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.
  • Jim Arndts, 88, averaged 2.8 ppg for Dayton in 1948-49.
  • Harold "Rod" Arterburn, 83, was a juco recruit who averaged 12.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Miami (Fla.) in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
  • 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. He compiled a 95-85 coaching record with Florida 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.
  • Darrell Boyd, 89, averaged 2.1 ppg for Princeton in 1944-45 and 1945-46.
  • Hal Bozarth Jr., 69, averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Western Kentucky in 1966-67 under coach John Oldham.
  • Tony Braginetz, 95, was leading scorer for St. Francis (N.Y.) in 1939-40 and 1941-42.
  • Bob Bramhall, 88, averaged 4.4 ppg for Harvard from 1948-49 through 1950-51 after serving in U.S. Army. Captain of school's tennis team as senior went on to become nationally-ranked tennis player.
  • 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.
  • Dr. Bill Brandfass, 88, was a U.S. Coast Guard Academy transfer who played for Dartmouth in 1949-50.
  • 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.
  • Gerald "Jerry" Brennan, 81, was a member of Canisius' 1955 NCAA Tournament regional finalist.
  • Steve Brennan, 70, averaged 2 ppg for Drake from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Maury John.
  • 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.
  • Francis Buckley Jr., 87, played for Villanova in 1947-48 under coach Alex Severance.
  • Bill Budd Jr., 95, was a starter for Temple's first NCAA Tournament team in 1944. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • 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).
  • Wendell "Butch" Cultice, 94, played for Dayton in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • 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.
  • William "Ned" Duffy Jr., 87, played for Dayton in 1947-48.
  • 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.
  • Allen Ferguson, 62, played for Villanova in 1973-74 and 1974-75 in Rollie Massimino's first two seasons as coach of the Wildcats.
  • 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.
  • Darrell Floyd, 89, averaged 2.1 ppg for Princeton in 1944-45 and 1945-46.
  • 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.
  • Leroy Freeman, 62, played for Pittsburgh in 1972-73.
  • 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.
  • Ralph "Clark" Greenhalgh, 90, averaged 6.4 ppg for Brigham Young in 1944-45 before serving in U.S. Army during WWII. He returned to play a couple more seasons with the Cougars in the late 1940s.
  • 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 and was an assistant coach for his alma mater's first NCAA tourney team in 1959.
  • 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. Hanson 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.
  • Roman "Pat" Jankiewicz, 89, played for Marquette in 1947-48.
  • 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.
  • Jay Jensen Jr., 91, was an Idaho State transfer who played for Brigham Young in 1946-47 after serving in U.S. Navy in Pacific Theater during WWII.
  • 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.
  • 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, who led the Tigers in scoring and FT% as a junior, paced them in rebounding and FG% two seasons apiece. He coached Xavier to a 34-69 record in four seasons from 1967-68 through 1970-71.
  • 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.
  • Paul Landreaux, 72, compiled an 11-29 coaching record with Saint Mary's in 1989-90 and 1990-91.
  • 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.
  • Hubert "Hugh" Louderback, 85, averaged 2 ppg for Saint Mary's in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
  • 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.
  • Dick Lyon, 100, played for Stanford in 1938-39 in Everett Dean's first season as coach.
  • 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.
  • George Mathews Jr., 88, played for Georgia Tech in 1945-46. Back was a four-year starter in football, two-time All-SEC selection and participated in two Orange Bowls before he was picked by the New York Giants in 18th round of 1948 NFL draft.
  • 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 from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
  • 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.
  • Herschel O'Kelley, 79, played for Southern Methodist from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Doc Hayes.
  • 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).
  • Dick Owen, 93, played for Brigham Young in 1946-47 after serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
  • 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.
  • William "Hilton" Painter Jr., 94, played for Southern Methodist in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
  • 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.
  • Glynn Petersen, 91, was a member of Utah's 1947 NIT titlist coached by Vadal Peterson after serving in U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII.
  • 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.
  • Dr. Art Pidoriano, 83, averaged 6.7 ppg for Saint Mary's in 1951-52 and 1953-54.
  • 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. Quinney scored a team-high 24 points in his final collegiate contest in NCAA playoffs against OCU.
  • 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 in 1945-46 and Mississippi State in 1947-48 and 1948-49). As a senior, he averaged 5.1 ppg.
  • 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, played for Notre Dame in 1944-45 before transferring to Wyoming, where he lettered in 1946 and 1946-47 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, averaged 5 ppg for Penn State in 1947-48 and 1948-49 under coach John Lawther.
  • 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.
  • Henry "Red" Schoening Jr., 90, played for Georgia Tech in the late 1940s.
  • 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 while finishing among the league's top eight in rebounding average both seasons.
  • 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.
  • John K. Smith, 94, was a juco recruit who played for Stanford in 1942-43 under coach Everett Dean before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • 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.
  • Paul Thompson, 90, played for Brigham Young in 1944-45.
  • 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.
  • Tom Tiernan, 85, averaged 5.2 ppg for Michigan from 1949-50 through 1951-52 before serving in U.S. Air Force during Korean Conflict.
  • 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

Science Fiction "V": What Should "V" Represent Amid ESPN's Annual Rerun?

