrison. Bailey was named the Trojans' Most Improved Player in 1981-82 when they appeared in the NCAA playoffs.
- R. "Murray" Bailey, 85, averaged 14.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Baylor from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Bill Henderson. Bailey, an All-SWC first-team selection as a senior, was the Bears' top scorer each of his last two seasons.
- Cecil Banks 70, played for Duquesne in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Dr. Lee Barbach, 66, averaged 2.3 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Connecticut in 1970-71 and 1971-72.
- Bob Bass, 89, compiled a 22-15 coaching record with Texas Tech in two seasons in 1969-70 and 1970-71. He coached multiple ABA franchises.
- Dick Bass, 81, averaged 2.9 ppg for Oklahoma in 1956-57.
- Tim Bassett, 67, averaged 14.4 ppg and 13.6 rpg for Georgia in 1971-72 and 1972-73 after transferring from a juco. All-SEC second-team selection as senior when leading league in rebounding.
- Irwin Batnick, 92, averaged 8.4 ppg for Penn State in 1947-48.
- Bob Batten Sr., 94, played basketball for Holy Cross in the mid-1940s after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. SS hit .280 in farm systems of the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies in 1947 and 1948. In his first year of Organized Ball with Carbondale (Class D North Atlantic League), he was team runner-up in triples, RBI and stolen bases. The next season with Baton Rouge (Class D Evangeline League), he led team in runs scored, hits and SBs.
- Howard Bayne, 75, averaged 7.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg for Tennessee from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Ray Mears. Bayne led the Volunteers in rebounding average as a sophomore before becoming an All-SEC third-team selection as a junior.
- Bret Bearup, 56, averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Kentucky from 1980-81 through 1984-85 under coach Joe B. Hall (redshirt in 1981-82). New York product was a backup forward for the Wildcats' 1984 Final Four squad.
- Abe Becker averaged 13.8 ppg for NYU from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Howard Cann. Becker appeared in NIT as a sophomore before leading the Violets in total points each of his last two seasons.
- Elmer Behnke, 89, averaged 7.2 ppg for Bradley from 1947-48 through 1950-51. The Braves finished runner-up in 1950 NCAA Tournament under coach Forddy Anderson.
- Gerry Belko Sr., 85, averaged 9.3 ppg for Idaho State's first two NCAA tourney teams in 1952-53 and 1953-54. He scored 23 points in three NCAA playoff games in 1954. Compiled a 5-4 pitching record and 5.86 ERA in Class C Pioneer League in 1954.
- Ramon "Ray" Bell, 83, averaged 5.4 ppg for Oregon from 1953-54 through 1955-56. As a senior, he was the Ducks' fourth-leading scorer (8.5 ppg) and third-leading rebounder (7 rpg).
- Gene Berce, 91, led Marquette in scoring multiple seasons before graduating in 1948. He also was an All-EIBL first-team selection with Cornell in 1945-46 while averaging 12 ppg in officer training during WWII.
- Keith Berkey, 72, averaged 6.8 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Purdue as a sophomore in 1965-66 under coach George King before drafted into U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
- Jake Bethany, 48, averaged 11.5 ppg and 8 rpg for Hardin-Simmons TX from 1978-79 through 1981-82. He was an All-Trans America Athletic Conference second-team selection as a senior.
- Tom Biedenharn, 73, averaged 2.7 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Cincinnati from 1963-64 through 1965-66. Despite a $50,000 reward, there was no arrest for his homicide after he died in his home on Memorial Day.
- George Bigelow, 82, averaged 2.9 ppg for Boston College from 1955-56 through 1957-58, appearing in the Eagles' first-ever NCAA playoff game as a senior.
- Charles Binford, 90, played under his father, Mel, for Wichita the second half of the 1940s after serving in U.S. Coast Guard during WWII.
- George Bisacca, 89, was Fairfield's coach when the Stags transitioned to major-college level in 1964-65. He compiled a 61-31 record in four NCAA DI seasons through 1967-68.
- Harold Blalock, 86, averaged 7.9 ppg for Mississippi State from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
- Lyle Blessman, 81, averaged 1.1 ppg for Colorado State in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Jim Williams.
- Jim Blozie, 91, averaged 1.6 ppg for Connecticut in 1947-48 and 1948-49 under coach Hugh Greer after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII in Amphibious Corps in the South Pacific.
- Stan Blumenfeld, 67, was a Canadian recruit who played for Tulsa in 1974-75.
- Don Bol, 88, averaged 2.6 ppg for Purdue in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
- Dwight Bonk Sr., 73, averaged 1.4 ppg for Niagara in 1964-65 and 1965-66 under coach Taps Gallagher.
- Lee Borowski, 77, averaged 9.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Marquette in 1962-63 under coach Eddie Hickey.
- Vince Boyle, 87, was a member of San Francisco's undefeated 1956 NCAA title team coached by Phil Woolpert after serving in U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.
- Rickey Boynton Sr., 65, was a Georgia product who averaged 3 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Southern Illinois from 1972-73 through 1974-75.
- Pat Bradley, 66, averaged 1.3 ppg for Saint Peter's in 1971-72.
- Eli Brewster Jr., 49, averaged 3.1 ppg and 1.8 apg for Ohio State in 1988-89 under coach Gary Williams after year as academic redshirt.
- Morris Brickman, 93, graduated from CCNY in 1948-49 one year before the Beavers captured both the NIT and NCAA Tournament in the same season under coach Nat Holman.
- Russell Briggs, 87, lettered with Florida in 1950-51 before serving in U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
- Preston Brimball, 96, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.5 ppg for Idaho in 1947-48 and 1948-49 while earning All-PCC North Division first-team honors each season. He served in U.S. military as a fighter pilot during WWII.
- Phil Brintnall, 76, averaged 1.9 ppg for Tennessee in 1960-61 and 1961-62 before transferring back to home state with Western Carolina.
- Robert Brower, 81, averaged 1.4 ppg for Dartmouth in 1959-60 under coach Doggie Julian.
- Lowery "Carter" Brown, 86, averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Mississippi from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Country Graham. Brown was a halfback with the Rebels' 1952 Sugar Bowl football team before his college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army.
- Vic Bubas, 91, lettered four years as North Carolina State player under coach Everett Case before compiling a 213-67 coaching record (.761) with Duke in 10 seasons from 1959-60 through 1968-69. Guided the Blue Devils to NCAA Final Four three times in a four-year span from 1963 through 1966.
- Phil Buck, 90, averaged 3.2 ppg for Indiana from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Branch McCracken.
- Louis "Costin" Bufkin, 91, was a multi-year letterman for Texas Tech in the mid-1940s after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Orvis "Shorty" Burdsall, 89, averaged 8.6 ppg for Butler from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Tony Hinkle. Burdsall was captain each of his last two seasons when leading team in scoring.
- Chuck Burhorn, 73, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.1 ppg and 6 rpg for Mississippi in 1965-66 (runner-up in scoring and rebounding) and 1966-67.
- Al Burstein, 96, played for Columbia in the mid-1940s. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. military during WWII.
- Glenn Butler, 68, averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Vanderbilt in 1969-70 and 1971-72 under coach Roy Skinner.
- Lawrence Butler, 61, was a juco recruit who averaged 27 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Idaho State in 1977-78 and 1978-79. All-American as a senior when averaging 30.1 ppg to edge Larry Bird (Indiana State) for national scoring title.
- Mike Butler, 72, averaged 18.5 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Memphis State from 1965-66 through 1967-68, leading the Tigers in scoring all three seasons while finishing among the nation's top 17 in FT% each year. All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection as senior.
- Rasual Butler, 38, averaged 19.3 ppg and 5.9 rpg for La Salle from 1998-99 through 2001-02. He was a two-time All-Atlantic 10 Conference first-team selection.
- Norm Buxbaum, 88, averaged 2.7 ppg for Loyola of Chicago from 1948-49 through 1951-52 before serving in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict.
- Charles "Lex" Cain, 92, was a juco recruit who played for Mississippi State in 1949-50.
- Hubert "Peppy" Callahan, 78, played under two Hall of Famers at North Carolina from 1960-61 (Frank McGuire's last season as UNC's coach) through 1962-63 (Dean Smith's second year as bench boss of the Tar Heels).
- Bill Cannon, 93, played for Wichita in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
- Ramon "Ray" Carazo, 76, averaged 10.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Penn from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Jack McCloskey. Carazo compiled a 68-114 record as Yale's coach in seven seasons from 1975-76 through 1981-82.
- Burr Carlson, 90, was a Central Connecticut State transfer who averaged 12.6 ppg and Yankee Conference-leading 14.5 rpg for Connecticut as all-league first-team selection in 1951-52 under coach Hugh Greer. First UConn player selected in an NBA draft coached the school to a 16-32 record in two seasons in 1967-68 and 1968-69.
- John "Jack" Carpenter, 84, played for Oklahoma State in 1952-53 under coach Hank Iba before transferring to Loyola of Chicago, where Carpenter averaged 12.5 ppg and 11 rpg in 1954-55 and 1955-56 under coach George Ireland. Carpenter led the Ramblers in scoring and rebounding as a senior.
- Fred Carr, 71, suited up for defending NCAA champion Texas-El Paso's last five games in 1966-67, collecting a total of 27 points and 30 rebounds. He had 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds when the Miners were eliminated by Pacific, 72-63, in West Regional semifinals. Carr went on to become an All-Pro linebacker who played 10 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers after becoming Vince Lombardi's final first-round draft pick.
- Coy Carson, 91, was an All-Southern Conference first-team selection in 1948-49 when leading North Carolina in scoring with 15.3 ppg.
- Larry Cart, 78, was a juco recruit who became Sugar Bowl Tournament MVP for Auburn in 1962-63 when he averaged 13.4 ppg. Two years later, the Indiana product averaged 9.2 ppg with the Tigers.
- Floyd Carter Jr., 66, was a member of Ohio University's 1972 NCAA tourney team coached by Jim Snyder.
- James "Jippy" Carter Jr., 87, averaged 3.1 ppg and 1.3 rpg for North Carolina in 1950-51 and 1952-53 (Frank McGuire's first season as coach of the Tar Heels).
- Lewis "Dale" Caton, 82, averaged 3.8 ppg and 1.9 rpg for New Mexico from 1956-57 through 1958-59.
- Oris "Steve" Chamberlain Jr., 88, averaged 2.1 ppg for Wyoming in 1948-49 under coach Everett Shelton.
- Charlie Chaney, 74, averaged 2.7 ppg for Boston College in 1963-64 and 1964-65 in Bob Cousy's first two seasons as coach of the Eagles.
- Clint Chapman, 64, averaged 11.3 ppg and 6.9 rpg for Southern California from 1972-73 through 1974-75 under coach Bob Boyd. All-Pac-8 second-team selection as sophomore when leading the Trojans in scoring.
- Herschel Chapman, 91, played with Army from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
- Len Chappell, 77, averaged 24.9 ppg and 13.9 rpg for Wake Forest from 1959-60 through 1961-62. Two-time All-American ranked among the nation's top six scorers as junior and senior. Led the Demon Deacons in scoring and rebounding all three seasons, including the 1962 national third-place team.
- Russ Cheatham Jr., 87, played for Richmond in the early 1950s.
- Milton Cherno, 93, played for Texas Western in 1942-43 before transferring to Texas A&M, where he lettered in 1944-45.
- Wally Choice Sr., 85, averaged 13.9 ppg for Indiana from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Branch McCracken. All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as senior when leading IU in scoring with 21 ppg and finishing runner-up in rebounding (8.1 rpg). Choice participated in NCAA tourney as a sophomore. He reportedly was the first African-American team captain in league history.
- Dick Christ, 68, played for Wichita State in 1969-70.
- Frank Christie, 96, was a juco recruit who played for Georgia in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
- Max Claiborne, 83, averaged 2.2 ppg for Oklahoma from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
- Riley Clarida Jr., 58, averaged 15.4 ppg and 9.9 rpg for LIU from 1979-80 through 1981-82 after transferring from George Mason. Led the Blackbirds in scoring or rebounding each of his three seasons with them. As a junior, he paced them in both categories for their first NCAA tourney team. Finished fifth in the nation in rebounding as a senior with 12.3 rpg.
- John Clawson, 74, averaged 8 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Michigan's three NCAA tourney teams from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Dave Strack. As a senior, Clawson was runner-up in scoring to All-American Cazzie Russell for the Wolverines after they reached the Final Four the previous two seasons. Clawson was a member of the U.S. gold-medal winning Olympic squad at the 1968 Mexico City Games.
- Archie Clayton III, 75, averaged 7.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Texas Christian from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Buster Brannon. As a sophomore, Clayton was the Horned Frogs' leading rebounder (8.2 rpg) and second-leading scorer (12.3 ppg).
- John Coalmon, 80, averaged 11.8 ppg and 9.4 rpg for Fordham from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach John Bach. Coalman appeared in NIT as a sophomore, paced the Rams in rebounding as junior and served as senior captain while tying for team leader in rebounds.
- Chad Coates, 43, averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Idaho in 1994-95.
- Saul Cohen, 96, was a four-year letterman for LIU the first half of the 1940s. He was a starter for the Blackbirds' 1941 NIT titlist coached by Clair Bee.
- Theron Cojoe, 53, played for Louisiana State in 1982-83 and 1983-84 under coach Dale Brown before transferring to New Orleans, where he averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg in 1985-86 and 1986-87 under coach Benny Dees. Cojoe participated in NCAA tourney as a senior.
- Mike Cokinos, 98, was Texas A&M captain in 1942-43 before becoming a Brigadier General.
- Thomas "T.C." Coleman IV, 88, averaged 5.1 ppg for Davidson from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
- Bryan Collins, 45, averaged 6.9 ppg and 6.9 rpg for Louisiana-Lafayette from 1991-92 through 1994-95, leading the Ragin' Cajuns in rebounding as a junior and senior.
- Dolan Condie, 91, averaged 5.1 ppg for Utah from 1947-48 through 1949-50 under coach Vadal Peterson.
- Davin "Tom" Connelly Jr., 86, averaged 2 ppg for Maryland from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
- Billy Connors, 76, averaged 6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Syracuse in 1960-61. He went on to become a National League reliever who compiled an 0-2 record in 26 games with the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets in three years from 1966 through 1968.
- Jim "Red" Connors, 85, scored a total of 61 points for Fordham in 1953-54 and 1954-55 under coach John Bach.
- Teddy Copeland, 85, averaged 8.1 ppg for Florida from 1952-53 through 1955-56. He was senior captain.
- Don Corbett, 75, compiled a 254-145 coaching record with North Carolina A&T in 14 seasons from 1979-80 through 1992-93, guiding the Aggies to seven consecutive NCAA playoff appearances from 1982 through 1988.
- Martin "Marty" Costa, 93, averaged 10 ppg for Penn State from 1947-48 through 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Army during WWII. Costa was the Nittany Lions' top scorer as senior co-captain with 13 ppg, tallying a then school single-game record of 32 points against American University.
- Norm Coufal, 84, averaged 2.9 ppg for Nebraska from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
- Erin "JoJo" Cowan, 46, was a juco recruit who averaged 14.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.3 apg and 1.2 spg as Idaho State's runner-up in scoring average both seasons in 1991-92 and 1992-93.
- Ken Cox played for Wake Forest from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coaches Murray Greason and Bones McKinney.
- Phil Cox, 64, averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Butler in 1972-73 and 1973-74 before transferring to Gardner-Webb NC.
- Stan Cox, 65, averaged 4.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1972-73 and 1973-74.
- Dudley Coyne, 83, averaged 13 ppg for Maine from 1955-56 through 1957-58. He was an All-Yankee Conference second-team selection as a sophomore.\
- Bill Creagan Jr., 86, averaged 1.9 ppg for Loyola of Chicago in 1954-55 under coach George Ireland.
- Doug Crewse, 67, averaged 2.3 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Army from 1970-71 through 1972-73. His first varsity coach with the Cadets was Bob Knight.
- Keith Cribb, 93, averaged 2.2 ppg for South Carolina in 1948-49.
- Dick Crist, 68, played for Wichita State in 1969-70.
- Joe Crowley, 92, lettered for Texas in the mid-1940s before transferring to Santa Clara, where he averaged 5.8 ppg in 1947-48 and 1948-49. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Charles Crum, 93, played for Wichita in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
- Francis "Frank" Crum, 84, played for Marshall the first half of the 1950s under coach Cam Henderson, averaging 6.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 1953-54.
- Kyle "Buddy" Cruze, 84, was a SMU transfer who averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Tennessee in 1953-54. Cruze, a wide receiver who led the Volunteers in pass receptions in 1955 and 1956, was a 12th-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 1956 NFL draft.
- Ross Culligan, 78, averaged 5 ppg and 7 rpg for Lehigh from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He led the team in rebounding as a junior.
- Ron Curry, 48, was an Arizona transfer who averaged 12.4 ppg and 7.1 rpg for Marquette from 1990-91 through 1992-93. Two-time All-Great Midwest Conference selection.
- Ben Cutler, 80, averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Utah in 1957-58 and 1958-59 under coach Jack Gardner. Cutler, who played in the NCAA tourney his final season with the Utes, ran marathons in his mid-70s.
- Wilton "Billy" Dale, 91, lettered for Louisiana State in 1942-43 and 1943-44 before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Jim Davidson, 83, averaged 2.3 ppg for Colgate from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
- Daryl Davis, 65, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.2 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Hawaii in 1973-74.
- Jim Davis, 77, averaged 14.4 ppg and 11.2 rpg for Colorado from 1961-62 through 1963-64. Two-time All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection while leading the league in rebounding was on back-to-back NCAA playoff regional finalists as a sophomore and junior.
- Scott Davis, 58, played for Eastern Michigan in 1978-79 under coach Ray Scott. As quarterback, Davis led EMU in total offense and passing in 1979 and 1980.
- Ted Davis, 81, averaged 1.3 ppg for Colorado State in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Jim Williams.
- Marvin Deckert, 86, was a juco recruit who played for Kansas in 1952-53 under coach Phog Allen.
- Perry Del Purgatorio, 89, averaged 5 ppg for Villanova in 1948-49 and 1949-50. He was a four-year teammate of All-American Paul Arizin including NCAA tourney team in 1949.
- Lou Desci Jr., 95, was Bucknell's captain in 1944-45 and 1946-47 sandwiched around starting for Harvard's first NCAA tourney team in 1946 via its ROTC program and the Navy's V-12 program at Bucknell.
- Jim DeWulf, 82, averaged 7.1 ppg and 9.4 rpg for Loyola of Chicago from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach George Ireland. DeWulf was the Rambers' runner-up in rebounding as a sophomore and junior.
- Dick Dibert, 79, averaged 1.8 ppg for Penn State in 1958-59 under coach John Egli.
- Earl Dietering Jr., 84, played for Texas Tech in 1951-52.
- Gary Dillon, 84, played for Miami (Ohio) in 1953-54.
- Phil DiNardo, 84, averaged 7.4 ppg and 8 rpg for North Carolina State's first three ACC teams from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Everett Case. As a senior, DiNardo was the second-leading rebounder for an NCAA playoff participant (11.2 rpg).
- Dallas Dobbs was a two-time All-Big Seven Conference selection who averaged 14.9 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Kansas from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Phog Allen.
- Bob Doll compiled a 33-77 coaching record for Kent State in five seasons from 1961-62 through 1965-66. He averaged 10.2 ppg and 3.3 rpg with Miami (Ohio) from 1951-52 through 1953-54, appearing in NCAA playoffs as a junior.
- Dick Donnan played for North Carolina in 1943-44 before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Denny Dorman, 86, averaged 2 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Pittsburgh from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
- Warren Dorsey, 64, averaged 4.2 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Miami of Ohio from 1972-73 through 1974-75.
- Jim Dowies Sr., 88, was an All-SWC first-team selection in 1951-52 when leading Texas in scoring with 13 ppg. He also paced the league tri-champion Longhorns in scoring the previous season.
- Henry Downs, 62, averaged 4.8 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.2 spg as Boston University freshman in 1974-75.
- Dick Drake, 86, averaged 2.6 ppg for George Washington in 1951-52 under coach Bill Reinhart.
- Al Drummond, 65, was Virginia's first African-American player. He averaged 5.2 ppg from 1971-72 through 1973-74.
- Frank Dulapa, 99, played for Detroit in late 1930s and early 1940s before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Scott Dunham, 75, averaged 1.5 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Maine from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
- Donald Dutton, 53, averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.1 apg for Oregon in 1982-83 and 1983-84 before transferring to Delaware, where he averaged 12.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1985-86 and 1986-87. As a UD junior, he was runner-up on the team in scoring, assists and free-throw percentage.
- Harold Dwyer, 84, averaged 2.8 ppg for Wichita in 1956-57 under coach Ralph Miller.
- Rich Dyer, 74, averaged 8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for NYU from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Lou Rossini. The Violets participated in the NIT all three seasons.
- Don Eckelman, 77, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.8 ppg and 2 rpg for Houston in 1962-63 and 1963-64 under coach Guy Lewis.
- Dick Eckert, 86, averaged 7 ppg and 6 rpg for Muhlenberg PA from 1950-51 through 1952-53. As a sophomore, he was the Mules' runner-up in scoring and rebounding.
- Dorsey Edmundson, 53, played for UNC Wilmington in 1983-84.
- John "Jack" Egan Sr., 79, averaged 16.4 ppg and 10.5 rpg for St. Joseph's from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Jack Ramsay. As senior co-captain, Egan was leading scorer and rebounder with national third-place finisher in NCAA tourney. He collected 42 points and 16 rebounds in four-overtime finale against Utah before becoming 29th pick overall in NBA draft and implicated in game-fixing scandal. Egan, who scored a school-record 47 points at Gettysburg earlier in season (mark subsequently tied), was susceptible to such shenanigans inasmuch as he was father of two children and his wife suffered a miscarriage before the campaign started.
- Lloyd Eggers, 82, played for Illinois in 1956-57 under coach Harry Combes.
- Robert Ehringer, 98, was a member of Dartmouth's 1943 NCAA tourney team coached by Ozzie Cowles before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Pete Eldredge, 74, averaged 1.1 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Richmond in 1963-64.
- Lloyd Elmore, 84, scored 146 points for Missouri from 1952-53 through 1954-55.
- John Engberg averaged 1 ppg for Duke in 1949-50.
- Myron "Sonny" Enns, 90, played for Kansas in the late 1940s and early 1950s under coach Phog Allen.
- Paul Erland, 68, averaged 21.1 ppg and 7 rpg for Dartmouth from 1969-70 through 1971-72 under coach George Blaney. All-Ivy League selection each of his first two seasons when leading team in point production still holds school career scoring average record.
- Sammy Esposito, 86, averaged 7 ppg for Indiana as a starting guard under coach Branch McCracken in 1951-52. He went on to become an American League utility infielder who hit .207 in 560 games during 10-year career (1952 and 1955 through 1963) with the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Athletics before coaching North Carolina State to third-place finish in 1968 College World Series.
- Chuck Eyer, 85, averaged 4.1 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Lafayette from 1951-52 through 1953-54 in Butch van Breda Kolff's first three seasons as coach of the Leopards. Infielder for College World Series teams in 1953 (finished third) and 1954 (served as captain).
- Robby Fahnestock, 74, averaged 1.8 ppg for Washington in 1963-64 and 1965-66.
- Earl Fales, 85, was on Georgia's roster in 1960-61 after serving in U.S. Army.
