Classiest Classes: Neither Kentucky Nor Duke Features All-Time Great Group

In 1965-66, the best team in the country might have been UCLA's freshman squad. The Bruins' frosh, led by 7-1 Lew Alcindor's 31 points and 21 rebounds, defeated the two-time NCAA champion UCLA varsity, 75-60. The yearlings compiled a 21-0 record, outscoring their opponents 113.2 points per game to 56.6. Starters for what is considered by some as the best freshman team in NCAA history included Alcindor (33.1 ppg and 21.5 rpg), forwards Lynn Shackelford (20.9 ppg and 9.3 rpg) and Kent Taylor (7.2 ppg) and guards Lucius Allen (22.4 ppg and 7.8 rpg) and Kenny Heitz (14.3 ppg).

Freshmen became eligible for varsity competition seven years later, but there are no guarantees despite a recruit's regal high school resume. In fact, UCLA had a couple of the most disappointing classes in memory thus far in the 21st Century before gifted groups for Duke and Kentucky failed to live up to great expectations this campaign. Michigan saw both ends of the spectrum with a couple of its freshman recruiting crops in the 1990s that were highly acclaimed. One lived up to expectations while the other went from feast to famine.

The "Fab Five" in the first half of the decade probably will stand the test of time and earn recognition among the best classes in college basketball history. On the other hand, guard Louis Bullock was all that was left at the conclusion of the Wolverines' promising 1995-96 freshman class that included Tractor Traylor (left early to become an NBA lottery pick) and Albert White (transferred to Missouri where he was the Tigers' leading scorer in 1998-99 with 16.3 ppg). Minus Traylor and White, Michigan posted an anemic 12-19 record in 1998-99 and finished in a tie for ninth place in the Big Ten (5-11).

In the aftermath of Michigan's recruiting hauls, Duke had an amazing series of regal freshman classes. The Blue Devils' 1997-98 freshman crop (William Avery, Shane Battier, Elton Brand and Chris Burgess) dominated the ACC and was well on its way toward challenging Indiana's superb group in the mid-1970s as the premier class of all time until Avery and Brand left school early for the NBA and Burgess transferred to Utah. The splendid original class was eventually regarded as superior to Michigan's "Fab Five" but with only two years intact won't boast the extended excellence to supplant Indiana's brilliant crew that included Quinn Buckner, Scott May and Bobby Wilkerson.

In 1999-00, Duke's stunning freshmen included Carlos Boozer, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Jason Williams. In 2002-03, the Devils' frosh class included guards Sean Dockery and J.J. Redick plus centers Shavlik Randolph and Shelden Williams. All of these groups were Final Four-bound. As a means of comparison, the Blue Devils' outstanding class comprised of Mark Alarie, Jay Bilas, Johnny Dawkins and David Henderson embarked with an 11-17 mark in 1982-83 before concluding their collegiate careers with an NCAA single-season standard for victories (37-3 in 1985-86). But none of these gifted groups compare to Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen capturing an NCAA title as Blue Devil freshmen in 2015.

Ranking recruiting classes regarding their long-term impact on college basketball is risky business. For instance, does Michigan's Fab Five deserve more acclaim than Butler's mid-major level class also reaching back-to-back NCAA championship games? Where does Kentucky's terrific title trio in 2012 deserve to be ranked insofar as it was around only one year? And what does the future hold for elite recruiting classes assembled again by Duke and Kentucky if they aren't normal one-year mercenaries? Each year's UK crop of late immediately goes to being labeled as perhaps the greatest in collegiate history but this year's group - three of top four scorers Malik Monk, De'Aaron Fox and Edrice Adebayo plus part-time starter Wenyen Gabriel - will do well to simply be better than four previous Wildcats classes (1978, 1983, 2013 and 2015) in the mediocre SEC.

It is a simplistic copout to accept the instant visibility of icon programs and automatically cite them among the most influential in college history. Classes from Alcorn State, Butler, East Tennessee State, San Francisco, Southern Mississippi and Wichita State are mentioned in this appraisal. In an era of "one 'n done" freshmen, extended impact becomes an even more vital factor in separating the premier recruiting classes.

There is little doubt Kentucky's 2012 title team frosh class would have quickly moved up the pecking order if they had chosen to return. It's highly unlikely the NCAA will tamper with a nation's fascination on freshmen by making them ineligible. Following is CollegeHoopedia.com's view, factoring in length of tenure (undergraduates declaring for the NBA draft), of the premier recruiting crops (excluding junior college signees) since the introduction of freshman eligibility in 1972-73:

1. Indiana (class of '76)
Recruiting Class: Tom Abernethy, Quinn Buckner, Jim Crews, Scott May, Bobby Wilkerson.
Achievements: Last NCAA champion to go undefeated compiled a 63-1 record in last two seasons this class was intact, climaxing a run of four Big Ten titles. Reached 1973 Final Four with freshmen Buckner and Crews as starting guards under coach Bob Knight (May was ineligible as a freshman for academic reasons). Posted an amazing 59-5 conference mark while capturing four consecutive Big Ten titles. Abernethy, Buckner, May and Wilkerson all played at least five seasons in the NBA while Crews went on to coach Evansville and Army for more than 20 seasons

2. Duke (class of '01)
Recruiting Class: William Avery, Shane Battier, Elton Brand, Chris Burgess (transfer/Utah).
Achievements: Won 31 of 32 ACC games in two seasons together before Avery and Brand left early for the NBA draft. NCAA playoff runner-up in 1999 under coach Mike Krzyzewski

3. Georgetown (class of '85)
Recruiting Class: Ralph Dalton, Patrick Ewing, Anthony Jones (transfer/UNLV), Bill Martin.
Achievements: Won NCAA title in 1984, runner-up in 1985 and reached Final Four in 1982. Went 30-7, 22-10, 34-3 and 35-3 under coach John Thompson. The Hoyas' worst Big East record in that span was 11-5 in 1982-83 although their only conference crown was in 1984. Ewing was the only one of the group to play more than three season in the NBA.

4. Florida (class of '08)
Recruiting Class: Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Al Horford, Joakim Noah.
Achievements: Brewer, Horford and Noah were top nine NBA draft choices as undergraduates after capturing back-to-back NCAA crowns in 2006 and 2007.

5. Duke (class of '18)
Recruiting Class: Grayson Allen, Tyus Jones, Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow.
Achievements: Okafor, Winslow and Jones left after capturing NCAA crown as freshmen to become NBA first-round draft choices. Allen, an improbable hero in the title game, went on to become an All-American the next season.

6. North Carolina (class of '06)
Recruiting Class: Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants, Sean May, David Noel, Bryon Sanders.
Achievements: Felton, McCants and May earned All-ACC honors in their final seasons as juniors when they captured the NCAA crown before becoming top 14 NBA draft choices.

7. Kansas (class of '03)
Recruiting Class: Nick Collison, Drew Gooden, Kirk Hinrich.
Achievements: Collison, Gooden and Hinrich each became an NBA lottery pick. After Gooden left early for the NBA draft, Collison and Hinrich were All-Americans in 2003 when the Jayhawks finished NCAA Tournament runner-up under coach Roy Williams. KU went unbeaten in the Big 12 Conference in 2002.

8. Duke (class of '03)
Recruiting Class: Carlos Boozer, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Jason Williams.
Achievements: Might have been the school's best if any of them had exercised all of their eligibility similar to teammate Shane Battier. Reached NCAA playoff final in 1999 and 2001 under coach Mike Krzyzewski.

9. Michigan (class of '95)
Recruiting Class: Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber.
Achievements: NCAA Tournament runner-up in 1992 (25-9) and 1993 (31-5) as freshman and sophomore starters. Howard, Rose and Webber became NBA first-round draft choices as undergraduates and each played more than 12 years in the league. Principal drawback is that none of the "Fab Five" was a member of a Big Ten Conference title team under coach Steve Fisher.

10. North Carolina (class of '10)
Recruiting Class: Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, Alec Stephenson (transfer/Southern California), Deon Thompson, Brandan Wright.
Achievements: Wright was a "one 'n done" recruit, but core of group cruised to 2009 NCAA crown by winning their playoff games by an average of 20.2 points.

11. Notre Dame (class of '81)
Recruiting Class: Tracy Jackson, Gilbert Salinas, Kelly Tripucka, Stan Wilcox, Orlando Woolridge.
Achievements: Final Four participant in 1978 and Midwest Regional runner-up in '79. Irish went 23-8, 24-6, 22-6 and 23-6 under coach Digger Phelps. Jackson, Tripucka and Woolridge were its top three scorers each of their last three seasons. Tripucka (26.5 ppg/15.3) and Woolridge (25.1/10.6) had long NBA careers where they flourished as scorers, posting a pro career-high scoring average significantly higher than their college career mark.

12. North Carolina (class of '16)
Recruiting Class: Joel James, Brice Johnson, Marcus Paige, J.P. Tokoto.
Achievements: Compiled a 108-40 record over four seasons. Reached NCAA Tournament final as seniors despite Tokoto declaring early for the NBA draft after the previous campaign.

13. Louisville (class of '82)
Recruiting Class: Wiley Brown, Jerry Eaves, Scooter McCray, Derek Smith, Pancho Wright.
Achievements: Won NCAA title in 1980 with Brown, Eaves and Smith starting while McCray was sidelined with a knee injury. Reached the 1982 Final Four under coach Denny Crum. Went 24-8, 33-3, 21-9 and 23-10 with Metro Conference crowns the first three years.

14. Kentucky (class of '15)
Recruiting Class: Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, Kyle Wiltjer (transfer/Gonzaga).
Achievements: Undefeated SEC worksheet before capturing an NCAA title in their lone season together. Outside marksman Wiltjer was the only one not to declare for the NBA draft after their 38-2 freshman campaign under coach John Calipari.

15. North Carolina (class of '97)
Recruiting Class: Guy McInnis, Jerry Stackhouse, Rasheed Wallace, Serge Zwikker.
Achievements: Zwikker was the only Tar Heels representative for each of their three 28-win campaigns in this four-year span under coach Dean Smith.

16. Kentucky (class of '83)
Recruiting Class: Sam Bowie, Derrick Hord, Charles Hunt, Dirk Minniefield.
Achievements: Oft-injured Bowie played five years, reaching Final Four in 1984. Original class had respective records of 29-6, 22-6, 22-8 and 23-8, but never advanced beyond second game of NCAA playoffs. Captured three SEC championships in that span under coach Joe B. Hall.

17. UCLA (class of '77)
Recruiting Class: Marques Johnson, Wilbert Olinde, Gavin Smith (transfer/Hawaii), Jim Spillane, Richard Washington.
Achievements: Won [John Wooden's](coaches/john-wooden) final NCAA title in 1975. Washington left for the NBA a year early. Bruins went 26-4, 28-3, 28-4 and 25-4 with four Pacific-8 Conference crowns. Reached Final Four in '76 under coach Gene Bartow.

18. Ohio State (class of '10)
Recruiting Class: Mike Conley Jr., Daequan Cook, David Lighty, Greg Oden.
Achievements: Known as the "Thad Five" (when adding juco recruit Othello Hunter), the Buckeyes compiled a 35-4 as NCAA Tournament runner-up in 2007. Oden and Conley were top four NBA draft choices following freshman campaign.

19. North Carolina (class of '77)
Recruiting Class: Bruce Buckley, Walter Davis, John Kuester, Tom LaGarde.
Achievements: Lost 1977 NCAA playoff final (28-5 record) after posting similar marks (composite of 70-18) the previous three years. Captured ACC regular-season championships their last two seasons under coach Dean Smith.

20. North Carolina (class of '94)
Recruiting Class: Eric Montross, Derrick Phelps, Brian Reese, Clifford Rozier (transfer/Louisville), Pat Sullivan.
Achievements: Won NCAA title in 1993 after reaching 1991 Final Four as freshmen. Compiled records of 29-6, 23-10, 34-4 and 28-7 under coach Dean Smith. Only ACC regular-season championship was in 1993.

21. Illinois (class of '06)
Recruiting Class: James Augustine, Dee Brown, Deron Williams, Kyle Wilson (transfer/Wichita State).
Achievements: Bill Self's recruits became NCAA Tournament runner-up in 2005 under coach Bruce Weber.

22. Kentucky (class of '13)
Recruiting Class: Eric Bledsoe, DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton, John Wall.
Achievements: Regional runner-up after winning SEC regular-season and league tournament titles in 2010 in their lone season together. All four recruits became NBA first-round draft choices.

23. Michigan State (class of '81)
Recruiting Class: Mike Brkovich, Magic Johnson, Rick Kaye, Jay Vincent.
Achievements: Recovered from embarrassing 18-point defeat to league cellar dweller Northwestern to win 1979 NCAA championship under coach Jud Heathcote with an average victory margin of 20.8 points. Went 25-5 and 26-6 and captured Big Ten titles in Johnson's two seasons before posting losing records (12-15 and 13-14) after he turned pro early.

24. Duke (class of '86)
Recruiting Class: Mark Alarie, Jay Bilas, Johnny Dawkins, David Henderson.
Achievements: Runner-up in 1986 NCAA playoffs with an NCAA-record 37-3 mark after going 24-10 and 23-8 the previous two years following an 11-17 worksheet as freshmen under coach Mike Krzyzewski. Senior season accounted for the group's lone ACC regular-season championship.

25. San Francisco (class of '79)
Recruiting Class: Winford Boynes, Bill Cartwright, Erik Gilberg, Raymond Hamilton (left after two seasons), James Hardy.
Achievements: Went 22-8, 29-2, 22-5 and 22-7 with WCAC championships the last three years. Boynes and Hardy were among the top 13 NBA draft picks after leaving school following their junior season when Dan Belluomini succeeded Bob Gaillard as coach. Cartwright was the third selection overall the next year.

26. Duke (class of '06)
Recruiting Class: Sean Dockery, Lee Melchionni, Shavlik Randolph, J.J. Redick, Shelden Williams.
Achievements: Three seasons with at least 28 victories as All-Americans Redick and Williams exercised all of their collegiate eligibility. Can't be ranked ahead of Michigan's Fab Five because they never reached a Final Four.

27. Kansas (class of '09)
Recruiting Class: Mario Chalmers, Micah Downs (transfer/Gonzaga), Brandon Rush, Julian Wright.
Achievements: Wright left school early for the NBA prior to KU's NCAA title in 2008. None of group was around for the 2008-09 campaign.

28. Syracuse (class of '06)
Recruiting Class: Carmelo Anthony, Billy Edelin, Gerry McNamara.
Achievements: Anthony, the 2003 Final Four MOP, led the champion Orange in scoring in five of its six playoff games. McNamara was Big East Conference Tournament MVP as a senior.

29. Connecticut (class of '07)
Recruiting Class: Josh Boone, Charlie Villanueva, Marcus Williams.
Achievements: Won 2004 NCAA title before each of them left school early for the NBA the next two years.

30. Kansas (class of '05)
Recruiting Class: Keith Langford, Michael Lee, Aaron Miles, Wayne Simien.
Achievements: Splitting time between coaches Roy Williams and Bill Self, this quartet combined for nearly 5,100 points.

31. Marquette (class of '09)
Recruiting Class: Dominic James, Wesley Matthews, Jerel McNeal.
Achievements: Recruited by Tom Crean and playing senior season under Buzz Williams, they combined for more than 5,400 points in compiling four 20-win seasons.

32. Arizona (class of '76)
Recruiting Class: Al Fleming, John Irving (transfer/Hofstra), Eric Money, Coniel Norman, Jim Rappis.
Achievements: Overshadowed by UCLA, UA's "Kiddie Korps" started off 16-10 before members of the original group went 19-7, 22-7 and 24-9 under coach Fred Snowden. Norman averaged 23.9 ppg and Money averaged 18.5 ppg before they turned pro after two seasons. Irving played one season with the Wildcats before transferring to Hofstra, where he led the nation in rebounding in 1975. Fleming became the school's all-time leading rebounder.

33. Purdue (class of '88)
Recruiting Class: Jeff Arnold, Troy Lewis, Todd Mitchell, Dave Stack, Everette Stephens.
Achievements: "The Three Amigos" (Lewis, Mitchell and Stephens) were instrumental in helping the Boilermakers compile a four-year record of 96-28 (.774), including a glittering 29-4 mark as seniors under coach Gene Keady. Lewis and Mitchell still rank among the school's all-time top 10 scorers. Group captured Big Ten Conference titles their last two seasons together. Stephens went on to have the most NBA experience with 38 games.

34. North Carolina (class of '99)
Recruiting Class: Vince Carter, Antawn Jamison, Ademola Okulaja.
Achievements: Coach Dean Smith must have been frustrated in his last two seasons that teams with talents such as Carter and Jamison lost a total of 18 games in 1995-96 and 1996-97.

35. Arizona (class of '05)
Recruiting Class: Will Bynum (transfer/Georgia Tech), Isaiah Fox, Channing Frye, Dennis Latimore (transfer/Notre Dame), Salim Stoudamire.
Achievements: Might have ranked higher if they didn't go through the turmoil of coach Lute Olson's swan song.

36. Kentucky (class of '78)
Recruiting Class: Jack Givens, Dan Hall (transfer/Marshall), James Lee, Mike Phillips, Rick Robey.
Achievements: Freshmen on UK's national runner-up in 1975. Givens (Final Four MOP), Lee, Phillips and Robey represented four of the Wildcats' top five scorers for the Wildcats' 1978 NCAA titlist under coach Joe B. Hall. UK had to settle for participating in the 1976 NIT when Robey missed more than half of the season because of a knee injury.

37. Kansas State (class of '11)
Recruiting Class: Ron Anderson Jr. (transfer/South Florida), Michael Beasley, Fred Brown, Jacob Pullen, Dominique Sutton (transfer/North Carolina Central), Bill Walker.
Achievements: Notched a 21-12 record in their only season together as Beasley and Walker departed for the NBA after freshman campaign.

38. Maryland (class of '81)
Recruiting Class: Ernest Graham, Albert King, Greg Manning.
Achievements: Graham, King and Manning all finished their careers with more than 1,500 points. The Terrapins went 15-13, 19-11, 24-7 (won 1980 ACC regular-season title) and 21-10 under coach Lefty Driesell.

39. Pittsburgh (class of '91)
Recruiting Class: Bobby Martin, Jason Matthews, Sean Miller (RS in 1990), Darelle Porter, Brian Shorter (Prop 48).
Achievements: All five players became 1,000-point scorers in their careers. The Panthers went 24-7 with a Big East Conference title in 1987-88 when they were freshmen before struggling the next couple of seasons under coach Paul Evans.

40. UCLA (class of '83)
Recruiting Class: Darren Daye, Rod Foster, Michael Holton, Cliff Pruitt (transfer/UAB).
Achievements: NCAA Tournament runner-up in 1980 as freshmen under coach Larry Brown. Won Pacific-10 title in '83 under Brown's successor (Larry Farmer). Compiled records of 22-10, 20-7, 21-6 and 23-6.

SPECIAL MENTION
(Underrated classes that didn't generate the headlines they deserved.)

Alcorn State (class of '85)
Recruiting Class: Eddie Archer, Aaron Brandon, Tommy Collier, Michael Phelps.
Achievements: Archer, Brandon, Collier and Phelps all finished their careers with more than 1,200 points. The Braves won three SWAC championships in four years from 1982 through 1985 under coach Davey Whitney, winning NCAA playoff games in 1983 and 1984 when they were eliminated by Georgetown and Kansas by a total of six points.

Butler (class of '12)
Recruiting Class: Gordon Hayward, Shelvin Mack, Ronald Nored, Chase Stigall (redshirt).
Achievements: Hayward nearly hit a game-winning half-court shot in 2010 NCAA title contest. Mack and Nored appeared in back-to-back NCAA championship games. Stigall went on to become one of the Bulldogs' top three-point shooters.

East Tennessee State (class of '91)
Recruiting Class: Greg Dennis, Major Geer, Keith Jennings, Alvin West.
Achievements: All four players became 1,000-point scorers in their careers. East Tennessee State coasted to three consecutive Southern Conference Tournament titles from 1989 through 1991 under coaches Les Robinson and Alan LeForce.

Georgia (class of '83)
Recruiting Class: Terry Fair, Lamar Heard, Dominique Wilkins.
Achievements: The Bulldogs averaged 19 victories annually from 1979-80 through 1982-83 after winning more than 14 games only once the previous 29 seasons.

Illinois (class of '86)
Recruiting Class: Doug Altenberger, Bruce Douglas, Scott Meents, Efrem Winters, Reggie Woodward.
Achievements: Illini won more than 20 games four consecutive campaigns under coach Lou Henson.

Indiana (class of '93)
Recruiting Class: Calbert Cheaney, Lawrence Funderburke (transfer/Ohio State), Greg Graham, Pat Graham, Chris Lawson (transfer/Vanderbilt), Todd Leary, Chris Reynolds.
Achievements: Reached 1992 Final Four en route to compiling 105-27 record. Cheaney became IU's all-time leading scorer.

Iowa (class of '89)
Recruiting Class: B.J. Armstrong, Ed Horton, Les Jepsen (freshman redshirt), Roy Marble.
Achievements: George Raveling's final recruiting class with the Hawkeyes (including J.C. signee Kevin Gamble) all played in the NBA after helping Tom Davis capture national coach of the year acclaim in 1986-87.

Michigan State (class of '92)
Recruiting Class: Parish Hickman (transfer/Liberty), Mark Montgomery, Mike Peplowski (freshman redshirt), Matt Steigenga.
Achievements: Coming off back-to-back losing campaigns under coach Jud Heathcote, the Spartans averaged almost 22 wins annually the next four seasons from 1988-89 through 1991-92.

North Carolina (class of '69)
Recruiting Class: Jim Bostick (transfer/Auburn), Joe Brown, Bill Bunting, Rusty Clark, Dick Grubar, Gerald Tuttle.
Achievements: In three years of varsity competition (45-6 record against ACC foes and 81-15 overall), this group coached by Dean Smith became the first to finish No. 1 in the regular season, win the ACC Tournament and advance to the Final Four each year.

Ohio State (class of '81)
Recruiting Class: Marquis Miller, Kenny Page (transfer/New Mexico), Todd Penn, Carter Scott, Jim Smith, Herb Williams. Achievements: Eldon Miller, Fred Taylor's coaching successor, returned the Buckeyes to national postseason competition with three four-year starters (Scott, Smith and Williams). Page, after starting most of his freshman season with OSU, twice ranked among the nation's top 11 scorers with the Lobos.

Southern California (class of '89)
Recruiting Class: Jeff Connelly (transfer/Santa Clara), Hank Gathers (transfer/Loyola Marymount), Bo Kimble (transfer/Loyola Marymount), Tom Lewis (transfer/Pepperdine).
Achievements: The nucleus of USC's class, recruited by Stan Morrison, left to become stars in the West Coast Conference after a modest freshman season (11-17) when George Raveling arrived as coach.

Southern Mississippi (class of '88)
Recruiting Class: Casey Fisher, Derrick Hamilton, Randolph Keys, John White.
Achievements: Keys, Fisher, Hamilton and White all finished their careers with more than 1,300 points. The Golden Eagles, overshadowed in the Metro Conference by Louisville, won the 1987 NIT under coach M.K. Turk when each of the quartet scored in double digits.

Syracuse (class of '95)
Recruiting Class: Anthony Harris (transfer/Hawaii), Luke Jackson, Lawrence Moten, J.B. Reafsnyder (RS), Glenn Sekunda (transfer/Penn State), Lazarus Sims (RS).
Achievements: The Orange were on NCAA probation in 1993 before Moten finished his career as the school's all-time leading scorer.

UNLV (class of '77)
Recruiting Class: Lewis Brown, Glen Gondrezick, Eddie Owens, Jackie Robinson.
Achievements: Core of freshmen, supplemented by JC signee Ricky Sobers first two seasons, wound up in 1977 Final Four under coach Jerry Tarkanian.

Utah (class of '81)
Recruiting Class: Karl Bankowski, Tom Chambers, Scott Martin, Danny Vranes.
Achievements: Formidable frontcourt featuring Bankowski/Chambers/Vranes helped enable Martin to pace the Utes in assists three successive seasons under coach Jerry Pimm.

Wake Forest (class of '82)
Recruiting Class: Mike Helms, Jim Johnstone, Guy Morgan, Alvis Rogers (RS in 1982).
Achievements: All four players finished their careers with more than 1,100 points under coach Carl Tacy. Morgan, Rogers and Johnstone each grabbed more than 550 rebounds. The Demon Deacons posted back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in school history (22-7 in 1980-81 and 21-9 in 1981-82 when they finished both years in third place in the ACC).

Wichita State (class of '83)
Recruiting Class: Antoine Carr, James Gibbs, Ozell Jones (transfer/Cal State Fullerton), Cliff Levingston.
Achievements: Posted marks of 17-12, 26-7, 23-6 and 25-3 under coach Gene Smithson. Group is somewhat overlooked because the school was on NCAA probation in 1982 and 1983. Levingston left after his junior year. Captured Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championships in 1981 and 1983. Jones played in the NBA with Carr and Levingston.

NFL Pro Bowl Boasted Former College Hoopers Each Season Except For One

After Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham ended up on NFC roster as a replacement, there remained only one NFL Pro Bowl (following 1985 season) when there wasn't at least one gridiron participant who previously played college basketball. Graham was a three-time Pro Bowler for the New Orleans Saints after serving as a part-time hoops starter with Miami FL.

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) Four-Year Hoop College(s) Pro Bowl Year(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
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
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
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
Garet "Jerry" Reichow WR Minnesota Vikings Iowa 1961
Andre Rison WR Atlanta Falcons/Kansas City Chiefs Michigan State 1990-91-92-93-97
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
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
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

Instant Success?: Frosh Phenom Fultz Didn't Guarantee Better W-L Record

Don't believe everything you hear. Complicating the high-expectations transition for freshmen phenoms are misguided rush-to-judgment comments from experts such as Dick Vitale who hype recruits beyond reason during their senior season in high school. According to the effervescent ESPN analyst, Delray Brooks (Indiana/Providence) was going to be the next Oscar Robertson, Tito Horford (Louisiana State/Miami FL) was going to be the next Hakeem Olajuwon, Jeff Lebo (North Carolina) was going to be the next Jerry West, ad nauseam. Brooks, Horford and Lebo went on to become fine college players, but the only historical basketball byproduct they had in common with the Big O, the Dream and Mr. Clutch was they played in the same half century.

Freshmen played varsity college basketball in wartime years during the 1940s and early '50s because of manpower shortages, and at earlier times when eligibility requirements were lax. But for the most part prior to the 1972-73 campaign, colleges fielded freshman teams requiring extra scholarships and operating expenses. Consequently, the introduction of freshman eligibility trimmed costs and, of course, gave eager coaches instant access to high school phenoms who are immediately placed under the glare of the spotlight to help keep elite programs on a pedestal or possibly give struggling teams a chance to climb the ladder of success.

Former Marquette coach Al McGuire coined the phrase: "The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores." But McGuire's clever message came before the "one-and-done" era. Brandon Ingram (Duke) and Ben Simmons (LSU) went 1-2 in the 2016 NBA draft despite failing to boost their college teams to any significant improvement. Washington's Markelle Fultz followed suit in less-than-instant-success category this year after the Huskies were 19-15 last season. North Carolina State's Dennis Smith Jr. also joined the following list of acclaimed freshmen such as Ingram and Simmons losing at least 10 games in their inaugural campaign while failing to guide their schools to better record than they compiled the previous season:

Freshman Phenom Pos. College Season Games Decreased From Previous Year
Markelle Fultz G Washington 2016-17 -8 1/2 to 9-22 record
Brandon Ingram G-F Duke 2015-16 -8 1/2 to 25-11
Mike McGee F Michigan 1977-78 -8 1/2 to 16-11
Mitchell Anderson G Bradley 1978-79 -4 to 9-17
Devin Durant F Texas 2006-07 -4 to 25-10
Ben Simmons F Louisiana State 2015-16 -3 to 19-14
Danny Ainge G Brigham Young 1977-78 -1 1/2 to 12-18
Michael Beasley F-C Kansas State 2007-08 -1 to 21-12
Dennis Smith Jr. G North Carolina State 2016-17 -1/2 to 15-17

Nostalgia 79: 1-79 Ranking of Premier Players in NCAA Tournament History

"It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumphs of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt

For those who eat, sleep and breathe the NCAA Tournament although it came after Teddy Roosevelt's presidency, the sensory overload of the playoffs is a banquet and every year is a feast. Nourishing your appetite for assessing postseason play, the following questions linger before the 79th event commences this year: Who were the most pristine postseason players in the nation's premier multiple-week sports spectacle? Who always seemed hot and who was not? Who was a stud instead of a dud?

It's a cop-out to simply accept the instant visibility of one-name icons such as Magic, Bird and Michael and cite them among the greatest players in tourney history. The prolific pro careers of Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, a trio combining to win nine consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player awards from 1983-84 through 1991-92 (three apiece), somewhat distorts their impact in college postseason play. Notwithstanding the TV appeal of the Bird/Magic championship game match-up in 1979 and Jordan's game-winning basket as a freshman in the 1982 national final against Georgetown, a closer examination of the facts than what was exhibited in 75th-anniversary polls several years ago by ESPN, Sports Illustrated and Sporting News shows that other collegians were more efficient more often in the NCAA Tournament. Consider the following tourney trauma for Johnson (ESPN 5/SN 7/SI 8), Bird (SI 5/ESPN 15/SN 24) and Jordan (SN 32/ESPN 57/SI 70) before accepting as gospel they were among the premier performers in NCAA playoff play:

  • Johnson shot a meager 27.8% from the floor (10 of 36) in three 1978 tourney games as a freshman for Michigan State before leading the Spartans to the NCAA title the next year. He had more turnovers (six) than assists (five) in the over-hyped 1979 final, a mediocre contest paling in comparison to the last eight finals of the 1980s when seven of them were decided by an average of two points. Johnson outscored and outrebounded teammate Greg Kelser in just one of eight playoff games they played together. Kelser simply contributed more than Magic to the Spartans' cause in NCAA competition.