Weekly, we get a weak effort from #MessMedia hacks telling the entire story as public respect for their vocation goes down quicker than NFL ratings running in parallel with National Anthem-loving GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick taking a knee. During the messy presidential campaign, Wikileaks hacking confirmed what many believed about collusion between left-leaning politicians and a predictably pathetic press. If the lame-stream media did its job, there wouldn't be any need for paying attention to undisputed facts distributed by Wikileaks. At any rate, the best pre-Christmas present in decades for conservatives has been watching unhinged leftists whine in fetal position after biased bozos were Trumped. Seems as if majority of press puke are in the woods tracking down loser to console her and take a Shrillary selfie with flipping electors. Regrettably, the progressive mindset depicted by inauguration-nauseated Rockette(s) and in lopsided editorial endorsements for POTUS also infects the toy department (sports).

According to Wikipedia, V was an American science fiction TV series running two seasons on ABC, chronicling the arrival on Earth of a technologically advanced alien species ostensibly coming in peace, but actually boasting sinister motives. This could be Webster's definition of the lame-stream media seeking therapy for post-election anxiety. But according to CollegeHoopedia.com, ABC also has an annual V rerun on vaunted ESPN while losing nine million subscribers over three years. The intent isn't vile but, if an observer values the whole truth, there is vast soap-boxing fiction involved amid the "V" all day every day as the vindicated big man on ESPN's Jesus-free campus.

Veering off-course with velocity promoting gabby "V" - not baby "J" - as the reason for the season, the Nationwide Leader's culture violates the time-honored vow of telling the entire story in a veracious way. It's vexing as ESPN's parade of glorification pitchmen, including staffers and it-takes-a-village coaches, incessantly laud former commentator Jim Valvano by chapter and verse. If "V" sycophants could fly, the mess media highlighted by ESPN and most of the coaching community would be jets. A "Jimmy V Week" culminates with an early-season classic to enhance cancer research fundraising for a foundation named after an individual who joins John Calipari (UMass/Memphis) and Jerry Tarkanian (Long Beach State/UNLV) as the only repeat-offender coaches shackled with having multiple schools under their watch forced to vacate NCAA playoff participation. Too bad 100% of the donated plaudits don't go straight through a truth detector such as the "biased" New York Times, which detailed how ESPN received more than $250 million in state tax breaks and credits thus far this century.

Anyone with a visible pulse supports the vision of finding a cure for the vulnerable afflicted by cancer, but a classic lack-of-proper-perspective stemming from the cult-of-personality dynamic is ESPN's vivid hero worship of the vibrant Valvano. He wasn't a bloodthirsty vampire villain but there are a variety of vigorous reasons for not carrying ESPN's water supporting his canonization in the wake of vanquishing Houston to vault to the 1983 NCAA playoff title. How was his deceit that much different from another cancer celebrity such as Lance Armstrong? After Valvano ran afoul of NCAA investigators at Iona, a private attorney retained by North Carolina State volunteered he was convinced that the institution could successfully sue him for failing to ensure the academic progress of his NCSU players. While Duke overdoses on recruiting one-and-done exemptions with board scores nowhere close to average Cameron Crazy student, the biggest scholastic question in the ACC is which school - NCSU vs. UNC - wins the battle for most egregious academic scandal over the last three decades.

At the very least, virile Valvano should have verified that standout guard Sidney Lowe took a remedial tax preparation course to help him steer clear of vice squad by vandalizing the state; especially if Lowe, twice voted All-ACC and a first-teamer with teammate Thurl Bailey in 1983, was going to become one of his head coaching successors with the Wolfpack. Additional suspect characters aligning with Valvano at NCSU included Kenny Drummond, Russell Pierre, Dinky Proctor, Charles Shackleford, Craig Tyson and Chris Washburn (of 470 SAT fame in a league where athletes previously had to reach 800 to be eligible). Did Jimmy V brag that stereo-stealer Washburn was going to "make our program"? Did V mean break rather than make? Awash in intellect, Shackleford, who admitted accepting $65,000 cash from outside influences during his final two years enrolled in college, is perhaps best known for the following quote: "Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." After a series of drug-related incidents, he was found dead in his apartment at the age of 50.