- Matt Fanning, 91, averaged 1.7 ppg for La Salle from 1948-49 through 1950-51. Member of NIT teams each of his last two years in Ken Loeffler's first two seasons as coach of the Explorers.
- George Fedok Jr., 87, averaged 4.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Muhlenberg PA in 1950-51.
- Dick Fichtner, 78, compiled a 37-48 coaching record with Pacific in three seasons from 1979-80 through 1981-82.
- Bob Field, 87, averaged 2.5 ppg for Manhattan from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
- Hans Fields played for Texas Western in the late 1950s.
- Dan Fitzgerald, 75, averaged 11.1 ppg and 10.1 rpg for Temple from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Harry Litwack. Fitzgerald led the Owls in scoring and rebounding as a sophomore.
- Dr. Erwin Fitzgerald, 91, played for Western Michigan in 1945-46 and 1946-47.
- Joe Flahavan, 90, averaged 6.1 ppg for Saint Mary's from 1948-49 through 1950-51.
- Jim "Cotton" Fleming, 81, played for Oklahoma State from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Hank Iba. As a senior, Fleming participated in NCAA playoffs with Midwest Regional runner-up.
- Truman "Glen" Fletcher, 68, was a juco recruit who averaged 4.7 ppg and 2.3 rpg for West Texas State in 1970-71 and 1971-72.
- Gene Flowers, 81, averaged 4.8 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Indiana from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Branch McCracken. Flowers was senior captain.
- Rick Fluckey, 48, was a member of Texas' squad in 1987-88 under coach Bob Weltlich before averaging 6 ppg with New Mexico State's NCAA playoff team in 1989-90 under coach Neil McCarthy.
- Alton Ford, 36, averaged 10.8 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Houston in 2000-01 before declaring early for the NBA draft.
- Frank Ford Sr., 53, averaged 10.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.1 apg and 1.3 spg for Auburn from 1983-84 through 1986-87. All-SEC third-team selection as a senior appeared in the NCAA tourney all four seasons.
- Donnie Forman, 92, collaborated with Dolph Schayes to direct NYU to national postseason competition in three of their four varsity seasons. Forman was a freshman for NCAA playoff runner-up in 1945, scoring the game-tying basket with less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation of the national semifinals and 11 points in championship contest against Bob Kurland-led Oklahoma A&M.
- Bill Forsyth, 103, lettered for Florida in 1934-35 and 1935-36.
- Ed Frampton, 81, played for Georgetown in 1957-58.
- Billy Francis Jr., 75, averaged 1.2 ppg for East Carolina in 1966-67 and 1967-68 when the Pirates were transitioning to major-college level. His college career was interrupted by hitch in U.S. Air Force.
- Jerome "Jerry" Francis Sr., 70, played for Dayton in 1967-68 under coach Don Donoher before serving in U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He subsequently attended Capital University (Ohio).
- Bob Frantz, 81, averaged 5.7 ppg and 5 rpg for South Carolina from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
- Larry Friend, 54, averaged 3.7 ppg and 4.2 apg for Southern California from 1982-83 through 1985-86 under coach Stan Morrison. Senior captain and team MVP set since-broken school records for assists in a game, season and career.
- Bob Froeschle, 87, averaged 2.2 ppg for California in 1950-51 and 1951-52.
- Dr. John Frye, 79, averaged 9.5 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Duke from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He was a starter for the Blue Devils in 1960 when they won their first ACC Tournament title in Vic Bubas' first season as coach.
- Honorable Ron Gagnon, 88, averaged 1.9 ppg for Providence from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
- Harry "Bud" Gardler, 72, averaged 3.9 ppg and 1.7 rpg for St. Joseph's in 1966-67 and 1967-68 under coach Jack McKinney. Gardler's son, Chris, led St. Joe's in assists and steals in 1989-90 after transferring from Widener PA. Phil Martelli served as a high school assistant coach under him and one of his prep players was legendary UConn women's mentor Geno Auriemma.
- Bill Gatyas, 84, played for Rutgers in 1954-55.
- Dr. Lou Geissberger, 86, averaged 1.9 ppg for St. Mary's from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
- Bob Gelle, 87, was a three-year starter who averaged 10.1 ppg for Minnesota from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Ozzie Cowles. Team captain and MVP as senior.
- Nick Generalovich Sr., 73, averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1964-65 and 1965-66.
- Dr. Johnny George, 82, averaged 7 ppg for West Texas State from 1953-54 through 1956-57. In his sophomore season, WTSU was eliminated by eventual champion San Francisco in the NCAA playoffs.
- Dan Gerhard, 66, averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Ohio State from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach Fred Taylor.
- Roger Geyer, 69, averaged 1.4 ppg for NYU in 1968-69 and 1969-70 under coach Lou Rossini.
- Wally Gibbons, 79, averaged 8.2 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Clemson from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Press Maravich.
- Bobby Giles, 93, averaged 3.7 ppg for South Carolina over multiple seasons in the mid-1940s after serving in U.S. Air Force during WWII. He scored the first touchdown in Gamecocks and Gator Bowl history following the 1945 football season.
- Jerry Gillen, 83, collected 8 points and 11 rebounds for Marshall in 1953-54 under coach Cam Henderson.
- R. "Dale" Gipple, 69, averaged 2.2 ppg for North Carolina from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach Dean Smith. As a sophomore, Gipple participated in the Final Four.
- Don Gish Sr., 81, averaged 10.7 ppg and 8.5 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1956-57 under coach John Oldham before transferring to Kentucky Wesleyan.
- Alton "Bud" Gladieux, 93, played for Toledo during first half of 1940s.
- Al Glaza, 83, averaged 1.7 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Louisville from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Peck Hickman. As a junior, Glaza was fourth-leading rebounder for the Cardinals' NIT titlist.
- Bertram Goddard, 92, played for Maine in the late 1940s after serving in U.S. Army in Pacific Theater during WWII.
- Dave Goff, 59, averaged 5.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 5.1 apg and 1.6 spg for Texas A&M from 1976-77 through 1979-80. The Aggies' first four-year starter led them in assists each season.
- Fred Gordon, 99, was a regular for Iowa State's 1941 Big Six Conference titlist.
- Dale "Kelly" Gott Jr., 77, was SEC member Tulane's leading scorer with 18 ppg in 1963-64.
- Mike Green, 67, averaged 22.9 ppg and 15.4 rpg for Louisiana Tech from 1969-70 through 1972-73. He was Southland Conference Player of the Year as a senior when the Bulldogs were making their transition to NCAA Division I level under eventual NBA coach Scotty Robertson.
- Fred Greene, 75, averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Penn in 1962-63 and 1963-64 under coach Jack McCloskey.
- Hal Greer, 81, averaged 19.4 ppg and 10.8 rpg while shooting 54.5% from the floor for Marshall from 1955-56 through 1957-58. Ranked among the nation's top 13 in field-goal percentage all three seasons.
- William "Stu" Gregory Jr., 83, was a juco recruit who averaged 5 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Florida State's first major-college squad in 1956-57.
- Milton "Whitey" Greiss, 90, was a member of NYU's NIT team in 1948.
- Ray "Scotty" Griesheimer, 85, averaged 10.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Ohio University from 1951-52 through 1955-56. All-Mid-American Conference second-team selection as a senior when leading OU in scoring and rebounding after serving in U.S. Army. He hit .245 as a 3B-OF in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system in 1957 and 1958. His skipper in final season of Organized Ball with Geneva (Class D NYP League) was Dave Bristol, who went on to manage in the majors for 12 years.
- C. "Larry" Grist, 87, averaged 8.5 ppg and 7.6 rpg for Kent State in 1951-52 and 1952-53. Senior co-captain when finishing among the Golden Flashes' top three rebounders for second straight season.
- Tom Groark Jr., 81, played for Holy Cross in 1957-58.
- Harold Grossman, 93, played for Oklahoma in 1943-44 and Army in 1944-45.
- Jack Grout, 80, averaged 4.8 ppg and 3.2 rpg for California from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Pete Newell. As a senior, Grout was NCAA champion's fourth-leading rebounder and sixth-leading scorer.
- Rod Grubb, 83, averaged 3.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Wichita from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Ralph Miller.
- Rich Gugat, 76, was a member of UCLA's 1962 Final Four team coached by John Wooden before transferring to San Jose State, where forward averaged 3.4 ppg and 2 rpg in 1963-64.
- Frank Guisness, 87, averaged 11.9 ppg for Washington as three-time All-PCC North Division selection from 1949-50 through 1951-52. As a junior, he was runner-up in scoring with NCAA tourney team coached by Tippy Dye. Guisness was senior co-captain.
- Kevin Haggerty, 77, averaged 3.4 ppg for Manhattan in 1959-60 and 1960-61 under coach Ken Norton.
- Billy Hahn, 77, averaged 11.5 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Drake from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Maury John.
- Bill Hailey, 95, was a senior regular for Baylor's first NCAA tourney team in 1946 coached by Bill Henderson. Hailey's college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
- George Haines Jr., 96, played for Bucknell from 1940-41 through 1942-43. He was team captain his final season.
- David Hale, 79, averaged 5.3 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Oklahoma City from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Abe Lemons. Hale was the Chiefs' runner-up in rebounding as a senior with 7.9 rpg.
- Mose Hale, 88, averaged 9.6 ppg for West Texas State in 1950-51 and 1951-52 (All-Border Conference second-team selection).
- Ralph Hale, 92, played for Utah under coach Vadal Peterson after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Jeff Hamilton, 55, averaged 16.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.1 spg for St. Francis (Pa.) from 1981-82 through 1984-85. Two-time All-ECAC Metro selection led the Red Flash in scoring all four seasons.
- Harold "Ron" Hannon, 82, averaged 7.3 ppg for Army in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
- Bill Hanson, 77, averaged 17.8 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Washington from 1959-60 through 1961-62. Three-time All-AAWU first-team selection was an All-American his senior campaign.
- Tony Hanson, 63, averaged 17.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg for UConn from 1973-74 through 1976-77. Two-time All-Yankee Conference selection before becoming All-American as a senior when ranking 10th in the nation in scoring with 26 ppg.
- Bob Hardy, 82, averaged 13.2 ppg for Virginia from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He was the Cavaliers' leading scorer as a senior with 15.2 ppg.
- Bob Haring, 92, lettered for Colorado in late 1940s after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Clarence Harper, 72, averaged 9.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg for Butler in 1967-68 (led Bulldogs in rebounding) and 1968-69 under coach Tony Hinkle.
- Bill Harris, 87, averaged 6.2 ppg for Baylor in 1950-51 and 1951-52 after the Bears reached 1950 Final Four.
- Chester "Chipper" Harris, 55, paced the nation in steals as junior and senior in last two of three seasons he led Robert Morris in scoring. Averaged 16.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg from 1980-81 through 1983-84, including the Colonials' first two NCAA tourney appearances. Co-ECAC Metro player of the year his final campaign.
- Ken Harris, 63, averaged 14.7 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Drake from 1973-74 through 1976-77. He was an All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection each of his last two seasons.
- Ron Harris, 83, compiled a 20-57 coaching record with Samford in three seasons from 1972-73 through 1974-75 when school made transition to NCAA Division I level.
- Robert "Bun" Harvey, 93, played for Dartmouth in 1944-45 and 1945-46 under coach Ozzie Cowles.
- William "Morgan" Harvill Sr., 90, scored 213 points in 1947-48 when he was Georgia's senior captain after serving in U.S. Navy.
- Jim Hatton, 85, averaged 7.1 ppg for Houston from 1952-53 through 1954-55.
- Dale Haverman, 63, transferred from Kansas to McKendree College IL in his home state and became an NBA draft choice in 1977.
- Ernest Hawkins, 91, played hoops for Texas Tech in 1947-48. All-Border Conference football selection in 1948 was quarterback in 1947 Sun Bowl and 1949 Raisin Bowl.
- Carl Head was a J.C. recruit who averaged 17.1 ppg and 7.9 rpg for West Virginia in 1965-66 and 1966-67. All-Southern Conference first-team selection as a senior was part of a five-player group integrating hoops at WVU.
- John Heath, 95, lettered with Yale in 1941-42 before serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
- Mike Heideman, 70, compiled a 110-95 coaching record as Dick Bennett's successor at Wisconsin-Green Bay in seven seasons from 1995-96 through 2001-02.
- Joel Heider, 68, was a juco recruit who averaged 4.1 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Arkansas in 1970-71 and 1971-72.
- Dr. Ralph Heinz, 89, averaged 1.3 ppg for West Virginia in 1948-49 as a teammate of Fred Schaus.
- Eugene "Jack" Heldman, 88, averaged 8.5 ppg for Vanderbilt from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Bob Polk. Vandy won the first-ever SEC Tournament in 1951.
- Mike Helms, 58, averaged 10.5 ppg and 1.9 apg for Wake Forest from 1978-79 through 1981-82 (including pair of NCAA playoff clubs).
- Jerry "Jake" Hemmelgarn, 70, played for William & Mary in 1967-68.
- Lloyd Hendrix, 91, was an All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection in 1950-51 when leading Houston in scoring with 13.4 ppg.
- Ed Henk, 91, played for Holy Cross in 1944-45 before transferring.
- William Henry, 92, scored a total of 42 points for Harvard in 1947-48 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Norm Henwood, 92, lettered for Oregon in 1943-44.
- Norb Herrmann, 92, averaged 5 ppg for Indiana from 1944-45 through 1947-48.
- Dr. Gene Hightower, 81, played for Baylor in 1954-55 under coach Bill Henderson.
- Pete Hillman, 77, averaged 2.2 ppg for Southern California from 1960-61 through 1962-63. Father of Joe Hillman (guard for Indiana's 1987 NCAA champion) also pitched for the Trojans' CWS titlist his senior season.
- Richie Hoffman, 82, averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg for South Carolina in 1956-57 and 1957-58.
- Dan Hogan, 91, played for St. Bonaventure in 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Army.
- Darrell Hohmann, 77, averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Oklahoma from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
- Charles "Jerry" Hohne, 80, played for Florida State in 1958-59. He was a pitcher on the Seminoles' baseball squad.
- Durand Holladay, 93, tied for Georgia Tech's team leader in scoring in 1944-45 (10 ppg).
- John "Jack" Holler, 87, averaged 1.3 ppg for Washington & Lee in 1950-51 and 1951-52.
- John Holup Jr., 86, averaged 11.3 ppg for George Washington from 1951-52 through 1953-54. He appeared in NCAA playoffs as a senior.
- Tyler Honeycutt, 27, averaged 10.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.7 bpg for UCLA in 2009-10 and 2010-11 before declaring early for the NBA draft after becoming an All-Pacific-10 Conference first-team selection as sophomore.
- Carl Hornung, 82, played for Cornell in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
- Bill Howard, 76, averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg as captain of Princeton's 1964 NCAA playoff team featuring All-American Bill Bradley. Howard was also the starting tight end and defensive end for the Tigers' football squad that also won Ivy League championship his senior season.
- John Humann, 72, played for Canisius in 1967-68.
- Larry Hunter, 68, compiled a 397-377 NCAA DI coaching record in 25 seasons with Ohio University (204-148 in 12 seasons from 1989-90 through 2000-01) and Western Carolina (193-229 in 13 seasons from 2005-06 through 2017-18). He averaged 1.3 ppg for OU in 1968-69 and 1969-70 under coach Jim Snyder.
- Mel Hutchins, 90, was leading rebounder and second-leading scorer as senior All-American for Brigham Young's 1951 NIT titlist.
- Willard "Ken" Hutto, 82, led Texas A&M in scoring with 14.7 ppg in 1955-56 under coach Ken Loeffler.
- Joe Huver, 84, played for St. Joseph's in 1953-54.
- Sammy Hyde, 69, averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Texas in 1969-70.
- Tony Imbraguglio, 84, played for Loyola of New Orleans in 1954-55.
- Anthony Ingram, 53, averaged 4.3 ppg and 2.4 apg for UALR in 1983-84 before transferring to Northern Arizona, where he averaged 3.8 ppg in 1985-86 and 1986-87.
- Charles "Chili" Ishmael, 75, averaged 7 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Kentucky from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Adolph Rupp.
- Marvin "Jack" Jackson, 92, played for Mississippi State in the late 1940s. He served in U.S. Army during WWII, Korean Conflict and Vietnam War.
- Gerald "Jerry" Janovetz, 78, averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Kansas State in 1964-65 under coach Tex Winter after serving in U.S. Army.
- Steve Jefferson, 67, averaged 12.4 ppg and 9.9 rpg for Rider from 1969-70 through 1971-72, leading the Broncs in rebounding each of his last two campaigns. Team MVP as a junior held the school single-season record for rebounds for 37 years until NBA first-round draft choice Jason Thompson eclipsed the mark.
- John-Paul Jenkins, 70, averaged 3.2 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Washington State in 1971-72.
- Neil Jenson, 77, was a member of Utah's third-place finisher in 1961 NCAA Tournament on team coached by Jack Gardner.
- Warren Jeppesen, 80, averaged 2.3 ppg for Minnesota from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Ozzie Cowles.
- Lloyd Jernigan, 89, was a juco recruit on Tulsa's roster in 1948-49 before transferring to Panhandle State OK.
- Daryle Johnson, 70, was a juco recruit who averaged 9.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Detroit in 1970-71 and 1971-72 (led Titans in field-goal shooting at 56.4%).
- Ernie Johnson, 67, averaged 9.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg for Michigan from 1970-71 through 1972-73 under coach Johnny Orr, finishing among the Wolverines' top four rebounders all three seasons.
- Greg "Pope" Johnson, 65, was on roster of Marquette's 1974 NCAA Tournament runner-up coached by Al McGuire.
- Tom Johnson was a juco recruit who averaged 13.4 ppg and 7.6 rpg for Missouri in 1966-67 and 1967-68 under coaches Bob Vanatta and Norm Stewart.
- William Johnson, 98, played for Georgia Tech in the early 1940s.
- Henry Jones Jr., 88, was a Washington & Lee teammate of Southern Conference scoring leader Jay Handlan in 1950-51. Jones averaged 4.8 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
- Kenyatta "Bear" Jones, 39, played in three games for South Florida in 1998-99 under coach Seth Greenberg. Jones was an offensive tackle who played in the NFL with New England Patriots and Washington Redskins.
- Robin Jones, 64, averaged 8.9 ppg and 7.9 rpg for St. Louis from 1972-73 through 1974-75. Runner-up in rebounding all three seasons with the Billikens.
- Sterling Jones, 86, averaged 4.4 ppg for Oklahoma from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Bruce Drake.
- Gerald "Jerry" Jorgensen, 82, averaged 6 ppg for Idaho in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
- Rocco Julian Jr., 85, played for Duquesne's 1954 NIT runner-up under coach Dudey Moore.
- George Kaftan, 90, averaged 13.5 ppg for Holy Cross from 1945-46 through 1948-49. Two-time All-American was leading scorer for NCAA titlist in 1947 when he was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
- John "Bill" Kamphuis Jr., 61, was a juco recruit who played for Mississippi State in the late 1970s.
- Dave Katz, 77, was a member of Ohio University's first two NCAA tourney teams in 1960 and 1961. He averaged 7.9 ppg during his three-year career with the Bobcats.
- Lucius Keese, 66, was a juco transfer who averaged 2.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1972-73 and 1974-75.
- Jerry Keeton, 80, averaged 9.9 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Mississippi State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Babe McCarthy. Two-year co-captain with consensus All-American Bailey Howell was Mississippi Army National Guard and Army Reserve Major General in the early 1990s.
- Andrew Kelly Jr., 94, averaged 1.3 ppg for Seton Hall's 24-3 team in 1946-47 after serving in U.S. Air Force during WWII.
- Bill Kenville, 87, averaged 9.6 ppg for St. Bonaventure in 1950-51 and 1951-52, leading the Bonnies' in rebounding his final season.
- Frank Keton, 65, averaged 7.7 ppg for Texas-El Paso in 1972-73 under Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins.
- Bob Kiggans, 75, averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.2 rpg for The Citadel from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
- Mik Kilgore, 48, averaged 11.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.1 apg and 1.2 spg with Temple from 1988-89 through 1991-92. Leading scorer as senior for third straight NCAA playoff team under coach John Chaney.
- Eugene King, 85, averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Connecticut from 1951-52 through 1957-58 under coach Hugh Greer (missed three full seasons while serving in U.S. Force).
- Maxwell King, 91, played for Stanford in 1945-46 under coach Everett Dean.
- Tony Kinnaird, 65, averaged 1.2 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Louisville from 1973-74 through 1976-77 under coach Denny Crum. Kinnaird participated in NCAA playoffs in his first season.
- Bob Kinnard, 75, averaged 12.3 ppg and 8.8 rpg for East Carolina in 1964-65 and 1965-66. He led the Pirates in rebounding in their first season at the NCAA DI level and was runner-up in same category in school's first year competing as member of Southern Conference.
- Lowery Kirk, 80, was runner-up in scoring average for Memphis State's NIT teams in 1960 and 1961.
- Bill Kirsch, 86, averaged 7.3 ppg for Siena in 1952-53 and 1953-54, playing in a six-overtime marathon against Niagara and making a three-quarter court basket to defeat Iona at Madison Square Garden. He coached his alma mater when it returned to major-college level in the late 1970s, compiling a 142-111 record in 10 seasons from 1972-73 through 1981-82.
- Paul Kitchen, 84, played for Brigham Young in 1955-56 under coach Stan Watts.
- Dean Kittman, 85, played for Houston in first half of 1950s, averaging 3.6 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 1953-54.
- Bob Klock, 84, averaged 5.7 ppg for Washington State from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Jack Friel.
- Billy Knight, 39, averaged 8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for UCLA from 1997-98 through 2001-02. He was the Bruins' second-leading scorer as a senior.
- Horace Knight, 83, averaged 8.3 ppg for Georgia in 1954-55 (third-highest scoring average for Bulldogs with 9.9 ppg) and 1955-56. He was also a catcher with the Bulldogs' baseball squad.
- Walt Knocke, 91, averaged 3.7 ppg for Wichita from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
- George Koch III, 76, averaged 5 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Portland from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
- Kirk Korver, 27, averaged 5.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg for UMKC from 2009-10 through 2013-14.
- Alex Kosta, 96, played for Temple in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. military during WWII.
- Wayne Kruer, 71, was Jacksonville's second-leading scorer with 17.3 ppg in 1966-67 under coach Joe Williams in the Dolphins' inaugural campaign at the NCAA DI level.
- James Kuryak, 75, averaged 8.7 ppg for Niagara from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Taps Gallagher. Kuryak was the Purple Eagles' runner-up in scoring as a senior with 11.8 ppg.
- Clayton "Rudy" Lacy, 86, averaged 6.4 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Duke from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Harold Bradley. Lacy was a teammate of All-American Dick Groat and eventual DI coach Lefty Driesell.
- Ed Ladley, 78, averaged 6.7 ppg for Niagara from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Taps Gallagher. Ladley was the Purple Eagles' third-leading scorer as senior with 11.7 ppg after appearing in NIT the previous season.
- Mike Lanier, 48, averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Hardin-Simmons in 1988-89 and 1989-90 before transferring to UCLA, where 7-6 center averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.1 rpg in 1991-92 and 1992-93.
- Bob Latkany, 81, averaged 5.7 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Boston College from 1956-57 through 1958-59. As a junior, he was a member of BC's first NCAA playoff team.
- Russ Lawler, 84, averaged 12.5 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Stanford from 1952-53 through 1954-55. Team-leading rebounder his last two years as All-PCC selection. Also led squad in scoring as a junior.