  • Bird boosted Indiana State to the 1979 final in his lone NCAA tourney, but put the 'oops' in hoops by committing a Final Four-record 17 turnovers. He hit just 7 of 21 field-goal attempts and had three times as many turnovers (six) as assists (two) against Michigan State in the championship game, which was essentially the equivalent of a boring Super Bowl failing to live up to hype.

  • Jordan's NBA playoff scoring average with the Chicago Bulls more than doubled the NCAA Tournament scoring average he compiled for North Carolina. Jordan averaged 16.5 points per NCAA playoff game with the Tar Heels, scoring 20 or more in just two of 10 postseason games from 1982 through 1984. His Airness scored fewer than 18 points in two of the four playoff contests he led Carolina in scoring. Most people don't remember his inauspicious playoff debut when he collected six points, one rebound, no assists and no steals in 37 minutes of a 52-50 opening-round victory against James Madison in the East Regional. And Jordan's final NCAA Tournament appearance before he left school early for the NBA was nothing to write home about, either. The college player of the year was restricted to six points in the first 35 minutes of his collegiate swan song in the East Regional semifinals against Indiana, finishing with 13 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal in 26 foul-plagued minutes when the top-ranked Tar Heels were eliminated (72-68).

Generally, sizzling scorers have learned it's not a day at the beach in postseason play. For instance, former NBA sensation Clyde Drexler averaged more than 17 points per game each of his last 13 NBA seasons, but he scored more than 17 points in just one of 11 NCAA Tournament games for the University of Houston from 1981 through 1983. Premier playmaker Steve Nash managed only one field goal in three of five playoff contests in the mid-1990s, shooting a paltry 29.2% from the floor. Two-time NBA slam-dunk champion Jason Richardson (5th pick overall in 2001) was grounded by the NCAA playoffs, going scoreless in three consecutive contests as a Michigan State freshman in 2000. All-Americans Thomas Robinson (Kansas) and Tyler Zeller (North Carolina) each went scoreless in two NCAA playoff games. Eventual All-Americans Marcus Denmon (Missouri), Danny Ferry (Duke), Ben Gordon (Connecticut), Marcus Morris (Kansas) and Terrence Williams (Louisville) also went scoreless in a tourney game. Ferry scored fewer than 10 points in six straight tourney tilts before averaging 20 ppg in his last 11 playoff outings and Syracuse All-American Kris Joseph never scored more than 12 points in 11 NCAA playoff contests from 2009 through 2012.

Duke's Christian Laettner, the all-time playoff scoring leader with 407 points from 1989 through 1992, tallied fewer than 15 points in six of his first seven tournament games. Just four of the top 20 in career scoring in the NCAA playoffs accumulated more than 10 points in every tourney game they participated - UCLA's Lew Alcindor (1967-68-69), Princeton's Bill Bradley (1963-64-65), Arizona's Sean Elliott (1986-87-88-89) and Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson (1958-59-60).

Is an Amber Alert necessary for Len Chappell, Adrian Dantley, Tom Gola, Alex Groza, David "Big Daddy" Lattin, Jim McDaniels, Jeff Mullins, Cazzie Russell, Dennis Scott, Rony Seikaly, etc., etc., etc.? How could anyone forget the footprint (size-22) Bob Lanier left on postseason play? The NCAA, exhibiting all the expertise of voters claiming they can't provide identification, unveiled a stunning error-prone list several years ago of foremost NCAA Tournament players over the first 75 years. Were relatives of guards Shelvin Mack and Keith Smart on the nominating panel for such amateurish choices? Do backcourters B.J. Armstrong, Terry Dehere, Allen Iverson, Wally Jones, Brevin Knight, Bo Lamar, Mark Macon, Lawrence Moten, Anthony Peeler and Mitch Richmond mean anything to the misinformed? The NCAA, apparently incapable of discerning what comprises a "moment" rather than numerous playoff-pressure games or putting too much stock in input from self-serving media, probably needs to go back to focusing on vital task of shedding Indian nicknames from as many schools as possible.

In former POTUS Obama's State of the Union addresses, the basketball buff probably should have cared more about mental inequality in hoopdom rather than income inequality in his "I-have-a-phone-and-pen" and willing-accomplices-in-the-media kingdom. An NCAA probe similar to IRS targeting needs to be conducted stemming from the most glaring omission among impact players failing to be acknowledged. Incredibly, the shunned included Bob Pettit, who averaged 30.5 points in six outings with LSU in 1953 and 1954. Pettit is perhaps the most consistent big scorer in NCAA playoff annals with a single-digit differential between his high game (36 points) and low contest (27).

The Chris Webber Award for playoff competition brain lock goes to SN for fanciful assertion citing Tom Thacker, a nice versatile player for Cincinnati teams participating in three consecutive NCAA championship contests, as #15 on its all-time list. Thacker committed a toxic total of 13 turnovers (with only four assists) in two Final Four games in 1963 after scoring only two points in 1962 national semifinals and shooting a paltry 8-of-28 from the floor at 1961 Final Four. UCLA by itself has had at least 15 more influential tourney players than Thacker, who was unranked by ESPN and SI. The only logical answer for this absurdity is a Cincinnati connection of some sort among the voting delegation or the fishy selection is a byproduct for why SN's print edition went belly up.

Michigan State All-American Draymond Green posted back-to-back triple doubles in 2011 and 2012 but still doesn't rank among the all-time best 79 players in tourney history 79 days out from the title game of event entering its 79th year. If some of these historical facts aroused your curiosity, here is additional tournament insight that should fuel debates concerning who should be on college basketball's Mount Rushmore after excelling the most as NCAA playoff performers (minimum of six tourney games):

1. Lew Alcindor, C, UCLA
The only individual selected the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player three times averaged 25.7 points and 18.8 rebounds and shot 64.1% from the floor in six Final Four games from 1967 through 1969. Alcindor, who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, is the only player to couple three unanimous first-team All-American seasons with three NCAA titles. Of the 10 different individuals to average more than 23 points per game for a national champion a total of 12 times, Alcindor achieved the feat all three of his seasons with the Bruins. He is also the only player to hit better than 70% of his field-goal attempts in two NCAA title games. UCLA '67, the first varsity season for Alcindor, set the record for largest average margin of victory for a champion when the Bruins started a dazzling streak of 10 consecutive Final Four appearances. They won their 12 NCAA playoff games with Alcindor manning the middle by an average margin of 21.5 points. The three Alcindor-led UCLA teams rank among the seven NCAA champions with average margins of victory in a tournament of more than 19 points per game. He led the Bruins in scoring in 10 of 12 playoff contests. It's no wonder a perceptive scribe wrote that the acronym NCAA took on a new meaning during the Alcindor Era - "No Chance Against Alcindor."
2. Bill Walton, C, UCLA
Averaged 28.8 points and 17.8 rebounds per game at the Final Four in 1972 and 1973. His championship game-record 44 points against Memphis State in 1973 when he hit 21-of-22 field-goal attempts will probably never be duplicated. On the other hand, he had one playoff game of fewer than 10 points each of the three seasons he was national player of the year.
3. Jerry West, G-F, West Virginia
He is the only player to score at least 25 points in eight consecutive tournament games (all of which he led in scoring). West is also the only player to rank among the top five in scoring average in both the NCAA Tournament (30.6 points per game) and NBA playoffs (29.1 ppg). He was denied a championship ring with West Virginia in his only Final Four appearance in 1959 when Cal center Darral Imhoff, a player who would become an Olympic and NBA teammate, tipped in a decisive basket in the closing seconds.
4. Elvin Hayes, F, Houston
He is the only player to lead a tournament in scoring by more than 60 points. Lew Alcindor and his UCLA teammates helped hold Hayes to 10 points in 1968 national semifinals, but the Big E finished with 167 points in five games with Houston that year in finishing with the highest-ever scoring average for a Final Four player (36.8 ppg). Alcindor was runner-up with 103 points in four contests. Hayes became the only player in tournament history to collect more than 40 points and 25 rebounds in the same game when he amassed 49 points and 27 rebounds in a 94-76 decision over Loyola of Chicago in first round of 1968 Midwest Regional. He holds the records for most rebounds in a playoff series (97 in five games as a senior in 1968) and career (222 in 13 games). Hayes had five games with at least 24 rebounds, including the first three playoff games in 1968, before being held to five in a 101-69 national semifinal loss against UCLA. He also holds the record for most playoff field goals in a career with 152.
5. Gail Goodrich, G, UCLA
Despite standing at least three inches shorter than both standout opponents, the 6-1 lefthander outscored consensus second-team All-American Jeff Mullins of Duke, 27-22, in 1964 final and unanimous first-team All-American Cazzie Russell of Michigan, 42-28, in 1965 final. Goodrich, the only guard to score more than 35 points in an NCAA final, averaged 35 points per game for UCLA in 1965 tourney. He was also the Bruins' leading scorer the previous year (21.5-point average as a junior) when he became the shortest undergraduate to average more than 20 points per game for an NCAA titlist. Goodrich and Walt Hazzard (18.6 ppg) represent the only backcourt duo to be the top two scorers on the season for an NCAA championship team. Of the eight times a school successfully defended its major college championship, Goodrich is the only guard to be the team's leading scorer in back-to-back years. The Bruins won 58 of 60 games in those two championship seasons although they didn't have a regular taller than 6-7.
6. Bill Bradley, F, Princeton
The former U.S. Senator (D-N.J.) and 2000 presidential candidate holds the record for most points in a single Final Four game (58 against Wichita State in 1965 national third-place game). He scored 39 points in the second half of the consolation game. The Rhodes Scholar was the only player to have a double-digit season scoring average (30.5 points per game) for Princeton's Final Four team. Bradley also holds the career playoff record for highest free-throw percentage (minimum of 50 attempts). He was 89 of 96 from the foul line (90.6%) from 1963 through 1965. In five of his nine playoff games, Bradley made at least 10 free throws while missing no more than one attempt from the charity stripe. He made 16 of 16 free throws against St. Joseph's in first round of 1963 East Regional and 13 of 13 foul shots against Providence in 1965 East Regional final to become the only player to twice convert more than 12 free throws without a miss in playoff games. He was the game-high scorer in eight of nine tourney contests.
7. Bill Russell, C, San Francisco
Grabbed an incredible 50 rebounds for USF at 1956 Final Four (23 against SMU in semifinals and 27 against Iowa in championship game). No other player has retrieved more than 41 missed shots in two Final Four games or more than 21 in the final. Averaged 23.2 points in winning all nine NCAA tourney contests.
8. Oscar Robertson, G-F, Cincinnati
Averaged at least 29 points and 10 rebounds per game each of his three years in the tourney with the Bearcats. The Big O isn't picked higher because California restricted him to a total of 37 points in two Final Four games (1959 and 1960). He hit just nine of 32 from the floor against the Bears. Robertson, the nation's leading scorer all three of his varsity seasons with averages of more than 32 points per game, is the only team-leading scorer to twice go more than 13 points below his season scoring average when his school lost in the national semifinals or final. He is the only Final Four participant to twice register a season scoring average in excess of 30 ppg (32.6 in 1958-59 and 33.7 in 1959-60).
9. Sean Elliott, F, Arizona
Of the more than 60 different players to score at least 2,500 points and/or rank among the top 25 in career scoring average, Elliott is the only one to have a winning NCAA playoff record in his career plus post higher scoring, rebounding and field-goal shooting playoff averages than he compiled in the regular season. Elliott scored at least 17 points in all 10 of his NCAA playoff games with the Wildcats from 1986 through 1989.
10. Christian Laettner, F, Duke
Only player to start in four Final Fours became the tourney's all-time leading scorer (407 points) in helping the Blue Devils compile a 21-2 playoff mark in his career. Laettner's highest-scoring game was 31 against Kentucky in a 104-103 victory in 1992 East Regional final. Laettner capped a flawless offensive performance, hitting all 10 of his field-goal attempts and all 10 of his free throws against the Wildcats, by scoring Duke's last eight points in overtime, including a stunning 18-foot turnaround jumper at the buzzer after catching a pass from the baseline on the opposite end of the court. He also hit what probably was an even more difficult off-balance, last-second shot to give Duke a 79-78 win against Connecticut in 1990 East Regional final. Tallied fewer than 15 points in six of his first seven playoff contests.
11. Bob Pettit, F-C, Louisiana State
Of the more than 40 different players to score more than 225 points in the NCAA playoffs and/or average over 25 points per tournament game (minimum of six games), he is the only one to score more than 22 points in every postseason contest (six games with LSU in 1953 and 1954). He was perhaps the most consistent big scorer in NCAA Tournament history with a single-digit differential between his high game (36 points) and his low game (27). Pettit wasn't named to the 1953 All-Tournament team despite leading the Tigers to the Final Four and averaging 30.5 points per game in four NCAA playoff contests. He averaged the same number of points in two tourney games the next year.
12. Bobby Hurley, G, Duke
The 6-0 guard was selected Most Outstanding Player at the 1992 Final Four. He was the shortest player to earn the award since 5-11 Hal Lear helped Temple to a national third-place finish in 1956. The only Final Four Most Outstanding Player shorter than Hurley from a championship team was 5-11 Kenny Sailors of Wyoming in 1943. Hurley shot a mediocre 41% from the floor in his college career, but he was the Blue Devils' linchpin with his playmaking and intangible contributions. He holds the career record for most playoff assists (145) and three-pointers (42) although his bid to become the first player to start four consecutive NCAA finals was thwarted when California upset Duke in the second round of 1993 Midwest Regional despite Hurley's career-high 32 points. After averaging just 5.4 points per game in his first eight NCAA Tournament contests, he averaged 22.8 in his last five playoff outings.
13. Steve Alford, G, Indiana
Averaged 21.3 points in 10 NCAA Tournament games in 1984, 1986 and 1987 (8-2 record). He led the Hoosiers in scoring in seven of the contests.
14. Larry Johnson, F, UNLV
Juco jewel averaged 20.2 points and 11.5 rebounds in 11 games in 1990 and 1991 (10-1 record).
15. Miles Simon, G, Arizona
Averaged 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 14 games from 1995 through 1998 (11-3 record). He was game-high scorer in his last three playoff contests.
16. Patrick Ewing, C, Georgetown
The Hoyas compiled a glittering 15-3 playoff record from 1982 through 1985 during his four-year reign of terror although he never scored as many as 25 points in a tournament game.
17. David "Big Daddy" Lattin, C, Texas Western
Averaged 19.4 ppg and 10.6 rpg in eight games in 1966 and 1967 (7-1 record). He averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds in first three games of 1966 playoffs, powering champion-to-be Miners to Final Four. Playoff scoring average was five points higher than his regular-season mark.
18. Clyde Lovellette, C, Kansas
The only individual to lead the nation in scoring average in the same season he played for a team reaching the NCAA Tournament championship game. Averaging 35.3 points per game in the 1952 tourney, he was the first player to score more than 30 points in a Final Four contest and the only player to crack the 30-point plateau in the national semifinals and final in the same season.
19. Dennis Scott, G-F, Georgia Tech
Averaged 25.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg in eight playoff games from 1988 through 1990 (5-3 record). He was game-high scorer in four of five contests in 1990 when the Yellow Jackets reached the Final Four.
20. David Thompson, F, North Carolina State
The last player to score the most points in a single game of a tournament and play for a championship team (40 against Providence in 1974 East Regional semifinals). He is the only undergraduate non-center to average more than 23 ppg for a national champion.
21. Austin Carr, G, Notre Dame
After scoring only six points in his first tournament game as a sophomore (re-injured against Miami of Ohio in 1969), Carr averaged 47.2 points in his last six playoff contests to finish with a tourney record 41.3-point mark. However, the Irish won only two of the seven games.
22. David Robinson, C, Navy
Averaged 28.6 points and 12.3 rebounds in seven games from 1985 through 1987 (4-3 record). He was game-high scorer in four playoff contests, including a school-record 50 points against Michigan in his final appearance.
23. Bob Kurland, C, Oklahoma A&M
Only player to score more than half of a championship team's points in a single NCAA Tournament (total of 72 accounted for 51.8% of the Aggies' output in three playoff games in 1946).
24. Jerry Lucas, C, Ohio State
Two-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player averaged 22.8 ppg and 12 rpg at the Final Four in 1960 and 1961. But he was limited to nine points in both of his tourney openers when earning national player of the year awards in 1961 and 1962.
25. Sean May, F-C, North Carolina
Final Four Most Outstanding Player for 2005 champion averaged 19.9 points and 9.9 rebounds in eight NCAA Tournament games in 2004 and 2005 (7-1 record).
26. Alex Groza, C, Kentucky
Two-time Final Four Most Outstanding Player is only individual appearing at a minimum of two Final Fours (1948 and 1949) and be the game-high scorer in every Final Four contest he participated.
27. Len Chappell, F-C, Wake Forest
Averaged 27.6 ppg and 17.1 rpg in eight games in 1961 and 1962 (6-2 record). He was the Demon Deacons' leading scorer in all eight contests.
28. Bob Lanier, C, St. Bonaventure
Averaged 25.2 points and 14.2 rebounds in six games in 1968 and 1970 (4-2 record; missed 1970 Final Four after tearing a knee ligament in East Regional final).
29. Corliss Williamson, F, Arkansas
Two-time All-NCAA Tournament selection averaged 20.2 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 59.4% from the floor in 15 games from 1993 through 1995 (13-2 record).
30. Al Wood, F, North Carolina
Averaged 20.1 points and 8.3 rebounds in eight games from 1978 through 1981 (4-4 record). He was the Tar Heels' leading scorer in six of those playoff contests.
31. Tim Duncan, C, Wake Forest
Averaged 17.6 points, 15 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots in 11 games from 1994 through 1997 (7-4 record).
32. Glen Rice, F, Michigan
Averaged 23.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in 13 games from 1986 through 1989 (10-3 record). As a senior, he was the Wolverines' leading scorer in all six contests during their championship run when setting a single-tourney record with 184 points.
33. Danny Manning, F, Kansas
The only player to score more than 62% of his team's points in an NCAA Tournament game (42 in the Jayhawks' 67-63 victory against Southwest Missouri State in second round of 1987 Southeast Regional). He was the game-high scorer in all six of their contests en route to the 1988 national title as a senior. Averaged 20.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 16 playoff games (13-3 record).
34. Bob Houbregs, F-C, Washington
Averaged 27.4 ppg in seven games in 1951 and 1953 (5-2 record). He averaged nearly nine more points per contest in postseason play than during the regular season.
35. Tom Gola, F, La Salle
The only individual to earn NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player and NIT Most Valuable Player awards in his career. He averaged 22 ppg in 10 NCAA playoff games in 1954 and 1955 (9-1 record).
36. Rumeal Robinson, G, Michigan
Averaged 17.5 points and 8.5 assists in 11 games from 1988 through 1990 (9-2 record).
37. Lawrence Moten, G, Syracuse
Averaged 23.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in seven games in 1992, 1994 and 1995 (4-3 record).
38. Ray Allen, G, Connecticut
Averaged 19.5 points and 7 rebounds in 10 playoff games from 1994 through 1996 (7-3 record).
39. Isiah Thomas, G, Indiana
Averaged 19.7 points and 7.9 assists in seven games in 1980 and 1981 (6-1 record).
40. Greg "Bo" Kimble, F-G, Loyola Marymount
Averaged 29.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals in seven games from 1988 through 1990 (4-3 record). Scored at least 37 points for LMU in three of his last four playoff outings.
41. Randy Foye, G, Villanova
Averaged 22.1 points and 6.4 rebounds in seven games in 2005 and 2006 (5-2 record). He scored at least 24 points in four contests en route to posting 7.5 ppg more in tourney competition than regular-season play.
42. B.J. Armstrong, G, Iowa
Averaged 19.8 points and 4.9 assists in nine games from 1987 through 1989 (6-3 record; did not play in 1986 playoffs). He averaged seven more points per contest in postseason than during the regular season.
43. Jim McDaniels, C, Western Kentucky
Averaged 29.3 points and 12.2 rebounds in six games in 1970 and 1971 (4-2 record). He was WKU's leading scorer in five of the six playoff contests.
44. Brevin Knight, G, Stanford
Averaged 20 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists in seven games from 1995 through 1997 (4-3 record).
45. Rony Seikaly, C, Syracuse
Averaged 18.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 2.8 bpg in 12 games from 1985 through 1988 (8-4 record). He averaged nearly seven more points per contest in postseason play than during the regular season.
46. Jeff Mullins, F, Duke
Averaged 25 ppg and 7.9 rpg in the playoffs for two Final Four teams in 1963 and 1964 (6-2 record). He scored more than 20 points in seven of eight tourney contests.
47. Mark Macon, G, Temple
Averaged 23.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in nine games in 1988, 1990 and 1991 (6-3 record.)
48. Mike Maloy, C, Davidson
Averaged 22.3 ppg and 12.4 rpg in seven games from 1968 through 1970 (4-3 record).
49. Adrian Dantley, F, Notre Dame
Averaged 25.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in eight games from 1974 through 1976 (4-4 record). Averaged 29.8 points in his last six playoff contests.
50. Dan Issel, C, Kentucky
Averaged 29.3 ppg and 11.3 rpg in splitting six contests from 1968 through 1970. He had at least 36 points in half of the tourney games.
51. Allen Iverson, G, Georgetown
Averaged 23.9 points and 4 rebounds in seven games in 1995 and 1996 (5-2 record). He was the Hoyas' leading scorer in all seven contests.
52. Ollie Johnson, C, San Francisco
Averaged 25.8 points and 16.2 rebounds in six games from 1963 through 1965 (3-3 record). Averaged six points per game higher in playoffs than regular season.
53. Paul Hogue, C, Cincinnati
Averaged 19 points and 16 rebounds in six Final Four games from 1960 through 1962. Posted higher averages (18.4 ppg and 13.3 rpg) in 12 NCAA Tournament contests (11-1 record) than his respective career marks.
54. Jameer Nelson, G, St. Joseph's
Averaged 22.4 points, 6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.3 steals in seven games in 2001, 2003 and 2004 (4-3 record). He scored at least 24 points in four of his last five playoff contests.
55. Richard Hamilton, G-F, Connecticut
Averaged 23.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 10 games in 1998 and 1999 (9-1 record). He led UConn in scoring in nine of the 10 contests.
56. Chuck Person, F, Auburn
Averaged 20.3 points and 9 rebounds in eight games from 1984 through 1986 (5-3 record). Scored at least 20 points in six of his last seven playoff contests.
57. Don Schlundt, C, Indiana
Averaged 27 points in six games in 1953 and 1954 (5-1 record). He was the Hoosiers' leading scorer in five of the playoff contests.
58. Cazzie Russell, G, Michigan
Averaged at least 24 ppg each of his three years in the tourney (5-3 record). Leading scorer for third-place team in 1964 NCAA playoffs and 1965 national runner-up.
59. Jamal Mashburn, F, Kentucky
Averaged 21.4 points and 8 rebounds in nine games in 1992 and 1993 (7-2 record). He was the Wildcats' leading scorer in five consecutive playoff contests.
60. Les Hunter, C, Loyola of Chicago
Averaged 18.9 points and 13.3 rebounds in eight games in 1963 and 1964 (7-1 record).
61. Henry Finkel, C, Dayton
Averaged 27.8 points and 13.8 rebounds in six games in 1965 and 1966 (3-3 record). He was game-high scorer in five of the six contests.
62. Johnny Green, F-C, Michigan State
Averaged 16.2 points and 19.7 rebounds in six games in 1957 and 1959 (3-3 record). He was the leading rebounder in all four contests as a sophomore in 1957 when the Spartans reached the Final Four.
63. Anthony Peeler, G, Missouri
Averaged 24.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists in six games in 1989, 1990 and 1992 (3-3 record). His scoring average was almost eight points higher in the postseason than regular season.
64. Dwight "Bo" Lamar, G, Southwestern Louisiana
Averaged 29.2 points in six Division I Tournament games in 1972 and 1973 (3-3 record). Supplied game-high point total in all six contests, including 35 plus a tourney-high 11 assists in a 112-101 victory against Marshall as the Ragin' Cajuns scored the most points in tourney history for a school in its playoff debut.
65. Greg Kelser, F, Michigan State
Leading scorer and rebounder as a senior for 1979 NCAA titlist averaged 24 ppg and 11.3 rpg in eight playoff contests (7-1 record). His scoring average was almost seven points higher in the postseason than regular season. Celebrated teammate Magic Johnson outscored and outrebounded Kelser only once in their eight postseason outings together.
66. Barry Kramer, F, New York University
Averaged 25.2 points and 9.3 rebounds in six games in 1962 and 1963 (3-3 record).
67. Nick Collison, F, Kansas
Leading scorer and rebounder as senior for 2003 NCAA Tournament runner-up (30-8 record) and second-leading scorer and rebounder for 2002 Final Four team (33-4). Averaged 16.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in 16 games (12-4 record).
68. Juan Dixon, G, Maryland
After struggling as a redshirt freshman, Dixon averaged 21.2 points in his last 13 games from 2000 through 2002. The Terrapins won 10 of the last 11 of those playoff contests when he was the leading scorer for back-to-back Final Four teams.
69. Mitch Richmond, G-F, Kansas State
J.C. recruit averaged 23.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in six games in 1987 and 1988 (4-2 record).
70. George Thompson, F, Marquette
Averaged 23.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in six games in 1968 and 1969 (4-2 record). He was the Warriors' leading scorer in five of the six playoff contests.
71. John Wallace, F, Syracuse
Averaged 20.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in 11 games from 1994 through 1996 (8-3 record). Leading scorer and rebounder for Syracuse's national runner-up as a senior was the top point producer for the Orangemen in his last eight playoff contests.
72. Jimmy Collins, G, New Mexico State
Averaged 19.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 11 games from 1968 through 1970 (7-4 record). He at least shared the Aggies' team-high scoring output in all 11 contests.
73. Tony Price, F, Penn
Averaged 21.9 ppg and 9 rpg in eight games in 1978 and 1979 (5-3 record). He was the Quakers' leading scorer in all six contests when they finished fourth in the nation in 1979. Price's playoff scoring average was 6.5 points higher than his regular-season mark.
74. Wally Jones, G, Villanova
Two-time All-East Regional selection averaged 22.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg in six games in 1962 and 1964 (4-2 record). He scored a game-high 25 points as a sophomore in a regional final loss against Wake Forest and a game-high 34 points as a senior in a 74-62 victory over Bill Bradley-led Princeton in a third-place contest. It was the only time in Bradley's nine playoff games that he wasn't the leading scorer. Jones outscored All-American Len Chappell in the Wake Forest contest.
75. Mel Counts, C, Oregon State
Averaged 23.2 points and 14.1 rebounds in nine games from 1962 through 1964 (5-4 record), averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds in two West Regional finals.
76. Terry Dehere, G, Seton Hall
Averaged 23.2 points in nine games from 1991 through 1993 (6-3 record). He paced the Pirates in scoring in all nine outings.
77. Kenny Anderson, G, Georgia Tech
The only freshman to score more than 20 points in four playoff games averaged 27 ppg in his first four outings. Averaged 25.7 points and 5 assists in seven NCAA tourney games in 1990 and 1991 (5-2 record).
78. Acie Earl, C, Iowa
Averaged 19.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocked shots in six games from 1991 through 1993 (3-3 record). Eight of his rejections came against NCAA champion-to-be Duke in 1992. He averaged more than four ppg in the playoffs than the regular season.
79. Kevin Pittsnogle, F, West Virginia
Averaged 17.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in seven games in 2005 and 2006 (5-2 record). In six of the contests, he scored more than his career average of 13.3 ppg.

Nostalgia 79: 1-79 Ranking of Greatest Games in NCAA Tournament History

"It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required." - Winston Churchill

The NCAA Tournament speaks to your sports soul, leaving you yearning for more such as last season's spectacular-finish final between Villanova and North Carolina. This year marks the 79th NCAA championship spectacle and we're 79 days away from the next championship contest. Perhaps the most amazing stretch in NCAA playoff history was an eight-year span from 1982 through 1989 when seven finals were decided by an average of two points. All of those close title contests, surely measuring up to Churchill's "best" quote, must be included in any celebratory ranking of the most stimulating games in tourney history.

Since some of the most entertaining games are somewhat overshadowed because they came in earlier rounds, it's difficult to decide what were the premier outings in playoff history. There is inspiration everywhere one turns - so many entertaining contests to choose from with so many divergent opinions on a seemingly endless list of stellar candidates.