- Calvin Lawshe, 71, was a member of Toledo coach Bob Nichols' NCAA tourney team in 1966-67.
- Tim Leary, 73, averaged 3.1 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Manhattan from 1964-65 through 1966-67.
- Ed Leede, 90, became the first Dartmouth player to score 1,000 points in a career. Four-time All-EIBL selection averaged 16 ppg as senior captain in 1948-49 when he was an all-conference first-team choice for the third consecutive campaign.
- George Leidy, 72, averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Penn State in 1965-66 and 1966-67.
- Dick Lendrum, 85, played for Rhode Island in 1953-54 after serving in U.S. Army.
- Joe Lesko, 93, led Mid-American Conference member Case Western Reserve OH in total points with 264 in 1949-50.
- Cecil "Ray" Lewis, 78, averaged 4.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Louisiana State from 1959-60 through 1961-62. As a senior, he made 11-of-12 field-goal attempts in a game against Alabama.
- Derrick Lewis, 52, averaged 2.9 ppg for South Carolina in 1984-85 under coach Bill E. Foster before transferring to Northeastern, where he averaged 16 ppg and 3.2 rpg from 1986-87 through 1988-89. Team-leading scorer as a senior when he was an All-ECAC North Atlantic Conference second-team selection.
- Ernie "Pop" Lewis, 51, averaged 7.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2 apg for Providence from 1983-84 through 1986-87. He was senior co-captain and three-point specialist of Final Four team coached by Rick Pitino.
- Peery Lewis, 89, averaged 5.9 ppg for William & Mary from 1948-49 through 1950-51. He was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection as a senior.
- Bob Lienhard, 70, averaged 22.1 ppg and 14.9 rpg while shooting 59.7% from the floor for Georgia from 1967-68 through 1969-70. Three-time All-SEC selection led the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding all three seasons when he ranked among the nation's top 10 in field-goal percentage each campaign.
- George Linn, 84, averaged 15.5 ppg and 9.8 rpg for Alabama from 1952-53 through 1955-56. Two-time All-SEC selection was runner-up to All-American teammate Jerry Harper in scoring and rebounding each of their last two seasons.
- Ernie Litty, 96, lettered with Navy from 1942-43 through 1944-45.
- Mike "Tiny" Lochner, 71, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Texas in 1966-67 and 1967-68.
- Sean Locke, 23, played for Delaware from 2013-14 through 2015-16.
- Bill Logan, 83, averaged 16.1 ppg and 10.3 rpg for Iowa from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Bucky O'Connor. Logan led the Hawkeyes in scoring all three seasons. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection was an All-American as senior for NCAA Tournament runner-up.
- Scott Loll, 72, was a backup frontcourter for Syracuse in 1964-65 before transferring to Alaska-Fairbanks, where he averaged 17.4 ppg and 15.4 rpg in 1966-67 and 1967-68.
- Herb London, 79, was third-leading rebounder for Columbia in 1959-60. He was president of the Hudson Institute, frequent columnist for The Washington Times, president of a conservative think tank and member of Council on Foreign Relations.
- Deacon "Dean" Lopata, 74, played for Minnesota from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach John Kundla.
- Maurice Lorenz, 84, averaged 5.9 ppg for Purdue from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
- Dave Louwerse, 61, was an Illinois native who averaged 7.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Rice from 1974-75 through 1977-78. As a sophomore, he was the Owls' runner-up in scoring with 13.9 ppg.
- Frank LoVuolo, 94, played hoops with St. Bonaventure several seasons in the mid-1940s. End for the NFL's New York Giants in 1949.
- Richard Lucas, 67, was a seven-footer who played for Oral Roberts in 1972-73 and 1973-74 under coach Ken Trickey.
- Dick Lynch, 91, averaged 4.7 ppg for Boston University in 1947-48 and 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Kendell Mack, 43, was an offensive tackle with Peach Bowl winner who collected 11 points and 4 rebounds in eight basketball games for Auburn in 1997-98 under coach Cliff Ellis.
- Harold "Bud" Maddie, 89, was a U.S. Navy veteran who averaged 10.9 ppg and 10.7 rpg for North Carolina from 1950-51 through 1953-54 (missed 1951-52 campaign). He finishing among the top two in rebounding for the Tar Heels all three seasons, leading them in category as a junior.
- Bob Malott, 91, averaged 1.4 ppg as freshman forward in 1943-44 with Kansas, where his father was Chancellor, before enlisting in U.S. Navy and serving on an electronics repair ship during WWII. Chairman and CEO of Chicago-based FMC Corporation for two decades prior to retiring in 1991.
- DeWitt Mathews averaged 4.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Samford in 1991-92 and 1992-93.
- Max Mattes, 84, averaged 2.3 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Cornell's first NCAA playoff team in 1954.
- Bob Mattick, 85, averaged 16.6 ppg and 9.3 rpg for Oklahoma A&M from 1951-52 through 1953-54, earning All-American acclaim as a senior. Ranked among the nation's Top 20 in FG% all three seasons.
- Jim Mattox, 70, played for Mississippi State in 1968-69 and 1969-70.
- Mike Maundrell, 71, played for Michigan in 1966-67 and 1967-68 under coach Dave Strack. Maundrell also earned a letter in baseball.
- Glen Mays, 56, averaged 6 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Baylor in 1982-83 after starting for NJCAA Tournament titlist Westark (Ark.) in 1981.
- Walter McCarthy, 102, played for San Francisco in the mid-1930s before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- George McChesney, 87, averaged 1.1 ppg for Vanderbilt in 1949-50 and 1950-51 under coach Bob Polk.
- Larry "Marcus" McCoy, 65, averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Wisconsin from 1972-73 through 1974-75. He was the Badgers' second-leading rebounder and third-leading scorer as a senior.
- Joe McDermott Jr., 88, averaged 13.2 ppg for Rice from 1948-49 through 1950-51. He was runner-up in scoring in the SWC each of his last two seasons.
- Neill McGeachy, 75, compiled a 10-16 record as Duke's coach in 1973-74.
- Bob McGinn Jr., 78, played for Loyola LA in 1957-58 under coach Jim Harding and St. Louis in 1959-60 under coach John Benington.
- John McGonagle, 80, averaged 3.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Maine in 1963-64 after serving in U.S. Air Force.
- Ken McGonagle, 88, averaged 1.7 ppg for Minnesota in 1950-51 under coach Ozzie Cowles before compiling a 26-19 pitching record in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system in three years from 1953 to 1955. McGonagle led Class C Duluth in victories with 15 in 1954 when Mudcat Grant paced Northern League with 21.
- Dick McGowan, 86, averaged 7.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Tulane in 1951-52 and 1952-53 under coach Clifford Wells.
- John "Barry" McGrath, 80, averaged 9.5 ppg and 11.1 rpg for Boston College from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He was BC's leading rebounder all three seasons, including the Eagles' first NCAA tourney team in 1958.
- Don McGuire, 86, played with his brother, Bobby, for Western Kentucky in 1949-50 under coach Ed Diddle. Don was an original member of the legendary Hilltoppers musical quartet (embracing school's nickname). Group had a total of 21 songs make way onto Top 40 hit list.
- Mike McIntyre, 38, averaged 6.8 ppg and shot 37.3% from beyond the three-point arc for Hawaii from 1998-99 through 2001-02. Among top six scorers for the Rainbows' NCAA playoff teams as junior and senior. Transient was struck by a vehicle while riding bicycle in his native Long Beach, Calif.
- Bob McIver, 64, averaged 7 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Gonzaga from 1973-74 through 1975-76. He was the Zags' runner-up in scoring as a junior with 10.1 ppg.
- John "Jack" McKinney, 83, compiled a 144-77 coaching record (.652) with St. Joseph's in eight seasons from 1966-67 through 1973-74, appearing in the NCAA Tournament four times in a six-year span from 1969 through his last campaign with the Hawks.
- Stan McLaughlin, 66, averaged 2.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Tulsa from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach Ken Hayes.
- Bayward McManus, 81, averaged 3.2 ppg for Auburn from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Joel Eaves.
- Vernon McMorris, 92, played for Louisiana State in 1942-43 and 1943-44.
- Ron McPhee, 85, averaged 5 ppg and 3.2 rpg as Columbia's captain in 1954-55.
- Gary McPherson, 82, compiled a 32-77 coaching record with Virginia Military in five seasons from 1964-65 through 1968-69 after playing for Washington & Lee VA in the mid-1950s in its waning years as a Southern Conference member.
- Robert Mehl Sr., 93, served in U.S. Navy as pre-flight officer during WWII before averaging 3.5 ppg for Indiana in 1945-46 under coach Branch McCracken. Mehl transferred to Butler, where he averaged 1 ppg in 1947-48 and 1948-49 under coach Tony Hinkle.
- Murray Melton was Columbia's leading scorer with 18 ppg as a sophomore in 1958-59 in Lou Rossini's final season as coach of the Lions. Melton went on to become an accomplished bridge player.
- Ralph Mezza Sr., 78, played for Seton Hall in 1960-61.
- Pat Mezzsanotte, 86, played for Western Kentucky in 1949-50 under coach Ed Diddle.
- Paul Milam, 92, played for Montana State in 1947-48 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.
- Duard Millet, 92, was a juco recruit who played for Brigham Young in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.
- Tom Miltenberger, 71, averaged 2.3 ppg and 2 rpg for Missouri in 1966-67 under coach Bob Vanatta.
- Ashton Mitchell, 29, averaged 8.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4.5 apg and 1.5 spg for Sam Houston State from 2006-07 through 2009-10. Led the Southland Conference in assists each of his last two seasons.
- Glenn Mitchell, 82, was a golfer (ACC Tournament runner-up in 1958) who averaged 1.6 ppg for Virginia in 1955-56.
- John "Swisher" Mitchell, 91, was an All-Yankee Conference first-team selection for Rhode Island as a senior in 1950-51, finishing his three-year career with a scoring average of 7.5 ppg. U.S. Navy veteran's younger brother was U.S. Senator George Mitchell.
- Johnny "Motor" Moates, 73, averaged 19.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Richmond from 1964-65 through 1966-67. Led the Spiders in scoring each of last two seasons as All-Southern Conference first-team selection.
- Terry Mobley, 74, averaged 8.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Kentucky from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
- Ed Moeller, 99, played for Ohio State in 1941-42 before serving in U.S. Army in Europe during WWII.
- Rich Mohr, 85, averaged 6.2 ppg and 1.7 rpg for San Francisco in 1951-52 and 1953-54 under coach Phil Woolpert.
- Wally Moon, 87, averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50. He went on to become a two-time All-Star outfielder-first baseman who hit .289 with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers in 12 National League seasons from 1954 through 1965. Lefthanded swinger homered in first MLB at-bat en route to earning N.L. Rookie of the Year acclaim over Hank Aaron in 1954 when Moon led the league in plate appearances (716) and ranked among the top six in hits (193), triples (9), runs (106) and stolen bases (18).
- Fred Mooney III, 69, averaged 3.2 ppg for Arkansas in 1969-70 and 1970-71.
- Harry "Moo" Moore, 89, averaged 8.9 ppg for West Virginia from 1949-50 through 1951-52. As a senior, the Mountaineers were ranked in the national Top 10.
- John Dennis Moore, 81, averaged 3.6 ppg for Baylor from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Bill Henderson.
- Sammy Moore, 87, averaged 6.6 ppg for Alabama from 1949-50 through 1951-52. He was runner-up in rebounding for the Crimson Tide as a junior and senior.
- Willard Moore, 79, averaged 12.2 ppg and 6.7 rpg for Centenary from 1960-61 through 1962-63. As a senior, he led the Gentlemen in scoring (15.3 ppg) and rebounding (7.8 rpg).
- Don Morchower, 83, was Georgetown's tallest player in the mid-1950s. He averaged 3.1 ppg.
- Dick Moreshead, 76, averaged 12.2 ppg and 13.7 rpg for Boston University from 1962-63 through 1964-65. He led BU in rebounding average as a sophomore (15.4 rpg) and junior (17.7) with the existing top two season marks in school history.
- Arthur "Dan" Morgan, 79, averaged 1.2 ppg for South Carolina in 1958-59. He hit .237 as a 2B in the New York Yankees' farm system in 1959 and 1960.
- Erwin Mueller, 74, averaged 12.1 ppg and 8.5 rpg for San Francisco from 1963-64 through 1965-66, leading the Dons in scoring and rebounding average as a senior. Two-time All-WCAC first-team selection was 20th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Charles "Dean" Murdock, 85, played for Bradley in 1951-52 and 1952-53 under coach Forddy Anderson.
- Jim Murphy, 75, averaged 14.9 ppg and 3.5 rpg for DePaul from 1962-63 through 1964-65, finishing among the Blue Demons' top three scorers all three seasons under coach Ray Meyer. Murphy was senior captain.
- Leo Murphy, 94, played for Notre Dame in 1944-45.
- Stu Murray, 82, scored 1,177 points for Lafayette from 1954-55 through 1956-57. After back-to-back NIT berths, he was leading scorer (22.1 ppg) as senior for school's first-ever NCAA playoff participant. Murray was selected in NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals (33rd pick overall).
- Willie Murrell, 78, averaged 20.6 ppg and 10.7 rpg for Kansas State as an All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection in 1962-63 and 1963-64. Juco transfer was All-American as senior for the Wildcats' Final Four squad.
- Wojciech Myrda, 39, averaged 9.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 4.7 bpg while shooting 52.6% from the floor for Louisiana-Monroe from 1998-99 through 2001-02. The Polish native led the NCAA in blocked shots as a senior with 5.4 bpg after finishing among the nation's top four in that category each of his first three campaigns.
- Boris Nachamkin, 84, averaged 17 ppg and 13.2 rpg for NYU from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Howard Cann. Nachamkin was the Violets' leading rebounder all three seasons and top scorer his last two campaigns before becoming 16th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Robert Nagel, 89, played for Michigan State in 1949-50.
- Dr. Tom Nartker, 81, made his lone FGA in five games for Dayton's NIT runner-up in 1958 under coach Tom Blackburn.
- Marx Nathan, 92, played for North Carolina in second half of the 1940s.
- Willie Naulls, 84, averaged 15.5 ppg and 11.4 rpg for UCLA from 1953-54 through 1955-56. All-American as a senior when two-time All-PCC selection ranked 19th in the nation in rebounding and 21st in scoring.
- Jim Navetta, 69, played for Loyola of Chicago from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach George Ireland.
- William Nealon, 95, played for Villanova in 1943-44 and 1945-46 under coach Alex Severance amid serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. Nealon went on to become the longest-serving U.S. District Court Judge in the nation's history.
- John "Jack" Neifert Sr., 88, averaged 1.3 ppg for St. Joseph's in 1948-49 under coach Bill Ferguson.
- Dave Neilson averaged 3.8 ppg and 3 rpg for South Carolina from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
- Tommy Nelms, 74, averaged 8.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Texas in 1963-64 and 1964-65 under coach Harold Bradley. Nelms' father, Tommie, played for the Longhorns in the inaugural NCAA Tournament in 1939.
- Bill Nelson, 87, averaged 1.8 ppg for Syracuse in 1952-53 and 1953-54. He was a soccer All-American.
- Don Newman, 60, was a LSU/Grambling/Idaho player who compiled a 20-114 coaching record with Cal State Sacramento in five seasons from 1992-93 through 1996-97. Newman played under Dale Brown for LSU (5.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 1975-76) before transferring and becoming a two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection with Idaho (17.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.4 apg and 2.3 spg in 1978-79 and 1979-80).
- Charles "C.M." Newton, 88, was a member of Kentucky's 1951 NCAA titlist under Adolph Rupp before compiling a 340-238 record as SEC coach with Alabama (211-123 in 12 seasons from 1968-69 through 1979-80) and Vanderbilt (129-115 in eight seasons from 1981-82 through 1988-89). He posted a 3-4 NCAA playoff record in two appearances with each school.
- Bob Niles, 77, averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Oregon State in 1959-60 before his career was curtailed by near-fatal car crash leaving him with multiple broken bones.
- Tom Nix Jr., 90, played for Colorado State in the second half of the 1940s.
- Bob Norwine, 93, was a St. Louis native who played for Miami of Ohio in 1944-45. He served in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Jimmy Nutter, 91, averaged 4.4 ppg for Wichita from 1948-49 through 1950-51 after serving in U.S. Army as a medic in Europe during WWII. He is a school HOF running back (rushing for more than 1,600 yards during four-year career and scoring career-record 28 touchdowns).
- Tom Nyire was a backup center for Providence on three NIT teams in the early 1960s under coach Joe Mullaney.
- Fred O'Brien, 84, played for Xavier in the mid-1950s.
- Gerald "Jerry" O'Brien, 85, played for Marquette in 1952-53 under coach Tex Winter.
- Ralph "Buckshot" O'Brien, 90, averaged 13.9 ppg for Butler from 1946-47 through 1949-50. Four-time All-MAC first-team selection ranked among the nation's top 25 in both field-goal and free-throw percentage as a junior.
- Curt O'Daniel, 76, played for Auburn in the mid-1960s.
- Phil O'Hara, 89, played for Georgetown in 1945-46.
- Enoch "Bud" Olsen III, 77, averaged 14.9 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Louisville from 1959-60 through 1961-62. Leading scorer and rebounder as senior for the Cardinals before becoming 13th pick overall in NBA draft following two territorial selections.
- Roy Olsen, 91, played for Brigham Young from 1944-45 through 1946-47.
- Dick O'Neill, 87, averaged 3.6 ppg for Dartmouth from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
- Jim Overtoom, 88, played for Maryland in 1950-51.
- James "Bobby" Paine, 77, played for Alabama in 1960-61 and 1961-62.
- Joe Pangrazio Jr., 72, led Xavier in assists (3.2 apg) and free-throw shooting (89.2%) in 1967-68.
- Tom Pardue, 94, lettered with Vanderbilt in 1942-43 before entering West Point during WWII.
- Billy Parker, 90, was a juco recruit who played for Mississippi in 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Army stateside during WWII.
- John Leonard "J.L." Parks, 90, was among Oklahoma A&M's top five scorers for back-to-back NCAA Tournament titlists in 1945 and 1946 before stationed in Tokyo as part of the Gen. Douglas MacArthur-led Allied occupation of Japan. Parks was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection (first-teamer twice).
- Bob Patterson, 86, was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection who averaged 17.1 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Tulsa from 1951-52 through 1954-55. Senior All-American when averaging 27.6 ppg (led league; seventh in nation) and 13.2 rpg.
- Dr. Norman Paul, 81, was a reserve forward for Iowa's NCAA Tournament runner-up in 1956.
- Ray Pavichevich, 87, averaged 4.2 ppg for Michigan from 1951-52 through 1953-54 and was senior captain of the Wolverines. He was also a member of the school's 1953 CWS champion.
- Henry Peacock, 76, was a juco recruit who led Hardin-Simmons TX in scoring (15.8 ppg) and rebounding (9.7 rpg) in 1964-65 under coach Lou Henson.
- John Penney, 76, played for Idaho in the early 1960s under coach Joe Cipriano.
- Herman "Henry" Pennline, 90, played for Niagara in 1946-47 under coach Taps Gallagher.
- Ray Penno, 92, scored a total of 68 points for Cincinnati in 1944-45 before serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
- Robert Perkins, 95, played for Dayton in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Army during WII and Korean Conflict.
- John Petry, 79, was an All-Ivy League second-team selection as a senior in 1960-61 when pacing Cornell in scoring (14.6 ppg) and rebounding (12.7 rpg). He averaged 8.2 ppg and 8 rpg in his three-year varsity career.
- Ed Pierce, 88, played for Virginia Tech in the early 1950s.
- Marvin Pilgrim, 82, played for Oklahoma City in 1955-56 in Abe Lemons' first season as coach of the Chiefs.
- Jack Allen Pirrie, 79, averaged 8.8 ppg and 7.4 rpg for Vanderbilt in 1957-58 (St. Louis native was team runner-up in rebounding as sophomore) and 1959-60 under coach Bob Polk.
- Jimmy Pitts, 74, averaged 15.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Georgia from 1962-63 through 1964-65, earning All-SEC third-team selection acclaim in two seasons.
- John "Fritz" Plinke, 90, averaged 2 ppg for Bowling Green State's NIT teams in 1948 and 1949 coached by Harold Anderson.
- Scott Plondke, 53, played for Wisconsin in 1983-84 and Northern Iowa in 1985-86 before transferring to UW Platteville, where his coach was Bo Ryan.
- Tom Pollom, 87, played for Purdue in 1950-51 and Butler in 1952-53.
- Dr. Wayne Porter scored 10 points in 15 basketball games for West Virginia in 1967-68 under coach Bucky Waters. As a WR, Porter caught 67 passes for 908 yards and four touchdowns from 1968 through 1970.
- Wayne Pounds, 83, played for Mississippi State in 1955-56 under coach Babe McCarthy.
- Don Powars, 94, played for Southern California from 1944-45 through 1946-47 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Jack Powell, 96, was a co-captain for Auburn in the mid-1940s.
- Bob Prewitt, 93, was an All-SWC second-team selection as a senior for SMU in 1948-49 before compiling an 88-115 coaching record with the Mustangs in eight seasons from 1967-68 through 1974-75. He served in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
- Ron Puterbaugh, 80, played for Miami of Ohio in 1957-58.
- Dr. Bill Quinlan, 85, averaged 3.2 ppg for Providence in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
- Paul Quinn, 93, played for Navy in 1946-47 in Ben Carnevale's first season as coach of the Midshipmen.
- Gil Radday, 74, averaged 17.8 ppg and 8.3 rpg for St. Francis NY from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coach Dan Lynch, leading the Terriers in total points and rebounds each of his last two seasons.
- Carl Raleigh, 78, averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Houston in 1958-59 under coach Guy Lewis.
- Frank Ramsey, 86, averaged 14.8 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Kentucky from 1950-51 through 1953-54. Three-time All-American was second-leading scorer as senior for undefeated team bypassing national postseason competition after being second-leading rebounder for 1951 NCAA titlist.
- Jim Ranson, 89, averaged 6.8 ppg for Colorado A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50. OF-1B hit .279 in farm systems of the New York Yankees and New York Giants in five years from 1952 to 1956. In first year of Organized Ball, his teammates with Quincy (Class D IL-IN-IA League) included eventual MLB OF Whitey Herzog and 1B Marv Throneberry. In 1953 with Norfolk (Class B Piedmont League), he was team runner-up to eventual 13-year MLB OF Jerry Lynch in runs scored, hits, doubles, homers and RBI under manager Mickey Owen, a former 13-year MLB catcher. Ranson's teammates with Binghamton (Class A Eastern League in 1954) included eventual frequent World Series participants Bobby Richardson (2B) and Ralph Terry (RHP).
- Pete Rasmussen, 75, was on Montana's roster in 1962-63.
- Craig Raymond, 73, averaged 8.5 ppg and 7.1 rpg with Brigham Young from 1964-65 through 1966-67, earning All-WAC second-team honors as a senior. Regular for 1966 NIT titlist prior to leading the Cougars in scoring and rebounding as senior before becoming 12th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Dr. Edgar "Inky" Reagan, 96, played for Dayton in 1939-40.
- George Rebh, 97, was Army's co-captain in 1942-43.
- Jerry Redo, 68, attended Oklahoma State on a football scholarship before incurring neck injury and playing hoops under coach Hank Iba in 1969-70.
- Steve Reid Jr., 66, averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Boston College in 1971-72 and 1972-73.
- Gerard "Gerry" Reidy Sr., 80, served in the U.S. Navy before averaging 3.6 ppg for Seton Hall from 1961-62 through 1963-64.
- Ron Reis Sr., 78, was a reserve center for Cincinnati's back-to-back NCAA titlists in 1961 and 1962 under coach Ed Jucker. Reis' son was a two-time All-WCC selection with Santa Clara in the early 1990s prior to becoming a pro wrestler.
- Gene Rhodes, 90, was a letterman for three Ed Diddle-coached Western Kentucky NIT teams in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Rhodes earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as a senior in 1951-52 when averaging 10.4 ppg and 5.5 rpg.
- Jim Riffey, 94, was Tulane's leading scorer in 1948-49 (13.4 ppg) and 1949-50 (14.4 ppg) under coach Clifford Wells. All-SEC selection before becoming 19th pick overall in 1950 NBA draft. He aligned with the Green Wave after serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
- Ricky Rightnowar, 48, averaged 5.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Toledo from 1988-89 through 1992-93. He converted 22-of-23 FTs when contributing career-high 32 points as junior against Kent State en route to finishing season as the Rockets' runner-up in scoring average.
- Ed Riska Jr., 64, averaged 4 ppg and 1.8 apg for Houston from 1972-73 through 1974-75 under coach Guy Lewis.
- Andy Risoli, 83, averaged 7.6 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Iona in 1953-54 and 1954-55 under coach Jim McDermott.
- Ramon "Chung" Rivera, 52, averaged 1.6 ppg for Houston in 1985-86 under coach Guy Lewis.
- Charlie "Pete" Robinson, 90, was Vanderbilt's third-leading scorer as junior in 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Navy.
- Gene Rogers, 90, averaged 4.7 ppg for Colorado in 1948-49 and 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Chuck Rolles, 84, was a three-time All-Ivy League selection who averaged 16.9 ppg for Cornell from 1953-54 through 1955-56 (including school-record 23 ppg as senior). As a sophomore, he was runner-up in scoring with the Big Red's first NCAA tourney team.
- Ralph Romero, 92, played hoops for San Jose State from 1946-47 through 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. RHP compiled a 42-37 record in the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system from 1951 through 1953, leading Tri-City (Class A Western International League in 1952) in victories with 17.
- Vaughn "Kent" Roper III, 63, played for Colorado State in 1973-74 under coach Jim Williams.
- Robert Rosen, 74, averaged 1.3 ppg for Brown in 1962-63 under coach Stanley Ward.
- Jim Routson, 79, averaged 8.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Harold Anderson. Routson was a sophomore regular for the Falcons' first NCAA tourney team before becoming senior captain.
- Harrell "Clark" Royer, 80, played for Georgia in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
- Clifford Rozier, 45, was a backup for North Carolina's 1991 Final Four team prior to transferring and becoming an All-American as senior with Louisville in 1993-94 (18.1 ppg/11.1 rpg/61.8 FG%) before declaring early for the NBA draft.
- Al Rubbert, 89, was third-leading scorer (8.6 ppg) and rebounder (6 rpg) for Muhlenberg PA in 1950-51.
- John Rucker, 76, was a juco recruit who played for Idaho in 1964-65 and 1965-66.
- Cliff Russell, 61, played for Texas-El Paso in mid-1970s under coach Don Haskins before transferring back to his Detroit hometown at Wayne State.
- LeRoy Rutz, 86, averaged 3.7 ppg for Wyoming's NCAA tourney team in 1952 under coach Everett Shelton.
- James "Gene" Sally, 86, scored 31 points for Missouri in 1953-54. OF hit .191 in the Baltimore Orioles' farm system in 1954.
- Dick Santaniello, 83, averaged 3.5 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Holy Cross from 1953-54 through 1955-56. Teammate of All-American Tom Heinsohn on Buster Sheary-coached NIT champion when they were sophomores. OF who hit .297 in the Baltimore Orioles' farm system in 1956 and 1957 was a minor-league teammate of Cal Ripken Sr. with Phoenix (Class C Arizona-Mexico League).
- Davon Satterwhite, 45, averaged 8.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Fresno State from 1991-92 through 1994-95.
- Barry Saunders, 85, averaged 1.6 ppg for Richmond from 1951-52 through 1954-55, serving as tri-captain his senior season.
- Don Scanlon Sr., 87, was a three-year letterman for Penn under coach Howie Dallmar. All-EIBL (forerunner of Ivy League) second-team selection as a senior in 1951-52 when he was the Tigers' captain.
- Frank Scherer, 82, played for Idaho State in 1955-56.
- Bob Schermerhorn, 75, compiled a 2-7 record as Arizona State's interim coach in 1988-89.
- Lee Schisler Sr., 93, was Penn State's third-leading scorer with 8.2 ppg in 1949-50.
- Howie Schueller, 91, averaged 5.8 ppg for Xavier in 1947-48 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Frederick "Fritz" Schulz, 87, was SEC member Tulane's leading scorer (13.9 ppg) and rebounder (10.8 rpg) as a senior in 1952-53 under coach Clifford Wells.
- John Schwartz Sr., 91, played for Wisconsin in 1949-50 under coach Bud Foster after serving in U.S. Army in Philippines campaign during WWII.
- Rod Scott, 59, averaged 5.4 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Duquesne from 1978-79 through 1981-82.
- Dan Seemann, 88, played for Columbia in 1949-50. Sons Jeff and Mitch were guards for Toledo, where their father taught for nearly 50 years and was chairman of the athletic board in the 1970s.
- Nick Serdich, 79, was a West Virginia teammate of Jerry West and Rod Thorn in the early 1960s.
- William Seymour III, 93, averaged 4 ppg for Michigan in 1943-44 before serving in U.S. Army during WWII. He was assigned to the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos, N.M., and worked in plutonium recovery.
- Bill Shannon, 94, averaged 3 ppg for Rhode Island in 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- John Shawkey, 76, averaged 2.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Cornell in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
- Don Shealy, 84, averaged 1.4 ppg for Clemson in 1954-55. He was also a standout baseball pitcher before incurring career-ending injury. His father, Al, pitched for World Series champion New York Yankees in 1928.
- Kendall Sheets, 86, was three-year letterman for Oklahoma A&M from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Hank Iba. Member of Final Four squad as a sophomore led the Missouri Valley Conference in free-throw shooting as a senior (81.3%).
- Lonnie Shelton, 62, averaged 16.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 2.7 apg for Oregon State from 1973-74 through 1975-76 before declaring early for the pros as an undergraduate. First-team All-Pac-8 Conference selection as sophomore led the Beavers in scoring and rebounding all three seasons under coach Ralph Miller.
- Kaz Shinzato, 81, played for Southern California in 1956-57 after leading the Trojans' freshman squad in scoring the previous season.
- Gordon Shumway, 85, averaged 2.1 ppg for Arizona State in 1953-54.
- Ron Siegrist, 93, averaged 5.3 ppg for Maryland in 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Navy as an Electrician's Mate during WWII.
- Bob "Whitey" Siewarga, 80, was a Seattle teammate of All-American Elgin Baylor in 1957-58.
- Eddie Simmons, 59, averaged 6.5 ppg for Canisius in 1977-78 and 1978-79.
- Milt Simon, 92, was a U.S. Navy veteran during WWII who became a four-year Penn State letterman under coach John Lawther. Leading scorer with 11.1 ppg as senior captain for the Nittany Lions in 1948-49.
- Raffe Simonian, 85, played for DePaul in the early 1950s under coach Ray Meyer.
- Bernie Simpson, 81, averaged 2.5 ppg for California in the late 1950s. He was a member of the Bears' 1959 NCAA titlist as a senior.
- Dr. James Sims, 96, was a member of Ohio State's 1945 NCAA Tournament Final Four team.
- Wayde Sims, 20, averaged 6 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Louisiana State in 2016-17 and 2017-18. He was fatally shot about 12:30 a.m. several miles from campus the morning of the team's first official practice (following a scheduled 6:30 a.m. workout).
- Allen Smith, 69, was a junior-college recruit who averaged 10.4 ppg for Michigan State in 1971-72 and 1972-73.
- Raymond "Jim" Smith, 71, averaged 20.1 ppg and 14.4 rpg for Northern Illinois in 1967-68 and 1968-69 when Huskies made transition to NCAA DI level. He was their leading scorer and rebounder each campaign (finishing among nation's top 30 in rebounding both years). Juco recruit after first attending Memphis State was first NIU player ever selected in NBA draft.
- Ted Smith, 84, was a juco recruit who averaged team-high 16.9 ppg for Utah State in 1956-57 after serving in U.S. Army.
- William "Beaver" Smith, 63, averaged 11.3 ppg and 7.7 rpg for St. John's from 1972-73 through 1975-76. Co-captain as senior was runner-up in team rebounding each of his last three seasons.
- Dr. Bill Smitheran, 84, averaged 6 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Arizona in the first half of 1950s. He was named team MVP as a senior in 1953-54.
- Bill Soelberg, 84, played for Nebraska in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
- Louie Soriano, 88, was a three-year letterman for Washington and assists leader for NCAA Tournament West Regional third-place team as senior in 1950-51. He was a two-time All-PCC North Division selection.
- Jerry Spanner, 86, averaged 7 ppg and 6.7 rpg for Washington State in 1956-57 under coach Jack Friel. Spanner served in U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
- Howard Stacey, 79, averaged 6.2 ppg for Louisville from 1958-59 through 1960-61. Sophomore member of the Cardinals' first Final Four team. Interim coach for his alma mater in 1970-71 (12-8 record) before compiling a 34-44 mark coaching Drake for three seasons from 1971-72 through 1973-74.
- Stan Stanford, 87, averaged 2.8 ppg for Eastern Kentucky's first-ever NCAA tourney team in 1953 coached by Paul McBrayer.
- Gene Stauffer, 85, was Kansas State's second-leading scorer as senior co-captain in 1953-54 under coach Tex Winter after finishing third in scoring for K-State the previous season under coach Jack Gardner.
- Alan Stein, 87, averaged 8.1 ppg for Columbia from 1949-50 through 1951-52. Two-time All-Ivy League selection was key member of 1950-51 team that went undefeated during the regular season.
- Herb Steinkamp Jr., 75, averaged 11.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Rice from 1961-62 through 1963-64. All-SWC second-team selection as a senior.
- Dick Stewart, 70, compiled a 13-39 coaching record with Fordham in 1976-77 and 1977-78. Averaged 10.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Rutgers from 1966-67 through 1968-69. Teammate of Jim Valvano on 1967 NIT team served as an assistant coach under him at North Carolina State.
- Greg Stewart, 57, averaged 14 ppg and 6.6 rpg for Tulsa in 1980-81 and 1981-82. Juco recruit was named MVP for 1981 NIT champion as the Golden Hurricane's leader in scoring and rebounding.
- Bill Stokes, 89, compiled a 26-43 coaching record for Middle Tennessee State in three seasons from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
- Gary Stoll, 80, averaged 10.7 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Tulane from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Clifford Wells. Stoll was an All-SEC second-team selection as a senior.
- Royce "Roy" Stoll, 84, averaged 10.3 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Tulane from 1952-53 through 1955-56 under coach Clifford Wells.
- Joe Stottlebower, 91, averaged 9.1 ppg as one of Michigan's top scorers in the mid-1940s, playing for the Wolverines' first NCAA tourney team in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army's 42nd Infantry Division in Europe during WWII before recalled to military duty for Korean War.
- Jim Stouffer, 81, averaged 2.4 ppg for Michigan State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Forddy Anderson (including two Big Ten Conference champions and 1957 Final Four squad).
- Dr. Murray Strober, 91, lettered with Columbia in 1945-46 and 1946-47.
- Bob Sutton, 82, played for Oregon State in 1954-55 under coach Slats Gill. Sutton, a football letterman in 1954, became an actor who appeared in movie "Sudden Impact" and TV series "Rockford Files."
- Troye Svendson, 92, was a Marine Corps veteran who played for Tulane in the late 1940s.
- John Szponar, 66, averaged 5.1 ppg and 3 rpg for Tulane from 1970-71 through 1972-73. He went on to become VP of Community Relations with the New York Yankees under owner George Steinbrenner.
- Rev. Robert Tabscott, 79, averaged 3.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg for William & Mary in 1955-56 before transferring to Concord College WV.
- Major General Tom Tait, 88, averaged 3.5 ppg and 2.6 rpg for VMI from 1952-53 through 1954-55.
- Willie Tatum Jr., 51, was Pacific's second-leading rebounder (6.3 rpg) and third-leading scorer (10.1 ppg) in 1987-88. Ninth-round MLB draft choice was a 1B in the Boston Red Sox' farm system for six years.
- Bill Taylor, 75, played for North Carolina in 1962-63 under coach Dean Smith.
- Cal "Terry" Tebbs, 84, averaged 14.8 ppg for Brigham Young from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Stan Watts. Two-time All-Skyline Eight Conference first-team selection led the Cougars in scoring as a senior with 19.5 ppg.
- Jack Thobe, 78, averaged 16.7 ppg and 9.3 rpg for Xavier from 1959-60 through 1961-62, leading the Muskeeters in scoring all three seasons.
- Daryl Thomas, 52, averaged 10.3 ppg and 4 rpg with Indiana from 1983-84 through 1986-87. Second-leading scorer and rebounder as senior for NCAA Tournament titlist.
- Henry "Hank" Thomas Jr., 64, averaged 1.2 ppg for Bradley from 1971-72 through 1973-74.
- Johnny "J.J." Thomas, 25, was a part-time starting forward for Louisiana-Lafayette and Cal State Northridge from 2010-11 through 2013-14. All-Sun Belt Conference second-team selection as a freshman.
- Ron Thomas, 67, was a juco recruit who averaged 14.6 ppg and 13.1 rpg for Louisville in 1970-71 and 1971-72, leading the Cardinals in rebounding each season including as an All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection with their 1972 national fourth-place team under coach Denny Crum.
- M.C. Thompson, 77, averaged 15.6 ppg and 13.7 rpg for DePaul from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Ray Meyer. Thompson, a two-year captain, still holds the Blue Demons' school record for career rebounding average after ranking among the nation's top 14 in rebound percentage as a sophomore and junior.
- Taylor Thorne, 93, averaged 3.8 ppg as a sophomore for North Carolina's 1946 NCAA Tournament runner-up. During WWII, he served in the 8th Air Force commanded by Major General Jimmy Doolittle.
- Charles Tighe, 89, averaged 4.2 ppg for Rice from 1948-49 through 1950-51 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Pete Tillotson, 81, averaged 12.9 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Michigan from 1955-56 through 1957-58, leading the Wolverines in scoring and rebounding as senior.
- Bob Timko, 81, played for Rhode Island in 1956-57 in Ernie Calverley's first season as coach of the Rams.
- Marquis Todd, 22, played briefly for Jackson State in 2013-14 before transferring to small college in Iowa via a juco. Chicago native was stabbed to death after what police believed was a minor vehicle accident.
- Marshall "Andy" Toombs, 74, averaged 5.8 ppg and 5 rpg for Austin Peay State from 1964-65 through 1966-67.
- Gene "Bumper" Tormohlen, 81, was a two-time All-SEC first-team selection who averaged 15.5 ppg and 16.9 rpg for Tennessee from 1956-57 through 1958-59. All-American as senior ranked among the nation's Top 16 in rebounding percentage all three seasons.
- Garland Townes, 92, averaged 1.6 ppg for Kentucky from 1947-48 through 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. Member of back-to-back NCAA Tournament titlists in 1948 and 1949 under coach Adolph Rupp.
- B.J. Trickey, 69, averaged 1.4 ppg for Southern Illinois in 1968-69 under coach Jack Hartman.
- Phil Trombino, 74, averaged 4.4 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Iona in 1965-66 and 1966-67 under coach Jim McDermott. After hitting .441 in 1967 with the Gaels, OF-1B hit .309 as St. Louis Cardinals' farmhand from 1967 through 1973. The winningest pitcher in 1969 when he played for Arkansas (Class AA Texas League) was eventual 13-year veteran Reggie Cleveland. Joe Cunningham was Trombino's manager in 1970 with St. Petersburg (Class A Florida State League). 3B Ken Reitz was his teammate from 1970 through 1972 while working way up from Class A to Class AAA. In Trombino's final season of Organized Ball, he led St. Petersburg in batting average with .331 mark on team including eventual MLB outfielders Larry Herndon and Jerry Mumphrey.
- Bill Trumbo, 79, compiled a 27-59 coaching record with Idaho in three seasons from 1983-84 through 1985-86.
- Cliff Tucker, 29, averaged 6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Maryland from 2007-08 through 2010-11.
- Hal Turner, 84, averaged 4.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Duke from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Harold Bradley.
- Jerry Turner, 69, led Texas Tech in rebounding in 1968-69 with 11.6 rpg.
- Kenny Tyler averaged 15 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Gonzaga in 1973-74 and 1974-75. Juco recruit was an All-Big Sky Conference selection both years, leading the Bulldogs in scoring his final season.
- Carl "Teeter" Umstead, 88, averaged 8.3 ppg for Georgia Tech from 1949-50 through 1951-52. He was the Yellow Jackets' runner-up in scoring as a senior (13.3 ppg).
- Zeke Upshaw, 26, averaged 1.6 ppg for Illinois State from 2010-11 through 2012-13 before transferring and leading Hofstra in scoring with 19.8 ppg in 2013-14.
- Pete Vangel, 91, averaged 2 ppg for Providence in 1944-45 before serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
- Jerry Varland, 79, played for Tulane in the early 1960s.
- Brian Vickers, 58, averaged 1.5 ppg for Iona from 1978-79 through 1980-81 under coaches Jim Valvano and Pat Kennedy.
- Dale Vieau, 88, averaged 1.2 ppg for Indiana from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Branch McCracken before serving in U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
- Harold "Hap" Wagner, 82, averaged 4.6 ppg for Stanford from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Howie Dallmar.
- Dick Walsh, 82, played in 1955 NIT championship contest for Tom Blackburn-coached Dayton.
- Francis "Frank" Walsh Jr., 92, played for St. Bonaventure from 1946-47 through 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He was the Bonnies' runner-up in scoring in 1947-48 with 7.7 ppg.
- John "Jack" Walsh Sr., 87, averaged 8.2 ppg for St. Francis (N.Y.) from 1950-51 through 1953-54 under coach Daniel Lynch. Walsh was the Terriers' runner-up in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
- Immanuel Washington, 38, averaged 2.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Louisiana-Lafayette in 2001-02 and 2002-03.
- Stoughton "Stodie" Watts played for Temple in 1958-59 and 1959-60 under coach Harry Litwack.
- Howard "Howie" Welsh, 87, was a Western State CO transfer who averaged 3.9 ppg for Baldwin Wallace OH in 1951-52 and 1952-53 in the school's final two seasons at major-college level.
- Alvin West, 49, averaged 8.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.1 spg for East Tennessee State from 1987-88 through 1990-91, appearing in NCAA playoffs each of his last three seasons.
- Dave West, 78, averaged 2.8 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Miami (Ohio) in 1959-60 and 1962-63.
- Rick Wheeler Sr., 81, was on Florida's roster in 1957-58.
- Joseph "Jo Jo" White, 71, averaged 15.3 ppg and 4.9 rpg as three-time All-American for Kansas from 1965-66 to 1968-69 under coach Ted Owens before St. Louis native became ninth pick overall in NBA draft.
- Bob Williams, 77, averaged 5.9 ppg and 4.5 rpg for NYU from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Lou Rossini. Captain of Violets' team that lost to Duke in 1963 Sweet 16 was founding president of the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Earl Williams, 62, averaged 9.8 ppg and 7 rpg for Marshall from 1973-74 through 1975-76. He was runner-up in rebounding with the Thundering Herd in each of his last two seasons.
- Henry Williams, 47, averaged 20.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg for UNC Charlotte from 1988-89 through 1991-92 under coach Jeff Mullins, leading the 49ers in scoring each of his last three seasons.
- Fred "Tex" Winter, 96, compiled a 452-335 coaching record in 30 college seasons (25-25 with Marquette in 1951-52 and 1952-53, 262-117 with Kansas State from 1953-54 through 1967-68, 45-35 with Washington from 1968-69 through 1970-71, 42-89 with Northwestern from 1973-74 through 1977-78 and 78-69 with Long Beach State from 1978-79 through 1982-83). Named national coach of the year in 1957-58 in first of two times he guided K-State to Final Four in a seven-season span. Winter was a letterman for Southern California in 1946-47 under coach Sam Barry.
- Everett Witt averaged 1.6 ppg for Richmond from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
- Grant Wittberger, 87, averaged 11.3 ppg and 10 rpg for Marquette in 1950-51 and 1951-52. Leading rebounder both seasons after transferring from Macalester MN.
- Paul Witting, 84, averaged 7.5 ppg for West Virginia from 1952-53 through 1955-56. He participated in NCAA playoffs as a junior.
- Richard Wojciechowski, 90, played for Niagara in 1947-48 under coach Taps Gallagher before serving in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict.
- Edwin "Massie" Wright, 87, played for Richmond in 1951-52.
- Calvin Wunsch, 91, served in U.S. Navy during WWII before lettering for Marquette in 1945-46 and transferring to Wheaton College IL.
- Bill Yarborough Jr., 86, played for Wake Forest in ACC's inaugural season in 1953-54 under coach Murray Greason.
- Edwin "Gene" Young, 76, was a Central Michigan and juco transfer who averaged 6 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Weber State in 1963-64 under coach Dick Motta when the Wildcats made transition to major-college level.
- Dave Zak, 76, averaged 1.1 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Kent State in 1960-61 and 1961-62.
- John Zazzaro, 76, averaged 5.3 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Southern California from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Forrest Twogood.
- Martin "Marty" Zippel, 96, scored 1,067 points for Lafayette from 1945-46 through 1948-49 (averaging 12 ppg and 11.8 ppg his last two seasons) after serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
RIP LISTS FROM PREVIOUS SIX YEARS
Centre Court: Small College Handed UK and UL Their Most-Lopsided Losses
It's no secret Greek restaurant connoisseur Rick Pitino, the biggest loser last year, coached both Kentucky and Louisville to NCAA Tournament championships. But following is a UK/UL connection hoop secret ESPN's best researcher doesn't know: Centre College in Danville, Ky., boasts a distinction possibly rendering Dickie V speechless insofar as the Colonels blew up both Death Stars - UK (87-17 in 1909-10) and UL (61-7 in 1919-20) - by more than 50 points, handing each perennial power its most lopsided defeat in their vaunted history. The Cardinals lost five consecutive contests against Centre from 1939 to 1941 after the Wildcats dropped six straight decisions against Centre from 1918 to 1921.
If you need bar-bet winning information, additional major universities succumbing by staggering record-setting margins in the Dinosaur Age against obscure opponents include Bradley (bowed to Millikin), Cincinnati (Circleville), Connecticut (Wesleyan), Duke (Washington & Lee), Massachusetts (Williams), North Carolina (Lynchburg YMCA Elks), Oklahoma State (Southwestern KS), Pittsburgh (Westminster), Rhode Island (Amherst), USC (L.A. Athletic Club) and Wichita State (Ottawa).
The "Final Five" DI schools reaching the NCAA playoff national semifinals at some point in their careers to win at least 20 games in a major-college season when suffering their most-lopsided setback include Indiana (1993-94), Louisiana State (1969-70), St. John's (1951-52), Texas-El Paso (2000-01) and UCLA (1996-97). Kentucky was the opponent when Florida, Georgia, St. John's, Temple, Tennessee, Tennessee-Martin, Tulsa and Vanderbilt were saddled with their worst reversals.