Nothing provokes disagreements among ardent hoop fans more than healthy what's-the-best-in-history dialogue. In deference to the 79th playoff, following is a ranking of the top 79 games one remembers the most. You wouldn't wonder what all the fuss is about if you had the good fortune to witness firsthand or learn from ardent fans about much of the following drama:

1. 1992 East Regional Final (Duke 104, Kentucky 103 in OT)
Duke's Christian Laettner hit a decisive last-second shot near the head of the key against UK in overtime after receiving a long in-bounds pass from Grant Hill in the East Regional final. The game is acknowledged as one of the most suspenseful in NCAA history.
2. 1985 Championship Game (Villanova 66, Georgetown 64)
Villanova became the worst seed (#8 in the Southeast Regional) to win a national championship by shooting a championship game-record 78.6% from the floor against the nation's top-ranked team. The Hoyas, powered by national player of the year Patrick Ewing, had defeated the Wildcats twice by a total of nine points in Big East Conference competition.
3. 1983 Championship Game (North Carolina State 54, Houston 52)
Sophomore forward Lorenzo Charles scored only four points, but two of them came when he converted guard Dereck Whittenburg's off-line desperation shot from well beyond the top of the free-throw circle into a decisive dunk as North Carolina State upset heavily-favored Houston. The Cougars, featuring Clyde Drexler and Akeem Olajuwon, entered the final with a 26-game winning streak.
4. 1982 Championship Game (North Carolina 63, Georgetown 62)
North Carolina freshman guard Michael Jordan swished a 16-foot jumper from the left side with 16 seconds remaining to provide the title contest's final points before Georgetown guard Fred Brown's errant pass directly to Tar Heels forward James Worthy prevented the Hoyas from attempting a potential game-winning shot in the closing seconds. Also memorable was was a stream of intimidating goal-tending calls early in the contest against Hoyas freshman center Patrick Ewing.
5. 1987 Championship Game (Indiana 74, Syracuse 73)
Junior college recruit Keith Smart, a guard who was Indiana's fifth-leading scorer for the season, tallied 12 of the Hoosiers' last 15 points, including a 15-foot jumper from the left baseline with five seconds remaining.
6. 1957 Championship Game (North Carolina 54, Kansas 53 in 3OT)
Carolina center Joe Quigg sank two free throws with six seconds remaining in third overtime to tie score and provide decisive point against the Wilt Chamberlain-led Jayhawks. Although Lennie Rosenbluth was the unbeaten Tar Heels' leading scorer in 27 of their 32 contests, they won the NCAA final despite him fouling out with 1:45 remaining in regulation.
7. 2016 Championship Game (Villanova 77, North Carolina 74)
On the heels of a miraculous, double-clutch game-tying three-pointer by Carolina's Marcus Paige with fewer than five ticks remaining, Jenkins nailed a trey off a nifty pass and brush screen by Final Four MOP Ryan Arcidiacono. Unsung hero Phil Booth Jr. led the Wildcats in scoring in the final with 20 points while Jenkins, Nova's #2 scorer on the season (13.6 ppg) behind Josh Hart, chipped in with 14.
8. 1966 Championship Game (Texas Western 72, Kentucky 65)
Texas Western (28-1), featuring an all-black starting lineup with three players 6-1 or shorter in the NCAA final, stunned top-ranked and all-white Kentucky (27-2), putting the finishing touches on dismantling the prejudiced myth that black athletes couldn't play disciplined basketball. Junior college transfer Bobby Joe Hill, one of the tiny trio, converted steals into layups on consecutive trips down the floor by flustered UK guards to give the Miners a lead they never relinquished.
9. 1975 Mideast Regional Final (Kentucky 92, Indiana 90)
Indiana, undefeated entering the tourney (29-0), lost against Kentucky despite center Kent Benson's 33 points and tourney-high 23 rebounds. The Wildcats (26-5) prevailed despite 6-of-19 field-goal shooting by leading scorer Kevin Grevey. UK guards Jimmy Dan Conner and Mike Flynn combined to outscore IU counterparts Quinn Buckner and Bobby Wilkerson, 39-22.
10. 1991 National Semifinals (Duke 79, UNLV 77)
Duke's shocking win over defending champion UNLV (34-1) was the Rebels' lone defeat. Christian Laettner scored 28 points for the Blue Devils (32-7).
11. 1989 Championship Game (Michigan 80, Seton Hall 79 in OT)
Former street urchin Rumeal Robinson sank two pressure free throws against Seton Hall (31-7) with three seconds remaining in overtime to give the win to Michigan (30-7), which was guided by interim coach Steve Fisher.
12. 1957 National Semifinals (North Carolina 74, Michigan State 70 in 3OT)
The lead changed hands 31 times and the score was tied on 21 occasions. The Spartans' Jack Quiggle made a last-second, half-court shot at the end of regulation but it was disallowed. The end-of-game rule at the time was that the ball had to reach the apex of its arc before the buzzer. The officials ruled that the ball was still ascending. Teammate Johnny Green missed a free throw with 11 seconds remaining in the first overtime that would have sealed the verdict. Carolina's Pete Brennan grabbed Green's miss. Rather than tossing the ball out to a guard as Brennan normally would do, he dribbled down-court and hit a game-tying jumper just to the right of the foul line at the buzzer.
13. 1994 Championship Game (Arkansas 76, Duke 72)
The pressure was intense on Arkansas' Scotty Thurman with the shot clock winding down and score tied with 40 seconds remaining when he lofted a three-point attempt over Duke defender Antonio Lang that hit nothing but net.
14. 1974 National Semifinals (North Carolina State 80, UCLA 77 in 2OT)
The final in N.C. State's home state at Greensboro was anti-climatic after the Wolfpack avenged an 18-point loss against UCLA earlier in the season on a neutral court by ending the Bruins' 38-game playoff winning streak. N.C. State erased an 11-point deficit midway through the second half and a seven-point deficit in the second extra session behind David Thompson's 28 points and 10 rebounds to halt UCLA's string of seven consecutive NCAA championships.
15. 1990 East Regional Final (Duke 79, Connecticut 78 in OT)
Two days after UConn escaped Clemson on a controversial last-second shot, Duke turned the tables on the Huskies when Christian Laettner inbounded the ball with 2.6 seconds remaining, received a return pass and sank a leaning jumper from the left side at the buzzer.
16. 1981 Mideast Regional Second Round (St. Joseph's 49, DePaul 48)
St. Joseph's gained its only lead in the second half when inexcusably unguarded Hawks player John Smith sank a layup with three seconds left after DePaul's most accurate foul shooter, Skip Dillard, the guy they called "Money" because when he shot 'em, they were as good as in the bank, missed the front end of a one-and-one with 12 seconds remaining. The top-ranked Blue Demons did not score a point or take a shot in the final 6 1/2 minutes. A stunned Mark Aguirre, the national player of the year, didn't even throw the ball inbounds and finished the game with one rebound, one assist, no blocked shots, no steals and the only single-digit scoring output of his DePaul career (eight points).
17. 1981 Midwest Regional Second Round (Arkansas 74, Louisville 73)
Defending champion Louisville lost when Arkansas' U.S. Reed received an in-bounds pass with five seconds remaining, criss-cross dribbled up the sideline and heaved a mid-court shot from right side that went through the net at the buzzer.
18. 1993 Championship Game (North Carolina 77, Michigan 71)
George Lynch, North Carolina's top rebounder and second-leading scorer, made four big plays in the closing moments of title game. With Michigan leading, 67-66, he and Eric Montross blocked away a driving layup by Jimmy King. That led to a fast-break basket by Derrick Phelps and put the Tar Heels ahead to stay with just over three minutes remaining. After a missed UM shot, Lynch hit a turnaround jumper from the middle of the lane with 2:28 remaining to increase Carolina's lead to 70-67. On an inbounds play after UNC regained possession, Lynch lofted a perfect pass to Montross for a dunk. The Wolverines rallied to trim the deficit to 73-71 before Lynch and Phelps trapped Chris Webber along the right sideline with only 11 seconds remaining and Michigan's consensus first-team All-American called a fateful timeout his team did not have, a "whopper" of a mistake long before his Burger King commercial.
19. 1973 Championship Game (UCLA 87, Memphis State 61)
UCLA's Bill Walton, aided by Greg Lee's 14 assists, erupted for a title game-record 44 points. Walton, the only player to have as many as 20 field goals in an NCAA final, hit all but one of 22 shots from the floor.
20. 1958 East Regional First Round (Manhattan 89, West Virginia 84)
West Virginia, ranked No. 1 in the country at the end of the regular season, was upset at New York when Jack Powers, who went on to become executive director of the NIT, collected 29 points and 15 rebounds for Manhattan (16-10). Jerry West scored just 10 points in his first NCAA Tournament game for the Mountaineers, who finished the season with the best winning percentage in school history (26-2, .929).
21. 1983 Mideast Regional final (Louisville 80, Kentucky 68 in OT)
The first meeting between in-state rivals Kentucky and Louisville in more than 24 years was memorable as the Cardinals outscored the Wildcats in overtime, 18-6, to reach the Final Four.
22. 1963 Championship Game (Loyola of Chicago 60, Cincinnati 58 in OT)
Forward Vic Rouse leaped high to redirect center Les Hunter's shot from the free-throw line into the basket to climax the Ramblers' first year in the playoffs. Loyola, using its starting lineup the entire final, overcame 27.4% field-goal shooting by committing just three turnovers. The Ramblers trailed the defending NCAA champion by 15 points in the second half before knotting the score at 54-54 when Jerry Harkness hit a 12-foot jumper with four seconds remaining in regulation.
23. 1988 Championship Game (Kansas 83, Oklahoma 79)
The two Big Eight Conference members were deadlocked, 50-50, at intermission in the highest-scoring first half in title game history. The Jayhawks' Danny Manning poured in 31 points.
24. 1979 Championship Game (Michigan State 75, Indiana State 64)
Undefeated Indiana State lost against Michigan State when the Sycamores' Larry Bird, who hit 53.2% of his field-goal attempts on the season, made just one-third of his shots from the floor (7 of 21) as a sore thumb limited his shooting effectiveness. Magic Johnson scored a game-high 24 points for the Spartans. The ballyhooed matchup between icons Bird and Magic failed to live up to billing but aroused fans and generated the largest-ever TV share for an NCAA final.
25. 1989 East Regional First Round (Georgetown 50, Princeton 49)
No. 16 seed Princeton pushed No. 1 seed Georgetown to the limit in the East Regional before the patient and precise Tigers bowed when a last-second shot was blocked by All-American center Alonzo Mourning.
26. 1996 Southeast Regional First Round (Princeton 43, UCLA 41)
Princeton coach Pete Carril bowed out in style with a decisive perfectly executed back-door layup reminiscent of how many games were played several decades ago. It was UCLA's lowest-scoring output in 99 playoff outings, and the lowest score for a Bruins team in a regulation game in more than 55 years.
27. 1977 Championship Game (Marquette 67, North Carolina 59)
Tears of joy flowed for coach Al McGuire when Marquette won the championship in his farewell. McGuire, leaving the bench before the game was even over with tears running down his cheeks, pulled away from a hug by long-time assistant Hank Raymonds and made his way to the silence of the locker room. "I want to be alone," McGuire said. "I'm not afraid to cry. All I could think about at the end was - why me? After all the jocks and socks. All the odors in the locker room. All the fights in the gyms. Just the wildness of it all. And to have it end like this ..."
28. 1971 Mideast Regional Semifinals (Western Kentucky 107, Kentucky 83)
WKU, long regarded as poor country cousins by Kentucky, whipped the Wildcats in their first-ever meeting when All-American Jim McDaniels poured in 35 points for the Hilltoppers.
29. 1975 National Semifinals (UCLA 75, Louisville 74 in OT)
Three Louisville regulars shooting better than 50% from the floor for the season (swingman Junior Bridgeman, center Ricky Gallon and guard Phillip Bond) combined to hit 25% (6 of 24) in a loss against UCLA. Adding insult to injury for the Cardinals was reserve guard Terry Howard missing the front end of a one-and-one free-throw opportunity in the closing seconds of overtime after he converted all 28 of his previous foul shots that season.
30. 1997 Championship Game (Arizona 84, Kentucky 79 in OT)
Arizona, the only team to win an NCAA crown after finishing as low as fifth place in its league, capitalized on a 34-9 edge in free throws made to upend favored Kentucky although Zona did not make a field goal in the extra session.
31. 1995 West Regional Second Round (UCLA 75, Missouri 74)
Playmaker Tyus Edney played the role of Wizard of Westwood II with a series of breathtaking drives and baskets in UCLA's first five playoff games, including a length-of-the-court game-winner against Mizzou.
32. 1990 East Regional Semifinals (Connecticut 71, Clemson 70)
It was difficult for Clemson fans to fathom how UConn's Tate George had sufficient time with one second on the clock to receive a full-court pass, come down, square up and get off a game-winning jumper from the right baseline.
33. 1990 West Regional Second Round (Loyola Marymount 149, Michigan 115)
The record for most three-point field goals in a playoff game was set by Loyola Marymount senior guard Jeff Fryer with 11. Fryer (41) and Bo Kimble (37) became the only set of teammates to score more than 35 points in the same tourney game when they combined for 78 vs. Michigan in the highest-scoring game in NCAA playoff history.
34. 1981 East Regional Semifinals (Brigham Young 51, Notre Dame 50)
BYU's Danny Ainge went coast-to-coast driving through the heart of No. 2 seed Notre Dame's defense for a layup at the buzzer to give the Cougars the victory.
35. 1983 West Regional First Round (N.C. State 69, Pepperdine 67 in 2OT)
NCAA champion-to-be North Carolina State (26-10) defeated Pepperdine (20-9) in two extra sessions after trailing by six points with 24 seconds remaining in regulation.
36. 1978 Championship Game (Kentucky 94, Duke 88)
Jack Givens sank 18 of 27 field-goal attempts against upstart Duke's zone defense and scored Kentucky's last 16 points of the first half en route to a 41-point performance.
37. 2001 National Semifinals (Duke 95, Maryland 84)
The Blue Devils (35-4) overcame a 22-point deficit against the Terrapins (25-11), the biggest comeback in Final Four history. Mike Dunleavy Jr. hit three consecutive three-pointers in a 45-second span of the second half after Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski told his squad to quit calling plays and just go out and play the game.
38. 2003 West Regional Second Round (Arizona 96, Gonzaga 95 in 2OT)
Gonzaga's Tony Skinner and Blake Stepp tied for game-high scoring honors with 25 points but each of them missed an open shot in the last four seconds of the second overtime for the Zags (24-9) against No. 1 seed Arizona (28-4). Wildcats standout guard Jason Gardner contributed a pair of three-pointers after missing 17 consecutive shots from beyond the arc in his previous three outings.
39. 1970 Mideast Regional First Round (Notre Dame 112, Ohio University 82)
Guard Austin Carr became the only player to score more than 60 points in a single playoff game. Carr tallied 35 of Notre Dame's 54 first-half points en route to a school-record 61 against OU.
40. 1952 East Regional Final (St. John's 64, Kentucky 57)
St. John's (25-6), sparked by center Bob Zawoluk's 32 points, avenged a 41-point rout at UK (29-3) earlier in the season (81-40) by ending the 23-game winning streak of the nation's No. 1 team.
41. 1969 National Semifinals (UCLA 85, Drake 82)
Guard John Vallely, averaging a modest 10.2 points per game entering the Final Four, erupted for 29 points and the Bruins (29-1) needed all of them. They had a nine-point lead with 70 seconds remaining dwindle to one before defeating Drake (26-5) after the Bulldogs missed a go-ahead basket in the waning moments. UCLA star center Lew Alcindor grabbed 21 rebounds.
42. 1945 National Semifinals (New York University 70, Ohio State 65 in OT)
NYU (14-7), featuring just one senior on its roster, erased a 10-point deficit in the final two minutes of regulation against Ohio State (15-5).
43. 1968 Midwest Regional First Round (Houston 94, Loyola of Chicago 76)
UH's Elvin Hayes became the only player in tournament history to collect more than 40 points and 25 rebounds in the same game when he garnered 49 points and 27 rebounds. Hayes led the tournament in scoring and rebounding by wide margins for the fourth-place Cougars (31-2), but he wasn't named to the all-tournament team.
44. 1998 Midwest Regional First Round (Valparaiso 70, Mississippi 69)
Valpo's Jamie Sykes, an outfield prospect late for spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks, inbounded from the opposite baseline with 2.5 seconds remaining. He hurled a baseball pass that Bill Jenkins leaped to catch. Jenkins delivered a touch pass to guard Bryce Drew on the right wing, and the son of coach Homer Drew drilled a game-winning three-pointer for the Crusaders (23-10).
45. 1970 Mideast Regional Final (Jacksonville 106, Kentucky 100)
JU's Artis Gilmore collected 24 points and 20 rebounds to help eliminate the nation's top-ranked team. Teammate Rex Morgan contributed 28 points while outshining UK's backcourt.
46. 1951 East Regional First Round (Illinois 79, Columbia 71)
Columbia, undefeated entering the tourney (21-0), blew a seven-point, halftime lead and lost to eventual national third-place finisher Illinois (22-5). The Lions' John Azary was outscored by the Illini's Don Sunderlage (25-13) in a battle of All-American candidates.
47. 1965 National Third-Place Game (Princeton 118, Wichita 82)
Princeton's Bill Bradley set the mark for most points in a single Final Four game with a school-record 58. He scored 39 of them in the second half of the consolation contest.
48. 1971 Mideast Regional Semifinals (Ohio State 60, Marquette 59)
Marquette, undefeated entering the tourney (26-0), lost against Ohio State (20-6) after the Warriors' playmaker, unanimous first-team All-America Dean "The Dream" Meminger, fouled out with five minutes remaining. Teammate Allie McGuire, the coach's son, committed a costly turnover in the closing seconds before Buckeyes guard Allan Hornyak converted a pair of crucial free throws to end Marquette's 39-game winning streak.
49. 2005 Midwest Regional Final (Illinois 90, Arizona 89 in OT)
Illini (37-2) overcame a 14-point deficit with just over three minutes remaining in regulation and nine-point deficit in the last 1 1/2 minutes before defeating Arizona (30-7) in an extra session.
50. 1999 West Regional First Round (Weber State 76, North Carolina 74)
No. 3 seed North Carolina (24-10) lost its playoff opener for the first time in 19 years when the Tar Heels succumbed against No. 14 Weber State (25-8). Junior college transfer Harold Arceneaux contributed five three-pointers en route to 36 points for the Wildcats. His output matched the highest ever in the playoffs against Carolina.
51. 1965 Championship Game (UCLA 91, Michigan 80)
UCLA's Gail Goodrich became the only guard to score more than 35 points in an NCAA final, erupting for 42 points on 12 of 22 field-goal shooting and 18 of 20 free-throw shooting. His free throws made and attempted remain championship game records.
52. 1976 West Regional Semifinals (Arizona 114, UNLV 109 in OT)
Each team had four players score at least 18 points as UNLV (29-2), ranked third by AP and fourth by UPI entering the tourney, was eliminated by Arizona (24-9) when Jim Rappis had more assists (12) than the Rebels' entire team.
53. 1981 West Regional Second Round (Kansas State 50, Oregon State 48)
K-State (24-9) upset second-ranked Oregon State (26-2) on Rolando Blackman's 17-foot buzzer beater from the right baseline.
54. 1959 Mideast Regional Semifinals (Louisville 76, Kentucky 61)
Second-ranked Kentucky (24-3) hit less than one-third of its field-goal attempts in blowing a 15-point lead against intra-state rival Louisville (19-12).
55. 1976 Championship Game (Indiana 86, Michigan 68)
Trailing Michigan (25-7) by six points at intermission and playing without Bobby Wilkerson after the starting guard sustained a concussion early in the game, the Hoosiers shot 60% from the floor in the second half to come from behind and earn recognition as the nation's last undefeated team. Scott May, Kent Benson and Quinn Buckner collaborated for 36 of IU's first 38 second-half points.
56. 2005 West Regional Final (Louisville 93, West Virginia 85)
West Virginia set a regional final record with 18 three-pointers but still lost against Louisville.
57. 1977 West Regional Semifinals (Idaho State 76, UCLA 75)
The visiting Bruins, ranked fourth by UPI entering the tourney, finished with a 24-5 record when guards Roy Hamilton and Brad Holland combined to hit just 8 of 24 field-goal attempts. Idaho State (25-5), prevailing despite shooting a modest 40.6% from the floor, received 27 points and 12 rebounds from center Steve Hayes.
58. 1981 Midwest Regional Second Round (Kansas 88, Arizona State 71)
Third-ranked Arizona State (24-4), featuring four upperclassmen who combined for a total of more than 35 seasons in the NBA (guards Fat Lever and Byron Scott, center Alton Lister and forward Sam Williams), was clobbered by Kansas (24-8) when Tony Guy poured in 36 points for the Jayhawks. The Sun Devils fell behind by 16 points at intermission.
59. 1979 Midwest Regional Final (Indiana State 73, Arkansas 71)
Larry Bird-led Indiana State became the only school to reach the Final Four in its one and only NCAA Tournament appearance in the 20th Century when the Sycamores' Bob Heaton shifted the ball from his normal right hand to his left for a short shot that bounced twice on the rim before going down.
60. 1971 West Regional Final (UCLA 57, Long Beach State 55)
The closest result for UCLA (29-1) during the Bruins' 38-game playoff winning streak from 1967 through 1973 came when they had to erase an 11-point deficit despite 29% field-goal shooting to edge Jerry Tarkanian-coached Long Beach State (24-5).
61. 1977 National Semifinals (North Carolina 84, UNLV 83)
Mike O'Koren became the first freshman to score more than 30 points in a national semifinal or championship game when the UNC forward tallied 31. O'Koren and his teammates enjoyed a 28-5 edge over the Rebels in free-throw attempts.
62. 1978 Midwest Regional Semifinals (DePaul 90, Louisville 89)
DePaul center Dave Corzine tallied 46 points in double overtime game to become the only individual to score at least 45 in the NCAA playoffs and never be an NCAA first- or second-team consensus All-American or Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
63. 1959 Championship Game (California 71, West Virginia 70)
Two-time first-team All-American swingman Jerry West of West Virginia (29-5) was denied an NCAA championship ring when California (25-4) junior center Darrall Imhoff, West's teammate with the Los Angeles Lakers for four seasons in the mid-1960s, tipped in a basket with 17 seconds remaining.
64. 2006 East Regional Final (George Mason 86, Connecticut 84)
The #11 seed Patriots (27-8) advanced to the national semifinals with overtime win against UConn (30-4), which was their third victim featuring a coach who previously won an NCAA title.
65. 1979 East Regional Second Round (Penn 72, North Carolina 71)
No. 1 seed Carolina (23-6) lost its opener in the Tar Heels' home state (Raleigh, N.C.) when Penn's Tony Price poured in a game-high 25 points for the Quakers (25-7).
66. 1984 East Regional Semifinals (Indiana 72, North Carolina 68)
Many observers predicted Georgetown would meet the top-ranked Tar Heels in the national final, but they were upset by IU when national player of the year Michael Jordan was limited to 13 points, one rebound and one assist.
67. 1993 West Regional First Round (Santa Clara 64, Arizona 61)
In terms of point spreads, No. 2 seed Arizona's defeat against 20-point underdog Santa Clara (19-12), a No. 15 seed, was the biggest upset in NCAA playoff history. The Wildcats (24-4), ranked fifth by AP entering the tournament, lost although they scored 25 consecutive points in a 10-minute span bridging the first and second halves.
68. 2004 St. Louis Regional Second Round (UAB 76, Kentucky 75)
UAB (22-10), after outlasting Washington (102-100) in first round, used its frenetic pressure defense to frustrate No. 1 seed Kentucky (27-5).
69. 1956 East Regional Semifinals (Temple 65, Connecticut 59)
Guard Hal Lear manufactured 61.5% of Temple's offense by scoring 40 points. The most rebounds ever in a playoff game were grabbed by teammate Fred Cohen, who retrieved a school-record 34 missed shots.
70. 2005 Second Round (West Virginia 111, Wake Forest 105 in 2OT)
Mike Gansey scored 19 of his 29 points after the end of regulation when West Virginia (24-11) outlasted #2 seed Wake Forest (27-6) in double overtime.
71. 1975 Championship Game (UCLA 92, Kentucky 85)
Coach John Wooden's farewell resulted in his 10th NCAA title for the Bruins.
72. 1981 Midwest Regional Semifinals (Wichita State 66, Kansas 65)
Mike Jones hit two long-range baskets in the last 50 seconds for Wichita State (26-7) in the first duel between the intrastate rivals in 36 years.
73. 1980 Midwest Regional Second Round (Missouri 87, Notre Dame 84 in OT)
Mizzou (25-6) backup swingman Mark Dressler, entering the NCAA playoffs with an eight-point scoring average, erupted for 32 points on 13 of 16 field-goal shooting against the 22-6 Irish (ranked No. 9 by AP).
74. 1989 Southeast Regional First Round (South Alabama 86, Alabama 84)
In an exciting intrastate battle, South Alabama (23-9) erased a 16-point halftime deficit. Jeff Hodge and Gabe Estaba combined for 55 points to lead USA against 'Bama (23-8).
75. 1980 Mideast Regional First Round (Virginia Tech 89, Western Kentucky 85 in OT)
Virginia Tech, sparked by Dale Solomon's 10-of-13 field-goal shooting, became the only school to erase a halftime deficit of at least 18 points to win a playoff game in the 20th Century. The Hokies, Metro Conference runner-up to eventual NCAA champion Louisville, trailed WKU at intermission, 48-30, in a duel between two 21-8 teams.
76. 2008 Midwest Regional Second Round (Davidson 74, Georgetown 70)
Stephen Curry, a son of former NBA standout Dell Curry, poured in 25 of his 30 points in the second half as Davidson (29-7) erased a double-digit deficit to upset the Hoyas (28-6).
77. 1978 West Regional First Round (Cal State Fullerton 90, New Mexico 85)
Cal State Fullerton (23-9) had four players score from 18 to 23 points and made 62.1% of its field-goal attempts to erase a six-point, halftime deficit and upend fourth-ranked New Mexico. Future Lakers standout Michael Cooper had an off-game for the Lobos (24-4), sinking just six of 15 field-goal attempts.
78. 1986 Midwest Regional First Round (UALR 90, Notre Dame 83)
UALR, a 17 1/2-point underdog, shocked No. 3 seed Notre Dame by shooting 62.3% from the floor. Pete Meyers scored 29 points in 29 minutes for the Trojans.
79. 1984 East Regional First Round (Virginia Commonwealth 70, Northeastern 69)
Jim Calhoun-coached Northeastern hit 75% of its field-goal attempts (33 of 44), including 15-of-17 by freshman Reggie Lewis, but still bowed to VCU.

Gross Negligence: Gonzaga's Mark Few Never Named National Coach of Year

"It is better to be looked over than overlooked." - Mae West

It doesn't seem possible, but Gonzaga's Mark Few, apparently bound to enter postseason play with fewer than three defeats and top two national ranking for the third time in last five years, never has earned acclaim as national coach of the year by a major award.

Few, who has won 90% of his career games in the West Coast Conference, 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 15 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, Leonard Hamilton, 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.

Looks Are Deceiving: H.S. Player Ratings Nothing More Than Media Hype Jobs

Loyalists for big-name schools count on remaining or returning to elite status via recruiting services. Typically, the follow-the-pack national media falls in lockstep predicting most of them will be back to at least near the top of the national polls. But welfare writers (accepting guesswork handouts from well-meaning but ineffectual middle men) better hope the recruiting gurus ranking high school hotshots emerge from a sorry slump. Textbook examples this season are the top two national player of the year candidates in mid-year - Josh Hart (Villanova) and Frank Mason (Kansas). Neither of them ranked among the consensus Top 75 coming out of high school in 2013. But at least Hart and Mason were somewhere between 75 and 100 similar to Michigan State's Denzel Valentine, who shared national POY awards last season with Oklahoma's Buddy Hield (outside Top 100 in 2012). Closing in on Hart and Mason this year in the national POY race is Baylor's Johnathan Motley, who wasn't among the RSCI Top 100 in 2013.

What good are prep player rankings and ESPN's mid-season McDonald's All-American selection show if the brainiac analysts can't come close to pinpointing a prospect who will become among the elite collegiate players in a couple of years? Four seasons ago provided ample evidence of rating ineptitude when four of the five NCAA unanimous All-American first-team selections, including national player of the year Trey Burke (Michigan), weren't ranked among the consensus Top 100 H.S. recruits assembled by RSCI the years they left high school. First-teamer Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga) and Final Four MOP Luke Hancock (Louisville) weren't among the top 100 in 2009. First-teamers Doug McDermott (Creighton) and Victor Oladipo (Indiana) plus honorable mention All-American Russ Smith (leading scorer for NCAA champion Louisville) weren't among the top 100 in 2010.

The player pimps certainly are out of credibility. Burke, McDermott, Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin) and Hield pooled their previously overlooked assets to assemble a string of four straight national POY honorees. Burke wasn't included among the consensus top 100 in 2011 although every scout in this burgeoning charade saw him play on the same high school squad with eventual Ohio State All-American Jared Sullinger. Ditto McDermott with regal recruit Harrison Barnes (North Carolina).

Media hacks as confused as Bruce Jenner and inauguration boycotters, apparently incapable of calculating the difference between AAU-pickup street ball and genuine team ball, should be deep-sixed when you compared Hield and Valentine against the following list of mediocre players ranked among the consensus Top 40 recruits in 2012: Chaquille Cleare (averaged 3.5 ppg for Maryland and Texas), DaJuan Coleman (4.8 ppg/Syracuse), Grant Jerrett (5.2 ppg/Arizona) and Omar Calhoun (6 ppg/Connecticut).

As a cautionary measure, pore over this information again the next time some lazy broadcaster needing a drool bucket begins slobbering over a pimple-faced teenager without ever seeing him play firsthand and only using recruiting services as a resource. The dopey devotees intoxicated by recruiting services should simply be ignored for accepting as gospel player rankings dwelling on wingspans, weight reps, Soul Train dance moves and carnival-like dunk contests. How about focusing solely on whether they'll continue to improve against comparable athletes, boast the proper attitude to learn to fit in with teammates in a me-myself-and-I generation and make a major bottom-line impact on the game rather than strut-your-stuff swagger? When pass is considered a dirty four-letter word, the chronic over-hyping doesn't appear as if it will end anytime soon.

When Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Willie Cauley-Stein (Sacramento Kings) became the seventh and eighth Kentucky product in a six-year span among the NBA's top eight draft picks, the gifted group may have pooled credit-hour resources for a single shared diploma (hopefully not useless AFAS). The pair of 2015-16 rookies and six of the other early Big Blue picks - including DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings), Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans), Brandon Knight (Phoenix Suns), Nerlens Noel (Sixers), Julius Randle (Los Angeles Lakers) and John Wall (Washington Wizards) - on seven different NBA teams combined for a paltry 183-391 record last season (.318), a winning percentage even lower than John Calipari's 72-112 worksheet (.391) in three seasons coaching the New Jersey Nets in the late 1990s. UK provided 22 undergraduate selections in the previous six years, averaging three first-round picks annually while combining to earn in excess of $85 million in the last campaign. But if winning on the NBA hardwood is more vital than the draft lottery, UK hasn't been more valuable. With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Charlotte Hornets) missing majority of previous campaign because of an injured right shoulder, none of those 22 UK Calipari-coached undergrad draft choices started for a 2016 NBA postseason participant - 20 of them ranking among the top 26 recruits by RSCI from 2007 through 2014 (all but Cauley-Stein and Eric Bledsoe). Does anyone really believe 2016 UK undergrad defectors/projected Top 20 picks Jamal Murray, Skal Labissiere and Tyler Ulis will be premier playoff performers in the NBA this season?

Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and three-point shooting sensation Stephen Curry (Davidson) is perhaps the premier collegian thus far this century. If you've got a life, you don't have time to go over all of the no-names ranked better than Curry when he graduated from high school in 2006. You'd have an easier task competing in the national spelling bee, trying to size up all of the issues involving Tulsa coach Frank Haith's checking account when he was at Miami (Fla.), helping Bruce Pearl remember decor of inside of his residence, discerning how much Roy Williams "earned" in academic progress bonuses at North Carolina or believing Rick Pitino's Sgt. "I-Know-Nothing" Schultz routine at Louisville regarding recruiting regaling.

Rating recruits - the ultimate sports distortion foisted upon dupes - is akin to believing government grifters telling the gullible masses taxpayer-financed Muslim extremist terrorism is workplace violence or fueled by a largely-unseen movie (such as Shrillary Rotten lying about video in front of caskets at Andrews AFB duplicating her honesty when describing dodging Bosnian bullets). Pilfering a propaganda-like phrase spun during the institutionalizing of political correctness to the detriment of the safety of the American people, the player ratings are authentic "man-made disasters." They need to make a dramatic turnaround comparable to the White House's post-marathon bombing appeasing administration lauding Cambridge/Boston area police after previous exploitation portraying them as "acting stupidly" when it suited their agenda. Amid the insulting misinformation overload, it might be time to visit Rev. Wrong's church and see if he is recruiting susceptible supporters by telling his captive audience "America's Chechens have come home to roost." Truth-escape artists and opponents of Tsarnaev receiving a death-penalty sentence can simply deny you ever heard or read such impudence.

The same play-dumb mindset comparable to the Benghazi stonewalling, VA executive comparing veteran care waits to long lines at Disney theme park, IRS conservative-group targeting and general incompetence, Shrillary's State Department IT chief unable to provide his emails or being willing to talk to investigators plus fondness for determining transgender dumping grounds applies to entitlement-era "ridiculists" stemming from recruiting service player ratings. Resembling Jason Collins' long-time fiancée, you look like a full-fledged fool by putting a significant amount of stock in these breathless rush-to-judgment projections spawning a slew of blue-chippers turned prima donnas. But don't muzzle 'em with a jock jihad or sound as lucid as the buffoonish Bomb Mom. Just give the sane a barf bag when clueless adults hold their collective breath to see if coddled scholar dons their alma mater's cap on TV announcing a college choice. Why can't we simply wait until impressionable teenagers such as Hart, Mason and Motley compete in an actual game on both ends of a college court against comparable athletes before rendering assessments on their ability at the next level?

Lost in Shuffle: Spotlight on Legends Totally Obscures Their Predecessors

A total of 40 current NCAA Division I schools feature all-time winningest coaches boasting in excess of 400 triumphs. The length of tenure necessary to win so many games makes it almost impossible to remember their predecessors. Anyone who can name 1/4 of the mentors they succeeded goes straight to the Trivia Hall of Fame.

Billy Donovan's success with the Oklahoma City Thunder after departing Florida triggered a question as to what other individuals are completely overshadowed as successor to a coaching legend. Donovan combined with fellow record holders Phog Allen, Dale Brown, Gale Catlett, Denny Crum, Ed Diddle, Hec Edmundson, Jack Friel, Don Haskins, Lou Henson, Hank Iba, Frank Keaney, Bob Knight, Bob McKillop, Ray Meyer, Lute Olson, Alex Severance, Norm Stewart, Bob Thomason, John Thompson Jr., Gary Williams, John Wooden and Ned Wulk for more than 12,500 victories at their respective schools where they established new standards. Who would have thought such achievements were in store after their predecessors collaborated to go more than 300 games below .500 over a collective 100-plus seasons?

One of the predecessor names in particular should surprise you. Incredibly, the only one of Kansas' 10 head coaches with a career losing record is the inventor of the sport (Dr. James Naismith). Bill Self surpassed the 400-win plateau with KU but probably is at least seven seasons shy of passing Phog Allen, Naismith's successor, as the Jayhawks' all-time winningest coach. Naismith is among the following coaches who were succeeded by individuals posting more than 400 wins to become the all-time winningest mentor at the same institution:

School All-Time Winningest Coach Predecessor (W-L Record During Tenure)
Arizona Lute Olson (590 victories) Ben Lindsey (4-25 record in 1982-83)
Arizona State Ned Wulk (405) Bill Kajikawa (88-137 from 1948-49 through 1956-57)
Butler Tony Hinkle (549) Harlan O. "Pat" Page (94-29 from 1920-21 through 1925-26)
California Clarence "Nibs" Price (449) Earl Wright (60-20 from 1920-21 through 1923-24)
Connecticut Jim Calhoun (626) Dom Perno (139-114 from 1977-78 through 1985-86)
Davidson Bob McKillop (495) Bobby Hussey (107-126 from 1981-82 through 1988-89)
Dayton Don Donoher (437) Tom Blackburn (352-141 from 1947-48 through 1963-64)
DePaul Ray Meyer (724) Bill Wendt (23-20 in 1940-41 and 1941-42)
Duke Mike Krzyzewski (945) Bill E. Foster (113-64 from 1974-75 through 1979-80)
Florida Billy Donovan (467) Lon Kruger (104-80 from 1990-91 through 1995-96)
Georgetown John Thompson Jr. (596) Jack Magee (69-80 from 1966-67 through 1971-72)
Houston Guy Lewis (592) Alden Pasche (135-116 from 1945-46 through 1955-56)
Illinois Lou Henson (421) Gene Bartow (8-18 in 1974-75)
Indiana Bob Knight (659) Lou Watson (62-60 from 1965-66 through 1968-69 and 1970-71)
Kansas Phog Allen (590) Dr. James Naismith (55-60 from 1899 through 1907)
Kentucky Adolph Rupp (875) John Mauer (40-14 from 1927-28 through 1929-30)
Louisiana State Dale Brown (448) Press Maravich (76-86 from 1966-67 through 1971-72)
Louisville Denny Crum (675) Howard Stacey (12-8 in 1970-71)
Maryland Gary Williams (461) Bob Wade (36-50 from 1986-87 through 1988-89)
Missouri Norm Stewart (634) Bob Vanatta (42-80 from 1962-63 through 1966-67)
Niagara Taps Gallagher (465) Bill McCarthy (44-35 from 1927-28 through 1930-31)
North Carolina Dean Smith (879) Frank McGuire (164-58 from 1952-53 through 1960-61)
Oklahoma State Hank Iba (655) Harold James (13-41 from 1931-32 through 1933-34)
Oregon State Slats Gill (599) Robert Hager (115-53 from 1922-23 through 1927-28)
Pacific Bob Thomason (414) Tom O'Neill (51-110 from 1982-83 through 1987-88)
Princeton Pete Carril (514) Butch van Breda Kolff (103-31 from 1962-63 through 1966-67)
Purdue Gene Keady (512) Lee Rose (50-18 in 1978-79 and 1979-80)
Rhode Island Frank Keaney (403) Fred Murray (9-8 in 1920-21)
St. John's Lou Carnesecca* (526) Frank Mulzoff (56-27 from 1970-71 through 1972-73)
Syracuse Jim Boeheim (965) Roy Danforth (148-71 from 1968-69 through 1975-76)
Temple John Chaney (516) Don Casey (151-94 from 1973-74 through 1981-82)
Texas A&M Shelby Metcalf (438) Bobby Rogers (92-52 from 1957-58 through 1962-63)
Texas-El Paso Don Haskins (719) Harold Davis (18-30 in 1959-60 and 1960-61)
UCLA John Wooden (620) Wilbur Johns (93-120 from 1939-40 through 1947-48)
UNLV Jerry Tarkanian (509) John Bayer (44-36 from 1970-71 through 1972-73)
Villanova Alex Severance (413) Doc Jacobs (62-56 from 1929-30 through 1935-36)
Washington Hec Edmundson (488) Stub Allison (7-8 in 1919-20)
Washington State Jack Friel (495) Karl Schlademan (18-27 in 1926-27 and 1927-28)
West Virginia Gale Catlett (439) Joedy Gardner (59-53 from 1974-75 through 1977-78)
Western Kentucky Ed Diddle (759) L.T. Smith (3-1 in 1922)

*Carnesecca succeeded Joe Lapchick when he served his first stint with St. John's from 1965-66 through 1969-70

Mark Among Few Good Men: Gonzaga Bench Boss Dominates WCC Competition

A principal reason Jerry Tarkanian became a Hall of Famer was the fact he is the only coach in NCAA Division I history to win more than 90% of his assignments for a school in a single conference including both regular season and postseason league tourney (229-19 mark in PCAA/Big West with UNLV in a 10-year span from 1982-83 through 1991-92).

Among active coaches, Gonzaga's Mark Few is en route to extending his stunning string of consecutive NCAA playoff appearances in as many seasons to 18 with the Zags. But what is equally impressive is his domination of the West Coast Conference not only in regular-season competition (230-28) but also in league tournament action (36-4). Few isn't expected to fall much, if any, from list of league rulers in the near future. Ditto winning percentage overall through 17 campaigns as Few (.808) ranks fourth at this juncture in his career behind legendary Clair Bee (.850), Adolph Rupp (.824) and Tarkanian (.813). Despite never reaching the Final Four, how in the name of James Naismith has Few never been anointed national coach of the year?

John Calipari is the only coach to win 80% of his league assignments in two conferences with different schools. But if Few remains at his present success level, Calipari could tack on another 105 consecutive SEC triumphs via five additional unbeaten regular seasons and league tourney titles in succession with Kentucky and still be behind Few in conference domination.

Brad Stevens won 80.8% of Butler's Horizon League games in five seasons but fell just short of meeting the minimum of 100 decisions in a single conference on the following list before subsequently moving on to the Atlantic 10 and NBA's Boston Celtics. Stevens has had a better pro career than Tarkanian, who compiled a 9-11 record in a brief stint with the San Antonio Spurs at the start of the 1992-93 campaign. Few ranks third, also behind North Carolina State's Everett Case, among the following coaches who have won more than 75% of their games in a single conference including participation in league tourney play (entering 2016-17):

Coach School Conference Seasons Regular-Season League Tourney Overall Pct.
Jerry Tarkanian UNLV PCAA/Big West 1983-92 205-17 24-2 229-19 .923
Everett Case North Carolina State Southern 1947-53 87-11 20-1 107-12 .899
Mark Few Gonzaga West Coast 2000-16 230-28 36-4 266-32 .893
Adolph Rupp Kentucky SEC 1933-72 397-75 57-6 454-81 .849
Roy Williams Kansas Big 12 1997-2003 94-18 14-4 108-22 .831
Gregg Marshall Winthrop Big South 1999-2007 104-24 19-2 123-26 .826
Bill Self Kansas Big 12 2004-16 179-39 27-6 206-45 .821
John Calipari Memphis C-USA 2001-09 117-25 17-5 134-30 .817
John Calipari Kentucky SEC 2010-16 95-25 16-3 111-28 .799
Rick Majerus Utah Western Athletic 1991-99 118-30 15-6 133-36 .787
Eddie Sutton Arkansas Southwest 1975-85 139-35 13-7 152-42 .784
Bob Huggins Cincinnati C-USA 1996-2005 123-33 16-6 139-39 .781
Pete Gillen Xavier Midwestern Collegiate 1986-94 83-25 17-4 100-29 .775
Vic Bubas Duke ACC 1960-69 106-32 22-6 128-38 .771
Stew Morrill Utah State Big West 1999-2005 91-28 13-3 104-31 .770
Charlie Spoonhour SW Missouri State Mid-Continent 1984-90 73-21 9-4 82-25 .766
Lute Olson Arizona Pacific-10 1984-2007 328-102 16-6 344-108 .761
Joe Williams Furman Southern 1971-78 67-25 18-3 85-28 .752
Denny Crum Louisville Metro 1977-95 173-59 33-9 206-68 .752

NOTES: Huggins (West Virginia), Marshall (Wichita State) and Williams (North Carolina) are active coaches currently employed by other schools. . . . UCLA's John Wooden won 81% of his games in the PCC/AAWU/Pacific-8 from 1948-49 through 1974-75 but none of those contests included conference tournament competition.

Men For All Seasons: Will Gathers or Swoope Join Graham as Next Top NFL TE?

If you need more unassailable evidence proving who are the best team-sport athletes in the world, check out some of the premier tight ends in NFL history (past and present). Will former Baylor brute Rico Gathers (Dallas Cowboys) and former Miami FL regular Erik Swoope (Indianapolis Colts) be the next prominent hooper-turned-TE after they had stints learning their new craft as practice players? A striking number of the elite players at that rigorous position thus far this century have been former college basketball players with another ex-Miami FL hoop regular, Jimmy Graham (Seattle Seahawks), acknowledged as the premier athlete in this category in the playoffs this year.

In the past, what kind of "picks" do you think imposing Mike Ditka (Pittsburgh) and John Mackey (Syracuse) set back in the day before the Big East Conference was formed? Wouldn't you love to see LeBron James maneuver down the field like Charles Atlas the same way he does when forcefully driving down the lane?

Gathers, the latest Ivan Drago-like football specimen, became Baylor's all-time leading rebounder, including a Big 12 Conference-record 28 boards in a game against Huston-Tillotson. Gathers' family is familiar with the gridiron as his older brother, Greg, was a two-time All-ACC defensive end and Georgia Tech's all-time sacks leader for 11 years until 2013.

Although ex-California hoopster Tony Gonzalez failed to reach the 2013 postseason with the Atlanta Falcons in his quest to finally win a playoff game before retiring, succeeding in the NFL remains a "Battle of the Titans" at the TE position. Bursting on the scene at the same position was fellow ex-college hoopster Julius Thomas, the most sought-after free agent three years ago after originally being a relatively obscure player for the Denver Broncos until emerging as their runner-up in touchdowns with 12 and contributing a team-high eight pass receptions in an AFC title-game victory against the New England Patriots. Thomas, an All-Big Sky Conference hoopster with Portland State, flashed potential as the next game-changing tight end when he caught nine touchdown passes in the Broncos' first five games three seasons ago en route to signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A 74-yard TD strike to "It's So Easy" at San Diego in mid-season three years ago illustrated how QB Peyton Manning capitalized on Thomas' athleticism the same way he did ex-hoopster Marcus Pollard (Bradley) with the Indianapolis Colts. Pollard, a J.C. transfer who was the Braves' leading rebounder in 1992-93, caught at least three touchdown passes each of Manning's first seven NFL seasons from 1998 through 2004.

Ditka, muzzled by ESPC for boasting sufficient fortitude to tackle mom-jeans POTUS, had a quality successor as an ex-hoopster tight end with the Bears in Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M) before Bennett wound up with the New England Patriots and this season's Super Bowl. A superior athlete to keep an eye on in the future is Texas Southern dual-sport player Derrick Griffin, who originally committed to A&M before aligning with Miami FL and subsequently sitting out and remaining in home state for academic reasons. Griffin, despite his dismissal from football team early this season for team rules violations, boasts the physical credentials to become the latest SWAC multi-sport standout in the mold of Harold Carmichael (Southern), Andrew Glover (Grambling) and Otis Taylor (Prairie View A&M). Griffin, 6-7, led TSU with 36 pass receptions, 709 receiving yards and league-leading 11 touchdown catches before seamlessly swapping uniforms and collecting 19 points and 12 rebounds against Mississippi State plus 20 points and nine boards against Syracuse. Gathers or Swoope could join Thomas, Bennett and Jordan Cameron of the Miami Dolphins plus ex-UCI hooper Darren Fells of the Arizona Cardinals moving up the following list of Top 25 NFL tight ends who were former college basketball players:

Rank Former College Hooper Alma Mater Summary of NFL Tight End Career
1. Tony Gonzalez California First tight end in NFL history with 100 touchdowns completed his 17-year career in 2013 with 1,325 receptions for 15,127 yards and 111 TDs. He was 13-time Pro Bowl selection.
2. Antonio Gates Kent State Set an NFL single-season record with 13 TD receptions in 2004 en route to becoming San Diego Chargers' all-time leader for TD catches, receptions and receiving yards.
3. Mike Ditka Pittsburgh Five-time Pro Bowl selection caught 427 passes for 5,812 yards and 43 TDs in 12 seasons.
4. John Mackey Syracuse Hall of Famer caught 331 passes for 5,236 yards and 38 TDs in 10 seasons.
5. Jimmy Graham Miami (Fla.) Led New Orleans Saints in pass receptions in 2012 and 2013. Twice has had streaks of at least four games with more than 100 yards in pass receptions. After only four years, he ranked second all-time among New Orleans Saints' tight ends in receiving before transitioning to the Seattle Seahawks.
6. Todd Heap Arizona State Caught 467 passes for 5,492 yards and 41 TDs with the Baltimore Ravens from 2001 through 2010, leading them in receptions in 2002 with 68.
7. Ben Coates Livingstone (N.C.) Established NFL single-season record for most receptions by a TE with 96 in 1994.
8. Marcus Pollard Bradley Finished his 13-year career with 349 receptions for 4,280 yards and 40 TDs (long of 86 yards in 2001 midway through stint as starter for the Indianapolis Colts).
9. Pete Metzelaars Wabash (Ind.) Played in more games at TE than any player in NFL history when he retired. Led the Buffalo Bills with 68 receptions in 1993.
10. Julius Thomas Portland State Began 2014 campaign with a bang by catching three first-half TD passes in season opener from Peyton Manning en route to nine TDs in first five games for the Denver Broncos. Thomas, Denver's runner-up with 12 TD receptions the previous year, went on to sign as a high-value free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
11. Martellus Bennett Texas A&M Caught 348 passes for 3,586 yards and 23 TDs with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Chicago Bears in first eight years from 2008 through 2015 prior to trade to New England Patriots.
12. Joe Senser West Chester State (Pa.) Caught 165 passes for 1,822 yards and 16 TDs in four-year career with the Minnesota Vikings in early 1980s.
13. Andrew Glover Grambling State Caught at least one TD pass each of his 10 pro seasons from 1991 through 2000, finishing with 208 receptions for 2,478 yards and 24 TDs.
14. Rich McGeorge Elon (N.C.) Caught 175 passes for 2,370 yards and 13 TDs with the Green Bay Packers in nine years from 1970 through 1978.
15. Rickey Dudley Ohio State Scored 29 TDs in five seasons with the Oakland Raiders before hooking on with two other teams.
16. Derrick Ramsey Kentucky Caught 188 passes for 2,364 yards and 21 TDs with three different teams from 1978 to 1987.
17. Jordan Cameron BYU/Southern California Blossomed in third year with Cleveland Browns in 2013, catching 80 passes for 917 yards and seven TDs (three in game at Minnesota). He had three contests with at least nine receptions.
18. Jean Fugett Amherst (Mass.) Caught 156 passes for 2,270 yards and 28 TDs with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins in eight years from 1972 through 1979.
19. Kevin Boss Western Oregon Caught 150 passes for 2,033 yards and 22 TDs with the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs in six years from 2007 through 2012. His 45-yard pass reception sparked a fourth-quarter TD drive for the Giants in their 17-14 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
20. Reuben Gant Oklahoma State Caught 127 passes for 1,850 yards and 15 TDs with the Buffalo Bills in seven seasons from 1974 through 1980.
21. Bob Windsor Kentucky Caught 185 passes for 2,307 yards and 14 TDs with the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots in nine years from 1967 through 1975.
22. Keith McKeller Jacksonville State (Ala.) Caught 124 passes for 1,464 yards and 11 TDs with the Buffalo Bills in seven years from 1987 through 1993.
23. Greg Latta Morgan State (Md.) Caught 90 passes for 1,081 yards and seven TDs with the Chicago Bears in five years from 1975 through 1979.
24. Pat Richter Wisconsin Caught 99 passes for 1,315 yards and 14 TDs in nine seasons for the Washington Redskins after being their first-round pick in 1962.
T25. Al Dixon Iowa State Caught 84 passes for 1,248 yards and eight TDs with four different teams from 1977 through 1984.
T25. Jeff King Virginia Tech Registered 93 receptions for 802 yards and seven TDs with the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals in first seven years from 2006 through 2012.
T25. Dee Mackey East Texas State Caught 94 passes for 1,352 yards and eight TDs in six NFL/AFL seasons from 1960 through 1965.
T25. Ulysses Norris Georgia Best season of seven-year career was in 1983 when he had seven TDs with the Detroit Lions.
T25. Morris Stroud Jr. Clark Atlanta Believed to be the tallest TE (6-10) in NFL history, he caught 54 passes for 977 yards and seven TDs with the Kansas City Chiefs in five years from 1970 through 1974.

Closing Argument: Obama Scouting Report Basically Describes Presidency

"Politicians are a lot like diapers. They should be changed frequently, and for the same reasons." - Comedian Robin Williams

Was it more style (#AudacityofHype) than substance (#AudacityofHope) regarding the self-styled basketball booster (#AudacityofHoops)? Hollyweird "shaken" spokesperson Meryl Streep probably prefers moralizing "like a box of chocolates," but a presidential farewell, resembling life, is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end as Robin Williams indicated, the faster the _ _ _ _ goes exemplified by Congressional "icon" John Lewis emerging as just a con deceiving us about foreclosure expert's "first" inauguration boycott. Shoveling "sad-sack snowflakes" such as acting-like-an-AG Sally "You're Fired" Yates to the curb doesn't come fast enough when, amid chronically condemning Christians, petty punditry emerges such as: "The future does not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam." Whether you're an adult or a dolt susceptible to George Soros-coordinated leftist lunacy, it's closing argument time amid "huge" transfer of the reigns of presidential power while brain-damaged leftist toadies such as Madonna, Ashley Judd and other haughty Hollyweird hacks nuttier than squirrel turds take Trump Trauma Treatment. Coupled with #Messmedia, they are more concerned about getting back to taking shots at #TheDonald's two scoops of ice cream rather than murderous shot to the back of DNC operative Seth Rich. If not practice water boarding on the unhinged, can intelligence community infected by Brennan and Clapper at least march out and wash out their potty mouths with BleachBit for "entertaining" empty-headed estrogen emerging from padded-room safe spaces for field trips to airports protesting temporary refugee ban?

Enduring self-radicalization gibberish as the left's Greatest "Show" on Earth came to legitimate end, a problem persists that the overwhelming majority of slanted reporters, including the toy department (sports), write through a liberal prism insulting our common sense and intelligence. Thus the toughest question Social Engineer/President Barack H. Obama faced in a given year from the malpractice minions probably was an ESPN bracket racket inquiry concerning whether his alma mater (Harvard) was going to advance to the second round in NCAA basketball playoff competition. Don't you wish he would have put as much effort into meeting a budget deadline as the failure to people of faith did in providing a bracket, accepting mulligan lessons from Tiger, pardoning weirdo Wikileaker Chelsea Manning, hosting parties at Club Obama or elaborating on Mommy problems? Did he think security detail acted stupidly when protecting Republicans against a progressive puke? After all, didn't wise-guy say: "If they bring a knife, then we bring a gun." Or was it: "If they bring a bat, then we bring a rifle."

By any measure, the puff-piece enemies of illumination failed to fully vet Obama and his leftist fantasies before he became POTUS other than perhaps focusing on an alleged hoop prowess. As Mr. Clean and Articulate departed after his dudes reportedly warned Iranian terrorist of Israeli assassination plan, Obama surrogates in the myopic media sounded like out-of-control fans in the stands hollering at referees, saying numerous repulsive things about opponents of their Messiah overseeing a losing legacy (70 House seats, 13 U.S. Senate seats, 13 state governors, 30 state legislative chambers and 910 state legislators). "Nasty" numbers depicting glaring downgrade don't include perhaps the worst trade of all-time (5-for-1 community-organized swap of terrorist titans for disgusting deserter Bowe Bergdahl) or spiking news of terror suspect's arrest to prevent ShrillaryRotten from looking bad. Obama must have returned to smoking dope and reading fiction from "security" novelist Ben Rhodes if he thought unmasked lackey #TokyoRice or #DirtyRice served nation with as much honor and distinction as Bergdahl.

So great conceptually, but so mediocre in reality while giving forum to Fruit Loops Fanatic, he never achieved sufficient success as private citizen to own or affiliate with business that could have been boycotted by conservatives (his army of agitators don't generate a profit). As former NBA Commissioner David Stern said in jest about Obama's basketball background: "He thinks he's better than he really is." Although probably not intentional, Stern's dispassionate assessment also summarized cut-it-out's presidency. At the risk of becoming the next U.S. citizen subject to a drone strike or Milo Yiannopoulos-like protest from free-speech loving progressives before our long national nightmare concluded, following is a detailed scouting report on the hoop-loving lefty before the moving vans arrive:

INSATIABLE URGE TO ALWAYS GO TO HIS LEFT
From Frank Marshall Davis, a member of the old Moscow-controlled Communist Party USA who was a mysterious friend and adviser while Obama was growing up in Hawaii; to his early “daze” rooming with shady Sohale Siddiqi in a drug-infested portion of NYC after visiting Siddiqi’s native country during college with other Pakistanis; to a close association with Dr. Khalid al-Mansour, a key adviser to a Saudi billionaire who mentored the founding members of the Black Panthers (alleged in a 1995 book that the U.S. was plotting genocide against black Americans); to attending a black liberation church for almost two decades under a disgraced pastor - Jeremiah Wright - who “inspired him”; to launching his first campaign for public office with a fund-raising party at the home of friends (unrepentant Weather Underground leaders William Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn) whose violent guerilla group bombed the Pentagon; to employing as a state senator senior staffers who belonged to Louis Farrakhan’s controversial Nation of Islam; to having benefactors such as FBI fugitive Salman Ibrahim (Sunrise Equities fraud) and far left-wing Rabbi Arnold Wolf who even invited the “Chicago 7” to address his synagogue; to longstanding shady dealings with slumlord/convicted influence peddler Tony Rezko and purchasing a home with his help for $1.65 million; to connections with first cousin Odinga who wanted to bring Kenya under Sharia law; to gushing over Chicago pal Rashid Khalidi, a mouthpiece for master terrorist Yasser Arafat; to having convicted felon Robert Creamer making 340 visits to the Obama White House, the sheikh- and emperor-bowing disciple of Saul Alinsky (author of Rules for Radicals) seems to be most comfortable taking far-left turns with Marxists and revolutionaries boasting difficult-to-spell names plus United Nations-affiliated nut jobs seemingly straight out of the Star Wars tavern scene. How else were MS-13 gang members knowingly released in our country and Hezbollah was shielded to enhance prospect of Iranian deal?

FAILS TO EXHIBIT ADEQUATE COURT LEADERSHIP
Anyone with a triple-digit IQ sizing up the parasites influencing him could discern the shameless shenanigans around the corner. Czar-loving O-bow-a catered to two-bit dictators and Hollyweird, won’t protect the border (probably since “we’re not a Christian nation”) but did take time from numerous golf outings to praise the Phoenix “Amnesty” Suns for protesting Arizona’s new immigration law, paid ACORN almost $1 million to conduct some corrupt “community organizing,” doesn’t boast sufficient courage to say the word “terrorist” but is sufficiently clever to create contrived phrases such as "workplace violence" and “man-caused disaster,” conducted a beer summit after getting “all wee wee’d up” prejudging a white police officer, aligned with the scare-tactic buffoonery of Al Bore regarding the global warming hoax, claims he’s in charge from the start of the Gulf Coast oil spill while making more long trips West campaigning for Barbara “I Work So Hard” Boxer and Dingy Harry, savaged oil companies but didn’t return the $1 million BP donated to him (also accepted similar amount from self-anointed know-it-all Bill Maher despite his genuine "War on Women"), attempted to fix elections hiding behind Sick Willie so his favorites can continue to suck on the government boob via what few jobs he did create (75 times less than food stamp growth), ran from the abortion issue because it’s “above his pay grade” and is more likely to promote the grand opening of a mosque near Ground Zero rather than attending Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day. The fearless leader, much more concerned with illegal immigrants, gay rights and lowering flag to half-staff for singer/drug-addict Whitney Houston, failed to acknowledge the murder of an authentic hero - Chris "American Sniper" Kyle - or Christian pastor imprisoned in Iran. The "leader" of the free world knows all about the sexual preference of an NBA center averaging 1 ppg but doesn't know anything about reports of intimidating potential State Department witnesses. However, he does "know" a wall is okay for the White House, his post-presidency residence and Vatican but not the U.S. southern border. He may need more than a wall to contain privileged daughter Malia after she was caught at 3 a.m. partying underage at 21-plus NYC nightspot (The Parlor).

GENERALLY LISTLESS PERFORMER DOESN’T DELIVER IN CLUTCH
Enlightened elitist Progressives, amused by the absence of “shovel-ready” jobs, aren’t nearly as bright as they like to portray themselves. Fawning liberals chronically convey to us that the Audacity of Hype is a super smart guy. Barry is a “genius” in the messy-truth vernacular of his principal MSLSD sycophants Chrissy "Thrill Up My Leg" Matthews, Mika the Mannequin, Rich-with-ill-will Madcow and Al “Not So” Sharpton. And yet, for the width and breadth of such utter brilliance, Obama seemed way above his pay grade about many things, especially when his teleprompter isn’t uh-uh functioning properly. Surely, a once-in-a-lifetime Messiah would know the fact the U.S. doesn’t have 57 states; Afghans’ language isn’t Arabic; there is no language called Austrian; daughter's asthma might be triggered more his smoking than climate change; difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day; a singular bomb wasn’t dropped on Pearl Harbor; the word corpsman isn’t pronounced like a dead body; “under God” is nothing to hide from when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance; distinction between Great Britain and England; would admit he was for tax cuts and reducing the national budget before he was against them; collective salvation is absurd from a Christian perspective; it’s incorrect to say Twitters and internets; his home state (Hawaii) isn’t part of Asia; priorities are screwed up if encouraging NASA to become a Muslim outreach program, and you shouldn’t make the unforgivable gaffe mistakenly identifying a fallen member of the Army as another soldier in a completely different Army unit who is alive. Unless there is some stench to hide, Ramadan-celebrating B.O. also should permit his squirreled-away college papers/academic records to see the light of day so the public could judge for themselves the dimensions of his breathtaking splendor. He might be a fake, but his feints were phony when expressing "sick" outrage at Donald Trump's claims of he and his associates possibly being under surveillance by previous administration (#DirtyRice, #FictionalBen, #ValPal, etc.).