IU's 106-56 loss against Minnesota in 1993-94 came only two years after the Big Ten Conference rivals reversed roles when the Hoosiers handed the Gophers their most-lopsided setback in history (96-50). In 1997-98, Missouri rebounded from the Tigers' most-lopsided reversal in school history (111-56 at Kansas State in Big 12 Conference opener) to defeat the Wildcats in their return engagement (89-59 at Mizzou in regular-season finale) for an incredible 85-point turnaround in margin.
Dr. James Naismith founded the game of basketball but he apparently didn't boast any "inside" information gaining a competitive edge. In fact, Naismith is the only one of Kansas' first nine full-season head coaches to compile a career losing record (55-60 in nine campaigns from 1898-99 through 1906-07). One of the defeats was by an all-time high 40 points against Nebraska.
Naismith is among the following coaches, including a striking number of luminaries (such as Harold Anderson, Gene Bartow, Ben Carnevale, Gale Catlett, Chick Davies, Bill Foster, Marv Harshman, Doggie Julian, Bob Knight, Guy Lewis, Rick Majerus, Phil Martelli, Frank McGuire, Shelby Metcalf, Lute Olson, Johnny Orr, Vadal Peterson, Digger Phelps, Honey Russell and Norm Stewart) incurring the most-lopsided loss in history for an NCAA Division I university (info unavailable for some DI schools listed alphabetically below):
| Losing DI School | Season | Record | Coach | Victorious Opponent | Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 1965-66 | 14-12 | Bob Spear | Utah | 108-57 | 51 |
| Alabama | 1997-98 | 15-16 | David Hobbs | Auburn | 94-40 | 54 |
| Alabama State | 1996-97 | 8-21 | Rob Spivery | Minnesota | 114-34 | 80 |
| American | 1964-65 | 4-19 | Jimmy Williams | Syracuse | 127-67 | 60 |
| Appalachian State | 1972-73 | 6-20 | Press Maravich | North Carolina State | 130-53 | 77 |
| Arizona | 1955-56 | 11-15 | Fred Enke | Utah | 119-45 | 74 |
| Arizona State | 1955-56 | 10-16 | Bill Kajikawa | Texas Tech | 113-63 | 50 |
| Arkansas | 1973-74 | 10-16 | Lanny Van Eman | Mississippi | 117-66 | 51 |
| Army | 1913-14 | 5-7 | Joseph Stilwell | Union | 81-13 | 68 |
| Auburn | 1912-13 | 6-9 | Mike Donahue | Georgia | 92-12 | 80 |
| Austin Peay | 1981-82 | 6-20 | Ron Bargatze | Clemson | 102-53 | 49 |
| Ball State | 1946-47 | 9-8 | Pete Phillips | Notre Dame | 80-31 | 49 |
| Ball State | 1987-88 | 14-14 | Rick Majerus | Purdue | 96-47 | 49 |
| Baylor | 1944-45 | 0-17 | Van Sweet | Arkansas | 94-28 | 66 |
| Bethune-Cookman | 1991-92 | 4-25 | Jack "Cy" McClairen | Arkansas | 128-46 | 82 |
| Boston College | 1955-56 | 6-18 | Don Martin | Marshall | 130-69 | 61 |
| Boston University | 1905-06 | 2-4 | unavailable | Wesleyan CT | 74-7 | 67 |
| Bowling Green | 1954-55 | 6-16 | Harold Anderson | Dayton | 109-38 | 71 |
| Bradley | 1913-14 | 10-10 | Fred Brown | Millikin IL | 62-10 | 52 |
| Brigham Young | 1996-97 | 1-25 | Roger Reid | Washington | 95-44 | 51 |
| Brown | 1988-89 | 7-19 | Mike Cingiser | Kansas | 115-45 | 70 |
| Butler | 1954-55 | 10-14 | Tony Hinkle | Illinois | 88-34 | 54 |
| California | 1999-00 | 18-15 | Ben Braun | Stanford | 101-50 | 51 |
| UC Irvine | 1975-76 | 14-12 | Tim Tift | UNLV | 129-57 | 72 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 1966-67 | 10-16 | Ralph Barkey | UCLA | 119-75 | 44 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 1976-77 | 8-18 | Ralph Barkey | UNLV | 113-69 | 44 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 1964-65 | 1-25 | Alex Omalev | U.S. International | 91-32 | 59 |
| Campbell | 1997-98 | 10-17 | Billy Lee | Florida International | 96-43 | 53 |
| Centenary | 1987-88 | 13-15 | Tommy Canterbury | Oklahoma | 152-84 | 68 |
| Central Connecticut State | 1995-96 | 13-15 | Mark Adams | Connecticut | 116-46 | 70 |
| Central Michigan | 1911-12 | 2-5 | Harry Helmer | Michigan State | 72-10 | 62 |
| Cincinnati | 1901-02 | 5-4 | Henry S. Pratt | Circleville OH | 84-13 | 71 |
| Clemson | 1954-55 | 2-21 | Banks McFadden | Duke | 115-54 | 61 |
| Colorado | 1951-52 | 8-16 | Horace "Bebe" Lee | Kansas State | 92-40 | 52 |
| Connecticut | 1905-06 | 6-3 | unofficial | Wesleyan CT | 86-12 | 74 |
| Creighton | 1948-49 | 9-14 | Duce Belford | Illinois | 96-30 | 66 |
| Dartmouth | 1966-67 | 7-17 | Alvin "Doggie" Julian | Princeton | 116-42 | 74 |
| Davidson | 1908-09 | 1-3 | J.W. Rhea | Georgia | 100-12 | 88 |
| Dayton | 1994-95 | 7-20 | Oliver Purnell | Cincinnati | 116-63 | 53 |
| DePaul | 2010-11 | 7-24 | Oliver Purnell | Syracuse | 107-59 | 48 |
| Detroit | 2015-16 | 16-15 | Ray McCallum | Vanderbilt | 102-52 | 50 |
| Drake | 1998-99 | 10-17 | Kurt Kanaskie | Indiana | 102-46 | 56 |
| Duke | 1912-13 | 11-8 | J.E. Brinn | Washington & Lee VA | 90-15 | 75 |
| Duquesne | 1937-38 | 6-11 | Charles "Chick" Davies | Stanford | 92-27 | 65 |
| East Carolina | 1963-64 | 9-15 | Wendell Carr | Davidson | 105-45 | 60 |
| East Tennessee State | 1996-97 | 7-20 | Ed DeChellis | Davidson | 97-47 | 50 |
| East Tennessee State | 2007-08 | 19-13 | Murry Bartow | Syracuse | 125-75 | 50 |
| Eastern Illinois | 2001-02 | 15-16 | Rick Samuels | Oklahoma | 109-50 | 59 |
| Eastern Michigan | 1957-58 | 1-20 | James Skala | Southern Illinois | 128-60 | 68 |
| Evansville | 1960-61 | 11-16 | Arad McCutchan | Utah | 132-77 | 55 |
| Fairfield | 2014-15 | 7-24 | Sydney Johnson | Duke | 109-59 | 50 |
| Florida | 1947-48 | 15-10 | Sam McAllister | Kentucky | 87-31 | 56 |
| Florida A&M | 1992-93 | 10-18 | Willie Booker | Oklahoma | 146-65 | 81 |
| Florida Atlantic | 2000-01 | 7-24 | Sidney Green | Florida | 100-42 | 58 |
| Florida International | 1989-90 | 7-21 | Rich Walker | Ball State | 105-50 | 55 |
| Florida State | 1957-58 | 9-16 | J.K. "Bud" Kennedy | West Virginia | 103-51 | 52 |
| Fordham | 1908-09 | 17-12 | Chris Mahoney | Williams MA | 77-12 | 65 |
| George Mason | 1970-71 | 9-17 | John Linn | Randolph-Macon VA | 118-36 | 82 |
| George Washington | 1961-62 | 9-15 | Bill Reinhart | West Virginia | 120-68 | 52 |
| Georgetown | 1912-13 | 11-5 | James Colliflower | Navy | 67-18 | 49 |
| Georgia | 1955-56 | 3-21 | Harbin Lawson | Kentucky | 143-66 | 77 |
| Georgia State | 1994-95 | 11-17 | Carter Wilson | Memphis State | 124-52 | 72 |
| Georgia Tech | 1908-09 | 1-6 | John Heisman | Georgia | 78-9 | 69 |
| Gonzaga | 1945-46 | 6-14 | Gordon White | Montana | 103-34 | 69 |
| Grambling State | 1999-00 | 1-30 | Larry Wright | Louisiana State | 112-37 | 75 |
| Harvard | 1989-90 | 12-14 | Peter Roby | Duke | 130-54 | 76 |
| Hawaii | 1965-66 | 0-18 | Ephraim "Red" Rocha | Washington | 111-52 | 59 |
| Hofstra | 1944-45 | 8-13 | Jack Smith | USMMA | 66-15 | 51 |
| Holy Cross | 1901-02 | 4-5 | Fred Powers | Dartmouth | 78-27 | 51 |
| Houston | 1975-76 | 17-11 | Guy Lewis | Arkansas | 92-47 | 45 |
| Howard | 2000-01 | 10-18 | Frankie Allen | Memphis | 112-42 | 70 |
| Idaho | 1976-77 | 5-21 | Jim Jarvis | UNLV | 135-78 | 57 |
| Idaho State | 1992-93 | 10-18 | Herb Williams | Oklahoma | 112-59 | 53 |
| Illinois | 1973-74 | 5-18 | Harv Schmidt | Indiana | 107-67 | 40 |
| Illinois State | 1958-59 | 24-4 | James Collie | Tennessee State | 131-74 | 57 |
| Indiana | 1993-94 | 21-9 | Bob Knight | Minnesota | 106-56 | 50 |
| Indiana State | 1910-11 | 2-8 | John P. Kimmel | Purdue | 112-6 | 106 |
| Iona | 1967-68 | 13-9 | Jim McDermott | Duquesne | 100-47 | 53 |
| Iowa | 1974-75 | 10-16 | Lute Olson | Indiana | 102-49 | 53 |
| Iowa State | 1989-90 | 10-18 | Johnny Orr | Indiana | 115-66 | 49 |
| Jacksonville | 2017-18 | 15-18 | Tony Jasick | North Carolina State | 116-64 | 52 |
| James Madison | 2005-06 | 5-23 | Dean Keener | Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | 93-52 | 41 |
| Kansas | 1899-00 | 3-4 | Dr. James Naismith | Nebraska | 48-8 | 40 |
| Kansas State | 1945-46 | 4-20 | Fritz Knorr | Marshall | 88-42 | 46 |
| Kentucky | 1909-10 | 4-8 | R.E. Spahr/E.R. Sweetland | Centre KY | 87-17 | 70 |
| Lafayette | 1994-95 | 2-25 | John Leone | Connecticut | 110-48 | 62 |
| Lamar | 1963-64 | 19-6 | Jack Martin | St. Louis | 113-63 | 50 |
| La Salle | 2015-16 | 9-22 | John Giannini | Miami (Fla.) | 95-49 | 46 |
| Lehigh | 1901-02 | 9-5 | J.W. Pollard | Bucknell | 68-3 | 65 |
| Long Beach State | 1990-91 | 11-17 | Seth Greenberg | UNLV | 114-63 | 51 |
| Long Island | 1998-99 | 10-17 | Ray Martin | Florida | 119-61 | 58 |
| Louisiana-Monroe | 1997-98 | 13-16 | Mike Vining | Xavier | 118-61 | 57 |
| Louisiana State | 1969-70 | 22-10 | Press Maravich | UCLA | 133-84 | 49 |
| Louisiana Tech | 1974-75 | 12-13 | Emmett Hendricks | Tulane | 88-40 | 48 |
| Louisville | 1919-20 | 6-5 | Tuley Brucker | Centre KY | 61-7 | 54 |
| Loyola of Chicago | 1916-17 | 1-3 | unavailable | Whiting Owls | 91-21 | 70 |
| Loyola Marymount | 1990-91 | 16-15 | Jay Hillock | Oklahoma | 172-112 | 60 |
| Maine | 1973-74 | 13-10 | Tom "Skip" Chappelle | Massachusetts | 108-38 | 70 |
| Manhattan | 1985-86 | 2-26 | Thomas Sullivan | North Carolina | 129-45 | 84 |
| Marquette | 2004-05 | 19-12 | Tom Crean | Louisville | 99-52 | 47 |
| Marshall | 1913-14 | 2-6 | Boyd Chambers | Cincinnati Church of Christ | 68-10 | 58 |
| Maryland | 1943-44 | 4-14 | H. Burton Shipley | Army | 85-22 | 63 |
| Massachusetts | 1907-08 | 4-11 | unofficial | Williams MA | 60-3 | 57 |
| Memphis | 1927-28 | 10-11 | Zach Curlin | Elks Club | 79-30 | 49 |
| Miami (Fla.) | 1969-70 | 9-17 | Ron Godfrey | UCLA | 127-69 | 58 |
| Miami (Ohio) | 1948-49 | 8-13 | Blue Foster | Cincinnati | 94-36 | 58 |
| Michigan | 1999-00 | 15-14 | Brian Ellerbe | Michigan State | 114-63 | 51 |
| Michigan State | 1974-75 | 17-9 | Gus Ganakas | Indiana | 107-55 | 52 |
| Middle Tennessee State | 1954-55 | 11-16 | Charles Greer | Morehead State | 123-68 | 55 |
| Milwaukee | 1962-63 | 4-17 | Russ Rebholz | Loyola of Chicago | 107-47 | 60 |
| Minnesota | 1991-92 | 16-16 | Clem Haskins | Indiana | 96-50 | 46 |
| Mississippi | 1913-14 | 8-7 | B.Y. Walton | Mississippi State | 84-18 | 66 |
| Mississippi State | 1992-93 | 13-16 | Richard Williams | Arkansas | 115-58 | 57 |
| Missouri | 1997-98 | 17-15 | Norm Stewart | Kansas State | 111-56 | 55 |
| Missouri State | 1980-81 | 9-21 | Bob Cleeland | Puget Sound WA | 103-50 | 53 |
| Morehead State | 1992-93 | 6-21 | Dick Fick | Michigan State | 121-53 | 68 |
| Murray State | 1960-61 | 13-10 | Cal Luther | St. Bonaventure | 92-39 | 53 |
| Navy | 1963-64 | 10-12 | Ben Carnevale | Duke | 121-65 | 56 |
| Nebraska | 1957-58 | 10-13 | Jerry Bush | Kansas | 102-46 | 56 |
| Nevada | 1990-91 | 17-14 | Len Stevens | UNLV | 131-81 | 50 |
| New Mexico | 1954-55 | 7-17 | Woody Clements | UCLA | 106-41 | 65 |
| New Orleans | 2013-14 | 11-15 | Mark Slessinger | Michigan State | 101-48 | 53 |
| NYU | 1912-13 | 1-11 | James Dale | Navy | 74-13 | 61 |
| Niagara | 1996-97 | 11-17 | Jack Armstrong | Kansas | 134-73 | 61 |
| Nicholls State | 2002-03 | 3-25 | Ricky Blanton | Texas Tech | 107-35 | 72 |
| North Carolina | 1914-15 | 6-10 | Charles Doak | Lynchburg YMCA Elks | 63-20 | 43 |
| UNC Asheville | 1997-98 | 19-9 | Eddie Biedenbach | Maryland | 110-52 | 58 |
| North Carolina A&T | 1976-77 | 3-24 | Warren Reynolds | North Carolina State | 107-46 | 61 |
| North Carolina State | 1920-21 | 6-14 | Richard Crozier | North Carolina | 62-10 | 52 |
| UNC Wilmington | 1996-97 | 16-14 | Jerry Wainwright | Villanova | 87-38 | 49 |
| North Texas | 1998-99 | 4-22 | Vic Trilli | Maryland | 132-57 | 75 |
| Northern Arizona | 1991-92 | 7-20 | Harold Merritt | Louisiana State | 159-86 | 73 |
| Northern Illinois | 1966-67 | 8-12 | Tom Jorgensen | Bradley | 117-66 | 51 |
| Northern Iowa | 1906-07 | 5-4 | R.F. Seymour | Iowa | 73-16 | 57 |
| Northwestern | 1986-87 | 7-21 | Bill E. Foster | Duke | 106-55 | 51 |
| Northwestern State | 2000-01 | 19-13 | Mike McConathy | Arkansas | 115-47 | 68 |
| Notre Dame | 1971-72 | 6-20 | Digger Phelps | Indiana | 94-29 | 65 |
| Ohio | 1902-03 | TBD | unavailable | Ohio State | 88-2 | 86 |
| Ohio State | 1955-56 | 16-6 | Floyd Stahl | Illinois | 111-64 | 47 |
| Oklahoma | 1916-17 | 13-8 | Bennie Owen | Oklahoma A&M | 58-11 | 47 |
| Oklahoma State | 1919-20 | 1-12 | James Pixlee | Southwestern KS | 53-9 | 44 |
| Oral Roberts | 1992-93 | 5-22 | Ken Trickey | Kansas | 140-72 | 68 |
| Oregon | 1921-22 | 7-24 | George Bohler | Washington | 76-15 | 61 |
| Oregon State | 1996-97 | 7-20 | Eddie Payne | Arizona | 99-48 | 51 |
| Oregon State | 2009-10 | 14-18 | Craig Robinson | Seattle | 99-48 | 51 |
| Pacific | 1952-53 | 2-20 | Van Sweet | California | 87-30 | 57 |
| Penn | 1987-88 | 10-16 | Tom Schneider | UCLA | 98-49 | 49 |
| Penn State | 1985-86 | 12-17 | Bruce Parkhill | Navy | 103-50 | 53 |
| Pepperdine | 1965-66 | 2-24 | Robert "Duck" Dowell | Iowa | 111-50 | 61 |
| Pittsburgh | 1905-06 | 2-9 | Benjamin Printz | Westminster PA | 106-13 | 93 |
| Portland | 1966-67 | 10-16 | Al Negratti | UCLA | 122-57 | 65 |
| Portland State | 1964-65 | 8-18 | Loyal "Sharkey" Nelson | Montana State | 97-43 | 54 |
| Prairie View | 1995-96 | 4-23 | Elwood Plummer | Tulsa | 141-50 | 91 |
| Princeton | 1908-09 | 8-13 | Harry Shorter | Penn | 55-10 | 45 |
| Providence | 1954-55 | 9-12 | Vin Cuddy | Holy Cross | 101-47 | 54 |
| Purdue | 1947-48 | 11-9 | Mel Taube | Illinois | 98-54 | 44 |
| Rhode Island | 1916-17 | 2-6 | Jim Baldwin | Amherst MA | 65-5 | 60 |
| Rice | 1971-72 | 6-20 | Don Knodel | North Carolina | 127-69 | 58 |
| Rider | 1989-90 | 10-18 | Kevin Bannon | Minnesota | 116-48 | 68 |
| Robert Morris | 1996-97 | 4-23 | Jim Boone | Arizona | 118-54 | 64 |
| Rutgers | 1906-07 | 0-3 | Frank Gorton | Lehigh | 88-23 | 65 |
| St. Francis (N.Y.) | 1993-94 | 1-26 | Ron Ganulin | Providence | 108-48 | 60 |
| St. John's | 1951-52 | 25-6 | Frank McGuire | Kentucky | 81-40 | 41 |
| St. John's | 2015-16 | 8-24 | Chris Mullin | Creighton | 100-59 | 41 |
| St. John's | 2016-17 | 14-19 | Chris Mullin | Villanova | 108-67 | 41 |
| Saint Joseph's | 2014-15 | 13-18 | Phil Martelli | Gonzaga | 94-42 | 52 |
| Saint Louis | 1945-46 | 13-11 | John Flanigan | Oklahoma A&M | 86-33 | 53 |
| Saint Mary's | 2000-01 | 2-27 | Dave Bollwinkel | Arizona | 101-41 | 60 |
| Saint Peter's | 1941-42 | 5-11 | Morgan Sweetman | St. Francis (N.Y.) | 85-29 | 56 |
| Sam Houston State | 1991-92 | 2-25 | Jerry Hopkins | Lamar | 126-57 | 69 |
| Samford | 1957-58 | 7-17 | Virgil Ledbetter | Alabama | 105-44 | 61 |
| San Diego State | 1998-99 | 4-22 | Fred Trenkle | Utah | 86-38 | 48 |
| San Jose State | 1970-71 | 2-24 | Danny Glines | New Mexico State | 114-55 | 59 |
| Santa Clara | 2001-02 | 13-15 | Dick Davey | Ohio State | 88-41 | 47 |
| Seton Hall | 1957-58 | 7-19 | John "Honey" Russell | Cincinnati | 118-54 | 64 |
| Siena | 1987-88 | 23-6 | Mike Deane | Syracuse | 123-72 | 51 |
| South Alabama | 1994-95 | 9-18 | Ronnie Arrow | Southern Utah | 140-72 | 68 |
| South Carolina | 1929-30 | 6-10 | A.W. "Rock" Norman | Furman | 70-11 | 59 |
| South Florida | 1987-88 | 6-22 | Bobby Paschal | Syracuse | 111-65 | 46 |
| Southeastern Louisiana | 1998-99 | 6-20 | John Lyles | Auburn | 114-60 | 54 |
| Southern California | 1913-14 | 5-7 | unavailable | L.A. Athletic Club | 77-14 | 63 |
| Southern Illinois | 2016-17 | 17-16 | Barry Hinson | Wichita State | 87-45 | 42 |
| Southern Methodist | 1980-81 | 7-20 | Dave Bliss | Arkansas | 92-50 | 42 |
| Southern Mississippi | 2001-02 | 10-17 | James Green | Cincinnati | 89-37 | 52 |
| Southern Utah | 1988-89 | 10-18 | Neil Roberts | Oklahoma | 132-64 | 68 |
| Stanford | 1975-76 | 11-16 | Dick DiBiaso | UCLA | 120-74 | 46 |
| Stetson | 2018-19 | TBD | Corey Williams | Duke | 113-49 | 64 |
| Syracuse | 1961-62 | 8-13 | Fred Lewis | NYU | 122-59 | 63 |
| Temple | 1946-47 | 8-12 | Josh Cody | Kentucky | 68-29 | 39 |
| Tennessee | 1992-93 | 13-17 | Wade Houston | Kentucky | 101-40 | 61 |
| Tennessee-Martin | 1994-95 | 7-20 | Cal Luther | Kentucky | 124-50 | 74 |
| Tennessee Tech | 1962-63 | 16-8 | John Oldham | Loyola of Chicago | 111-42 | 69 |
| Texas | 1971-72 | 19-9 | Leon Black | UCLA | 115-65 | 50 |
| Texas A&M | 1971-72 | 16-10 | Shelby Metcalf | UCLA | 117-53 | 64 |
| Texas-Arlington | 1993-94 | 7-22 | Eddie McCarter | Iowa State | 119-55 | 64 |
| Texas Christian | 1977-78 | 4-22 | Tim Somerville | Clemson | 125-62 | 63 |
| Texas-El Paso | 2000-01 | 23-9 | Jason Rabedeaux | Fresno State | 108-56 | 52 |
| Texas-San Antonio | 2015-16 | 5-27 | Brooks Thompson | Texas | 116-50 | 66 |
| Texas Southern | 1993-94 | 19-11 | Robert Moreland | Arkansas | 129-63 | 66 |
| Texas State | 1918-19 | TBD | unavailable | Texas | 89-6 | 83 |
| Texas Tech | 2007-08 | 16-15 | Pat Knight | Kansas | 109-51 | 58 |
| Toledo | 1932-33 | 3-13 | Dave Connelly | Ohio State | 64-10 | 54 |
| Tulane | 2000-01 | 9-21 | Shawn Finney | Cincinnati | 105-57 | 48 |
| Tulsa | 1947-48 | 7-16 | John Garrison | Kentucky | 72-18 | 54 |
| UAB | 1990-91 | 18-13 | Gene Bartow | UNLV | 109-68 | 41 |
| UCF | 1988-89 | 7-20 | Phil Carter | Florida State | 133-79 | 54 |
| UCLA | 1996-97 | 24-8 | Steve Lavin | Stanford | 109-61 | 48 |
| UNLV | 1970-71 | 16-10 | John Bayer | Houston | 130-73 | 57 |
| U.S. International | 1989-90 | 12-16 | Gary Zarecky | Oklahoma | 173-101 | 72 |
| Utah | 2011-12 | 6-25 | Larry Krystkowiak | Oregon | 94-48 | 46 |
| Utah State | 1909-10 | 3-7 | Clayton Teetzel | Utah | 69-15 | 54 |
| Utah State | 1925-26 | 13-5 | Lowell Romney | Southern California | 82-28 | 54 |
| Valparaiso | 1967-68 | 11-15 | Gene Bartow | Houston | 158-81 | 77 |
| Vanderbilt | 1946-47 | 7-8 | Norm Cooper | Kentucky | 98-29 | 69 |
| Villanova | 1921-22 | 11-4 | Michael Saxe | Army | 58-11 | 47 |
| Virginia | 1964-65 | 7-18 | Bill Gibson | Duke | 136-72 | 64 |
| Virginia Commonwealth | 1976-77 | 13-13 | Dana Kirk | Auburn | 109-59 | 50 |
| Virginia Tech | 1952-53 | 4-19 | Gerald "Red" Laird | Marshall | 113-57 | 56 |
| Wagner | 1998-99 | 9-18 | Tim Capstraw | Connecticut | 111-46 | 65 |
| Wake Forest | 1913-14 | 10-7 | J.R. Crozier | Virginia | 80-16 | 64 |
| Washington | 1988-89 | 12-16 | Andy Russo | Arizona | 116-61 | 55 |
| Washington State | 1964-65 | 9-17 | Marv Harshman | UCLA | 93-41 | 52 |
| Washington State | 2004-05 | 12-16 | Dick Bennett | Oklahoma State | 81-29 | 52 |
| Weber State | 1988-89 | 17-11 | Denny Huston | Akron | 92-50 | 42 |
| West Virginia | 1978-79 | 16-12 | Gale Catlett | Louisville | 106-60 | 46 |
| Western Carolina | 1998-99 | 8-21 | Phil Hopkins | Maryland | 113-46 | 67 |
| Western Kentucky | 1990-91 | 14-14 | Ralph Willard | Georgia | 124-65 | 59 |
| Western Michigan | 1988-89 | 12-16 | Vern Payne | Michigan | 107-60 | 47 |
| Wichita State | 1912-13 | 1-11 | E.V. Long | Ottawa KS | 80-8 | 72 |
| William & Mary | 1918-19 | 3-6 | V.M. Geddy | Roanoke VA | 87-6 | 81 |
| Wisconsin | 1975-76 | 10-16 | John Powless | Indiana | 114-61 | 53 |
| Wisconsin | 1985-86 | 12-16 | Steve Yoder | Iowa | 101-48 | 53 |
| Wright State | 1976-77 | 11-16 | Marcus Jackson | Cincinnati | 120-52 | 68 |
| Wyoming | 1910-11 | 1-4 | Harold Dean | Colorado | 65-12 | 53 |
| Xavier | 1966-67 | 13-13 | Don Ruberg | Kansas | 100-52 | 48 |
| Yale | 1976-77 | 6-20 | Ray Carazo | Clemson | 104-50 | 54 |
| Youngstown State | 1941-42 | 9-12 | Dom Rosselli | Toledo | 88-32 | 56 |
Holiday Wish List: College Hoopdom's Christmas Gifts and Stocking Stuffers
It's the most wonderful time of the year despite lunacy in some quarters claiming government shutdown represents Armageddon and making inane comparisons of illegal aliens to Jesus. Yes, holiday festivities can go awry between Christmas and New Year's Eve. In ghosts of Christmas' past, just ask top-ranked Virginia, which lost at tiny Chaminade in 1982, and NCAA champion-to-be Michigan, which bowed to Alaska-Anchorage on a neutral court in 1988.