KNOWS THE BASICS BUT MOST COMFORTABLE AS ROLE PLAYER
Let me be clear about the clunker lame-stream media exhibiting most of the traits of Baghdad Bob (Gibbs)! In 2008, they failed to point out Obama was devoid of executive experience but had an excess of agitator experience alongside contemptible Chicago-gang comrades Screwie Louie Farrakhan, bombastic Blago, repulsive Rahm, demented David Axel(grease) and dumb-as-a-stump Rev. Wrong. That’s probably why the community organizer became a temporary interior decorator by promptly ridding the White House of the bust of dauntless Winston Churchill, an authentic hero whose guardianship of freedom is so alien to him. The apologist-in-chief proudly proclaims that “the U.S. is not a Christian nation.” Prior to giving Solyndra preferential treatment, the only business transaction he ever conducted was a sweetheart housing deal with felon Tony Rezko. How is all that hope and change working out for us as he describes Americans as “lazy” or "clinging to their guns and religion"? We didn’t build anything. If you voted for Hopey in ’08 to prove you’ve shed your white guilt, it seems you’d have to vote for someone other than “Debt Man Walking” in ’12 to prove you’re not a village idiot worthy of earning a trip on Farrakhan’s mother ship (where vacation junkie Michelle will be a “Let’s Move (It)” stewardess forcing organic food down our palates). Rather than buckling down and exhibiting authentic leadership skills in fiscal cliff negotiations or offering a bonafide budget, the golfer-in-chief went on vacation in Hawaii, including hitting the links with a longtime pal arrested on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute. Frankly, he and his colleagues couldn't "lead" a herd of ants to a picnic.

BELIEVES IN DISTRIBUTION BUT MORESO FOR OTHERS THAN HIMSELF
Simplistic Demorats lecture us endlessly but are “Do As I Say; Not As I Do” when it comes to being champions of the poor. In the decade before becoming Vice Plagiarist, (Oh So Ordinary) Joe Biden gave a grand total of $3,690 to charity (0.2% of income). Now, he helps the deficit by charging the Secret Service seven times that amount in rent (to protect him and his clean-and-articulate family) for a cottage on his property. Debate prep companion Lurch Kerry gave a big fat goose egg in 1995 but did spend a half million dollars that year on a 17th-Century Dutch seascape painting. In the previous two years to that enormous disparity, however, the self-proclaimed Vietnam hero gave a staggering sum of $2,214. In 1998, Al Bore, boasting a personal carbon footprint the size of Bigfoot, gave an anemic $353 to charity. Liberal Lyin’ Ted Kennedy gave 1% of his income to charity in the decade of the '70s. Barack and Michelle Peron gave an average of 3.5% of their income to charity in the eight years before his presidency. Their lofty rhetoric and Ivy League educations notwithstanding, none of these charlatans apparently applies tithing to their personal lives. Meanwhile, the self-indulgent half of America paying no federal taxes is more than happy to raise taxes on the inspired half who actually prosper by getting off their royal cushion and going to work. In the meantime, Trump made more "Let's Move" progress in first eight hours of his presidency getting ugly (wordsmiths) and fat women off their butts world-wide and marching to try to exorcise their Ashley Judd demons than First Personal Trainer Michelle O inspired to exercise in eight years. Judd, succeeding Basketball Barack as latest leftist hoop scholar, probably thought UK lost at Tennessee because of Russian hacking in aftermath of her filthy filibuster in DC.

BLOCKS OUT FOR “REBOUNDERS” TO PICK AND ROLL (IN DOUGH)
The clueless clowns comprising OWS (really need to Occupy Water in Shower) should have been protesting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Consider the following three former Fannie Mae executives who were instrumental in disgracing Wall Street and igniting the bevy of bailouts: (1) Franklin Raines – Chairman and CEO departed with a golden parachute valued at $240 million in benefits when he was forced to retire in the wake of auditing discovering severe irregularities; (2) Tim Howard – Chief Financial Officer’s golden parachute was estimated at $20 million despite resigning under pressure for cooking the books, manipulating earnings to trigger bonuses; (3) Jim Johnson – Former executive at Lehman Brothers and Fannie Mae, who was investigated for taking illegal loans from Countrywide, received an estimated $28 million golden parachute despite hiding his compensation from the public. Where did this stench-filled trio of trash take their expertise? Raines worked for Obama’s Campaign as Chief Economic Advisor, Howard was also a Chief Economic Advisor to Obama, and Johnson, a Senior Obama Finance Advisor, was selected to run the VP Search Committee. Naturally, this doesn’t include morally bankrupt ex-N.J. governor Jon Corzine, an Obama fundraiser and alleged economic expert immersed in the MF Global scandal. How often has fake squaw Elizabeth Warren emerged from her "flipped" tee-pee to weigh in specifically with Senatorial splendor on these characters?

CLEARLY KNOWS NUANCES OF GAME WITH EMPHASIS ON BACKDOOR CUTS
Cutting backroom deals is his forte with an emphasis on union waivers and failing to acknowledge numerous email address changes by shifty Secretary of State. Do you think a pardon is already in the works for fellow Chicagoan Jesse Jackson Jr. if one is necessary after costing taxpayers more than $5 million to fill his spot with the timing of his suspect resignation from Congress? Moreover, Obama never stands up to race baiter such as the 95% Diversity President Al Sharptongue. Devoid of heart, august POTUS simply looked the other way while a plantation potentate practices soft racism of low expectations. Simply overlook Sharptongue’s history as described by the lovely and gracious Ann Coulter: In addition to libeling innocent men in the Tawana Brawley hoax, ginning up angry mobs outside the Central Park jogger’s rapists’ trial, inciting throngs after an auto accident in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood killed a black child and a rabbinical student was stabbed to death, Sharptongue famously ignited an anti-Semitic protest against a Jewish-owned clothing store in Harlem, saying, “We will not stand by and allow them to move this brother so that some white interloper can expand his business.” Someone who was listening to Sharptongue later decided to storm the store and start shooting, wounding several employees, and setting a fire killing seven people. Nevertheless, the lame-stream media generally and MSNBC specifically frequently parade out “Resist We Much!” as an “expert” when commenting on civil discourse. The reparations crowd apparently didn't comprehend proclamation from Gettysburg. You are free! You can leave the Dimorats' urban plantation!

PLAYS MATADOR DEFENSE WITH OBSESSION FOR BLAMING EVERYONE ELSE
If George W. can’t be affixed with fault for SuperStorm Sandy amid everything else, Obama will find someone in a "fast and furious" fashion to serve as fall guy after securing his photo op. A classic example of the blame game was when the feds were more concerned with detaining some obscure producer of an anti-Islamic film making light of the prophet Mohammed. At least they didn't pull out the workplace-violence card again. Meanwhile, the stonewalling Obama Administration - either grossly incompetent or immersed in "crude and disgusting" fraud - dealt with a terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, by shamelessly standing in front of caskets at an airport hangar (plus the White House press corps, the U.N. and national politically-oriented shows such as Meet the Depressed) offering an orchestrated narrative claiming the nondescript video was responsible for a spontaneous murder of the American ambassador and three other Americans. Unbelievably, a Navy SEAL among the deceased violated stand-down orders to help save numerous individuals at the death-trap embassy and then fought the terrorists for seven hours while his pleas for backup at a nearby annex were ignored by government officials real-time watching events unfold. Weeks later, the apologist-in-chief and cowardly cronies were still striving to supply a cogent response to their deflect-and-deny sacrificial inaction. Where's a photo of the vaunted Obama Team deliberating during the Benghazi attack before rescue troops were told to "stand down"? Bracing for a cross-country campaign trip, did "That's Not What We Do" go to bed while brave Americans were savaged? If not, then be transparent enough to at least conduct a stand-up, man-up press conference detailing what you did do (other than dispatching a "Damsel in Distress" who allegedly didn't know as much about the topic as a general's mistress); not just cozy up to David Letterman and be charm-offensive "eye candy" for The View vixens. Surely, he and his dignified cohorts didn't indefensibly throw lives in the trash akin to late-term abortions. Barry, buttressed by Roman columns, was hailed as a savior but emphasizes selective salvation when it came to "punishing" children he wasn't hiding behind. Planned Murderhood notwithstanding, he proclaimed "if there's a step we can take to save even one child, we should take that step." Speaking of children, do you think Trump's daughters took a year off after grueling high school years for "work on twerk" program?

There are ample reasons why the majority of Americans fail to have confidence in a biased mass media to report the news fully, accurately and fairly. The major TV networks and two principal liberal rags (New York Slimes and Washington Compost) refused to give coverage to a Fox News report acknowledging the Obama Administration denied aid multiple times to Americans attacked and murdered by terrorists in Benghazi on September 11 of all days. If they withheld evidence (such as emails from the National Security Advisor's office telling a counter-terrorism unit to stand down), they're as corrupt in a cover-up as the administration's self-righteous Siskel & Ebert wannabees more concerned with muzzling Benghazi survivors than transparency with the public.

Why didn't the lapdog media do its job and press the issue providing accountable answers to the many questions bubbling up about what precisely occurred in the Celebrity-in-Chief's chamber? Why do the vast majority of them remain so disinterested in pursuing the litany of "jaw-dropping" misstatements and dissembling regarding what was known before and after the Benghazi attack? It wasn't because the misfit media was too busy prepping for coverage of the capital case carnage in the Dr. Gosnell abortion trial.

Al Jazeera is more objective in its coverage of U.S. politics than incestuous ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC and CNN. In an effort to help the inept media shine the light of truth on the Benghazi bungling and scrubbed talking points, following are some basic "who/what/when/why/where" questions for which the public deserves answers:
* Who first concocted "the (misleading) spontaneous reaction" to a YouTube video explanation for the attack (framed before the final two deaths) and did the same individual help orchestrate a coordinated response at various venues in the days and weeks immediately following said attack?
* What portion of the entire 7 1/2 hours of the attack did POTUS himself spend in the Situation Room and was he directly involved with multiple "stand-down" orders while the attacks were in place?
* When precisely did POTUS and/or his national security staff first become aware that an attack was underway at the Benghazi compound?
* Why was the Obama Administration's response so lax despite an unmanned drone providing real-time live video feed of the scene?
* Where is evidence of the "Betray Us" administration's responses to repeated pleas to strengthen security for Americans in Libya, not only from the State Department security chief and man on the ground in charge of security, but from the ambassador?

In the previous election cycle, NBC's slobbering Brian "Save the Tin Foil" Williams, the self-proclaimed patriot, was fond of displaying adoring news magazine "halo" covers to Obama and then asking him if his mother would have liked the image. Since Williams is in dire need of a drool bucket, perhaps one of his counterparts who isn't certified Obama Orgasmic should brandish photos of the murdered Americans in front of POTUS and ask him if he sleeps well at night knowing he did everything humanly possible before and during the attack to protect and help these hero sons of steadfast mothers. The Messiah could also be asked what did give-me-a-break Shrillary Rotten mean when the former Secretary of State callously said during testimony: "What difference does it make?" Despite not being interviewed by the review board, the difference could be a little candor to the country's citizens vs. cover-up deception with much of the media serving as corrupt accomplices.

Dan Rather's blather at CBS frequently ended with some inane reference to "courage." Was that a trait exhibited by CBS when it concealed footage for an extended period from a 60 Minutes interview with Obama where he clearly refused to categorize the Benghazi attack as an act of terror? Of course, curious George Stephanopoulos (Step-on-truth-to-us) is deemed a journalistic jewel by ABC after earning his spurs as a political hack for the petulant Clintons disparaging one female after another. Is this the best and most honest our country can produce in the newsrooms and Oval Office? In helping "educate" the public before election day, all we could expect from the courageous "never-seen-you-lose" media was something like: "Will Harvard return to the NCAA Tournament this season?"

The biggest loser over the last couple of election cycles is the mangy media serving as little more than the Praetorian Guard for liberal lunacy praising Planned Parenthood and its accompanying murders of innocent babies while smearing whistle-blowers crestfallen over the murders of innocent colleagues. The #MessMedia and politicians are so full of poop, the sclera (whites) of their eyes are turning brown. As shamelessly one-sided as conservatives have asserted for years, excessive media malpractice peering through their liberal-heavy lens finally discarded the pretense of objectivity. The good news is that the influence-peddling gig for broadcast networks, major daily newspapers and newsweeklies is nearly expired because the less-than-honest brokers are gutless wonders shackled by a business model in free-fall. Good riddance to the fourth-rate estate such as CNN info-babes hyperventilating over Obama's kite-surfing and don't let death's door hit you in your contemptible can on the way out!

Winner From Start: Boeheim's Streak of Winning Seasons in Serious Jeopardy

In the throes of fallout from suspension stemming from off-the-court conflict, the most illuminating item about Jim Boeheim ranking among the nation's all-time winningest coaches is the bespectacled "Baron of Upstate New York" assembled a stunning streak of nothing but winning records in his first 40 seasons with Syracuse. En route to his 1,000th career win midway through the ACC campaign, Boeheim's worst worksheet was 16-13 in 1981-82 when the NIT-bound Orange dropped four of its last five outings.

SU is in serious peril of its first losing campaign under Boeheim after an alarming span succumbing against Connecticut, Georgetown, St. John's and Boston College. Keep in mind these four former Big East Conference rivals collectively lost in pre-league play this season to opponents such as Arkansas State, Delaware State, Fairfield, Hartford, LIU, Nicholls State, Northeastern and Wagner. The Cuse abuse included its most lopsided loss under Boeheim (33-point margin at home vs. St. John's).

Adolph Rupp never had a losing record in 41 campaigns but did post one breakeven mark with Kentucky (13-13 in 1966-67). When assessing this topic, keep in mind the following mentors among the all-time biggest winners each had multiple non-winning seasons: Phog Allen (four non-winning records), Jim Calhoun (six), Lefty Driesell (four), Lou Henson (eight), Hank Iba (eight), Bob Knight (two), Mike Krzyzewski (four), Lute Olson (three), Dean Smith (two) and Eddie Sutton (two).

Boeheim boasts the best record among active coaches in close contests, winning more than 60% of games decided by fewer than six points. For now, he is atop the list of five major-college coaches in history with winning marks every year in college careers spanning more than 20 years.

Coach Seasons Campaign Closest to Non-Winning Record
Jim Boeheim 40 16-13 (Syracuse in sixth season in 1981-82)
*Jerry Tarkanian 31 16-12 (UNLV in eighth of 19 seasons with Rebels in 1980-81) and 19-15 (Fresno State in seventh of seven seasons with Bulldogs in 2001-02)
John Wooden 29 14-12 (UCLA in 12th of 27 seasons with Bruins in 1959-60)
Lou Carnesecca 24 17-12 (St. John's in 20th season in 1987-88)
Peck Hickman 23 13-12 (Louisville in 14th season in 1957-58)

*Tarkanian also compiled seven more winning records in as many seasons for two community colleges in California, where he won five consecutive state championships after notching a 14-13 mark in 1961-62 at Riverside City College to begin his coaching odyssey.

Father Knows Best: Will Alfords Join List of Premier Father-Son Combinations?

Due to voter deficiencies condescendingly looking down upon mid-major standouts, Georgia State's R.J. Hunter failed to become an All-American last season; let alone national player of the year such as (Creighton's Doug McDermott) three campaigns ago. But coupled with his coach/father Ron, the Hunters buttressed their case as one of the all-time top 10 father-son, coach-player combinations in NCAA history.

The top father-son duo in 2016-17 is at UCLA (coach Steve Alford and son Bryce), which has won nearly 2/3 of its games the past four seasons with Bryce averaging 13.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.9 apg. After the Alfords boosted the Bruins back to national prominence (including Bryce's school-record nine three-pointers at Colorado), they stand the best chance of cracking the following all-time Top 10 of sons playing under their dad at the same school:

Rank Coach/Father School(s) Record Player/Son Pos. Son's Career Summary Under Father
1. Greg McDermott Creighton 107-38 Doug McDermott F Doug was three-time NCAA first-Team All-American from 2011-12 through 2013-14 after originally signing with old MVC rival Northern Iowa. As a sophomore and junior, he was MVC MVP before earning same award when BlueJays moved to the Big East Conference.
2. Press Maravich Louisiana State 49-35 Pete Maravich G Pete, a three-time unanimous NCAA first-team All-American, became the NCAA's career record holder for total points (3,667 in three years from 1967-68 through 1969-70) and scoring average (44.2 ppg). In his senior season, the Tigers had their highest SEC finish (2nd) and only postseason tournament appearance (NIT) in a 24-year span from 1955 through 1978.
3. Wade Houston Tennessee 60-68 Allan Houston G Allan, a four-time All-SEC first-team selection, averaged more than 20 ppg each of his four seasons en route to becoming the Volunteers' all-time leading scorer (2,801 points from 1989-90 through 1992-93). They participated in the NIT in his freshman and junior campaigns.
4. Bill Berry San Jose State 46-41 Ricky Berry G-F Ricky, after playing his freshman season with Oregon State, averaged 21 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 3.2 apg for the Spartans from 1985-86 through 1987-88 en route to becoming their all-time leading scorer (1,767 points). He was a three-time All-Big West Conference first-team selection.
5. Dick Acres Oral Roberts 47-34 Mark Acres C Dick coached his sons (including Jeff) from midway through the 1982-83 campaign through 1984-85. Mark, a three-time All-Midwestern City Conference first-team selection, averaged 18.5 ppg and 9.6 rpg and shot 56.4% from the floor. Mark was a two-time Midwestern City MVP who led the Titans in scoring and rebounding all four seasons. ORU participated in the 1984 NCAA Tournament.
6. Homer Drew Valparaiso 88-36 Bryce Drew G Bryce, who averaged 17.7 ppg, 5.2 apg and 1.5 spg from 1994-95 through 1997-98 en route to becoming the school's all-time leader in scoring and assists, was the Mid-Continent Conference MVP his last two seasons. The Crusaders won the MCC regular-season and league tournament championships all four years.
7. Dick Bennett Wisconsin-Green Bay 87-34 Tony Bennett G Tony, a three-time All-Mid-Continent Conference first-team selection, averaged 19.4 ppg and 5.1 apg from 1988-89 through 1991-92, finishing as UWGB's all-time leading scorer (2,285 points). He holds the NCAA career record for highest three-point field-goal percentage (.497/minimum of 200 made) and won the Frances Pomeroy Award his senior year as the nation's top player shorter than six feet tall. The Phoenix won the 1991 MCC Tournament and 1992 regular-season title.
8. Ron Hunter Georgia State 65-35 R.J. Hunter G R.J. became the most prolific freshman scorer in Panthers history, averaging 17 ppg in 2012-13. Finished his three-year career with averages of 18.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg before declaring early for the NBA draft.
9. Sonny Allen SMU/Nevada-Reno 64-48 Billy Allen G Billy averaged 13.1 ppg and 8.2 apg in 1981-82 and 1982-83 after transferring from SMU. The two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection set a UNR single-season record with 8.6 apg as a junior when he was a second-team choice before moving up to first-team status the next year. Billy led the SWC in assists as a freshman in 1978-79 (9 apg) and sophomore in 1979-80 (9.1 apg). He also paced the Mustangs in free-throw percentage both years. In his sophomore season, SMU tied its highest win total (16) in a 15-year span from 1967-68 through 1981-82.
T10. Jerry Tarkanian UNLV 77-19 Danny Tarkanian G Danny led the Rebels in assists and steals each of his three seasons from 1981-82 through 1983-84 after transferring from Dixie Junior College (Utah). The All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association second-team selection finished second in the nation with 8.5 apg as a senior. UNLV participated in the NIT in 1982 and NCAA Tournament in 1983 and 1984. The Rebels captured the PCAA regular-season championship in 1983 and 1984.
T10. Fred A. Enke Arizona 60-18 Fred W. Enke G Fred W., a future NFL quarterback, was a three-time All-Border Conference first-team selection from 1945-46 through 1947-48. The Wildcats participated in the 1946 NIT after their first of three consecutive league championships.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready For Some Football in January

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 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 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 a 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.

2: Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played 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 a 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. . . . 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. . . . 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 a 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 a 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 a 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 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 playoff win against the New York Giants following 2002 season. . . . 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 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: 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.

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. . . . 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 in 29-23 playoff setback in double overtime against the Carolina Panthers following 2003 season.

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. 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 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 a 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.

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 a 66-yarder - in 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.

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 playoff setback against the Atlanta Falcons following 2004 season. . . . 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 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.

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 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 a 34-19 win against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII following 1998 season.

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 of Great Games in College 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), Quinnipiac's Rob Monroe (41 vs. Longwood in double overtime in 2005) 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). . . . Steve Hamilton (38 vs. Florida State in 1957) set Morehead State's single-game rebounding record. . . . Eventual MLB INF Jack Kubiszyn scored a career-high 47 points for Alabama in a game against Mississippi College in 1957.
3 - Jamal Barney (41 points 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.
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). . . . 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 - Bowling Green's Jim Darrow (52 points 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 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

Centers of Attention: Giles is Miles Away From Matching Frosh Flash Okafor

Textbook centers are becoming a rare breed. Regal recruit Skal Labissiere logged a modest 9 points and 5 rebounds in his debut for Kentucky last year before finishing the season with averages even less impressive. This season, vaunted big man Harry Giles, after missing Duke's first 11 games recovering from a knee ailment, is immersed in the ebb and flow of a freshman campaign. Labissiere's first-season impact for UK wasn't anything close to resembling Anthony Davis, the national player of the year four seasons ago when sparking Kentucky to an NCAA title or Karl-Anthony Towns in UK's 38-1 season in 2014-15. Similarly, Giles appears miles removed from matching Jahlil Okafor, who led Duke to the NCAA crown two years ago.

Giles averaged 5.6 ppg, 0.6 apg and 0.4 bpg in his first seven contests with the Blue Devils. Freshman teammate Marques Bolden, another acclaimed big man hampered by injury, manufactured a mere 19 points and 13 rebounds in his first 10 outings. By almost any measure, centers in the last 40 years don't seem to be anywhere close to duplicating feats luminaries Lew Alcindor, Wilt Chamberlain, Artis Gilmore, Bob Lanier, Jerry Lucas, Bill Russell and Bill Walton achieved in their initial varsity campaigns.

Similar to Navy's David Robinson in 1983-84, Connecticut's Andre Drummond was scoreless in his season debut five years ago against Columbia. In a forgettable debut, Wake Forest's Tim Duncan was also scoreless in a season-opening loss to NCAA Division II Alaska-Anchorage in 1993-94 before rebounding with a 12-point, 12-rebound performance in his next outing against Hawaii.

Alcindor (77: 56 points/21 rebounds) and Chamberlain (83: 52 points/31 rebounds) each totaled more points and rebounds in their college game debut than Drummond, Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Giles, Nerlens Noel, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, Robinson and Ralph Sampson amassed collectively. Following is a look at how many of the premier centers in history fared in their varsity debut against a major college and summary of their first season of NCAA Division I competition:

Celebrated Center School First Varsity Season Debut Game PPG RPG W-L Mark
Karl-Anthony Towns Kentucky 2014-15 8 points/8 rebounds 10.3 6.7 38-1
Jahlil Okafor Duke 2014-15 19 points/6 rebounds 17.3 8.5 35-4
Nerlens Noel Kentucky 2012-13 4 points/9 rebounds 10.5 9.5 21-12
Anthony Davis Kentucky 2011-12 23 points/10 rebounds 14.2 10.4 38-2
Greg Oden Ohio State 2006-07 14 points/10 rebounds 15.7 9.6 35-4
Tim Duncan Wake Forest 1993-94 12 points/12 rebounds 9.8 9.6 21-12
Shaquille O'Neal Louisiana State 1989-90 10 points/5 rebounds 13.9 12.0 23-9
Alonzo Mourning Georgetown 1988-89 10 points/10 rebounds 13.1 7.3 29-5
David Robinson Navy 1983-84 scoreless/1 rebound 7.6 4.0 24-8
Hakeem Olajuwon Houston 1981-82 2 points/0 rebounds 8.3 6.5 25-8
Patrick Ewing Georgetown 1981-82 7 points/4 rebounds 12.7 8.5 30-7
Ralph Sampson Virginia 1979-80 4 points/6 rebounds 14.9 11.2 24-10
*Bill Walton UCLA 1971-72 19 points/14 rebounds 21.1 15.5 29-1
**Artis Gilmore Jacksonville 1969-70 35 points/18 rebounds 26.5 22.2 17-7
*Bob Lanier St. Bonaventure 1967-68 23 points/17 rebounds 26.2 15.6 23-2
*Lew Alcindor UCLA 1966-67 56 points/21 rebounds 29.0 15.5 30-0
*Jerry Lucas Ohio State 1959-60 16 points/28 rebounds 26.3 16.3 25-3
*Wilt Chamberlain Kansas 1956-57 52 points/31 rebounds 29.6 18.9 24-3
*Bill Russell San Francisco 1953-54 16 points/17 rebounds 19.9 19.2 14-7

*Sophomore classification.
**Junior classification after attending junior college.

In Memoriam: RIP Look at 2016 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 2016 of a striking number of major-college basketball movers and shakers. The NCAA Division I deceased list includes All-Americans such as Greg Ballard (Oregon), Ron Bonham (Cincinnati), Vince Boryla (Denver), Michael Brooks (La Salle), Archie Dees (Indiana), Steve Harris (Tulsa), John Johnson (Iowa), York Larese (North Carolina), Hal Lear (Temple), Clyde Lovellette (Kansas), Jim McMillian (Columbia), Ab Nicholas (Wisconsin), Bennie Purcell (Murray State), Kenny Sailors (Wyoming), Nate Thurmond (Bowling Green State), Pearl Washington (Syracuse), Murray Wier (Iowa) and Buzz Wilkinson (Virginia). Following is an alphabetical list of deceased players and coaches who didn't drop the ball on the court at midnight or any other time:

  • Ray Alba, 90, averaged 3.1 ppg for UCLA in 1948-49 and 1949-50 in John Wooden's first two seasons as coach of the Bruins. Alba had previously served in U.S. Navy.
  • Fred Albrecht, 71, averaged 12.6 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Kent State from 1963-64 through 1965-66. All-Mid-American Conference second-team selection as a senior when leading the Golden Flashes in scoring.
  • Martin "Marty" Allman, 64, averaged 1.3 ppg for Louisiana State in 1970-71 and 1971-72.
  • Bob Armstrong, 82, was Michigan State's third-leading scorer under Hall of Fame coach Pete Newell in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
  • John Bach, 91, became all-time winningest coach for alma mater Fordham (263-193 record from in 18 seasons from 1950-51 through 1967-68) before guiding Penn State (122-121 in 10 seasons from 1968-69 through 1977-78). Bach was the Rams' leading scorer with 15 ppg in 1947-48.
  • Pape Badiane, 36, averaged 5 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Cleveland State from 2000-01 through 2003-04. He was runner-up in rebounding average with the Vikings each of his last three seasons.
  • Bill Balch, 79, played for Indiana in the late 1950s under coach Branch McCracken.
  • Greg Ballard, 61, was an All-American for Oregon as a senior in 1976-77 when averaging 21.7 ppg and 9.8 rpg before becoming an NBA first-round draft selection (4th pick overall). Two-time first-team all-league choice in Pacific-10 Conference finished his four-year college career with averages of 15.9 ppg and 9.7 rpg.
  • Tim Bannon, 61, averaged 4.8 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Lafayette from 1973-74 through 1976-77 under coach Tom Davis.
  • John "Jack" Barker, 88, averaged 8 ppg for Washington MO in 1948-49 after scoring 122 points the previous season.
  • Larry Barrett, 58, averaged 5.7 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Saint Peter's from 1975-76 through 1978-79, finishing among the Peacocks' top three rebounders as a junior and senior.
  • Tommy Bartlett, 88, was among Tennessee's top three scorers in 1950-51 and 1951-52, averaging 10.9 ppg, before compiling a 95-85 record as Florida's coach in seven seasons from 1966-67 through 1972-73.
  • Dave Basile, 69, averaged 1.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg for NYU in 1966-67 under coach Lou Rossini.
  • John Beatty, 80, averaged 9.6 ppg for Bucknell from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
  • John "Dwight" Bell Jr., 88, scored a total of 189 points for Clemson in 1947-48 and 1948-49.
  • Dino Belluomini, 54, averaged 3.7 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Nevada-Reno in 1980-81 under coach Sonny Allen.
  • Carl Belz, 78, averaged 17 ppg for Princeton from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Cappy Cappon. Three-time All-Ivy League selection was senior captain with the Tigers.
  • Edward Benjamin, 89, lettered with Florida in 1944-45 and 1946-47 after serving in U.S. military during WWII.
  • Harland Berndt, 85, averaged 6.2 ppg for Pacific in 1952-53.
  • Hugh "Lawrence" Berry, 85, averaged 9.4 ppg for Southwest Texas State in 1951-52.
  • W. "Carr" Besemann, 87, scored a total of 346 points for Colorado from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
  • Frank Bigham, 83, was third-leading scorer for Oklahoma State's 1954 regional runner-up under coach Hank Iba.
  • Broughton "Brot" Bishop, 89, played for Yale in 1947-48 under coach Howard Hobson.
  • Glenn Bissell, 85, averaged 9.4 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Siena in 1950-51 and 1951-52 (team runner-up in scoring).
  • John Bleidt, 68, played for Eastern Kentucky in 1966-67.
  • John "Bruce" Blount, 88, was an All-Yankee Conference selection with Rhode Island in 1948-49 (11.3 ppg) and 1949-50 (team-high 17.2 ppg). Serving later in the U.S. Army, he was promoted to Major General in fall of 1977 and Lieutenant General in summer of 1983.
  • Bob Boaz, 87, played for Memphis State in 1947-48 after transferring from St. Joseph's (Ind.).
  • Harold Bockhorn, 85, played with brothers Arlen and Terry for Dayton's NIT runner-up in 1957-58 under coach Tom Blackburn.
  • Ron Bonham, 73, was a two-time NCAA consensus All-American who averaged 19.6 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Cincinnati from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Ed Jucker. Bonham was the second-leading scorer for 1962 NCAA Tournament champion and top point producer for 1963 national runner-up.
  • Glenn Borland, 80, averaged 6.4 ppg for Wisconsin from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Bud Foster. As a junior in 1956-57, Borland was the Badgers' runner-up in scoring with 11.7 ppg.
  • Vince Boryla, 89, was a Notre Dame transfer who became an All-American for Denver in 1948-49 when ranking 9th in the nation in scoring with 18.9 ppg.
  • Tony Braginetz, 95, was leading scorer for St. Francis (N.Y.) in 1939-40 and 1941-42.
  • Ralph Branca, 90, was sixth-leading scorer for NYU in 1943-44 under coach Howard Cann before becoming a MLB pitcher for 12 seasons. Among Branca's hoops teammates with the Violets was eventual American League All-Star 3B Eddie Yost.
  • U.S. Army Major General Roger Brautigan, 70, averaged 1.6 ppg for Arizona in 1965-66 and 1966-67. He was a member of the Wildcats' 1966 baseball squad appearing in College World Series.
  • Robert "Bo" Brickels, 77, compiled a 12-40 coaching record with Davidson in 1974-75 and 1975-76 as Terry Holland's successor.
  • John Brogan, 74, played for Georgetown in 1962-63. Switch-hitter posted a .247 batting average as a 1B in the Kansas City Athletics' farm system in 1964.
  • Michael Brooks, 58, led La Salle in scoring and rebounding all four seasons from 1976-77 through 1979-80 (career averages of 23.1 ppg and 12 rpg). He was national POY as a senior.
  • Bob Brown, 92, led Miami (Ohio) in scoring average as senior in 1948-49 after earning All-MAC acclaim the previous year.
  • Jack Brown, 87, averaged 12.6 ppg while leading SMU in scoring all three seasons from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Doc Hayes. Brown was an All-SWC first-team selection each of his last two years.
  • Jibri Bryan, 23, averaged 5 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Mercer from 2011-12 to 2015-16. He perished in a drug transaction gone bad.
  • Bill Budd Jr., 95, was a starter for Temple's first NCAA Tournament team in 1944.
  • Tim Buff, 80, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Memphis State in 1957-58 and 1958-59.
  • Matt Burks, 30, was a J.C. recruit who averaged 7 ppg and 2.1 rpg for IUPUI in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
  • Dr. Kenny Burton, 89, played for Louisiana State in 1943-44 and 1944-45.
  • Leonard "Gene" Buser, 80, played for St. Louis in 1955-56 under coach Eddie Hickey.
  • Vern Butts, 98, was an All-PCC second-team selection for Washington State's 1941 NCAA tourney runner-up.
  • Dick Camilli, 83, averaged 2.4 ppg for Santa Clara's West Regional finalist in 1953. Son of two-time Brooklyn Dodgers All-Star 1B Dolph Camilli and brother of Los Angeles Dodgers/Washington Senators C Doug Camilli was an INF-OF in the farm systems for the Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Braves for seven years from 1953 through 1959.
  • George "Doug" Campbell, 64, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Arkansas in 1971-72 and 1972-73 before transferring to Emporia State KS.
  • Randy Canfield, 65, averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Kansas' Final Four squad in 1971. Center missed 14 games that season with a collapsed right lung.
  • Oland "Dodo" Canterna, 89, averaged 12.1 ppg for Pittsburgh in 1947-48 and 1948-49 under coach Doc Carlson after having college career interrupted by serving with U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Canterna hit .285 with 25 homers as OF in Boston Braves' farm system in three years from 1949 through 1951.
  • Frank Carbajal, 78, was an All-Rocky Mountain Conference second-team selection as a senior in 1960-61 when leading Northern Colorado in scoring with 16.3 ppg. He coached several different community colleges in California.
  • Ed Carpenter, 85, averaged 3.5 ppg for Wisconsin from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Bud Foster.
  • Donn "D.C." Carr, 62, played for Indiana State in 1974-75. Former attorney passed away in Cambodia.
  • Lamont Carter, 44, averaged 2.9 ppg for La Salle in 1990-91 under coach Speedy Morris.
  • John Caruthers, 82, averaged 1.7 ppg for Southern Methodist in 1952-53 under coach Doc Hayes. Caruthers hit .235 with 14 homers and 82 RBI as 3B-OF in the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system in 1954 and 1955.
  • Lindle Castle, 86, was an All-Ohio Valley Conference selection for Morehead State in 1952-53 after transferring from Kentucky.
  • Louis "Rodney" Chamblee, 69, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Mississippi from 1966-67 through 1968-69.
  • Jimmy Childers, 86, averaged 6.8 ppg for Mississippi from 1949-50 through 1951-52. As a senior, he was runner-up in total rebounds with the Rebels.
  • Chris Christian, 66, played for Wichita in 1968-69.
  • Jon Cincebox, 79, averaged 15.8 ppg and 14.6 rpg for Syracuse from 1956-57 through 1958-59, ranking among the nation's top seven rebounders as junior and senior.
  • Ken Clark, 82, averaged 4.8 ppg and 4.9 rpg for North Carolina State from 1956-57 through 1959-60 under coach Everett Case (redshirt in 1958-59).
  • Randle "Denny" Clark, 69, averaged 10 ppg and 7.5 rpg for VMI from 1966-67 through 1968-69, leading the Keydets in rebounding as a senior.
  • Jerry Cleland, 74, averaged 1.9 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Kent State in 1960-61.
  • Tom Clinkscales, 70, averaged 8.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Kent State in 1965-66 and 1966-67.
  • Dr. Grant Clothier, 92, lettered for UCLA in 1944-45 before transferring back home to Kansas. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • John Cochran played for Boston College in 1959-60.
  • Tyrek Coger, 21, was a J.C. recruit for Oklahoma State.
  • Stanford "Stan" Coleman Jr., 63, led Rider in rebounding average with 9.9 rpg in 1972-73.
  • William "Rick" Coles, 62, averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg for West Virginia in 1972-73 and 1973-74.
  • Don Colwell, 84, averaged 6.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Virginia Military from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Pat Conroy, 70, averaged 7.8 ppg for The Citadel from 1964-65 through 1966-67 before becoming a best-selling novelist.
  • Doug Cook, 64, played for Colorado State in the mid-1970s under coach Jim Williams.
  • Dr. Denton Cooley, 96, was a sophomore for Texas' SWC title team in the inaugural NCAA Tournament in 1939. He went on to become a world-famous heart surgeon.
  • Jim Cooney, 92, scored a total of 206 points for Brown in 1947-48 and 1948-49 (co-captain). He served in U.S. Navy during WWII as a blimp pilot and navigator.
  • Aldrage "Al" Cooper Jr., 79, averaged 11.9 ppg and 10.6 rpg for Connecticut's three NCAA tourney teams from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Hugh Greer. Cooper was an All-Yankee Conference first-team selection as a sophomore and junior when leading the Huskies in rebounding both seasons. He paced the league in rebounding as a junior.
  • Rick Cooper, 67, led Oklahoma State in scoring in 1969-70 with 13 ppg under coach Hank Iba, finishing his three seasons with 7.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg. Cooper scored the final basket in Iba's Hall of Fame career.
  • Joel Cornette, 35, averaged 8.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg while shooting 54.5% from the floor for Butler from 1999-00 through 2002-03.
  • Chuck Cotton III, 79, averaged 11 ppg for Virginia Military from 1955-56 through 1958-59, leading the Keydets in scoring average and rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • John "Jack" Cotton, 91, played for Wyoming's 1948 NCAA tourney team coached by Everett Shelton.
  • Tim Cousins, 79, averaged 7.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Seattle in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
  • Sam Couture, 87, played for Massachusetts in 1949-50.
  • Jim Coyle, 83, averaged 3.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg for St. John's in 1951-52 under coach Frank McGuire.
  • Chuck "Buddy" Crampton, 86, averaged 8 ppg for San Jose State in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
  • Larry Crandell, 93, averaged 3.1 ppg for Syracuse from 1945-46 through 1947-48 after serving in Army Air Corps during WWII as a bombardier on a B-24 Liberator in Europe.
  • Ron Craven, 82, played for Minnesota in 1953-54. He was a senior pitcher with the Gophers' 1956 CWS champion.
  • John Crawford, 67, played for Arkansas in 1968-69.
  • Ray Cronk, 76, averaged 14.3 ppg and 11.3 rpg for Minnesota in 1959-60 and 1961-62 (led Gophers in rebounding).
  • Pat Cusack Jr., 85, played for Marquette in 1949-50.
  • Wesley "Bing" Dahl, 93, sandwiched playing for Washington and Washington State around stint in the U.S. infantry in Europe during WWII. He was a WSU baseball letterman for back-to-back PCC champions in 1947 and 1948.
  • Mike Daly, 65, was a backup guard for Villanova's 1971 NCAA Tournament runner-up. He averaged 1.3 ppg from 1969-70 through 1971-72 under coach Jack Kraft.
  • Edgar "Ned" Darnall, 85, played for Arizona in 1949-50 under coach Fred Enke.
  • Ed Davender, 49, was only Kentucky player to finish career with more than 1,500 points and 400 assists (12.7 ppg/2.3 rpg/3.4 apg/1.5 spg). He was an All-SEC selection his final two seasons in 1986-87 and 1987-88 under coach Eddie Sutton.
  • Jim DeaKyne, 88, served in U.S. Marine Corps before averaging 2.3 ppg for Indiana's NCAA Tournament titlist in 1953 under coach Branch McCracken.
  • Archie Dees, 80, averaged 22.7 ppg and 13.4 rpg for Indiana from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Branch McCracken. Dees was an All-American as a junior and senior while ranking among the nation's top 10 scorers.
  • Gene "Sonny" Degyansky Jr., 89, averaged 6.9 ppg for Baldwin-Wallace OH in 1947-48 and 1948-49. He was selected as an end by the New York Giants in 25th round of the 1949 NFL draft.
  • Bryce Dejean-Jones, 23, averaged 10.5 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Iowa State in 2014-15 after averaging 11.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.6 apg for UNLV in 2012-13 and 2013-14 plus 7.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg for USC in 2010-11.
  • Larry Denton, 73, was a teammate of Evansville All-American Jerry Sloan in the mid-1960s.
  • George DeRoos, 79, averaged 7.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg for Denver in 1957-58 and 1958-59.
  • Dan DeRuyter, 86, averaged 8.3 ppg for Drake from 1949-50 through 1951-52. He was the Bulldogs top rebounder as a senior with 7.3 rpg.
  • Jim Dilling, 86, averaged 8.5 ppg for Holy Cross from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Buster Sheary. Dilling appeared in NCAA playoffs as teammate of All-American Bob Cousy as a sophomore before participating in NIT as a senior.
  • Alan Dorsey, 48, averaged 3 ppg and 1.4 rpg for James Madison from 1987-88 through 1990-91 (redshirt in 1989-90).
  • Taurus Dortch, 29, averaged 2.3 ppg and 1.5 rpg for UAB in 2006-07 under coach Mike Davis before transferring to Montevallo AL and Shaw NC. Dortch was a victim of fatal house fire.
  • Ernie Douse, 65, averaged 7.5 ppg and 3.8 for Long Beach State's NCAA Tournament team in 1972-73 under coach Jerry Tarkanian. Douse transferred home to LIU, where he averaged 17 ppg and 7.8 rpg in 1974-75 and 1975-76 (runner-up in scoring for the Blackbirds both seasons and leading rebounder as senior).
  • Ralph Downs, 89, averaged 1.1 ppg for Utah State in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
  • Maury Drummond, 74, averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.2 rpg for Louisiana State from 1960-61 through 1962-63, earning All-SEC third-team honors as a junior. He was among the Tigers' top two rebounders all three seasons.
  • Eddie Dugan, 83, averaged 14 ppg and 7.1 rpg for Maurice Stokes-led NIT team from St. Francis (Pa.) in 1953-54 under coach Skip Hughes.
  • Jimmy England, 67, was an All-SEC selection as Tennessee's leading scorer in 1969-70 and 1970-71. He averaged 17.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.9 apg in three varsity seasons under coach Ray Mears.
  • Bob Eskay, 72, averaged 4.6 ppg and 1.4 rpg for William & Mary in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
  • Dave Evans III, 74, averaged 1.6 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Denver in 1963-64.
  • Dean Evans, 80, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.3 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Houston in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
  • Gary Evans, 79, averaged 1.7 ppg for Syracuse in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
  • Dr. Joe Evans Sr., 93, averaged 6.8 ppg for Marquette in 1944-45.
  • Jack "Hoot" Evers, 72, averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Seton Hall from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Don Exmeyer, 72, played for Utah in 1962-63 under coach Jack Gardner.
  • Ray Falvey, 76, averaged 2.3 ppg for Boston College in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
  • James "Shorty" Farrell, 98, was Lafayette's captain as a senior in 1940-41 before serving in U.S. Coast Guard Amphibious Corps in the Pacific during WWII. He also played football (averaging 7.2 yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns his final season).
  • Jim Fennelli Sr., 82, was a juco recruit who averaged 6 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Pepperdine in 1955-56.
  • Sal Ferrara, 98, averaged 1.3 ppg for St. John's in 1938-39 and 1939-40 under coach Joe Lapchick.
  • Al Ferrari, 82, was Michigan State's first 1,000-point scorer after leading the Spartans in scoring average in 1952-53 and 1954-55. All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as senior averaged 15.2 ppg in four-year MSU career before becoming 17th pick overall in 1955 NBA draft.
  • Gregg Ferrin, 74, averaged 4.9 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Butler in 1962-63 under coach Tony Hinkle.
  • Dave "Boo" Ferriss, 94, was a Mississippi State letterman in 1940-41 before becoming a two-time A.L. All-Star pitcher with the Boston Red Sox.
  • Peter Finney Sr., 88, played for Loyola (La.) in the late 1940s. He was a sports reporter and columnist for 68 years in New Orleans, winning 17 Louisiana Sportswriter of the Year awards.
  • Wayne Fix, 80, played for Minnesota in 1955-56 and 1956-57 under coach Ozzie Cowles.
  • Ernie Fleming, 67, averaged 20.6 ppg and 7.5 rpg for Jacksonville in 1970-71 and 1971-72. Juco recruit led the Dolphins in scoring as a senior when he tallied school-record 59 points against St. Peter's.
  • Harry Flournoy Jr., 72, was the leading rebounder for Texas-El Paso's NCAA playoff kingpin as senior in 1965-66 under coach Don Haskins. Flournoy averaged 6.8 ppg and 10.1 rpg in his three-year UTEP career.
  • Jim Flynn, 83, played for Kentucky in 1951-52 under coach Adolph Rupp.
  • Jim Flynn, 82, averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Portland in 1953-54 and 1954-55. He was school's number one tennis player as a freshman and part of tennis team posting 79 consecutive wins in the mid-1950s.
  • Bruce Fogel, 67, averaged 3.1 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Columbia from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Jack Rohan. Fogel played in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore.
  • Clive Follmer, 84, averaged 10.5 ppg for Illinois from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Harry Combes. As a junior, Follmer was runner-up in scoring average with national third-place team while sharing lead as premier Big Ten Conference free-throw shooter (78.4%). He compiled a 4-1 pitching record at Class B level in the Chicago White Sox' farm system in 1953 and 1954.
  • Bill E. Foster, 86, compiled a 422-398 DI coaching record with Rutgers, Utah, Duke, South Carolina and Northwestern. He guided Duke to the 1978 NCAA championship game against Kentucky after directing Rutgers and Utah to the NIT semifinals.
  • Dean Foster, 69, averaged 6 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 3.7 apg for Cincinnati from 1965-66 through 1967-68, leading the Bearcats in assists all three seasons. He participated in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore.
  • Bill Fox, 81, averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Miami (Ohio) from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
  • Stan Frahm, 82, averaged 4 ppg for Iowa State from 1952-53 through 1954-55.
  • Charles Frankel, 89, played for Michigan State in 1944-45 before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. Frankel subsequently attended Wayne State MI, where he averaged 8 ppg in 1947-48 and 1948-49.
  • John Frankino, 83, played for St. Mary's in 1952-53.
  • Chuck "Chas" Fritz, 59, averaged 2.5 ppg for Iowa State in 1974-75 before transferring to Florida, where he averaged 2.6 ppg in 1976-77 and 1977-78.
  • Standlee "Stan" Fulfer, 84, averaged 1.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Rice in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
  • Frank Fuqua Sr., 83, averaged 9.9 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Maryland in 1954-55 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during Korean Conflict.
  • Mike Fusco, 56, averaged 8.2 ppg and 7.7 rpg for West Chester from 1980-81 through 1982-83. He was runner-up in team rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Jeff Gallahue played for Northeastern in 1969-70.
  • George Gardiner Jr. averaged 5.8 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Santa Clara from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
  • Dr. Jeffrey Garske, 66, averaged 2.1 ppg for Western Michigan in 1969-70.
  • Greg Gatewood, 60, was a juco recruit who played for Northern Arizona in 1976-77.
  • James Gatewood III, 44, averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Southern Methodist from 1990-91 through 1993-94 under coach John Shumate. As a junior, Gatewood was a member of the Mustangs' SWC title team appearing in NCAA playoffs. Team MVP as a senior when leading SMU in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and steals.
  • Herman "Joe" Gedro, 76, averaged 8.3 ppg and 7.2 rpg for VMI from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He was runner-up in scoring for the Keydets as a sophomore with 13.5 ppg.
  • Bill Geisler Jr., 80, averaged 5.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Valparaiso in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
  • Pete Geithner, 84, averaged 6.2 ppg for Dartmouth from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Doggie Julian. Geithner's son, Tim, was Treasury Secretary in the Obama Administration.
  • Maurice George, 83, averaged 6 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Wake Forest from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Murray Greason. George appeared in 1953 NCAA playoffs.
  • Paul "Spike" Gerwin, 87, averaged 10.8 ppg for Cornell from 1948-49 through 1950-51. Two-time All-EIBL selection led the Big Red in scoring each of his last two seasons.
  • Earle Gibbons averaged 2.6 ppg for California from 1948-49 through 1950-51.
  • Bob Gibson Jr., 77, averaged 1.6 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Lenny Wilkens-led Providence's NIT semifinalists in 1959 and 1960.
  • Jackie Gilbert, 75, averaged 5.3 ppg for Missouri in 1959-60 and 1960-61. He was one of the first African-American players in the Tigers' history.
  • Bob Gill, 90, earned Washington's most inspirational award in 1945-46 under coach Hec Edmundson.
  • Frank "Red" Gilmore, 92, was an All-Mountain States Conference second-team selection for Utah State in 1947-48 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • Charles Goddard, 88, was an All-Yankee Conference first-team selection for Maine in 1949-50 when leading the Black Bears in scoring for second straight season.
  • Dave "Slinky" Golden averaged 9.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Duke from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Vic Bubas. Golden was the Blue Devils' runner-up in scoring with 13.1 ppg as a junior before serving as senior captain.
  • Fred Golding, 82, grabbed Akron career record 1,360 rebounds from 1955-56 through 1958-59.
  • Chuck Goligoski, 84, was third-leading scorer (13.6 ppg) and rebounder (3.5 rpg) for Gonzaga in 1952-53 in the Zags' inaugural campaign at the major-college level.
  • Myrl Goodwin, 79, averaged 12.2 ppg and 8 rpg for New Mexico in 1956-57 and 1957-58 before transferring to Idaho State, where he was leading scorer (16.4 ppg) and second-leading rebounder (8.9 rpg) with 1960 NCAA tourney team.
  • Larry Gordon, 83, averaged 19 ppg and 9.3 rpg for Rutgers from 1951-52 through 1953-54. He led the Scarlet Knights in scoring all three seasons.
  • Ted Gossard, 97, was USC's MVP and team captain in 1943 when the Trojans won PCC title.
  • Dick Gott, 83, averaged 4.4 ppg for Murray State in 1951-52 and 1952-53 (All-Ohio Valley Conference selection).
  • Charles Granby, 81, was a teammate of All-American Chet Walker for Bradley's 1960 NIT titlist.
  • Stanley Graner, 90, played for Southern Methodist in 1943-44 and Texas in 1944-45. He served in U.S. Navy.
  • George Grattan IV, 82, played for Virginia in the ACC's inaugural season in 1953-54.
  • Pete Grigsby, 81, played for Kentucky in 1953-54 under coach Adolph Rupp.
  • Ray Gross, 80, averaged 6.3 ppg and 6.7 rpg for Wisconsin from 1955-56 through 1958-59 under coach Bud Foster. Gross was the Badgers' top rebounder as a sophomore and junior.
  • Gene Guarilia, 79, averaged 15.8 ppg and 14.2 rpg for George Washington from 1956-57 through 1958-59 before becoming 14th pick overall in NBA draft. Two-time All-Southern Conference selection led GWU in rebounding all three seasons.
  • Tony Guzowski, 93, was runner-up in total points for Iowa in 1948-49 with 7.1 ppg after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.
  • John Hadinger played for Colgate in 1967-68.
  • Bob Hagler Sr. averaged 2.4 ppg for St. Mary's from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
  • Maynard Haithcock was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection as George Washington's top scorer in 1948-49.
  • Ricky Hall, 68, averaged 3.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Marshall from 1967-68 through 1969-70.
  • George Hanson, 81, averaged 7.1 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Minnesota in 1955-56 and 1956-57 under coach Ozzie Cowles. He coached his alma mater to an 11-13 record in 1970-71 as bridge between Bill Fitch and Bill Musselman.
  • Joe Harand, 89, was a regular for North Carolina State's first Final Four team in 1950 under coach Everett Case. He averaged 4.9 ppg as a senior for national third-place team after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • Vaughn Harper, 71, averaged 13.5 ppg and 10.9 rpg for Syracuse from 1965-66 through 1967-68, leading the Orange in scoring and rebounding as a senior after pacing team in retrieving missed shots as junior. He went on to become a disc jockey, the host with the mellow voice on "The Quiet Storm," for more than a quarter century in the New York City area.
  • Lloyd Harris, 81, averaged 12.8 ppg for Idaho State in 1954-55.
  • Steve Harris, 52, averaged 18.6 ppg and shot 84.7% at the free-throw line for Tulsa from 1981-82 through 1984-85. He was an All-American as a senior when ranking 14th in the nation in scoring with 23.6 ppg.
  • Jim Hascall, 77, averaged 4.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Washington MO in 1957-58 and 1958-59.
  • Roy Healy, 85, averaged 9.4 ppg for Western Michigan from 1950-51 through 1952-53. Member of school's first Mid-American Conference regular-season titlist as junior before serving as a paratrooper during Korean Conflict.
  • Tommy Henderson Jr., 82, played for Auburn in 1958-59.
  • Billy "Toar" Hester, 84, averaged 11.1 ppg for Arkansas in 1950-51 and 1951-52 before transferring to Centenary in his home state of Louisiana.
  • Gary Hetherington, 82, averaged 6.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg for Gonzaga from 1952-53 through 1955-56. He led the Zags in rebounding as a senior.
  • Bob Hickman, 77, averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Kansas from 1957-58 through 1959-60. He was one of the most powerful Republicans in Illinois state government until resigning his position as Executive Director of scandal-plagued Toll Highway Authority in spring of 1994.
  • Ken Hicks Sr., 72, averaged 2.1 ppg for Tulane in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
  • Jim Higgins, 68, averaged 1.6 ppg for Georgetown from 1967-68 through 1969-70.
  • John Hiles, 70, averaged 3.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg for UC Santa Barbara in 1965-66 and 1966-67.
  • Ernie Hix, 80, played hoops for Southern California in 1955-56. He went on to win NCAA titles as his alma mater's volleyball coach in 1977 and 1980 while finishing national runner-up in 1979 and 1981.
  • Harry Hobbs, 84, averaged 2 ppg for Tulane from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Clifford Wells.
  • Edward "Ned" Hogan averaged 4.3 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Navy from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Ben Carnevale, appearing as a senior against All-American Tom Gola of eventual NCAA playoff titlist La Salle in East Regional final. Hogan went on to become Rear Admiral and Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk.
  • William "Monty" Holland, 82, was Western Kentucky's runner-up in rebounding with 9.1 per game in 1955-56 under coach Ed Diddle.
  • Donald "Roger" Holloway Sr., 81, averaged 8.7 ppg for Oklahoma City from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He appeared in the NCAA playoffs all three seasons.
  • Gene Honeyman, 79, played for Michigan in 1956-57.
  • Wally Horvatich, 90, averaged 5.5 ppg for Northwestern from 1948-49 through 1950-51 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.
  • Dr. Eddie Houser Jr., 86, averaged 1.7 ppg for Texas A&M in 1949-50 and 1951-52.
  • Herbert Howell was a Mars Hill NC transfer who played for Wake Forest in 1952-53 under coach Murray Greason.
  • Rolando Howell, 34, averaged 9.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg for South Carolina from 2000-01 through 2003-04.
  • Harry Hugasian, 87, averaged 2.2 ppg for Stanford in 1949-50 under coach Everett Dean. Hugasian was a running back with the NFL's Baltimore Colts in 1955 after leading his college football team in rushing and scoring as a senior, managing Stanford's only TD (ninth of season) in a Rose Bowl defeat against Illinois.
  • Rex Hughes, 77, coached Kent State to a 27-63 record in four seasons from 1974-75 through 1977-78. He averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Pepperdine in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
  • William "Allen" Hughes, 77, averaged 6.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Navy from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Ben Carnevale after transferring from Kentucky. Hughes appeared in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore and NIT as senior captain. He was also a wide receiver who caught 15 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns in 1960 and 1961. Teammate of Heisman Trophy winner Joe Bellino for Midshipmen squad losing to Missouri, 21-14, in Orange Bowl.
  • Bill Hull, 80, averaged 1.8 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Kansas State in 1954-55 under coach Tex Winter.
  • Charles Hurt, 55, averaged 6.3 ppg and 4 rpg for Kentucky from 1979-80 through 1982-83.
  • Dwan Hurt, 53, was a J.C. recruit who averaged 4.8 ppg and 2.7 apg for Gonzaga in 1984-85 and 1985-86 after John Stockton graduated.
  • Bob Hustek averaged 4.5 ppg for Dartmouth from 1948-49 through 1950-51. He was senior captain under coach Doggie Julian.
  • Tom Hyland, 85, averaged 10.1 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Drake from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
  • Carl Ince, 83, averaged 12.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Texas Tech from 1952-53 through 1954-55. Runner-up in scoring for the Red Raiders each of his final two seasons as an All-Border Conference first-team selection. Rice transfer was member of the Tech's first NCAA playoff team in 1954.
  • John Ingalls, 77, averaged 7.5 ppg for Maine in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
  • George Jackson, 67, was a juco recruit who averaged 13.2 ppg and 14.5 rpg for Dayton in 1969-70 and 1970-71 under coach Don Donoher. Team MVP as a senior led the Flyers in rebounding both seasons.
  • Bill Jarman Jr., 75, was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection for Davidson in 1961-62 and 1962-63 under coach Lefty Driesell. Jarman averaged 17.8 ppg with the Wildcats, finishing among their top two scorers all three seasons.
  • Ted Jaycox, 89, averaged 3.4 ppg for Florida from 1948-49 through 1950-51 after serving in U.S. Navy. He was senior captain for the Gators.
  • William "Ellis" Jenkins, 84, was a member of Tulsa's first national postseason tournament team (NIT in 1953).
  • Dick Jensen, 84, averaged 5.6 ppg for San Francisco from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Phil Woolpert.
  • John Johnson, 68, was a J.C. product who averaged 23.9 ppg and 10.4 rpg for Iowa in 1968-69 and 1969-70. He was an All-American as a senior when averaging 28 ppg.
  • Lloyd Johnson, 80, averaged 3.7 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Brigham Young in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Stan Watts.
  • Virgil Johnson, 87, averaged 11.7 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Texas Tech from 1950-51 through 1952-53. He was among the Red Raiders' top three scorers all three seasons. All-Border Conference first-team selection as a senior after earning second-team honors the previous year.
  • Dwight Jones, 64, averaged 17.6 ppg and 13.7 rpg for Houston in 1971-72 and 1972-73. He was a member of silver-medal winning 1972 U.S. Olympic team.
  • Francis "Bud" Jorgensen, 87, averaged 3.4 ppg for Iowa State in 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Army before transferring to Drake, where he played in 1950-51 and 1951-52.
  • Martin "Marty" Joyce, 83, was co-captain of Duke's 1958-59 squad coached by Harold Bradley.
  • George Jung, 77, averaged 7.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg for Florida from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He was runner-up in rebounding each of his last two seasons with the Gators.
  • Leonard Kalata, 68, averaged 8.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Pittsburgh from 1966-67 through 1968-69.
  • Bob Kammerer, 78, played for Minnesota in 1960-61 under coach John Kundla.
  • Roman "Pat" Jankiewicz, 89, played for Marquette in 1947-48.
  • Earl "Allen" Kelley, 83, was an All-Big Seven Conference selection for Kansas in 1952-53 and 1953-54 under coach Phog Allen, averaging more than 12 ppg both of those seasons. Kelley was a member of 1960 gold-medal winning U.S. Olympic team.
  • Jay Kessler, 75, averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Minnesota from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
  • Roy Kilby Jr., 95, averaged 1.5 ppg for Indiana in 1941-42 and 1945-46. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • Kevin Kincaid, 39, played for Georgia Tech in the late 1990s under coach Bobby Cremins.
  • B. "Wayne" Kingery, 88, lettered for Louisiana State in the mid-1940s before becoming McNeese State's MVP in 1948 when the school was a junior college. HB-DB with the AAFC's Baltimore Colts in 1949.
  • Sam Knisley Jr., 78, averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for George Washington from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He hit .276 as OF in Philadelphia Phillies' farm system in 1960.