Amid the bone-chilling cold celebrations as liberals want us to cower in corner because of global warming while freezing our butts off, a Christmas holiday week absolutely can not go by without the time-honored tradition of making a list and checking it twice. For instance, many observers are thankful national health-care costs for eye and ear care are dramatically decreased from looking at and listening to Melania and Ivanka rather than #ShrillaryRotten and Chelsea until #NannyPathetic regains the House gavel. The college basketball wish list, a stocking stuffer distinguishing between the naughty and nice, doesn't change much from the previous month at Thanksgiving or next week among New Year Resolutions. Opting out from responding to apology demands, some of them may fall in the Christmas Miracle category but following is a healthy serving of food-for-thought wishes presented to college hoop observers:
Wish peace and comfort to family and friends of striking number of former All-American players and prominent coaches who passed away this year.
Wish deserving mid-major players earn All-American acclaim this season.
Wish ex-college hoopers continued success as prominent NFL tight ends.
Wish fans understand how good the Big East Conference first division is after league upheaval several years ago.
Wish special seasons for standout seniors because they didn't abandon college hoops early and give the sport at least some modicum of veteran leadership.
Wish the best for the Ivy League and Patriot League, which seem like the last bastions replete with textbook student-athletes. Five Ivy League institutions - Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard and Yale - can still hold their heads high despite each of them posting all-time losing records.
Wish proper acclaim for pristine playmakers who show again and again that "pass" is not a dirty four-letter word amid the obsession with individualistic one-on-one moves by self-absorbed one-and-done scholars.
Wish many highlights for entertaining little big men (players 5-10 or shorter) who inspire us with their self-confidence and mental toughness in the Land of the Giants.
Wish junior college players and foreigners could overcome perceptions in some misguided quarters that they are the rogues of recruiting.
Wish patience for the numerous promising first-year coaches assuming control of programs this season. They need to remember the fortitude exhibited by many of the biggest names in coaching who rebounded from embarrassing defeats in their first season as a head coach. An active luminary who lost multiple games to non-Division I colleges in his initial campaign before ascending to stardom as the all-time winningest coach is Duke's Mike Krzyzewski (lost to SUNY-Buffalo, Scranton and King's College in 1975-76 while coaching Army).
Wish Division I schools will soon find their bearings amid the chaotic restructuring of conferences forsaking tradition although the quest for mega-leagues could be delusional because they're vying for television revenue that might not exist.
Wish more accuracy for recruiting services incapable of discerning multiple recent national player of the year honorees should have been ranked higher. Ditto to announcers who infect the sport by spreading this virus without ever seeing any of the players enough to properly evaluate them.
Wish marquee coaches wouldn't serve up assistants as sacrificial lambs resembling Grinch when the heat of an investigation of their program intensifies. This practice really got out of hand when the FBI was involved.
Wish prominent programs would reduce, if not eliminate, academic exceptions. Of course, the quality of play will diminish by emphasizing textbook student-athletes but it's not as if half of the non-league games on TV aren't mismatches, anyway.
Wish wisdom for anyone who incessantly castigates the majority of undergraduates declaring early for the NBA draft. Before accepting the party line that many of the players are making monumental mistakes by forgoing their remaining college eligibility, remember that more than half of the NBA's All-Pro selections in the last quarter century or so left college early or never attended a university.
Wish a heart for any school not promptly granting a recruit seeking to enroll elsewhere a release from its letter-of-intent when he wants to attend another institution for legitimate reasons.
Wish jaws wired shut for "Me Generation" showmen and "trippers" who've failed to comprehend their respective teams don't benefit on the court from a trash-talking Harlem Globetrotter routine.
Wish self-absorbed players will finally see the light and spend less time getting tattoos and practicing macho dunks and more on team beneficial free throws. It all hinges on dedication. There is a reason they're supposed to be "free" throws instead of Shaq-like "foul" shots.
Wish high-profile coaches would show more allegiance rather than taking off for greener pastures despite having multiple years remaining on their contract. Also wish said pacts didn't include bonus for graduation ratio or GPA insofar as many coaches become Sgt. "I Know Nothing" Schultz whenever academic anemia issues surface.
Wish network analysts would refrain from serving as apologists for the coaching community. When their familiar spiels echo throughout hoopdom, they become nothing more than the big mouths that bore.
Wish marquee schools will vow to stop forsaking entertaining non-conference games with natural rivals while scheduling a half-dozen or more meaningless "rout-a-matics" at home. Aren't two or three gimmes enough?
Wish a generous dose of ethics to defrauding coaches who manipulate junior colleges and high schools into giving phony grades. Ditto coaches who steer prize high school prospects to third parties toying with standardized test results.
Wish authenticity for those "fatherly-advice" coaches who don't mandate that any player with pro potential take multiple financial literacy courses. Did they notice in recent years that products from Alabama, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, Kentucky and Syracuse filed for bankruptcy after combining for more than half a billion dollars in salaries over their NBA careers? What kind of classes are taken in college anyway if a staggering 60% of NBA players file for bankruptcy five years after retirement? There's personal responsibility, but shouldn't the universities they attended feel some sort of culpability? And don't you wish most agents would become extinct if such a high percentage of pros end up with holes in their pockets?
Wish overzealous fans will stop flogging freshmen for not living up to their high school press clippings right away. The impatient onlookers need to get a grip on themselves.
Wish many of the excessive number of small schools with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, thinking they can compete at the Division I level, would return to DII or DIII. There are far too many examples of dreamy-eyed small schools that believe competing with the big boys will get them national recognition, make big bucks from the NCAA Tournament and put the institutions on the map. They don't know how unrealistic that goal is until most of the hyphenated and directional schools barnstorm the country during their non-conference schedules in college basketball versions of Bataan Death Marches.
Wish lapdog-lazy media outworked by Louisville Escort Queen and Duke student newspaper would display more energy exhibiting enterprising analysis. Why do almost all of the principal college basketball websites "progressively" look and read virtually the same? It's a byproduct of predictably pathetic press needing a jolt of adversarial reporting.
Wish coaches would "shut up and sing" rather than weigh in with opinions on restroom access, let alone POTUS pap criticism offered principally to appease their player pipeline of 90%-plus leftists.
Wish ESPN, failing to acknowledge significant reduction in subscribers stems from #KneelWithJemele liberalism being a mental disorder, would cease becoming BSPN by giving politically-correct forums to insufferable leftist lunatics such as Howard Bryant and "experts" who either lie to NCAA investigators as a coach, drop their pants for locker-room motivation, get fired for intoxication, participate as agent in funneling funds to regal recruit, can't quite figure out Dell Curry's sons could also be All-Americans and practice reprehensible race-baiting with the intellectually-bankrupt "Uncle Tom" bomb. If not, Extra Sensitive Pious Network will need another new Skipper for sinking ship.
Chaminade Shocked #1-Ranked Virginia on Second Day Before Christmas
Two days before Christmas is the anniversary of a "David vs. Goliath" game hailed as one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history when national player of the year Ralph Sampson and Virginia got coal in their stocking by losing at Chaminade, 77-72, in Hawaii in 1982-83. The contest triggered one of the greatest achievements in small-college history as Chaminade went on to defeat an NCAA Division I school winning at least one NCAA playoff game in three consecutive campaigns. Following is a chronological list of victories by small schools over major universities going on to win at least one NCAA playoff game that season:
Small College NCAA Playoff Team (Record) Score Georgetown College (KY) Louisville (19-12 in 1958-59) 84-78 St. Mary's (TX) Houston (25-5 in 1969-70) 76-66 Chaminade (Hawaii) Virginia (29-5 in 1982-83) 77-72 Chaminade (Hawaii) Louisville (24-11 in 1983-84) 83-72 Chaminade (Hawaii) Southern Methodist (23-10 in 1984-85) 71-70 Alaska-Anchorage Michigan (30-7 in 1988-89) 70-66 UC Riverside Iowa (23-10 in 1988-89) 110-92 Alaska-Anchorage Wake Forest (21-12 in 1993-94) 70-68 American-Puerto Rico Arkansas (24-9 in 1997-98) 64-59 Bethel (IN) Valparaiso (23-10 in 1997-98) 85-75 Elizabeth City State (NC) Norfolk State (26-10 in 2011-12) 69-57
NOTES: Michigan '89 became NCAA champion and Louisville '59 reached the Final Four. . . . UC Riverside subsequently moved up to the NCAA Division I level in 2000-01.
Oakland, which nearly upset #1 Michigan State prior to Christmas three years ago, almost joined Chaminade and Northern Iowa among the following list of seven nationally unranked non-DI or mid-major schools in the last 50 years upsetting the nation's top-ranked team from a power conference then or now (DePaul only university in this #1 category losing at home to mid-major):
| Season | Date | Power-League Member Ranked No. 1 | Score | Upsetting Non-Power League Team | Unranked Opponent's Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980-81 | 1-10-81 | DePaul | 63-62 | Old Dominion | Paul Webb |
| 1982-83 | 12-24-82 | Virginia | 77-72 | at Chaminade (Hawaii) | Merv Lopes |
| 1987-88 | 1-2-88 | Arizona | 61-59 | at New Mexico | Gary Colson |
| 1995-96 | 12-22-95 | Kansas | 74-66 | Temple in OT at East Rutherford, NJ | John Chaney |
| 2011-12 | 11-26-11 | North Carolina | 90-80 | at UNLV | Dave Rice |
| 2012-13 | 12-15-12 | Indiana | 88-86 | Butler in OT at Indianapolis | Brad Stevens |
| 2015-16 | 11-21-15 | North Carolina | 71-67 | at Northern Iowa | Ben Jacobson |
Virginia's Terry Holland was among many of the biggest names in college coaching history recovering from embarrassing defeats certainly not cited on their otherwise mostly-regal resumes. For instance, there are numerous mentors who captured NCAA championships despite losing to a small school at some point during their careers - Phog Allen (lost to Emporia State), Jim Calhoun (American International, Assumption, Brandeis, Bridgeport, Florida Southern, Merrimack, St. Anselm, Stonehill and Tufts), John Calipari (Florida Tech and Lowell), Denny Crum (Chaminade), Jim Harrick (Abilene Christian), Don Haskins (Louisiana College), Hank Iba (Abilene Christian and Westminster), George Ireland (Regis), Doggie Julian (Amherst, Colby, St. Anselm, St. Michael's, Springfield, Tampa and Williams), Mike Krzyzewski (King's, Scranton and SUNY-Buffalo), Rollie Massimino (New Orleans and Philadelphia Textile), Al McGuire (Evansville and Washington MO), Rick Pitino (Adelphi), Nolan Richardson Jr. (American-Puerto Rico), Norman Sloan (Presbyterian), John Thompson Jr. (Assumption, Gannon, Randolph-Macon and Roanoke) and Jim Valvano (Armstrong State, Bloomsburg, Gannon, Tampa and Wilkes).
Kansas' Bill Self lost 18 consecutive contests bridging the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons with Oral Roberts but at least he didn't lose a decision to a non-Division I institution. The following alphabetical list "retraces steps" of prominent coaches who lost games to non-Division I colleges during their major-college careers:
- Forrest "Phog" Allen - Lost to Emporia State (Kan.) in 1947-48 while coaching Kansas.
- Forrest "Forddy" Anderson - Lost to Emporia State (Kan.) in 1947-48 while coaching Drake. Lost to Northern Michigan in 1960-61 while coaching Michigan State.
- John Bach - Lost to Adelphi (N.Y.) in 1958-59 while coaching Fordham.
- Kevin Bannon - Lost to Grand Canyon (Ariz.) at Hawaii in 1991-92 while coaching Rider.
- Rick Barnes - Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1991-92 while coaching Providence and in 2012-13 while coaching Texas.
- J.D. Barnett - Lost to Louisiana Christian in 1995-96 while coaching Northwestern State (La.).
- Jim Baron - Lost to Walsh (Ohio) in 1992-93 while coaching St. Bonaventure. Lost to Lubbock Christian (Tex.) at Las Vegas in 2003-04 while coaching Rhode Island. Lost to Metro State (Colo.) in 2013-14 while coaching Canisius.
- Gene Bartow - Lost at American-Puerto Rico in 1994-95 while coaching UAB.
- Dick Bennett - Lost to Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1985-86 and 1986-87 while coaching Wisconsin-Green Bay.
- Eddie Biedenbach - Lost to Montreat (N.C.) in 2001-02 and Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) in 2005-06 while coaching UNC Asheville.
- Tom Blackburn - Lost to Anderson (Ind.) in 1947-48, Ohio Wesleyan in 1948-49, Muskingum (Ohio) in 1949-50 and Wittenberg (Ohio) in 1962-63 while coaching Dayton.
- Bill Blair - Lost to Morris Harvey (W. Va.) and twice to Roanoke (Va.) in 1972-73 and to West Virginia Tech and Shepherd (W. Va.) in 1973-74 while coaching VMI.
- George Blaney - Lost to Springfield (Mass.) in 1969-70 and 1971-72 while coaching Dartmouth. Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1973-74 and 1985-86 and at Florida Southern in 1979-80 while coaching Holy Cross.
- Dave Bliss - Lost to Rollins (Fla.) and Texas Wesleyan in 1980-81 and at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1984-85 while coaching SMU. Lost to Eastern New Mexico in 1991-92 while coaching New Mexico.
- Bob Boyd - Lost to Tennessee-Martin in 1981-82 and Delta State (Miss.) in 1985-86 while coaching Mississippi State.
- Jim Brandenburg - Lost to South Dakota in 1979-80 while coaching Wyoming.
- Byron "Buster" Brannon - Lost to Sam Houston State (Tex.) twice in 1938-39 and once in 1940-41 while coaching Rice. Lost to East Texas State, at Hamline (Minn.) and twice to Austin (Tex.) College in 1948-49, Midwestern State (Tex.) in 1953-54 and Kentucky Wesleyan in 1955-56 while coaching Texas Christian.
- Tom Brennan - Lost to Florida Southern in 1982-83, Clark (Mass.) in 1985-86 and Trinity (Conn.) in 1985-86 while coaching Yale. Lost to St. Michael's (Vt.) in 1986-87, 1987-88 and 1988-89 while coaching Vermont.
- John Bunn - Lost to Eastern New Mexico (six times from 1957-58 through 1962-63), Fort Hays (Kan.) State (five times from 1957-58 through 1962-63), New Mexico Highlands in 1960-61, twice to Panhandle State (Okla.) in 1957-58, St. Cloud State (Minn.) in 1962-63, Southwestern Oklahoma State in 1956-57, Wayne State (Neb.) in 1962-63 and Western New Mexico in 1961-62 while coaching Northern Colorado.
- Jim Calhoun - Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1972-73; to Tufts (Mass.), American International (Mass.), Bridgeport (Conn.) and at Assumption (Mass.) in 1973-74; Assumption (Mass.) and Brandeis (Mass.) in 1974-75; Merrimack (Mass.) in 1975-76; Bridgeport (Conn.), Merrimack (Mass.), St. Anselm (Vt.) and Stonehill (Mass.) in 1976-77; American International (Mass.) and Assumption (Mass.) in 1978-79 and Florida Southern in 1980-81 while coaching Northeastern.
- John Calipari - Lost at Florida Tech in 1988-89 and to Lowell (Mass.) in 1989-90 while coaching Massachusetts.
- Lou Campanelli - Lost to West Virginia Tech in 1980-81 while coaching James Madison. Lost to Alaska-Anchorage in 1990-91 on neutral court while coaching California.
- Howard Cann - Lost to Panzer in 1938-39 and Brandeis (Mass.) in 1956-57 while coaching NYU.
- P.J. Carlesimo - Lost at Bentley (Mass.), to Southern Connecticut on a neutral court, to C.W. Post (N.Y.), at Springfield (Mass.) and at Bridgeport (Conn.) in 1976-77; to New Haven (Conn.) and at C.W. Post (N.Y.) in 1977-78, and at Staten Island (N.Y.) and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (N.Y.) in 1981-82 while coaching Wagner.
- Henry "Doc" Carlson - Lost to Bethany (W. Va.) in 1948-49, Geneva (Pa.) in 1941-42, 1950-51 and 1952-53 and Carnegie Tech (Pa.) three times in four seasons from 1938-39 through 1941-42 plus five times in six seasons from 1949-50 through 1954-55 while coaching Pittsburgh.
- Pete Carril - Lost to East Stroudsburg (Pa.) in 1966-67 while coaching Lehigh.
- Don Casey - Lost to Philadelphia Textile in 1975-76 while coaching Temple.
- Joe Cipriano - Lost at Hawaii-Hilo in 1976-77 while coaching Nebraska.
- Gary Colson - Lost to John Brown (Ark.) in 1972-73 and Moorhead (Minn.) State in 1973-74 while coaching Pepperdine. Lost to Alaska-Anchorage in 1983-84 while coaching New Mexico.
- Bobby Cremins - Lost to Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) in 1975-76 and twice in 1977-78 while coaching Appalachian State.
- Denny Crum - Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1983-84 and 1984-85 while coaching Louisville.
- Charles "Chick" Davies - Lost to Waynesburg (Pa.) in 1937-38 and 1938-39 and to Wooster (Ohio) in 1937-38 while coaching Duquesne.
- Tom Davis - Lost to Moravian (Pa.) in 1973-74 and at Albright (Pa.) in 1975-76 while coaching Lafayette. Lost to Chico State (Calif.) in 1982-83 while coaching Stanford. Lost to UC Riverside in 1988-89 while coaching Iowa.
- Johnny Dee - Lost to Jacksonville (Ala.) State in 1952-53 while coaching Alabama.
- Don DeVoe - Lost to Johns Hopkins (Md.) in 2002-03 while coaching Navy.
- Ed Diddle - Lost to Kentucky Wesleyan in 1955-56, David Lipscomb (Tenn.) in 1962-63 and LeMoyne (N.Y.) in 1963-64 while coaching Western Kentucky.
- Bob Donewald - Lost to Cal State Bakersfield in 1980-81 while coaching Illinois State.
- Homer Drew - Lost to Bethel (Ind.) in 1997-98 while coaching Valparaiso.
- Charles "Lefty" Driesell - Lost to Catawba (N.C.) twice in 1960-61 and to Carson-Newman (Tenn.) and Erskine (S.C.) in 1961-62 while coaching Davidson.
- Hugh Durham - Lost at Puerto Rico-Mayaguez in 2001-02 while coaching Jacksonville.
- Bobby Dye - Lost at Chapman (Calif.) in 1975-76 while coaching Cal State Fullerton. Lost to Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) in 1985-86 while coaching Boise State.
- Norm Ellenberger - Lost at Hawaii-Hilo in 1976-77 while coaching New Mexico.
- Fred Enke - Lost to Regis (Colo.) in 1959-60 while coaching Arizona.
- Larry Eustachy - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1991-92 and to Elizabeth City State (N.C.) in 1992-93 while coaching Idaho.
- Paul Evans - Lost at Rollins (Fla.) in 1981-82 while coaching Navy.
- Bill C. Foster - Lost at University of the South (Tenn.) and Roanoke (Va.) in 1970-71 and to Valdosta (Ga.) State in 1971-72 while coaching UNC Charlotte. Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1987-88 while coaching Miami (Fla.).