  • George Krajack, 79, averaged 12.4 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Clemson from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Press Maravich. Krajack led the Tigers in scoring and FT% as a junior. He paced them in rebounding and FG% two seasons apiece.
  • Gil Krueger, 87, averaged 2.9 ppg for Marquette in 1949-50 and 1950-51. He went on to become head football coach for five different small-college programs.
  • Gary Ladd Sr., 66, averaged 11.9 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Seattle from 1969-70 through 1971-72. All-WCAC first-team selection as a senior when he posted team-high 6.2 apg.
  • York Larese, 77, averaged 17.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg for North Carolina from 1958-59 through 1960-61 in coach Frank McGuire's last three seasons with the Tar Heels. Larese was a three-time All-American and All-ACC first-team selection.
  • Johnny Lattner, 83, scored 12 points in four games for Notre Dame in 1951-52, supplying game-winning basket in overtime in 75-74 victory over NYU at Madison Square Garden. Consensus All-American halfback won Heisman Trophy in 1953 before becoming first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1954 NFL draft.
  • Hal Lear, 81, averaged 19 ppg for Temple from 1953-54 through 1955-56. He was an All-American as a senior when leading the Owls to a third-place finish in NCAA Tournament and earning award as Final Four MOP.
  • Ken Leary, 73, averaged 11.1 ppg, 2 rpg and 8.2 apg for Boston University from 1962-63 through 1964-65, leading the Terriers in assists all three seasons.
  • Marvin Lee, 30, was a J.C. transfer who averaged 1.5 ppg for Binghamton in 2006-07 before transferring to Emporia State KS. He was murdered outside a Chicago bar at 2:40 a.m. when shot in head at point-blank range.
  • Chuck Legler averaged 2.4 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Louisiana State from 1966-67 through 1968-69. As a junior, he tied for third in rebounding average with the Tigers in All-American Pete Maravich's first varsity season.
  • Bennie Lenox, 74, was an All-SWC first-team selection for Texas A&M in 1962-63 and 1963-64, finishing his three-year varsity career with averages of 18.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg. He holds school single-game scoring record with 53 points against Wyoming.
  • Jack Lewis, 79, averaged 8.4 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Michigan in 1956-57 and 1957-58.
  • Jim Lockett Jr., 77, averaged 2.9 ppg for Missouri from 1958-59 through 1960-61.
  • Stu Locklin, 88, played for Wisconsin in 1947-48 under coach Bud Foster before becoming an outfielder with the Cleveland Indians in 1955 and 1956.
  • Clyde Lovellette, 86, was a two-time NCAA consensus first-team All-American who averaged 24.5 ppg and 10.2 rpg for Kansas from 1949-50 through 1951-52. Nation's leading scorer with 28.4 ppg as a senior when powering KU to NCAA title as Final Four MOP. Also led 1952 U.S. Olympic team in scoring.
  • Greg Lowery, 65, averaged 19.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Texas Tech from 1969-70 through 1971-72. Three-time All-SWC selection finished among the nation's top 20 in scoring as senior with league-leading 24.5 ppg after ranking 10th in free-throw marksmanship with league-leading 84.6% as junior.
  • Mike "Boomer" Lynch, 74, played for Creighton in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
  • Jim Magness, 73, averaged 8.7 ppg and 4 rpg for Arkansas from 1961-62 through 1963-64. All-SWC second-team selection as a senior when leading the Razorbacks in scoring and rebounding.
  • Dr. Frank Major played for Georgetown in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
  • Bernard "Benny" McArdle, 85, averaged 6.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Louisiana State from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Harry Rabenhorst. Two-time All-SEC selection was Final Four teammate of All-American Bob Pettit as a junior. McArdle compiled a 4-2 pitching record with Baton Rouge team in Class C Evangeline League in 1957.
  • John McCartney, 80, played for St. Louis in mid-1950s under coach Eddie Hickey before hitting .256 as INF in Boston Red Sox' farm system in 1958 and 1959.
  • Ken McComb Sr., 75, averaged 3.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg for North Carolina in 1960-61 under coach Frank McGuire before sidelined by academic woes the next season in Dean Smith's inaugural head-coaching campaign.
  • Anthony "Eli" McCullough, 79, averaged 2 ppg and 1.9 rpg for New Mexico in the late 1950s.
  • Dr. Bob McCurdy, 91, was an All-Big Six Conference second-team selection for Oklahoma in 1941-42 before playing in NCAA tourney the next season under coach Bruce Drake.
  • Dave McDonough, 83, averaged 9.8 ppg and 8 rpg for Massachusetts in 1953-54 after transferring from Illinois.
  • John McDougal, 92, was Northern Illinois' all-time winningest coach (136-141 record in 10 seasons from 1976-77 through 1985-86).
  • Steve McElvene, 20, averaged 6.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 1.7 bpg while making 61% of his FGAs as a Dayton freshman in 2015-16.
  • Jeff McGill, 52, averaged 2.1 ppg for Wake Forest in 1984-85 under coach Carl Tacy before transferring to Eastern Kentucky, where two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection averaged 15.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 5.5 apg while shooting 47.6% from beyond the three-point arc from 1985-86 through 1987-88.
  • Joe McGuinnes, 56, averaged 4.4 ppg for Army in 1978-79 and 1979-80 under coach Mike Krzyzewski before transferring to Manhattan, where he averaged 5.7 ppg in 1981-82 and 1982-83. McGuinnes led the Jaspers in assists as a junior.
  • Jim McMillian, 68, was a three-time All-American who averaged 22.8 ppg and 9.6 rpg for Columbia from 1967-68 through 1969-70. He twice led the Ivy League in scoring.
  • Dr. Bill McNabola, 90, was a teammate of All-American George Mikan on DePaul's NIT titlist in 1945 coached by Ray Meyer.
  • Henry McQueeney, 84, averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Providence from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Frank McRae, 81, averaged 2 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Wake Forest in 1952-53 and 1953-54 under coach Murray Greason. McRae also was an OF who went 5-for-5 in 1955 College World Series championship-game victory against Western Michigan (7-6) before leading ACC in batting average the next year with a .419 mark.
  • Clarence "Sonny" Means Jr., 88, averaged 3.7 ppg for Michigan State from 1949-50 through 1951-52. Senior captain went on to compile a 38-57 coaching record with Western Michigan in four seasons from 1966-67 through 1969-70.
  • Don Medsker, 78, averaged 8.9 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Iowa State from 1955-56 through 1957-58. Among the Cyclones' top three rebounders all three seasons.
  • Doug Mehlhaus, 74, averaged 4.5 ppg for Iowa in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
  • Bill Menefee, 95, compiled a 149-144 coaching record for Baylor in 12 seasons from 1961-62 through 1972-73. Earned a Purple Heart while serving as U.S. Marine in Okinawa during WWII.
  • Exner Menzel, 94, played for Wisconsin in 1945-46 and 1946-47 under coach Bud Foster.
  • John Mikell played for Clemson in 1953-54.
  • Joe Collis Miles Sr., 85, played for Baylor in 1950-51 under coach Bill Henderson before becoming a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Dan Miller averaged 4.4 ppg for St. Louis from 1945-46 through 1947-48 after serving in U.S. military during WWII. He was an All-Missouri Valley Conference selection each of his last two seasons.
  • Jim Miller, 66, averaged 0.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Iowa State from 1969-70 through 1971-72.
  • Gordon "Rupe" Mills Jr., 86, played for Seton Hall in 1949-50 under coach Honey Russell before serving in U.S. Army infantry during Korean Conflict.
  • Jonathan Mills, 26, was a J.C. recruit who averaged 9.4 ppg and 7.1 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 2011-12 and 2012-13.
  • Sherron Mills, 44, was a J.C. recruit who finished runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Virginia Commonwealth in 1991-92 and 1992-93 under coach Sonny Smith.
  • Jim Mitchell, 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.5 ppg for Montana State in 1950-51.
  • Dr. Bob Mlkvy, 77, led Penn in scoring, rebounding, FG% and FT% in 1959-60 and 1960-61 when he was an All-Ivy League selection both years. He averaged 15.8 ppg and 10.1 rpg in his three-year varsity career under coach Jack McCloskey.
  • Bill Moody, 62, averaged 6.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2.2 apg for Florida in 1972-73 before transferring to Dillard LA.
  • Antonio "Tony" Moore, 41, averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Duke from 1992-93 to 1995-96 under coach Mike Krzyzewski. Backup forward for 1994 NCAA runner-up was a starter as a senior before his career concluded in mid-season because of academic shortcomings.
  • Bob Moore, 86, played for Ohio State in the early 1950s.
  • Cameron Moore, 25, averaged 9.2 ppg and 6.5 rpg for UAB from 2008-09 through 2011-12 under coach Mike Davis. As a senior, he set a school single-game rebounding record with 24 against George Washington.
  • Larry Moore, 73, was a teammate of eventual All-American Dave Cowens on Florida State's freshman squad in 1966-67 after serving in the U.S. Navy. Moore was an engine man during Cuban Missile Crisis, helping evacuate civilians from Guantanamao Bay.
  • Garland "Sonny" Moran, 90, coached West Virginia to a 57-68 record in five seasons from 1969-70 through 1973-74.
  • Joe Morelli averaged 5.5 ppg for Notre Dame from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
  • Rex Morgan, 67, was second-leading scorer behind Artis Gilmore for Jacksonville's 1970 NCAA Tournament runner-up. Morgan averaged 22 ppg and 6.8 rpg in 1968-69 and 1969-70 under coach Joe Williams.
  • Anthony "Zippy" Morocco, 86, was Georgia captain in 1952-53 when earning All-SEC first-team honors by averaging 23.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg. Wide receiver was a 29th-round choice in 1952 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Jim Moxley, 65, was leading scorer and captain for Northeastern in 1971-72 a year before the school made transition to NCAA DI level under coach Jim Calhoun.
  • Bob Mulvihill, 92, averaged 7 ppg for Fordham as a senior in 1947-48. His college career was interrupted by serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He also played for Rochester.
  • John Mustion, 77, played with Syracuse in 1958-59 and 1959-60 before leaving college with eligibility remaining for Organized Baseball as an outfielder. He hit .267 with 25 homers and 173 RBI in farm systems of the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets in four seasons from 1961 through 1964.
  • Dr. Bob Nack, 63, averaged 12.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Delaware from 1971-72 through 1973-74. He finished among the Blue Hens' top two scorers as a sophomore and senior.
  • Jack Neeley, 84, averaged 5.1 ppg for South Carolina in the mid-1950s.
  • Dave Nelson, 73, played for Minnesota from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach John Kundla.
  • Ron Nelson, 80, averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Washington State in 1954-55 and 1955-56 under coach Jack Friel before serving in U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot.
  • Bill Newkirk, 82, averaged 1.1 ppg for Louisville in 1952-53 before hitting .287 in four years of minor-league baseball as a utilityman in the farm systems of the Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants.
  • Albert "Ab" Nicholas, 85, averaged 14.9 ppg for Wisconsin from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Bud Foster. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection while leading the Badgers in scoring both of those seasons was an All-American as a senior.
  • Richard Nickel, 93, was a North Carolina State starter in 1941-42 before his career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
  • Lemuel "Rip" Nixon, 83, averaged 2.7 ppg in 1953-54 as Ohio University's first African-American player after serving in U.S. Army during the Korean War. Transferred to St. Francis (Pa.), where he averaged 10.6 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 1956-57 and 1957-58, appearing in NIT his senior season.
  • Jim Noennig, 73, averaged 3.8 ppg and 3 rpg for Montana State in 1961-62 before transferring to Eastern Montana.
  • Dan Norris, 74, averaged 16.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg for Kent State in 1962-63 and 1963-64 (All-Mid-American Conference second-team selection as the Golden Flashes' top scorer).
  • Henry "Hank" Ohlen, 84, averaged 13.7 ppg for Texas Christian from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Buster Brannon. Team-leading scorer each of his last two seasons was an All-SWC first-team selection as junior. He tallied a team-high 20 points in TCU's first NCAA tourney game in 1952 against eventual champion Kansas. Contributed more than 30 points in a contest four times.
  • Charles "Steve" O'Neill, 72, averaged 2.6 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Purdue from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Dr. Len Orr II, 62, averaged 13.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Denver from 1972-73 through 1974-75.
  • Bernie Osherow, 80, was a backup guard for Temple's touted backcourt boosting the Owls to 1956 Final Four (third-place finish).
  • Ross "Joe" Ozburn, 87, averaged 1.7 ppg for Louisiana State in 1948-49 and 1950-51.
  • Dick Pace, 87, played for Florida in 1946-47 and 1947-48.
  • Eugene Parker, 60, averaged 13 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.9 apg for Purdue from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coach Fred Schaus. He was an All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as a sophomore.
  • John Parker IV, 84, averaged 2.8 ppg for Dartmouth from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Doggie Julian.
  • Wayne Pearl, 76, averaged 11.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Tulane in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Clifford Wells.
  • Ralph Pedersen, 89, averaged 9.6 ppg for Tulane from 1949-50 through 1951-52 (among top four scorers each of first two seasons) under coach Clifford Wells before compiling a 68-110 coaching record at his alma mater in seven seasons from 1964-65 through 1970-71.
  • Bob Pelkington, 74, averaged 13.4 ppg and 16.6 rpg for Xavier from 1961-62 through 1963-64. Led the nation in rebounding as senior after finishing eighth the previous season.
  • Lou Perry, 72, averaged 1.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Houston from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Guy Lewis.
  • Charles "Reed" Peterson, 89, was a starter for Arizona State in 1944-45 before earning two more letters later in the decade.
  • Harold "Pete" Peterson, 73, averaged 5.2 ppg for Montana in 1962-63 and 1963-64.
  • Ivan Pfeffer, 86, was a juco recruit who played for Northern Colorado in the early 1950s.
  • Graham Phillips Jr., 83, averaged 1.1 ppg for Wake Forest from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Murray Greason.
  • Don Piasecki, 77, averaged 5 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Seattle from 1957-58 through 1959-60. He was a sophomore when the Elgin Baylor-led Chiefs finished runner-up in NCAA playoffs. Piasecki was an infielder with the school's baseball squad.
  • Bob Plocinik, 79, was a U.S. Navy veteran who averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Seton Hall from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
  • Rev. Albert "Lamar" Potts Jr., 83, averaged 8.3 ppg for Georgia from 1952-53 through 1954-55. He was senior captain.
  • Tom Powers, 82, played for St. Francis (N.Y.) in early 1960s.
  • Aaron Preece, 89, was an Illinois College transfer who averaged 5.5 ppg for Bradley from 1948-49 through 1950-51 after serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. The Braves finished runner-up in both the NCAA playoffs and NIT in 1950.
  • Dr. John Puk, 83, averaged 3.1 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Marquette in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
  • Ralph Pulley Jr., 89, was a member of Baylor's NCAA Tournament runner-up in 1948 after playing for the Bears' first-ever NCAA playoff team in 1946.
  • Bennie Purcell, 86, was an All-American for Murray State in 1951-52 when two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection averaged 17.6 ppg.
  • Bob Quinney, 72, averaged 10.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Brigham Young from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Stan Watts.
  • George Radosevich, 88, averaged 3.7 ppg for Pittsburgh in 1949-50 and 1950-51 under coach Doc Carlson. Radosevich was an offensive lineman with the Baltimore Colts for three years from 1954 through 1956.
  • Joseph "Joey" Raines Jr., 38, was a J.C. recruit who finished runner-up in scoring for Troy State in 1998-99 with 15.9 ppg. He died from lupus.
  • Dennis Rajsich played for Arizona in 1967-68 and 1969-70. His daughter, Rhonda, was a Stephen F. Austin hooper in 1999-00 before becoming four-time #1 player on Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (2006-07-08-11).
  • Lloyd Ramsey, 95, averaged 2.4 ppg for Kentucky in 1940-41 and 1941-42 under coach Adolph Rupp.
  • Jim Ray, 89, played for two SEC members (Georgia Tech and Mississippi State) in the late 1940s.
  • Augustus "Crennie" Reed, 91, played for Virginia Tech in late 1940s after serving as pilot in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
  • Gary Reimers, 79, averaged 9.7 ppg and 2 rpg for Nebraska from 1955-56 through 1957-58. He was among the Huskers' top two scorers each of last two seasons. Senior captain and All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection when they upset Wilt Chamberlain-led Kansas two weeks after losing by school-record 56 points against the Jayhawks.
  • Cory Reiser, 39, averaged 6.3 ppg and 3.4 apg for Montana in 1997-98 and 1998-99. J.C. recruit led the Grizzlies in assists as senior with 4.5 apg.
  • Jim Remington averaged 5.3 ppg for Ohio State from 1948-49 through 1950-51 after serving in U.S. Army. He was the Buckeyes' leading scorer as senior captain with 8.4 ppg.
  • John Reuther, 73, averaged 18.2 ppg and 10.5 rpg for Louisville from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Peck Hickman. All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection as a senior led the Cardinals in scoring average all three seasons and paced them twice in rebounding average.
  • Frank Richichi, 74, averaged 3.5 ppg and 4 rpg for Boston College in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
  • Jerry Ridley, 83, was a member of Iowa's Bucky O'Connor-coached national fourth-place team as senior in 1955 NCAA playoffs.
  • Bernard Riley, 87, was a J.C. recruit who averaged 6.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Mississippi in 1953-54 and 1954-55 under coach Country Graham after serving in U.S. Army.
  • Ken Riley, 69, averaged 12.8 ppg and 12.2 rpg for Middle Tennessee State from 1967-68 through 1970-71. Two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference led the Blue Raiders in rebounding each of his three seasons.
  • Al Rinaldi, 90, was a starting guard for Richmond in late 1940s and early 1950s after he was wounded in triceps during Battle of the Bulge in WWII.
  • Bill Ring Jr., 70, averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.2 rpg for La Salle in 1965-66 and 1966-67.
  • Don Ritter, 92, averaged 9.2 ppg for Indiana from 1946-47 through 1948-49 under coach Branch McCracken. Leading scorer as junior and captain as senior for IU served in the U.S. military during WWII in Pacific Theater as a B-24 Bomber navigator.
  • Arthur "Art" Rizzi, 94, was on roster of Wisconsin's 1947 NCAA Tournament team coached by Bud Foster.
  • Bill Roberts, 90, was a Wyoming letterman in 1946 under coach Everett Shelton.
  • Eric Roberts, 86, averaged 7.3 ppg for Washington State from 1949-50 through 1951-52, leading the Cougars in scoring as a senior when he was an All-PCC North Division second-team selection.
  • Harvey Roberts III, 71, averaged 7.6 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Richmond from 1964-65 through 1966-67 before enlisting in U.S. Army Officer Candidate Program and serving a tour in Vietnam as 1st Lieutenant.
  • Alvis "Al" Rochelle Jr., 80, averaged 16.1 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1953-54 through 1956-57. He was Vandy's leading scorer each of last three seasons as an All-SEC selection.
  • Steve Rockhold, 66, averaged 7.8 ppg and 6 rpg for UC Santa Barbara in 1970-71 and 1971-72. Juco recruit was the Gauchos' second-leading rebounder and third-leading scorer as senior.
  • Ted Romanowski, 77, was a backup center for Notre Dame in 1960-61 and 1961-62.
  • Sean Rooks, 46, averaged 11.6 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.1 bpg for Arizona from 1988-89 through 1991-92. He was an All-Pac-10 Conference selection as a senior under coach Lute Olson.
  • Donald Rose, 85, played for DePaul in mid-1950s under coach Ray Meyer.
  • Gayle Rose, 84, averaged 5.9 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Kentucky from 1951-52 through 1954-55.
  • Bill Ross, 76, was in regular rotation as sophomore for Auburn's 1960 SEC regular-season titlist before averaging 6.7 ppg as senior captain in 1961-62.
  • George Rosser, 86, averaged 6.7 ppg for Washington State from 1949-50 through 1951-52. Runner-up in scoring for the Cougars as a senior.
  • Charles "Dick" Routh, 82, averaged 5 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Virginia Tech in 1952-53 before transferring to Elon.
  • Terrell "Terry" Ruhlman, 90, played for Penn State in the late 1940s.
  • Jerry Rullo, 93, was a Temple captain in the mid-1940s while having his career interrupted by stint in Army Reserves.
  • Adolph "Herky" Rupp Jr., 75, played for Kentucky in 1959-60 and 1961-62 under his legendary father.
  • Harry Sacks averaged 15.6 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Harvard from 1952-53 through 1954-55. All-EIBL (predecessor to Ivy League) as a junior when he led the Crimson in scoring and rebounding.
  • Kenny Sailors, 95, was an All-American in 1942-43 when becoming Final Four MOP by sparking Wyoming to the NCAA Tournament title. He was also an All-American in 1945-46 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.
  • Doug Sale, 93, was a juco recruit who lettered with UCLA in 1946-47 after serving in U.S. Air Force during WWII.
  • Rick Santos, 65, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.5 apg for Providence in 1973-74 and 1974-75 under coach Dave Gavitt. High school teammate of All-American Marvin Barnes was reunited with him one season with PC.
  • Sam Sauceda, 89, averaged 6.6 ppg as three-year starter for Marquette from 1947-48 through 1949-50. Served in U.S. Army during WWII before averaging 3.7 ppg as freshman sixth man in 1946-47. He was also a HB on school's football squad.
  • Jim Schlimm, 87, averaged 15.4 ppg for Providence from 1949-50 through 1951-52. First PC player to reach 1,000-point barrier in career was captain as senior after leading club in scoring each of his first two varsity campaigns.
  • Frederic Schneider, 88, averaged 6.1 ppg for Wisconsin from 1947-48 through 1949-50 under coach Bud Foster.
  • Eric Schnepp, 85, averaged 1.2 ppg for Marquette in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
  • Tom Seavey, 81, led Maine in scoring with 14.2 ppg in 1957-58 when senior co-captain was an All-Yankee Conference second-team selection.
  • Gene Seay, 80, averaged 11.3 ppg and 9.1 rpg for Clemson in 1955-56 and 1956-57, leading the Tigers in rebounding average each season.
  • William "Dave" Self, 69, averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Arkansas from 1965-66 through 1967-68. As a junior, he finished third with the Razorbacks in scoring and rebounding average.
  • Gary Senitza, 74, averaged 7.1 ppg for Arizona State from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Ned Wulk.
  • Fred "Ted" Server, 83, averaged 4.2 ppg for Purdue in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
  • Geoffrey "Jeff" Sewell, 68, averaged 7.5 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Marquette from 1967-68 through 1969-70. Scored game-high 22 points in NIT title contest victory as senior.
  • William Earl "Bill" Sexton, 84, averaged 6.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Alabama from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Gary Shivers, 82, led Houston in scoring (15.6 ppg) and rebounding (12.7 rpg) as a senior All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection in 1953-54.
  • Orvis Sigler Jr., 94, compiled a 39-47 coaching record with Army in four seasons from 1954-55 through 1957-58 before posting a 122-134 mark with Centenary in 10 campaigns from 1958-59 through 1967-68 when the Gentlemen made transition up to major-college level. Among his Centenary hoopers were high-scoring Tom Kerwin and eventual MLB pitcher Cecil Upshaw.
  • Clarence "Chip" Simms Jr., 46, was a New Orleans native who walked on for Georgetown in 1990-91.
  • Walt Simon, 70, averaged 15.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Utah in 1967-68 as an All-WAC second-team selection. In junior college, the father of Arizona All-American Miles Simon outscored Lew Alcindor, 31-26, in a game against the Baby Bruins before the three-time national POY moved up to UCLA's varsity squad.
  • Phillip "Goose" Simpson, 78, was a two-time All-SEC selection who averaged 14.3 ppg and 10.1 rpg for Georgia in 1959-60 and 1960-61. Juco recruit was MVP for the Bulldogs as a junior and team captain as senior.
  • Stanley Skaug, 94, was an All-EIBL first-team selection for Dartmouth as a senior in 1942-43. He participated in three consecutive NCAA tourneys under coach Ozzie Cowles, averaging 4.5 ppg with the Big Green's 1942 national runner-up.
  • Bob Skousen, 77, averaged 16.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Brigham Young from 1958-59 to 1962-63 under coach Stan Watts. The Cougars' leading scorer in 1958-59 and 1961-62 set a school single-game scoring mark with 47 points against John Wooden-coached UCLA that lasted nearly 50 years.
  • Fred Slaughter, 74, averaged 8.8 ppg and 9.1 rpg for UCLA from 1961-62 through 1963-64 (including two Final Four teams and coach John Wooden's first NCAA titlist). Slaughter was the Bruins' leading rebounder each of his first two seasons.
  • Parker Small, 95, was an All-Yankee Conference second-team selection for Maine as a senior in 1941-42.
  • Andrew Smith, 25, averaged 8.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Butler from 2009-10 through 2012-13 under coach Brad Stevens.
  • Gino Sovran, 91, was an Assumption (Canada) transfer who led Detroit in scoring with 8.9 ppg in 1945-46.
  • Jacob "Jake" Staab, 90, played for Illinois in the mid-1940s.
  • Doug Stamper, 73, averaged team-high 19.6 ppg as All-Ohio Valley Conference selection in Austin Peay State's inaugural season at NCAA Division I level in 1963-64.
  • Bob Stanley, 91, played hoops for Mississippi in 1944-45. He was a catcher who hit .296 in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system in 1945.
  • David Steindler, 87, averaged 4.8 ppg for West Virginia from 1949-50 through 1951-52 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Dale Stevens, 69, averaged 8.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Mississippi in 1966-67 and 1967-68.
  • John Stinson, 88, was Navy's fourth-leading scorer as senior in 1949-50 under coach Ben Carnevale before commissioned to the U.S. Air Force and flying 33 B-29 missions during the Korean Conflict.
  • Demontez Stitt, 27, averaged 10.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.3 spg for Clemson from 2007-08 through 2010-11.
  • George "Ken" Storey, 87, averaged 2.4 ppg for Oregon State in 1947-48 and 1949-50 under Hall of Fame coach Slats Gill.
  • Lee Roy Storm Jr., 94, was a starting center for Missouri in the early 1940s before serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • Hiles Stout, 81, averaged 8.1 ppg for Illinois from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Harry Combes.
  • Anthony "Tony" Stracka, 84, averaged 8.8 ppg for Wisconsin from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Bud Foster. Runner-up in rebounding for the Badgers as a senior.
  • Palmer "Butch" Strickler, 94, played for Wisconsin in 1945-46 under coach Bud Foster before transferring to Ripon College WI. Stricker served in U.S. Army during WWII, taking part in invasion of Normandy and Battle of the Bulge.
  • Barry Sullivan, 85, averaged 16.1 ppg for Georgetown in 1950-51 and 1951-52 before enlisting in U.S. Army and serving in Korean Conflict.
  • Norm Swanson, 86, averaged 17.2 ppg for Detroit from 1949-50 through 1952-53. Chicago native was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection and league-leading scorer as sophomore and junior.
  • Morris Taft, 84, averaged 11.9 ppg and 4.1 rpg for UCLA from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach John Wooden. As a senior, All-PCC first-team selection was second-leading scorer for the Bruins' first-ever team to win an NCAA playoff game.
  • George "Bill" Talbot, 85, played for Florida in 1950-51 before serving in U.S. Navy. He subsequently attended Miami FL, averaging 8.3 ppg and 1.8 rpg in 1956-57 and 1957-58.
  • Joe Talbot, 98, played for Creighton in 1937-38.
  • Jeff Taylor, 43, averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.5 apg for Samford in 1994-95 and 1995-96.
  • George Telepas, 80, was on Florida's roster in 1957-58. He compiled a 1-1 record as a pitcher in the New York Giants' farm system in 1953.
  • Tommy Thomas averaged 9.2 ppg and 3.5 rpg for St. Louis from 1966-67 through 1968-69. As a senior, he was runner-up in scoring with the Billikens (13.7 ppg).
  • Gary Thompkins, 50, averaged 7.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 5 apg for Iowa State from 1984-85 through 1987-88. He led the Cyclones in assists his last two seasons under coach Johnny Orr.
  • Brooks Thompson, 45, was a Texas A&M transfer who became an All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection with Oklahoma State in 1993-94 (16.9 ppg, 4 rpg, 5.7 apg, 2.9 spg, 47.2 3FG%) before coaching Texas-San Antonio to a 133-178 record in 10 seasons from 2006-07 through 2015-16.
  • Danny Thornburg, 82, was a two-year starter for Purdue who averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.7 rpg from 1953-54 through 1955-56. He was runner-up in scoring and rebounding with the Boilermakers as a senior.
  • Charlie Thorne, 88, averaged 4.1 ppg for North Carolina from 1948-49 through 1950-51 after serving in U.S. Army and Air Force during WWII. As a senior, he was the Tar Heels' co-captain.
  • Nate Thurmond, 74, averaged 17.8 ppg and 17 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Harold Anderson. Thurmond ranked among the nation's top 10 rebounders all three seasons.
  • Harland "Fats" Tolle, 84, averaged 10.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Morehead State in 1955-56 and 1956-57. Member of first two MSU teams appearing in NCAA playoffs.
  • Thomas Truesdale, 80, averaged 7 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Niagara in 1958-59 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Greg Tucker, 25, averaged 6.5 ppg in 10 contests with Chicago State in 2012-13. He was shot in the head while driving in Windy City.
  • James Tucker Jr., 80, was Bowling Green State's leading scorer as a sophomore in 1954-55 under coach Harold Anderson.
  • Mark Turenshire, 71, averaged 10.2 ppg and 4 rpg for St. Francis (N.Y.) from 1963-64 through 1965-66. As a junior, he shot 74.1% from the floor (63-of-85).
  • Chris Turner, 27, averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.2 rpg for East Carolina in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
  • Jack Vail, 83, was Georgetown's top rebounder (10 rpg) and runner-up in scoring (10.9 ppg) in 1953-54.
  • Bob Vanatta, 98, coached four different NCAA DI schools - 15-7 record with Army in 1953-54, 22-33 with Bradley in 1954-55 and 1955-56, 109-34 with Memphis State in six seasons from 1956-57 through 1961-62 and 42-80 with Missouri) in five seasons from 1962-63 through 1966-67. He guided Southwest Missouri State from 1950-51 through 1953-54 when the Bears were a DII institution.
  • Fred Vinson, 99, earned a letter with Baylor in 1936-37.
  • Earl Voss, 86, compiled a 138-229 coaching record for West Chester State in 14 seasons from 1973-74 through 1986-87. School competed at NCAA Division I level the first nine of those campaigns.
  • Roger Voss, 76, averaged 13.9 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Colorado in 1959-60 and 1960-61 under coach Sox Walseth. Voss was an All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection his second season as a junior when leading the Buffaloes in scoring and rebounding. He had a 31-point/27-rebound outing against Missouri.
  • Sam Vukovich, 92, averaged 7.1 ppg in 1949-50 for DePaul under coach Ray Meyer.
  • Bobby Wanzer, 94, was the leading scorer for Seton Hall's 24-3 team in 1946-47 before becoming 10th pick overall in 1948 BAA draft.
  • Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, 52, averaged 15.7 ppg and 6.7 apg for Syracuse from 1983-84 through 1985-86. He was an NCAA consensus second-team All-American in 1984-85 under coach Jim Boeheim.
  • Mike Washington, 62, was a transfer who averaged 8.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 2 apg for Illinois in 1974-75 and 1975-76 under coaches Gene Bartow and Lou Henson.
  • Walter Watts III, 47, was the second-leading scorer (10.2 ppg) and rebounder (7 rpg) in 1990-91 as an All-WAC second-team selection for coach Rick Majerus' first Sweet 16 squad with Utah. Watts, a 30th-round pick in 1987 MLB amateur draft, was a Minnesota Twins farmhand in 1987 and 1988 before trying out as a DL with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1992.
  • Russ Wendland, 94, was a three-time All-Big Nine Conference second-team selection (1941-42 and 1942-43 with Northwestern and 1943-44 for Wisconsin under coach Bud Foster) before serving in U.S. Naval Air Corps during WWII.
  • Murray Wier, 89, was an NCAA consensus first-team All-American for Iowa in 1947-48 as the nation's leading scorer with 21 ppg.
  • Ivan Wiley, 75, averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Oklahoma State from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
  • Richard "Buzz" Wilkinson, 83, averaged 28.6 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Virginia from 1952-53 through 1954-55. He was an All-American as a senior after finishing among the nation's top three scorers for second straight season.
  • Aaron Williams, 26, played briefly for Morehead State in 2009-10 as teammate of Kenneth Faried. Louisville product died in unsolved murder from multiple gunshot wounds.
  • Herman Williams, 19, was a Louisiana-Lafayette signee from Florida.
  • Phillip Wills, 76, averaged 3.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Purdue from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
  • Chad Wise, 32, was an Arkansas native who averaged 1.1 ppg for Connecticut in 2001-02 and 2002-03 under coach Jim Calhoun.
  • Bob Wittig, 75, averaged 3.4 ppg for Wisconsin in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
  • Rudy Woods, 57, led Texas A&M twice in rebounding while averaging 11.5 ppg and 7.7 rpg from 1978-79 through 1981-82 under coach Shelby Metcalf. The Aggies participated in the NCAA playoffs during Woods' sophomore season.
  • Ralph Wright, 69, was VMI's second-leading scorer (13.9 ppg) and rebounder (8.5 rpg) in 1966-67.
  • Steve Wyrostek Jr., 75, averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Missouri in 1961-62.
  • Del Yarbrough, 59, was a four-year starting forward for Illinois State from 1976-77 through 1979-80 (including three NIT teams). He averaged 10.7 ppg and 6.8 rpg while shooting 53.3% from the floor.

Home Sour Home: Ducking List of Power Members Never Winning 30 in Row

Oregon's victories knocking UCLA and USC from the ranks of the unbeaten extended the Ducks' school-record homecourt winning string to 35 in a row on their way to reaching 40 by annihilating Arizona midway through the conference campaign. Until this season, UO was on a dubious list of prominent programs failing ever to win 30 straight on their home floor. Did you know power-conference members Arizona State, Baylor, Butler, California, Clemson, Colorado, Creighton, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Kansas State, Louisville, Maryland, Miami FL, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern, Oregon State, Rutgers, Southern California, Stanford, Texas, Texas Christian, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Washington State never have won as many as 30 consecutive home contests?

Maryland had a chance to reach 30 near the end of last season before Wisconsin became the first Big Ten Conference member to prevail at UM in league competition since the Terrapins joined the loop by breaking their school-record 27-game homecourt winning streak. Which opponents broke school-record home-court winning streaks of at least 30 games? Oddly, more than half of the aforementioned power-league schools are in this category, including Texas on three occasions (ended school-record HC streaks for Arkansas, Kansas and Texas A&M). Following is an alphabetical list including schools crossing the 30-game homecourt winning streak threshold prior to Oregon achieving the feat:

School Record Streak Date Started Date Ended Opponent Ending School-Record Streak Score
Alabama 54 1929 1934 Vanderbilt 44-33
Arizona 81 12-14-45 12-8-51 Kansas State 76-57
Arkansas 32 1-17-76 1-12-79 Texas 66-63
Auburn 36 1-26-57 1-7-61 Mississippi State 56-48
Austin Peay 31 1-25-75 3-5-77 Middle Tennessee State 77-65 in OVC Tournament final
Bradley 46 1-23-58 2-6-61 Drake 86-76
Brigham Young 53 11-26-05 1-3-09 Wake Forest 94-87
Charlotte 60 2-28-74 12-5-77 Appalachian State 71-64
Cincinnati 86 12-6-57 12-7-63 Kansas 51-47
College of Charleston 38 1-9-95 12-28-97 Rider 65-58
Columbia 34 1949 1-16-52 Penn 66-64
Connecticut 31 2-21-05 1-10-07 Marquette 73-69
Coppin State 42 12-19-92 1-15-97 North Carolina A&T 76-70
Dartmouth 38 2-3-37 2-17-40 Army 44-36
Davidson 57 2-12-62 12-11-72 Furman 93-86
Dayton 30 3-8-08 1-26-10 Rhode Island 65-64
DePaul 36 1-21-83 1-21-85 Dayton 67-63
Detroit 39 1-28-99 2-10-02 Wisconsin-Green Bay 65-61
Duke 46 1-13-97 2-9-00 Maryland 98-87
Florida 33 11-11-12 11-17-14 Miami FL 69-67
Gonzaga 50 11-21-03 2-12-07 Santa Clara 84-73
Houston 59 1-13-64 12-21-68 Illinois 97-84
Idaho 43 1-17-80 2-12-83 Montana 80-61
Illinois 33 1-17-04 2-4-06 Penn State 66-65
Illinois State 31 1-25-77 1-27-79 DePaul 87-69
Indiana 35 11-23-73 12-6-76 Kentucky 66-51
Iowa State 39 2-16-99 1-12-02 Oklahoma State 69-66
Jacksonville 35 1-13-69 12-7-71 Florida State 90-83
Kansas 69 2-7-07 1-22-11 Texas 74-63
Kentucky 129 1-4-43 1-8-55 Georgia Tech 59-58
Lamar 80 2-18-78 3-10-84 Louisiana Tech 68-65 in SLC Tournament
Long Beach State 75 11-20-68 12-4-74 San Francisco 94-84 in OT
Louisiana State 42 2-??-16 2-18-21 Mississippi 23-22
Louisiana Tech 39 12-6-82 11-25-85 Stephen F. Austin 67-58
Louisiana Tech 39 12-7-13 1-7-16 Old Dominion 56-53
Loyola of Chicago 41 2-25-61 12-31-64 St. Louis 90-57
Marquette 81 12-17-66 1-13-73 Notre Dame 71-69
Massachusetts 33 1-16-93 2-14-95 George Washington 80-78
Memphis 47 1-4-06 2-22-08 Tennessee 66-62
Michigan State 53 11-13-98 1-12-02 Wisconsin 64-63
Middle Tennessee State 33 12-11-73 1-7-76 UT Chattanooga 83-72
Minnesota 40 2-9-01 1-20-05 Nebraska 22-21
Mississippi State 35 1-14-57 1-2-60 Auburn 64-48
Missouri 34 3-3-88 12-8-90 Arkansas 95-82
Murray State 47 11-23-96 1-15-00 Southeast Missouri State 84-78
New Mexico 41 2-10-96 2-26-98 Brigham Young 83-62
New Mexico State 34 12-16-68 12-1-71 Angelo State TX 77-71
New Orleans 38 12-12-69 2-28-72 Louisiana Tech 80-73
Niagara 51 1943 2-8-50 Syracuse 60-55
North Carolina A&T 37 1985-86 11-30-88 North Carolina Central 66-54
North Carolina Central 38 1-8-13 12-7-15 Howard 71-69
North Carolina State 38 2-19-72 2-1-75 Maryland 98-97
North Dakota State 31 2-14-13 1-7-16 Omaha 91-82
Notre Dame 45 3-4-06 1-24-09 Connecticut 69-61
Ohio State 50 12-1-59 12-11-63 Davidson 95-73
Oklahoma 51 11-28-87 12-22-90 Duke 90-85
Oklahoma State 49 1-9-36 12-21-40 Southern California 28-25
Old Dominion 32 2-27-14 1-14-16 UAB 72-71 in OT
Oral Roberts 52 2-17-69 2-10-73 Marshall 106-103
Pacific 45 3-8-69 1-7-73 Long Beach State 91-85
Penn 34 2-7-69 12-18-71 Temple 57-52
Penn State 45 1-20-51 3-2-55 Penn 85-79
Pepperdine 30 11-27-84 12-11-86 Long Beach State 86-77
Pittsburgh 40 1-19-02 2-29-04 Syracuse 49-46 in OT
Providence 55 2-13-71 12-28-74 St. John's 91-79
Purdue 30 12-22-67 2-28-70 Iowa 108-107
St. Bonaventure 99 1948 2-25-61 Niagara 87-77
St. John's 30 11-30-84 2-14-87 Providence 79-78
Saint Joseph's 34 1956-57 12-16-66 Fairfield 82-68
Seton Hall 46 1-10-51 1-1-54 William & Mary 57-55
Siena 38 2-29-08 11-13-10 Vermont 80-76
South Carolina 34 1-12-72 2-16-74 Notre Dame 72-68
Southern Illinois 33 1-11-04 2-1-06 Indiana State 63-54
Southern Methodist 44 2-??-54 3-1-58 Texas A&M 43-42
Stephen F. Austin 34 2-18-12 11-18-14 Northern Iowa 79-77 in OT
Syracuse 57 3-5-76 2-13-80 Georgetown 52-50
Temple 33 1-21-84 2-24-87 West Virginia 64-61
Tennessee 37 11-10-06 1-7-09 Gonzaga 89-79 in OT
Tennessee Tech 33 12-2-00 1-4-03 Morehead State 72-70
Texas A&M 30 1959 2-5-63 Texas 70-59
Texas-El Paso 31 1-23-88 12-16-89 Indiana 69-66
Texas Tech 35 2-9-94 1-11-97 Colorado 80-78
Tulane 42 2-20-46 12-10-49 Arkansas 42-41
Tulsa 36 2-23-80 12-7-82 Oklahoma State 93-75
UCLA 98 12-4-70 2-21-76 Oregon 65-45
UNLV 72 2-8-74 1-7-78 New Mexico 102-98
Utah 54 1-4-97 12-9-00 Weber State 79-77
Utah State 37 11-9-07 12-5-09 Saint Mary's 68-63
Villanova 72 12-6-47 3-4-58 Saint Francis PA 70-64
Virginia 34 2-6-80 1-15-83 North Carolina 101-95
Virginia Commonwealth 33 12-18-76 2-10-78 Virginia Tech 71-63
Virginia Military 35 2-5-76 1-17-79 Appalachian State 73-58
Washington 32 1-29-04 12-31-05 Arizona 96-95 in 2OT
Weber State 44 2-8-63 2-11-67 Idaho 68-67
Western Kentucky 67 2-5-49 1-10-55 Xavier 82-80 in OT
West Virginia 39 12-10-80 1-20-83 St. Bonaventure 64-63
Wichita State 43 11-9-13 2-13-16 Northern Iowa 53-50
Wisconsin 38 12-7-02 1-25-05 Illinois 75-65
Xavier 30 12-31-08 12-31-10 Florida 71-67

Living Large Like Monk: Individual Scoring Records by Individual Opponents

When Kentucky freshman flash Malik Monk tallied 47 points against North Carolina, the eruption by the SEC's top scorer triggered research regarding which individual opponent has the highest single-game scoring outburst against each major university. But Monk's outburst fell one point shy of matching the individual record against UNC (48 by Duke's Dick Groat in 1951-52 before his notable MLB career as shortstop).

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 seven 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:

Scorched School Single-Game Record Holder Opponent Points Date
Air Force Adrian Dantley Notre Dame 49 2-10-75
Alabama Pete Maravich Louisiana State 69 1-7-70
Appalachian State Bob McCurdy Richmond 53 2-26-75
Arizona Bob Beckel Air Force 50 2-29-59
Arizona State Casey Jacobsen Stanford 49 1-31-82
Arkansas Oscar Robertson Cincinnati 56 3-15-58
Auburn Pete Maravich Louisiana State 55 1-3-68
Austin Peay Tom Chilton East Tennessee State 52 2-5-61
Austin Peay Marvin Barnes Providence 52 12-15-73
Ball State Doug Collins Illinois State 55 1-15-72
Baylor Johnny Neumann Mississippi 60 12-29-70
Bradley Archie Tullos Detroit 49 2-22-88
Brigham Young Billy McGill Utah 60 2-24-62
Brown Jim Barton Dartmouth 48 2-7-87
Bucknell Daren Queenan Lehigh 49 3-7-87
Butler Austin Carr Notre Dame 50 2-23-70
California Eddie House Arizona State 61 1-8-00
UC Irvine Hersey Hawkins Bradley 51 12-19-87
Canisius Calvin Murphy Niagara 48 1-13-68
Chicago State Ryan Toolson Utah Valley 63 1-29-09
Cincinnati Frank Selvy Furman 50 12-31-53
The Citadel Darrell Floyd Furman 62 1-14-56
Clemson Darrell Floyd Furman 56 2-24-55
Cleveland State Ed McFarland Slippery Rock (Pa.) 52 2-15-61
Colgate Jack Foley Holy Cross 55 3-5-60
Colorado Wilt Chamberlain Kansas 45 12-29-56
Colorado State Marvin Johnson New Mexico 50 3-2-78
Connecticut Jack Foley Holy Cross 56 2-17-62
Creighton* Clarence "Bevo" Francis Rio Grande (Ohio) 49 1-23-54
Davidson Frank Selvy Furman 50 2-26-54
Dayton Scott Haffner Evansville 65 2-18-89
Delaware Phil D'Arrigo Haverford (Pa.) 52 2-18-56
Detroit Hersey Hawkins Bradley 63 2-22-88
Drake Steve Bracey Tulsa 47 1-8-72
Drexel Eddie Benton Vermont 54 1-29-94
Duke Ernie Beck Pennsylvania 47 12-30-52
Duquesne Pete Maravich Louisiana State 53 12-30-68
East Carolina Ray Simpson Furman 45 2-5-72
East Carolina Randy Culpepper Texas-El Paso 45 2-13-10
Fairfield Elvin Hayes Houston 48 1-29-68
Florida Chris Jackson Louisiana State 53 12-10-88
Florida International Kevin Bradshaw U.S. International 59 1-14-91
Fordham Kevin Houston Army 53 2-28-87
Fresno State Askia Jones Kansas State 62 3-24-94
Furman Jay Handlan Washington & Lee (Va.) 66 2-17-51
George Mason Bobby Aguirre Macalester (Minn.) 53 11-29-94
George Washington Allan Bristow Virginia Tech 52 2-21-73
Georgetown John Austin Boston College 49 2-21-64
Georgia Pete Maravich Louisiana State 58 3-8-69
Georgia Southern James "Fly" Williams Austin Peay 51 12-30-72
Georgia Tech Frank Selvy Furman 51 2-11-54
Gonzaga Orlando Lightfoot Idaho 50 12-21-93
Harvard Bill Bradley Princeton 51 2-15-65
Hawaii Marshall Rogers Pan American 47 2-27-76
Idaho Bob Houbregs Washington 49 1-10-53
Idaho State Terrell Lowery Loyola Marymount 48 12-1-90
Illinois Von McDade Wisconsin-Milwaukee 50 12-3-90
Illinois State Richie Fuqua Oral Roberts 49 2-14-73
Iowa Rick Mount Purdue 61 2-28-70
Iowa State John Douglas Kansas 46 2-16-77
Iowa State Wayman Tisdale Oklahoma 46 2-5-83
Jacksonville Rick Barry Miami (Fla.) 52 1963-64
James Madison David Robinson Navy 45 1-10-87
Kansas Lindsey Hunter Jackson State 48 12-27-92
Kansas State Doremus Bennerman Siena 51 3-30-94
Kent State* Dave Jamerson Ohio University 52 2-24-90
Kentucky Pete Maravich Louisiana State 64 2-21-70
Lamar Dwight "Bo" Lamar Southwestern Louisiana 51 2-17-72
La Salle Calvin Murphy Niagara 52 12-16-67
Long Beach State Raymond Lewis Cal State Los Angeles 53 2-23-73
Long Island Izett Buchanan Marist 51 2-12-94
Louisiana-Lafayette Jimmy Leach Northwestern State 54 2-27-59
Louisiana-Monroe Dwight "Bo" Lamar Southwestern Louisiana 62 2-25-71
Louisiana State Johnny Neumann Mississippi 63 1-30-71
Louisiana Tech Dwight "Bo" Lamar Southwestern Louisiana 51 2-14-72
Louisville Joel Curbelo American (Puerto Rico) 47 11-24-95
Loyola of Chicago Donald Smith Dayton 52 2-3-73
Loyola of Chicago Kareem Townes La Salle 52 2-4-95
Loyola Marymount Kevin Bradshaw U.S. International 72 1-5-91
Manhattan Tom Schwester St. Peter's 53 2-28-70
Marquette Elvin Hayes Houston 45 12-29-67
Massachusetts Frank McLaughlin New Hampshire 44 1-14-56
Memphis Bill Walton UCLA 44 3-26-73
Mercer Frank Selvy Furman 63 2-11-53
Miami (Fla.) Danny Ferry Duke 58 12-10-88
Michigan Dave Schellhase Purdue 57 2-19-66
Michigan State Jimmy Rayl Indiana 56 2-23-63
Middle Tennessee State Clem Haskins Western Kentucky 55 1-30-65
Milwaukee Bob Portman Creighton 51 12-16-67
Minnesota Jimmy Rayl Indiana 56 1-27-62
Mississippi Chris Jackson Louisiana State 55 3-4-89
Mississippi State Pete Maravich Louisiana State 58 12-22-67
Missouri Isaac "Bud" Stallworth Kansas 50 2-26-72
Missouri State Harold Robertson Lincoln (Mo.) 45 1-31-76
Montana Billy McGill Utah 53 2-10-62
Morehead State Darrell Floyd Furman 67 1-22-55
Navy Rob Feaster Holy Cross 46 2-19-94
Nebraska Wilt Chamberlain Kansas 46 2-8-58
Nebraska Joe Scott Missouri 46 3-6-61
Nebraska George Stone Marshall 46 3-13-67
Nevada William "Bird" Averitt Pepperdine 57 1-6-73
New Orleans Doug Collins Illinois State 57 1-3-73
Nicholls State Glynn Saulters Northeast Louisiana 51 2-1-68
North Carolina Dick Groat Duke 48 2-29-52
North Carolina A&T Anthony Roberts Oral Roberts 66 2-19-77
North Carolina State John Mengelt Auburn 45 12-5-70
North Texas Oscar Robertson Cincinnati 62 2-6-60
Northern Arizona Willie Humes Idaho State 51 1-15-71
Northern Illinois Robert "Bubbles" Hawkins Illinois State 58 2-20-74
Northwestern Wilt Chamberlain Kansas 52 12-5-56
Notre Dame Marshon Brooks Providence 52 2-23-11
Ohio University Austin Carr Notre Dame 61 3-7-70
Ohio State Don Schlundt Indiana 47 1-18-54
Ohio State Don Schlundt Indiana 47 3-5-55
Oklahoma State Dwight "Bo" Lamar Southwestern Louisiana 46 12-19-70
Oklahoma State Donnie Boyce Colorado 46 3-5-94
Old Dominion Charles McKinney Norfolk State 54 2-23-70
Oral Roberts Michael Watson Missouri-Kansas City 54 2-22-03
Oregon Anthony Roberts Oral Roberts 65 3-9-77
Oregon State Greg "Bo" Kimble Loyola Marymount 53 12-9-89
Pacific Raymond Lewis Cal State Los Angeles 43 3-2-73
Penn State Eric Riggins Rutgers 51 2-21-87
Pepperdine Carlos "Bud" Ogden Santa Clara 55 3-3-67
Pittsburgh Eric Murdock Providence 48 1-23-91
Portland Elgin Baylor Seattle 60 1-30-58
Portland State Mike Olliver Lamar 50 1-12-80
Providence Tom Stith St. Bonaventure 46 2-9-60
Purdue Bob Lanier St. Bonaventure 50 12-30-69
Rhode Island George Mikan DePaul 53 3-21-45
Rice Kurt Thomas Texas Christian 43 1-22-95
Rice Shane Lungwitz Dallas 43 12-30-03
Robert Morris Steve Stielper James Madison 51 1-27-79
Rutgers Tom Garrick Rhode Island 50 3-7-88
Saint Francis (Pa.) Ron Guziak Duquesne 50 3-6-68
St. John's Pete Maravich Louisiana State 53 12-29-69
Saint Joseph's Greg "Bo" Kimble Loyola Marymount 54 1-4-90
Saint Louis Bob Kurland Oklahoma A&M 58 2-22-46
Saint Mary's Jim McCloskey Loyola Marymount 49 1-4-80
Saint Peter's Bob Zawoluk St. John's 65 3-3-50
Sam Houston State Don Boldenbuck Houston 50 2-17-55
San Jose State Lee Nailon Texas Christian 44 2-7-98
Santa Clara Nick Galis Seton Hall 48 12-22-78
Seton Hall Oscar Robertson Cincinnati 56 1-9-58
South Carolina Frank Selvy Furman 48 1-8-54
Southern California Gary Payton Oregon State 58 2-22-90
Southern Illinois Rick Whitlow Illinois State 51 1-4-75
Southern Methodist Hal Lear Temple 48 3-23-56
Southern Mississippi Johnny Neumann Mississippi 57 12-15-70
Syracuse Calvin Murphy Niagara 68 12-7-68
Temple Aaric Murray Texas Southern 48 12-18-13
Tennessee Jodie Meeks Kentucky 54 1-13-09
Tennessee Tech Tilman Bevely Youngstown State 55 1-26-87
Texas Gene Phillips Southern Methodist 51 3-2-71
Texas Chris Jackson Louisiana State 51 1-2-90
Texas A&M Martin Terry Arkansas 46 1-22-72
Texas Christian Austin Carr Notre Dame 52 3-13-71
Texas-San Antonio Wayman Tisdale Oklahoma 61 12-28-83
Towson Derell Thompson Maryland-Baltimore County 43 2-15-92
Tulane Pete Maravich Louisiana State 66 2-10-69
Tulsa Bruce King Pan American 49 12-28-74
UAB Wesley Person Auburn 44 12-16-93
UCLA Austin Carr Notre Dame 46 1-23-71
UNLV Freeman Williams Portland State 50 2-18-78
Utah State John Coughran California 47 1-31-72
Valparaiso Elvin Hayes Houston 62 2-24-68
Vanderbilt Pete Maravich Louisiana State 61 12-11-69
Virginia Len Chappell Wake Forest 50 2-12-62
Virginia Tech Elvin Hayes Houston 51 3-2-68
Washington John Block Southern California 45 2-11-66
Washington State Lew Alcindor UCLA 61 2-25-67
Weber State Dave Wagnon Idaho State 47 2-25-66
Western Kentucky Ken Durrett La Salle 45 1-16-71
Western Michigan Howard Komives Bowling Green State 49 1-11-64
West Virginia Austin Carr Notre Dame 55 2-21-70
Wichita State Bill Bradley Princeton 58 3-30-65
Wisconsin Terry Dischinger Purdue 50 1-27-62
Wofford Frank Selvy Furman 58 2-23-54
Wright State Tommie Johnson Central Michigan 53 12-22-87
Wyoming Bennie Lennox Texas A&M 53 12-28-63
Yale Rick Barry Miami (Fla.) 45 12-28-64

*Unofficial.

Centre Court: Obscure Kentucky College Dealt UK and UL Most-Lopsided Loss

It's no secret Rick Pitino 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 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). This season in ACC competition, Carolina fell one point shy of duplicating handing rival North Carolina State its most-lopsided loss in Pack history (52 points) before visiting Louisville overwhelmed Pittsburgh by a 55-point margin (Pitt's worst setback since inaugural campaign 111 years ago in 1905-06).

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, Norm Stewart and Dick Vitale) 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 1962-63 14-12 Bob Calihan Western Michigan 110-67 43
Detroit 1973-74 17-9 Dick Vitale Southern Illinois 95-52 43
Detroit 1980-81 9-18 Willie McCarter Iowa 98-55 43
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 1949-50 5-16 Bob Noonan Holy Cross 89-43 46
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 1988-89 14-16 Rich Haddad South Alabama 105-59 46
James Madison 1977-78 18-8 Lou Campanelli Utah State 102-66 36
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 1945-46 9-14 Joe Meehan CCNY 94-52 42
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
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 1980-81 7-20 Joe Gottfried West Texas State 97-57 40
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 1993-94 14-15 Dan Hipsher Florida 90-44 46
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 1996-97 9-17 Tim Carter Texas Tech 99-51 48
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 1934-35 10-9 Vadal Peterson Denver AC 60-16 44
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: Christmas Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for College Hoopdom

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 celebrations as we cower in corner because of climate change, a Christmas holiday week absolutely can not go by without the time-honored tradition of making a list and checking it twice. The wish list, a stocking stuffer focusing on the naughty and nice, doesn't change much from the previous month at Thanksgiving but does have a little different perspective. 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 voters get brain scans after Bo Ryan and Billy Donovan departed the collegiate scene after failing to capture a national coach of the year award.

  • Wish ex-college hoopsters 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 Gonzaga coach Mark Few, who has assembled a "mid-major" powerhouse, reaches his first Final Four and earns initial national COY award.

  • 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 a Top 100 recruit coming out of high school in 2010. 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.

  • 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 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 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 ESPN, failing to acknowledge significant reduction in subscribers stems from liberalism being a mental disorder, would cease becoming BSPN by giving politically-correct forums to 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, 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.

Chaminade Upset NCAA DI Tournament-Winning Team Three Seasons in Row

Today 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 Christmas 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 last year, 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:

Bowling Tally: Numerous Versatile Athletes Played Hoops After FB Bowl Game

BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi, four years after his brother (Bronson) reached the NIT semifinals after playing in a bowl game, had four tackles in a 24-21 triumph against Wyoming in the Poinsettia Bowl before rejoining the school's basketball squad for whom he averaged 4.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg while shooting 59% from the floor the previous two seasons. Meanwhile, Devin Wilson, Virginia Tech's starting point guard much of the previous three seasons, didn't make a contribution as backup wide receiver for the Hokies in their come-from-behind Belk Bowl victory against Arkansas. But 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 three 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 hoop regular (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.
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 hoop freshman.
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 Kaufsui 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.
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.
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.
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 hoopsters 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.
Bill Saul Penn State LB 1959 Liberty Defeated Alabama 7-0 before averaging 6.1 ppg and 4 rpg with Nittany Lions' hoopsters.
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.
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.
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.
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).

Defending Titlist Nova Stars as Latest Blue-Ribbon Program Ranked #1 by AP

Different shades of blue comprise uniform colors of the five blue-blood programs spending the most weeks ranked #1 in major-college history - UCLA, Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina and Kansas. Villanova, another school donning blue, was ranked atop the AP national poll post-Thanksgiving this year after spending most of February last season there until the Wildcats were declawed at Xavier prior to their NCAA tourney title run. Last year's #1 stint was the first time Nova ever was perched on such a regular-season pedestal although the Wildcats won the 1985 NCAA Tournament crown.

Maryland seemed to be the most likely heir apparent to succeed Villanova as #1 late in the last campaign until the Terrapins dropped a couple of contests against second-division Big Ten Conference opponents. Thus the Terps, NCAA titlist in 2002, remained on the list of seven schools capturing an NCAA crown at some point in their history but never earning a regular-season top ranking, joining Oregon (1939 champion), Wyoming (1943), Utah (1944), CCNY (1950), California (1959) and Texas-El Paso (1966).

This season, Baylor succeeded Nova as #1, albeit shortly, early in the new year. In doing so, the Bears became the sixth team - fourth in the last nine campaigns - to ascend to the top of the national polls after going unranked among the Preseason Top 20 since 1968-69. Wake Forest '09 and Gonzaga '13 each was ranked #21 in the PS before joining the following squads in this underestimated category:

Unranked in Preseason Top 20 Coach Summary of Stint as Nation's Top-Ranked Team
Indiana State '79 Bill Hodges Sycamores ranked among nation's top two teams last seven weeks.
Kansas '90 Roy Williams Jayhawks ranked among nation's top two teams 14 weeks in a row.
Wake Forest '09 Dino Gaudio Demon Deacons ranked among nation's top two teams two weeks in a row.
Syracuse '10 Jim Boeheim Orange ranked among nation's top five teams 13 of last 14 weeks.
Gonzaga '13 Mark Few Zags ranked atop national polls last three weeks of season.
Baylor '17 Scott Drew Bears ranked #1 one week.

NOTE: Eventual #1 teams UNLV '83 (T20th), Connecticut '95 (19th) and Stanford '04 (19th) barely made the PS Top 20 in their respective seasons.

Heisman Hoopers: Will Another Versatile Athlete Like Charlie Ward Emerge?

At least three Heisman Trophy winners in three straight decades - 1940s, 1950s and 1960s - are among the football players who also competed 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 School Where Also Played BKB (Hoop 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

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