- Bill E. Foster - Lost at Albright (Pa.) in 1964-65 while coaching Rutgers. Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1981-82 while coaching South Carolina. Lost to Rollins (Fla.) in 1986-87 and 1987-88 while coaching Northwestern.
- Harold "Bud" Foster - Lost to South Dakota in 1956-57 while coaching Wisconsin.
- Bill Frieder - Lost to Alaska-Anchorage on a neutral court in 1988-89 while coaching Michigan.
- Jack Friel - Lost at Centenary (La.) and to Spring Hill (Ala.) in 1955-56 and Whitworth (Wash.) five times from 1951-52 through 1956-57 while coaching Washington State.
- John "Taps" Gallagher - Lost to Wayne State (Mich.) in 1951-52 and Gannon (Pa.) and Rochester (N.Y.) in 1964-65 while coaching Niagara.
- Dave Gavitt - Lost at Springfield (Mass.) in 1967-68 while coaching Dartmouth.
- Boyd Grant - Lost to Wisconsin-Parkside in 1978-79 while coaching Fresno State.
- Murray Greason - Lost to Rio Grande (Ohio) in 1953-54 while coaching Wake Forest.
- Ron Greene - Lost to Spring Hill (Ala.) in 1966-67 while coaching Loyola of New Orleans. Lost to Tennessee Wesleyan and Mississippi College in 1978-79, Arkansas College in 1981-82, West Virginia Tech in 1982-83 and Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) in 1984-85 while coaching Murray State. Lost to Rollins (Fla.) in 1986-87 while coaching Indiana State.
- Tim Grgurich - Lost to Morris Harvey (W. Va.) in 1977-78 while coaching Pittsburgh.
- Frank Haith - Lost to Southeastern Oklahoma State in 2014-15 while coaching Tulsa.
- Leonard Hamilton - Lost at BYU-Hawaii in 1987-88 while coaching Oklahoma State.
- Jim Harrick - Lost at Abilene (Tex.) Christian in 1984-85 while coaching Pepperdine.
- Dick Harter - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1978-79 while coaching Penn State.
- Jack Hartman - Lost to Kentucky Wesleyan four times in three years from 1967-68 through 1969-70 while coaching Southern Illinois.
- Don Haskins - Lost to Louisiana College in 1977-78 while coaching Texas-El Paso.
- George "Jud" Heathcote - Lost at Puget Sound (Wash.) in 1972-73, 1973-74 and 1975-76 and at Southern Colorado in 1972-73 while coaching Montana.
- Bill Henderson - Lost to Howard Payne (Tex.) in 1955-56 while coaching Baylor.
- Lou Henson - Lost to Howard Payne (Tex.) twice, Midwestern State (Tex.), Eastern New Mexico and Abilene Christian (Tex.) in 1962-63; Abilene Christian and Midwestern State in 1964-65, and Pittsburg State (Kan.) in 1965-66 while coaching Hardin-Simmons. Lost at Eastern New Mexico in 1966-67, to Angelo State (Tex.) in 1971-72, at Alaska-Fairbanks in 1998-99 and at BYU-Hawaii in 2001-02 while coaching New Mexico State.
- Eddie Hickey - Lost to South Dakota in 1938-39 and 1939-40 while coaching Creighton.
- Bernard "Peck" Hickman - Lost to Georgetown College (Ky.) in 1958-59 while coaching Louisville.
- Paul "Tony" Hinkle - Lost to Wabash (Ind.) in 1959-60, twice in 1960-61 and in 1966-67 while coaching Butler.
- Terry Holland - Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1982-83 while coaching Virginia.
- Ben Howland - Lost to Concordia (Calif.) in 1994-95 while coaching Northern Arizona.
- Henry "Hank" Iba - Lost to Westminster (Mo.) in 1934-35 and 1936-37 and Abilene (Tex.) Christian in 1965-66 while coaching Oklahoma A&M/Oklahoma State.
- Moe Iba - Lost to Union (Tenn.) in 1968-69 and 1969-70 while coaching Memphis State.
- George Ireland - Lost to Regis (Colo.) in 1954-55, North Dakota State in 1966-67, Illinois Wesleyan in 1970-71 and Missouri Western in 1972-73 while coaching Loyola of Chicago.
- Maurice "Maury" John - Lost to South Dakota State in 1958-59 and Washington (Mo.) in 1963-64 while coaching Drake.
- Alvin "Doggie" Julian - Lost to St. Michael's (Vt.), at St. Anselm (N.H.) and at Tampa (Fla.) in 1950-51; to Amherst (Mass.) in 1952-53; at St. Michael's (Vt.), to Williams (Mass.) and at Springfield (Mass.) in 1960-61; to Colby (Maine) in 1961-62, and to Williams (Mass.) in 1964-65 while coaching Dartmouth.
- Jim Killingsworth - Lost to Westmont (Calif.) in 1980-81 while coaching Texas Christian.
- Bob King - Lost at Washington (Mo.) in 1963-64 while coaching New Mexico.
- Dana Kirk - Lost to Wisconsin-Parkside in 1979-80 while coaching Memphis State.
- Jack Kraft - Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1974-75 while coaching Rhode Island.
- Mike Krzyzewski - Lost to SUNY-Buffalo, Scranton (Pa.) and King's College (Pa.) in 1975-76 while coaching Army.
- Steve Lappas - Lost to Springfield (Mass.) in 1988-89 while coaching Manhattan.
- Jim Larranaga - Lost to Findlay (Ohio) in 1991-92 while coaching Bowling Green.
- Frank Layden - Lost to Thomas More (Ky.) in 1970-71 while coaching Niagara.
- Jack Leaman - Lost to American International (Mass.) in 1966-67 and 1969-70, Springfield (Mass.) in 1970-71 and Bentley (Mass.) in 1978-79 while coaching Massachusetts.
- A.E. "Abe" Lemons - Lost to Centenary (La.) in 1958-59, McMurry (Tex.) in 1960-61 and Wayland Baptist (Tex.) in 1984-85 while coaching Oklahoma City. Lost to Texas A&I in 1973-74 while coaching Pan American.
- Jim Les - Lost to Lubbock (Tex.) Christian at Las Vegas in 2003-04 while coaching Bradley.
- Guy Lewis - Lost to St. Mary's (Tex.) in 1969-70 and 1974-75, Texas A&I in 1979-80 and Alaska-Anchorage and Biscayne (Fla.) in 1980-81 while coaching Houston.
- Harry Litwack - Lost to West Chester (Pa.) in 1969-70 while coaching Temple.
- Taylor "Tates" Locke - Lost to North Park (Ill.) in 1978-79 while coaching Jacksonville.
- Ken Loeffler - Lost to Centenary (La.) in 1956-57 while coaching Texas A&M.
- Jim Lynam - Lost to Saint Leo (Fla.) and at Assumption (Mass.) in 1968-69 and to Southern Connecticut in 1969-70 while coaching Fairfield. Lost at King's (Pa.) in 1975-76 while coaching American University. Lost at Rollins (Fla.) in 1979-80 while coaching St. Joseph's.
- Nick Macarchuk - Lost to Buffalo State in 1982-83 while coaching Canisius.
- John MacLeod - Lost to Samford (Ala.) in 1971-72 while coaching Oklahoma. Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1998-99 while coaching Notre Dame.
- John "Red" Manning - Lost to Carnegie-Mellon (Pa.) in 1959-60 while coaching Duquesne.
- Rollie Massimino - Lost at New Orleans in 1973-74 and to Philadelphia Textile in 1975-76 and 1976-77 while coaching Villanova.
- James "Babe" McCarthy - Lost to University of the South (Tenn.) in 1955-56 and Mississippi College in 1964-65 while coaching Mississippi State.
- Neil McCarthy - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1978-79 while coaching Weber State. Lost to Western New Mexico in 1986-87 while coaching New Mexico State.
- Al McGuire - Lost at Washington (Mo.) in 1964-65 and Evansville in 1965-66 while coaching Marquette.
- Frank McGuire - Lost at Florida Southern in 1979-80 while coaching South Carolina.
- Jack McKinney - Lost to Catholic (D.C.) in 1966-67 while coaching St. Joseph's.
- Eddie Melvin - Lost to Cortland (N.Y.) State in 1947-48 and Gannon (Pa.) in 1948-49 while coaching St. Bonaventure. Lost to Morris Harvey (W. Va.) in 1956-57 and Wittenberg (Ohio) in 1958-59 and 1959-60 while coaching Toledo.
- Shelby Metcalf - Lost at Eastern Montana in 1980-81 and to St. Mary's (Tex.) in 1984-85 while coaching Texas A&M.
- Ray Meyer - Lost to Beloit (Wis.) in 1950-51, Wayne State (Mich.) in 1955-56, at North Dakota in 1965-66 and to St. Joseph's (Ind.) in 1969-70 while coaching DePaul.
- Eldon Miller - Lost to Winona (Minn.) State and Wisconsin-Platteville in 1986-87 and at American-Puerto Rico and to Morningside (Iowa) in 1990-91 while coaching Northern Iowa.
- Ralph Miller - Lost at Beloit (Wis.) in 1951-52 while coaching Wichita.
- Charles Moir - Lost to Dillard (La.) in 1973-74 and 1974-75 and Xavier (La.) in 1973-74 while coaching Tulane.
- Mike Montgomery - Lost to Puget Sound (Wash.) in 1978-79 and 1980-81 while coaching Montana. Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1992-93 while coaching Stanford.
- Stan Morrison - Lost to San Francisco State in 1974-75 and at North Dakota in 1978-79 while coaching Pacific.
- Joe Mullaney - Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1963-64 and 1984-85 while coaching Providence. Lost to Stonehill (Mass.) in 1979-80 while coaching Brown.
- Jeff Mullins - Lost at Florida Southern in 1987-88 while coaching UNC Charlotte.
- Gerald Myers - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1990-91 while coaching Texas Tech.
- Lynn Nance - Lost to Nebraska-Omaha in 1979-80 while coaching Iowa State.
- Danny Nee - Lost to Charleston (W. Va.) in 1980-81 while coaching Ohio University.
- Jim O'Brien - Lost at Florida Tech in 1988-89 while coaching Boston College.
- Dave Odom - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1993-94 while coaching Wake Forest.
- Johnny Orr - Lost at Washington (Mo.) in 1964-65 while coaching Massachusetts. Lost at Eastern Montana in 1981-82 while coaching Iowa State.
- Bobby Paschal - Lost to Tampa in 1986-87 and 1987-88 while coaching South Florida.
- Tom Penders - Lost at CCNY in 1974-75 and at San Francisco State in 1977-78 while coaching Columbia. Lost at Hawaii-Pacific in 1985-86 while coaching Fordham.
- Jerry Pimm - Lost to Midwestern State (Tex.) in 1979-80 while coaching Utah. Lost to San Francisco State in 1983-84 while coaching UC Santa Barbara.
- Rick Pitino - Lost to Adelphi (N.Y.) in 1978-79 while coaching Boston University.
- Harry Rabenhorst - Lost to Louisiana College in 1955-56 and at Centenary (La.) in 1956-57 while coaching Louisiana State.
- Bill Raftery - Lost to Siena (N.Y.) in 1972-73, at Rollins (Fla.) in 1973-74 and to King's College (Pa.) in 1975-76 while coaching Seton Hall.
- Jack Ramsay - Lost to Albright (Pa.) in 1957-58 and 1961-62 while coaching St. Joseph's.
- George Raveling - Lost to St. Martin's (Wash.) in 1980-81 and Eastern Montana in 1981-82 while coaching Washington State.
- Roger Reid - Lost to Colorado-Colorado Springs in 2007-08 while coaching Southern Utah.
- Nolan Richardson Jr. - Lost at American-Puerto Rico in 1997-98 while coaching Arkansas.
- Alfred "A.J." Robertson - Lost to South Dakota in 1947-48 while coaching Bradley.
- Les Robinson - Lost to Francis Marion (S.C.) in 1983-84 while coaching The Citadel.
- Lee Rose - Lost at Eastern Montana in 1977-78 while coaching UNC Charlotte.
- Lou Rossini - Lost to Scranton (Pa.) in 1975-76 and Bentley (Mass.) in 1978-79 while coaching St. Francis (N.Y.).
- John "Honey" Russell - Lost at Saint Thomas (Minn.) in 1937-38, to David & Elkins (W. Va.) in 1949-50 and to Albright (Pa.) in 1949-50 and 1957-58 while coaching Seton Hall.
- Herb Sendek - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 2017-18 while coaching Santa Clara.
- Alex Severance - Lost to Albright (Pa.) in 1941-42, Swarthmore (Pa.) in 1943-44 and 1944-45 and Scranton (Pa.) in 1957-58 while coaching Villanova.
- Norman Sloan - Lost at Presbyterian (S.C.) in 1956-57 while coaching The Citadel.
- Jim Snyder - Lost to Marietta (Ohio) four times in five years from 1949-50 through 1953-54 and in 1959-60, Mount Union (Ohio) in 1949-50, Muskingum (Ohio) in 1950-51, Beloit (Wis.) and Lake Forest (Ill.) in 1951-52, Ohio Wesleyan in 1952-53 and Otterbein (Ohio) in 1966-67 while coaching Ohio University.
- Norm Stewart - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1985-86 while coaching Missouri.
- John Thompson Jr. - Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1973-74; Gannon (Pa.) in 1975-76; Randolph-Macon (Va.) in 1974-75; Roanoke (Va.) in 1972-73, and at South Florida in 1972-73 while coaching Georgetown.
- Ken Trickey - Lost to Union (Tenn.) in 1965-66, Transylvania (Ky.) in 1966-67 and 1968-69 and Oglethorpe (Ga.) in 1967-68 while coaching Middle Tennessee State. Lost to Nebraska-Omaha and South Dakota in 1975-76 while coaching Iowa State. Lost to Cameron (Okla.) in 1980-81 while coaching Oral Roberts.
- Billy Tubbs - Lost to Ohio Northern in 1980-81 while coaching Oklahoma. Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1995-96 while coaching Texas Christian. Lost to Delta State (Miss.) in 2005-06 while coaching Lamar.
- M.K. Turk - Lost at Florida Southern in 1979-80 and to Fairmont State (W. Va.) in 1984-85 while coaching Southern Mississippi.
- Jim Valvano - Lost to Armstrong State (Ga.) and Gannon (Pa.) in 1972-73, Wilkes (Pa.) in 1973-74 and Bloomsburg (Pa.) in 1974-75 while coaching Bucknell. Lost at Tampa in 1986-87 while coaching North Carolina State.
- Bob Vanatta - Lost at Centenary (La.) in 1956-57 while coaching Memphis State.
- Willem "Butch" van Breda Kolff - Lost at Albright (Pa.) in 1951-52 while coaching Lafayette. Lost at Florida Southern in 1988-89 while coaching Hofstra.
- Perry Watson - Lost to Wayne State (Mich.) in 1993-94 while coaching Detroit.
- Stan Watts - Lost to Hamline (Minn.) in 1951-52 while coaching Brigham Young.
- Clifford Wells - Lost to Spring Hill (Ala.) in 1953-54 and Louisiana College in 1962-63 while coaching Tulane.
- Bob Weltlich - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1986-87 while coaching Texas.
- Paul Westhead - Lost at Biscayne (Fla.) in 1971-72 and Florida Southern in 1978-79 while coaching La Salle.
- Davey Whitney - Lost to Delta State (Miss.) six times in five years from 1985-86 through 1989-90; Dillard (La.) in 1986-87; Miles (Ala.) in 1988-89 and 1990-91; Mississippi College in 1990-91, 1992-93 and 1993-94; Slippery Rock (Pa.) in 1993-94, and Tougaloo (Miss.) in 1996-97 while coaching Alcorn State.
- Ralph Willard - Lost to Williams (Mass.) in 2003-04 while coaching Holy Cross.
- Carroll Williams - Lost to San Francisco State in 1970-71 and at Alaska-Anchorage in 1991-92 while coaching Santa Clara.
- Charlie Woollum - Lost to Rochester (N.Y.) in 1975-76 and 1976-77, Upsala (N.J.) in 1977-78 and Messiah (Pa.) in 1981-82 while coaching Bucknell.
- Jay Wright - Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 2003-04 while coaching Villanova.
- Ned Wulk - Lost to Lawrence Tech (Mich.) and twice to Baldwin-Wallace (Ohio) in 1952-53 while coaching Xavier. Lost to Cal Poly Pomona in 1969-70 while coaching Arizona State.
The Classics: No Better Holiday Gift For Hoops Fans Than Natural Rivalry
"Holy shadows of the dead, I am not to blame for your cruel and bitter fate, but the accursed rivalry which brought sister nations and brother people to fight one another. I do not feel happy for this victory of mine. On the contrary, I would be glad, brothers, if I had all of you standing here next to me, since we are united by the same language, the same blood and the same visions." - Alexander the Great
The best back-to-back non-conference games of two of the previous three seasons may have been when Maryland came from behind to upend Georgetown both times. Where was this rivalry for more than three decades and why aren't they dueling again this campaign? We missed out on Patrick Ewing and David Wingate vs. Adrian Branch in the early 1980s, Reggie Williams vs. Len Bias in mid-1980s, Alonzo Mourning vs. Tony Massenburg and Walt Williams in late 1980s and early 1990s, Allen Iverson vs. Joe Smith in mid-1990s and Mike Sweetney vs. Juan Dixon at the turn of 21st Century. Instead of grand games giving us a shot of adrenalin, we got to overdose on cupcakes with the Hoyas and Terrapins combining to win all 66 of their mismatches against in-state weaklings UMBC, UMES, Morgan State and Towson from the early 1980s through 2003-04. It is time for both schools to commit to opposing each other like they did from 1946-47 to 1979-80. If so, the "Duel in D.C." immediately becomes annual must-see TV in pre-conference competition comparable to "Greatest Shows on Earth" such as Kentucky/Louisville, Illinois/Missouri and Cincinnati/Xavier.
Elsewhere, after 105 years steeped in history amid off-the-chart contempt, the rivalry between Kansas and Missouri expired for the foreseeable future when Mizzou departed the Big 12 Conference for the SEC. KU has a commanding edge in nearly every category (winning percentage, victories away from home and close games decided by single digits), but the Tigers have been enough of a tormentor to make the series as energetic and entertaining as you can find anywhere. Their border war stacked right up there with the more nationally-acclaimed "Clash of the Titans" between Duke and North Carolina.
Making about as much sense as Obamaland's delusional JV Syrian refugee policy treating possible terrorists like they're tourists in aftermath of deadly attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, it was shortsighted of KU and Mizzou to let their rivalry end. They simply join top six conference members DePaul/Illinois, Pittsburgh/West Virginia, Cincinnati/Ohio State and Texas/Texas A&M as potentially great natural non-league match-ups their fans haven't been able to enjoy on a regular basis. DePaul/Illini, Pitt/UWV and UC/OSU confrontations occurred the past two seasons and need to continue.
We nearly required self-absorbed former Secretary of State John Kerry to bring James Taylor for a "You've Got a Friend" sing-along to ease the stress after Utah cancelled its game against BYU for a year before re-engaging. If bruised egos heal in the near future, perhaps sounder minds will prevail with Mizzou annually opposing KU in Kansas City much like it does in St. Louis against Illinois. But Mizzou can't complain if the Jayhawks continue to act like a jilted lover because the self-centered Tigers, hit-and-running away from problem akin to Beto O'Rourke DWI episode, fail to oppose competent in-state foes such as Missouri State and Saint Louis.
By almost any measure including Alexander the Great's perspective, KU has a superior program to Mizzou, which is at its lowest ebb in more than 50 years after mess-maker Frank Haith left the Tigers' program in tatters. But Jayhawks coach Bill Self should rein in his rhetoric as the divorce dialogue intensified or at least take a crash course in college basketball history. When comparing the significance of the Kentucky/Louisville rivalry to the termination of KU's home-and-home conference conflicts with the Tigers, Self said: "Well, they've always played every year (out of league). That's all they know."
Well, Self needs to "always know" that UK and Louisville went 61 years from 1923 through 1983 without a regular-season matchup before they came to their senses and saw the light. Speaking of light, KU and Mizzou simply have to shed one lightweight apiece to keep a good thing going for the sport in general and for their fans specifically like the entertaining Philly Big 5. The two schools combined to raise $1.75 million for hurricane victims by playing an exhibition game in the fall of 2017. Why not surpass that feat via a regular-season confrontation? KU shouldn't also deny hoop fans a Top 20 match-up with Wichita State. But Self-less seems more interested in "scheduling" jobs for family members of prize prospects.
By toning down picking on patsies, there is plenty of room on their respective non-league schedules to keep playing each other. Ditto for Indiana and Kentucky duplicating Memphis and Tennessee resuming their rivalries this year. If consistent, they would definitely be among the top 10 such confrontations in the country. If the century-old KU/Mizzou spectacle returns, it could immediately surpass Kentucky/Louisville and go atop the following list of the nation's top 25 non-conference rivalries if only because of longevity:
- Kentucky/Louisville
- Illinois/Missouri
- Cincinnati/Xavier
- Iowa/Iowa State
- Indiana/Notre Dame
- Brigham Young/Utah
- St. Joseph's/Villanova
- Georgia/Georgia Tech
- Florida/Florida State
- Marquette/Wisconsin
- Clemson/South Carolina
- New Mexico/New Mexico State
- Marshall/West Virginia
- Utah/Utah State
- Temple/Villanova
- La Salle/Villanova
- Florida/Miami (FL)
- Iowa/Northern Iowa
- Colorado/Colorado State
- Drake/Iowa
- Penn/Villanova
- Providence/Rhode Island
- Creighton/Nebraska
- La Salle/Temple
- Idaho/Idaho State
Zigging and Zagging: Gonzaga Among Nine Mid-Majors Entering Tourney #1
A weekly ritual began on January 18, 1949, when the Associated Press announced the results of the first weekly basketball poll. Cliff Clavin might be the only individual who knows that St. Louis was ranked atop the initial poll. The Billikens, who have never been a member of a power league, placed third in the final rankings that season. SLU was the first of eight different mid-major institutions in the first eight seasons of rankings to be atop the national pedestal.
Well, we've traversed from one mid-level school all the way to another (Gonzaga). The Zags, who became the ninth mid-major school entering the NCAA playoffs ranked #1 (2013), has been the only mid-major atop the national poll in the last 10 seasons (achieving feat third time in last seven years this campaign). Despite losing to Tennessee on a neutral court, the Zags have a legitimate shot at being ranked #1 entering the 2019 NCAA playoffs.
The term "mid-major" annoys some loyalists. But following is a chronological list assessing what happened to nationally top-ranked teams that haven't been members of one of the generally-accepted power conferences since AP national rankings were introduced in the late 1940s:
| Season | Date(s) | Mid-Major Ranked #1 | Score | Team(s) Upsetting #1 | Final AP Ranking (Record) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948-49 | 1-20-49 | St. Louis | 29-27 in OT | at Oklahoma A&M | 3rd (22-4) |
| 1949-50 | 3-4-50 | Holy Cross | 61-54 | at Columbia | 4th (27-4) |
| 1949-50 | 3-28-50 | Bradley | 71-68 | CCNY at New York in NCAA Tournament final | 1st (32-5) |
| 1950-51 | 12-9-50 | CCNY | 54-37 | Missouri | unranked |
| 1950-51 | 1-11-51 | Bradley | 68-59 | at St. John's | 6th (32-6) |
| 1952-53 | 1-17-53 | La Salle | 68-62 | at DePaul | 6th (25-3) |
| 1953-54 | 2-26/27-54 | Duquesne | 66-52 & 64-54 | at Cincinnati and Dayton | 5th (26-3) |
| 1954-55 | 12-18-54 | La Salle | 79-69 | Utah | 3rd (26-5) |
| 1955-56 | San Francisco (29-0) was ranked #1 entire season. | ||||
| 1963-64 | 12-27-63 | Loyola (Ill.) | 69-58 | Georgetown at Philadelphia in Quaker City Tournament | 8th (22-6) |
| 1964-65 | 12-14-64 | Wichita State | 87-85 | Michigan at Detroit | unranked (21-9) |
| 1967-68 | 3-22/23-68 | Houston | 101-69 & 89-85 | UCLA and Ohio State at Final Four in Los Angeles | 1st (31-2) |
| 1978-79 | 3-26-79 | Indiana State | 75-64 | Michigan State at Salt Lake City in NCAA Tournament final | 1st (33-1) |
| 1982-83 | 1-10-83 | Memphis State | 69-56 | at Virginia Tech | 17th (23-8) |
| 1982-83 | 2-24/27-83 | UNLV | 86-78 & 87-78 | at Cal State Fullerton and West Virginia | 6th (28-3) |
| 1982-83 | 4-4-83 | Houston | 54-52 | North Carolina State at Albuquerque in NCAA Tournament final | 1st (31-3) |
| 1986-87 | 1-17-87 | UNLV | 89-88 | at Oklahoma | 1st (37-2) |
| 1986-87 | 3-28-87 | UNLV | 97-93 | Indiana at New Orleans in NCAA Tournament national semifinals | 1st (37-2) |
| 1987-88 | 3-26-88 | Temple | 63-53 | Duke at East Rutherford, NJ, in NCAA Tournament East Regional final | 1st (32-2) |
| 1990-91 | 3-30-91 | UNLV | 79-77 | Duke at Indianapolis in NCAA Tournament national semifinals | 1st (34-1) |
| 1994-95 | 12-3-94 | Massachusetts | 81-75 | Kansas at Anaheim | 7th (29-5) |
| 1994-95 | 2-4-95 | Massachusetts | 78-75 | at George Washington | 7th (29-5) |
| 1995-96 | 2-24-96 | Massachusetts | 86-76 | George Washington | 1st (35-2) |
| 1995-96 | 3-30-96 | Massachusetts | 81-74 | Kentucky at East Rutherford, NJ, in NCAA Tournament national semifinals | 1st (35-2) |
| 2003-04 | 3-11-04 | St. Joseph's | 87-67 | Xavier at Dayton in Atlantic 10 Tournament quarterfinals | 5th (30-2) |
| 2007-08 | 2-23-08 | Memphis | 66-62 | Tennessee | 2nd (38-2) |
| 2012-13 | 3-23-13 | Gonzaga | 76-70 | Wichita State | 1st (32-3) |
| 2016-17 | 2-25-17 | Gonzaga | 79-71 | Brigham Young | 4th (37-2) |
| 2018-19 | 12-9-18 | Gonzaga | 76-73 | Tennessee | TBD |
Bowling Ball: Numerous Versatile Athletes Were Hoopers After FB Bowl Game
There have been a striking number of hoopers over the years contributing to bowl football teams prior to switching from the gridiron to the hardwood. Former South Carolina football wide receiver/basketball guard Bruce Ellington, after throwing a touchdown pass to the Gamecocks' quarterback on a reverse and catching a go-ahead TD pass in the second half of the Capital One Bowl against Wisconsin five years ago, is among the all-time Top 10 "Men For All Seasons."
In an era of specialization, research reveals Ellington is the first major-college basketball regular to compete the same academic school year in three consecutive football bowl games. He joined Terry Baker (Oregon State), Mike Bush (Washington State), Rick Casares (Florida), Ronald Curry (North Carolina), Charles Davis (Purdue), Pete "Bump" Elliott (Michigan), Fred Gibson (Georgia), Teyo Johnson (Stanford), Matt Jones (Arkansas), Terry Kirby (Virginia), Dave Logan (Colorado) and Tony "Zippy" Morocco (Georgia) as athletes who scored a touchdown in a bowl game shortly before or after switching uniforms and making significant contributions to the school's basketball squad. Ellington, after pacing USC in pass receptions, cut short both his college football and basketball career by declaring early for the NFL draft (started two of three early-season hoop contests).
In the ultimate one-and-only achievement, Baker is the lone football Heisman Trophy winner to play in the basketball Final Four (1963). Kirby, a running back, and Matt Blundin, a quarterback, were teammates who competed in back-to-back years for Virginia football squads in bowl games (Florida Citrus following 1989 season and Sugar following 1990) before becoming members of Cavaliers hoop teams participating in the NCAA playoffs.
Michigan State's Andre Rison is among a striking number of athletes who "crafted" playing both sports at the highest collegiate level in the same school year. NFL all-time great tight end Tony Gonzalez (California) is among the following alphabetical list of versatile athletes since the end of World War II who played in at least one football bowl game the same school year they were a hooper (bowl year denotes when regular season was played):
| Football-Basketball Player | College | FB Pos. | Bowl Game(s) | Two-Way Athlete Summary in Same Academic School Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Atkins | Tennessee | DE | 1950 Cotton | Eventual NFL first-round pick helped defeat Texas 20-14 before averaging 9.9 ppg for Volunteers' basketball squad. |
| Terry Baker | Oregon State | QB | 1962 Liberty | MVP's 99-yard run from scrimmage accounted for only points in 6-0 victory against Villanova before becoming runner-up in scoring (13.4 ppg) with Beavers' NCAA Tournament fourth-place finisher. |
| Connor Barwin | Cincinnati | TE | 2006 International | One solo tackle in 27-24 triumph against Western Michigan before averaging 1.2 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Bearcats' basketball team. |
| Matt Blundin | Virginia | QB | 1989 Florida Citrus/1990 Sugar | Backup in two defeats (31-21 vs. Illinois and 23-22 vs. Tennessee) while averaging 3.3 ppg and 4.6 rpg with two NCAA playoff teams for Cavaliers. |
| Larry Brown | Georgia | TE | 1997 Outback | Defeated Wisconsin 33-6 before averaging 6.3 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Bulldogs' NIT third-place team. |
| Mike Bush | Washington State | WR | 2001 Sun | A 46-yard TD reception helped defeat Purdue 33-27 before becoming Cougars' third-leading scorer with 10.9 ppg as hoop senior. |
| Rick Casares | Florida | FB-PK | 1952 Gator | Rushed 21 times for 86 yards, scoring first TD in Gators' bowl history, and kicked both extra points in 14-13 nod over Tulsa before All-SEC second-team selection paced hoop squad in scoring (15.5 ppg) and rebounding (11.5 rpg). |
| Rip Collins | Louisiana State | FB | 1947 Cotton | All-SEC pick helped LSU secure 15-1 edge in first downs and 255-54 advantage in net yards rushing in 0-0 tie with Arkansas in standoff known as Ice Bowl because of sleet and snow before earning letter for school's hoop squad. |
| Sam Craft | Memphis | RB | 2015 Birmingham | Scored seven touchdowns (5 rushing/2 receiving) for bowl team losing against Auburn, 31-10, before averaging 2.2 ppg under coach Josh Pastner. |
| Ed Crawford | Mississippi | DB | 1955 Sugar | Thwarted any comeback attempt by TCU with interception in Rebels' 14-13 win in 1956 Cotton Bowl after 21-0 Sugar Bowl setback against Navy previous year before earning hoops letter as 6-3 forward. |
| Ronald Curry | North Carolina | QB | 1998 Las Vegas | Curry's 48-yard TD scamper put Tar Heels in front to stay in 20-13 win over San Diego State before averaging 2.8 ppg and 1.7 apg for hoop squad upset in first round of NCAA playoffs by Weber State. |
| Charles Davis | Purdue | TE | 2004 Sun | His 6-yard TD reception from Kyle Orton put Boilermakers ahead with just over one minute remaining but Arizona State marched 80 yards in four plays to win 27-23 before Davis averaged 2.9 ppg and 3.1 rpg in coach Gene Keady's swan song. |
| Matt Davison | Nebraska | SE | 1999 Fiesta | Leading Husker receiver in three bowl games, including 31-21 nod over Tennessee, before starting two Big 12 Conference basketball contests. |
| Rickey Dudley | Ohio State | TE | 1994 Florida Citrus | Caught two passes for 26 yards in 24-17 setback against Alabama before averaging team-high 7.5 rpg. |
| Bruce Ellington | South Carolina | WR | 2011 Capital One/2012 Outback/2013 Capital One | Season-long 45-yard kickoff return in 30-13 win over Nebraska and caught game-winning TD pass with only seconds remaining in 33-28 victory against Michigan before averaging 10.5 ppg while finishing Gamecocks' leader in either assists or steals. |
| Pete "Bump" Elliott | Michigan | B | 1947 Rose Bowl | Rushed seven times for 53 yards and caught 1-yard TD pass in 49-0 romp over Southern California before averaging 6 ppg for Wolverine hoopsters. |
| Percy Ellsworth | Virginia | S | 1994 Independence | Integral part of defense leading nation in interceptions helped Cavaliers end four-game bowl losing streak with 20-10 verdict over TCU before appearing in all four contests with Midwest Regional runner-up in NCAA tourney. |
| James Francis | Baylor | LB | 1986 Bluebonnet | Eventual NFL first-round pick helped Bears beat Colorado 21-9 before averaging 2.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg while shooting 52.2% from floor. |
| Fred Gibson | Georgia | WR | 2001 Music City | Opened scoring with 15-yard TD reception but Boston College rallied to prevail 20-16 before Gibson averaged 4.9 ppg with Bulldogs' NCAA playoff team. |
| Tony Gonzalez | California | TE | 1996 Aloha | Established Cal bowl record with nine receptions in 42-38 reversal against Navy before averaging 6.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg with Bears' squad losing against North Carolina in East Regional semifinals. |
| Gregg Guenther | Southern California | TE | 2003 Rose | Part-time starter for national champion managed one reception for 19 yards from QB Matt Leinart in 28-14 win against Michigan before averaging 5.6 ppg and 4.7 rpg with Trojans' hoop squad. |
| Ross Hales | Indiana | TE | 1993 Independence | Caught 34-yard pass in second quarter of 45-20 loss against Virginia Tech before making token appearance for Coach Bob Knight in Hoosiers' 67-58 win over Temple in NCAA playoffs. |
| Cecil Hankins | Oklahoma A&M | B | 1945 Cotton | Two-way back and top pass receive for Aggies team that trounced TCU before playing forward and leading basketball squad in scoring in NCAA playoffs for 1945 national titlist. |
| Joe Howard | Notre Dame | WR | 1983 Liberty | Caught one pass for 43 yards in 19-18 decision over Doug Flutie-led Boston College before averaging 5.5 ppg and 3.3 apg as part-time starter with Irish NIT runner-up. |
| Teyo Johnson | Stanford | WR | 2001 Seattle | A 4-yard fourth-quarter TD reception closed gap prior to bowing against Georgia Tech 24-14 before averaging 5.8 ppg and 4 rpg with Cardinal NCAA playoff squad. |
| Matt Jones | Arkansas | QB | 2003 Independence | Scored go-ahead TD, rushed 7 times for 74 yards and completed 6 of 14 passes in 27-14 verdict over Missouri before averaging 5 ppg and 4.5 rpg as Hogs hooper. |
| Wallace "Wah Wah" Jones | Kentucky | SE | 1947 Great Lakes | Leader in pass receptions from QB George Blanda under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant for squad beating Villanova 24-14. All-SEC first-team selection in basketball averaged 9.3 ppg for Adolph Rupp's 1948 NCAA titlist. |
| Bronson Kaufusi | Brigham Young | DE | 2012 Poinsettia | Recorded sack in 23-6 victory against San Diego State before collecting 21 points and 34 rebounds in 20 hoop games for NIT semifinalist. |
| Corbin Kaufusi | Brigham Young | DL | 2016 Poinsettia | Posted four tackles in 24-21 triumph against Wyoming before 6-10 center collected 10 points and 15 rebounds in 16 hoop games for BYU. |
| Don King | Syracuse | RB | 1961 Liberty | Teammate of Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis was member of football squad coming from behind to nip Miami (Fla.), 15-14, before averaging 5 ppg and 3.9 rpg. |
| Jeff King | Virginia Tech | TE | 2004 Sugar | Caught three passes for 12 yards in 16-13 setback against Auburn before collecting 18 points and 23 rebounds in 16 games as hoop freshman with Hokies. |
| Terry Kirby | Virginia | RB | 1989 Florida Citrus/1990 Sugar | Rushed for 139 yards in 29 carries with one TD in losses against Illinois (31-21) and Tennessee (23-22) before averaging 2.8 ppg in two seasons with Cavaliers' hoops squad. |
| Dave Logan | Colorado | WR | 1975 Bluebonnet | His 4-yard TD reception gave Buffaloes 14-0 lead prior to them succumbing against Texas 38-21 before becoming basketball team's runner-up in scoring (12.7 ppg) and rebounding (6.5 rpg). |
| Leonard Mitchell | Houston | DE | 1978 Cotton | UH squandered 34-12 lead when Joe Montana-led Notre Dame scored 23 unanswered points in fourth quarter to win by one before Mitchell averaged 5.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Cougars' hoop squad. |
| Tony "Zippy" Morocco | Georgia | HB | 1950 Presidential Cup | Scored two second-half touchdowns (30-yard run from scrimmage and 65-yard punt return) as Co-MVP in 40-20 setback against Texas A&M before averaging 9.7 ppg with Bulldogs' basketball team. |
| Prince Parker | Virginia Tech | TE | 2010 Orange | Caught one pass for four yards for Frank Beamer-coached squad finishing season with 40-12 loss against Stanford before making his only field-goal attempt and grabbing one rebound in four basketball games under coach Seth Greenberg. |
| Brent Petrus | Cincinnati | TE | 1997 Humanitarian | Three-year backup QB caught 10 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown as TE his senior season for the Bearcats' first bowl team in 46 years (beat Utah State, 35-19). Averaged 2.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg while shooting 64.4% from the floor under UC coach Bob Huggins, participating in two 1998 NCAA tourney games. |
| Nate Poole | Marshall | WR | 1997 Motor City | Teammate of Randy Moss caught 26 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns during freshman season for bowl team losing to Ole Miss, 34-31, before sinking all four free-throw attempts in two basketball games. |
| Jerry Priestley | Georgia Tech | QB | 1965 Gator | One-yard touchdown run early in fourth quarter helped propel Yellow Jackets to 31-21 win over Texas Tech before he competed in eight basketball games later in school year. |
| Bryan Randall | Virginia Tech | QB | 2003 Insight | Threw for more passing yards (398) than future NFL star Aaron Rodgers (394) in 52-49 setback against Cal before averaging 3.1 ppg and 1.3 rpg for the Hokies under coach Seth Greenberg. |
| Pat Richter | Wisconsin | E | 1962 Rose | Registered then Rose Bowl-record 11 pass receptions in 42-37 setback against USC as senior co-captain before averaging 3.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg in eight basketball games. |
| Andre Rison | Michigan State | WR | 1987 Rose | Had two long pass receptions (55 and 36 yards) in a 20-17 win against USC before registering 24 points and 42 assists in 18 games for the Spartans' basketball squad. |
| Clifton Robinson | Auburn | WR-PR | 1997 Peach | The Tigers topped Clemson, 21-17, before freshman collected 22 points, six rebounds and six assists in 12 basketball games under coach Cliff Ellis. |
| Dave Robinson | Penn State | LB-WR | 1960 Liberty | Two-way performer for PSU squad overwhelming Oregon, 41-12, before he made two free throws and grabbed five rebounds in two basketball games for the Nittany Lions. |
| Nate Robinson | Washington | CB | 2002 Sun | His QB sack helped Huskies get off to strong start before bowing against Purdue 34-24 prior to freshman pacing hoopers in scoring (13 ppg). |
| Reggie Rogers | Washington | DL | 1984 Orange | Eventual NFL first-round draft choice helped upend Oklahoma 28-17 before averaging 5.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg with Huskies' hoop squad. |
| Robert Royal | Louisiana State | TE | 2000 Peach | Defeated Georgia Tech, 28-14, after setting school record for tight ends with five touchdown receptions in Nick Saban's first season as coach of the Tigers. Collected 10 points and six rebounds in five basketball games after turning in his cleats. |
| Bill Saul | Penn State | LB | 1959 Liberty | Defeated Alabama 7-0 before averaging 6.1 ppg and 4 rpg with Nittany Lions' hoopers. |
| Otto Schnellbacher | Kansas | E | 1947 Orange | Football co-captain finished career with records for receptions (58) and receiving yards (1,069) standing for 22 years. Leading scorer for KU's hoop squad in 1947-48. |
| Dick Schnittker | Ohio State | E | 1950 Rose | Rushed once for five yards in 17-14 victory against California before All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection was game-high scorer in two 1950 NCAA playoff contests for Buckeyes. |
| Austin Seferian-Jenkins | Washington | TE | 2011 Alamo | Caught five passes for 59 yards in highest-scoring regulation bowl game in history (67-56 loss to RGIII-led Baylor) before collecting seven points and nine rebounds in four NIT contests for Huskies' semifinalist. |
| Jim Skala | Michigan | E | 1950 Rose | Caught two passes for 33 yards with football team going on to defeat favored Cal, 14-6, prior to averaging 7.5 ppg on UM's hoop squad. |
| Dick Soergel | Oklahoma State | QB | 1958 Bluegrass | Completed 6 of 12 passes for 77 yards and 2-point conversion in 15-6 win against Florida State before averaging 8.5 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Pokes' basketball squad plus posting 8-1 pitching record and winning national championship baseball game. |
| Peter "Pat" Stark | Syracuse | QB | 1952 Orange | Blasted by Bart Starr-led Alabama, 61-6, before averaging 9.7 ppg for SU's hoop squad. |
| Roy "Rebel" Steiner | Alabama | E-DB | 1947 Sugar | All-SEC choice was leading pass receiver for Crimson Tide squad losing to Texas, 27-7, before forward earned a letter for Bama's basketball team. |
| Tai Streets | Michigan | WR | 1996 Outback | Wolverines' leading receiver had only two catches for 12 yards in 17-14 setback against Alabama before collecting four points and seven rebounds in 13 basketball games for NIT titlist coached by Steve Fisher. |
| Syniker Taylor | Mississippi | FS | 1999 Independence | Tied for team lead with three interceptions for football squad that edged Oklahoma, 27-25, before starting six basketball games en route to averaging 2.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg. |
| Adalius Thomas | Southern Mississippi | DE | 1997 Liberty | All-CUSA defensive lineman for team pounding Pitt, 41-7, on gridiron before competing in three basketball games for USM after being a hoop regular as power forward the previous season. |
| Lamar Thomas | Miami (Fla.) | WR | 2000 Cotton | Caught one pass for 14 yards in 46-3 trouncing of Texas before collecting 16 points and 4 rebounds in four basketball games. |
| Wilson Thomas | Nebraska | WR | 2001 Rose | Huskers leading receiver caught three passes for 36 yards in 37-14 loss against Miami (Fla.) before averaging 4.6 ppg and 3.8 rpg. |
| Willie Townsend | Notre Dame | WR | 1972 Orange | Irish's top pass catcher and teammates lost to Johnny Rodgers-led Nebraska 40-6 before averaging 2.1 ppg for Digger Phelps-coached hoop squad. |
| Charlie Ward | Florida State | QB | 1992 Orange/1993 Orange | Completed 39-of-73 passes for 473 yards in back-to-back victories over Nebraska (27-14 and 18-16) while pacing FSU in assists and steals average his final two hoop campaigns. |
| Derek Watson | South Carolina | RB | 2002 Outback | Lou Holtz protege rushed for 27 yards on 11 carries and caught four passes for 37 yards in 31-28 win against Ohio State before scoring one point in two minutes of one hoops game. |
| Charlie West | Texas-El Paso | DB | 1967 Sun | Bobby Dodd's pupil eventually named to 75th Anniversary of All-Sun Bowl Team collected two points and one rebounds in two games under Miners coach Don Haskins. |
| Ron Widby | Tennessee | P | 1965 Bluebonnet/1966 Gator | Nation's top punter for coach Doug Dickey's second of first two Vols football teams that both went to bowl games (wins over Tulsa 27-6 and Syracuse 18-12) while also being an All-SEC basketball selection (including 50-point outburst in final home game). |
| De'Runnya Wilson | Mississippi State | WR | 2013 Liberty | Caught three passes from Bulldogs QB Dak Prescott for 37 yards in 44-7 win against Rice before collecting 6 points and 11 rebounds in seven hoop games. |
| Pat Wilson | Michigan State | QB-DB | 1956 Rose | Substituted in as DB for Earl Morrall (his roommate) in 17-14 win against UCLA. Single-platoon football permitted one substitution among the starting 11. Went on to average 6.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg in 14 hoop contests. |
| Irvin "Whiz" Wisniewski | Michigan | E | 1947 Rose | Caught four passes for 73 yards in 1947 as member of 10-0 national championship team as sophomore before scoring two points in Wolverines' first NCAA playoff win (66-49 against Columbia in 1948 Eastern Regional third-place game). |
Heisman Hoopers: When Will Another Charlie Ward Emerge on NCAA Scene?
How long was USELESS Today lying in wait with old information until maximizing smear of Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray's tweets as immature adolescent (14- and 15-year-old)? At least the media maggots didn't desecrate versatile Murray for playing baseball rather than basketball. Murray, an outfielder, was the ninth pick overall in this year's MLB draft by the Oakland Athletics.
Will another hooper ever strike the Heisman pose? At least three Heisman Trophy winners in three straight decades - 1940s, 1950s and 1960s - are among the football players also competing in college basketball. But Florida State's Charlie Ward (1993) is the only such multi-sport athlete in the last 50 years to achieve the feat.
At a time when basketball and football seasons overlap, you might want to know three Heisman recipients in a 10-year span from 1947 through 1956 were from Notre Dame. Following is an alphabetical list of Heisman Trophy winners who played varsity basketball at some point in their college careers:
| Heisman Winner | Year | College Where Also Played BKB (Hoops Summary) | FB Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terry Baker | 1962 | Oregon State (All-West Regional selection in NCAA Tournament in 1962 and 1963) | QB |
| Ernie Davis | 1961 | Syracuse (team-high rebound average with 9.6 rpg in 1960-61) | HB |
| Glenn Davis | 1946 | Army (hoop team member in 1944-45 and 1945-46) | FB |
| Tom Harmon | 1940 | Michigan (averaged 7.6 ppg as sophomore in 1938-39) | HB |
| Paul Hornung | 1956 | Notre Dame (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 games as sophomore in 1954-55) | QB |
| Dick Kazmaier | 1951 | Princeton (averaged 3.4 ppg as sophomore and junior) | HB |
| Larry Kelley | 1936 | Yale (finished among top 12 in scoring in EIL in 1935-36 and 1936-37) | E |
| Nile Kinnick | 1939 | Iowa (runner-up in scoring average with 6.1 ppg as sophomore) | HB |
| Johnny Lattner | 1953 | Notre Dame (game-winning basket in OT at NYU in 1951-52) | HB |
| Johnny Lujack | 1947 | Notre Dame (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard in 1943-44) | QB |
| Roger Staubach | 1963 | Navy (played varsity hoops in 1962-63) | QB |
| Doak Walker | 1948 | Southern Methodist (letterman as freshman in 1945-46) | HB |
| Charlie Ward | 1993 | Florida State (averaged 8.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.4 apg and 2.6 spg first half of 1990s) | QB |