At the same time of holiday season King Herod-like ESPN vetoed a "venal" hospital ad a couple of years ago celebrating Jesus before relenting, it seemingly will "never give up" a vintage and valiant voyage portraying V as the most virtuous coach in history. The sanitized version is in the network's veins akin to trying to duplicate anchorman Ron Burgundy's humor in promotional ads. Voicing opposition to this mythical narrative leaves a cynic open to vilification as being venomous. Still, the network's doctored depiction of V is as honest as POTUS and his vultures telling citizens with a "period" about retaining their current physician (ESPN previously aired ObamaCare ad passing its rigid standards); authentic as the sign language interpreter at a Nelson Mandela memorial; genuinely patriotic as lip-syncing Beyonce; real as Ray "Dancin' On Their Graves" Lewis lecturing us about NFL violence and ball-deflation ethics; genuine as claiming no behind-the-scenes negotiations occurred naming Bruce Jenner's inner woman courageous nearly 40 years after he was a gold-medal winning Olympian, or as valid as fake girlfriend of former Notre Dame All-American linebacker Manti Te'o.

Irish idealist Dick Vitale spearheads promoting the V Foundation, impressively raising in the neighborhood of $200 million. Understandably, his visceral reaction probably is that any dissent makes Valvano the victim of a vicious vendetta. Anything but vapid, there is no doubt vivacious Vitale means well and has his heart in the proper place serving as Valvano's valet. But as verbose Vitale is wont to do, he is vulnerable to vehemently going overboard with his voluminous embellishment. Preying on emotions, a majority of the media smugly fall in line seemingly signing off on one of those old phantom NCSU readmission agreements after flunking out where they made a commitment "pledging to work hard (at maintaining image) and keep a positive mental attitude."

In an affront to valuable numbers that never lie, there are fake-news times when ESPN sycophants operate in a vacuum shamelessly enhancing Valvano's credentials as a "survive-and-advance" tactician, perpetuating a falsehood he was a late-game strategical genius. You can't take a vacation from the veracity of cold hard facts having Valvano rank in the lower third of DI coaches among those with at least 150 close contests (decided by fewer than six points). Capitalizing on six opponents combining to shoot an anemic 56.8% from the free-throw line, the law of averages was with NCSU in 1983 when it became the only school to have as many as four NCAA playoff games decided by one or two points en route to a title. The Wolfpack trailed in the final minute of seven of its last nine triumphs.

People in power need to be held accountable even if a coach such as Duke's Mike Krzyzewski claims many of the "allegations were fabrications" against his ACC counterpart. "I can't breathe" holding opinion unless Coach K moonlighted as an investigator because there is no reason to be vague and treat big boys with velvet gloves. ESPN could virtually avoid any vanishing credibility in this instance by incorporating deceased Rick Majerus in the foundation equation. After all, the 24-year veteran college head coach was also a vocal ESPN analyst. Unless it detracts from the storyline, call it the V & M Foundation and add heart disease to the venture's research grants. Didn't Majerus exhibit as much, if not more, valor? Perhaps trend-setting broadcaster Stuart Scott and his battle with cancer should be included as a focal point.

A tearjerker ESPY speech notwithstanding, it's a cancer of priorities and ESPN simply sullies its reputation with insufferable verbal voodoo vouching Valvano was something he wasn't beyond a good coach who never had a season with fewer than four defeats in conference competition. Amid narcissism and extensive self-promotion, an "inspirational" story reeks of overkill because vermin among a complicit sports media are predictably unprincipled and offer the maximum tear-inducement reminiscent of a fairytale sans conveying the entire picture. Forget the vulgar academic progress of Valvano's players at N.C. State (735 average SAT score and excessive number of positive drug tests during the 1980s). No Extra Sensitive Pious Network should be an outside-the-lines enabler seemingly unaccountable while selling only a partial story. They have an obligation to visit the whole story; not vacillate and be on verge of failing their constituency in regard to vainly providing a viable role model.

As for venerable Majerus, there won't be a vicarious movie or "30 for 30" special made about his self-effacing humor, eating habits and fact none of his NCAA playoff teams with three different schools ever had to vacate NCAA play. In a stark scholastic contrast, his 1998 Utah squad provided the vanguard of Final Four achievements - only team ever to feature three Academic All-Americans among its versatile regulars. For the record, Majerus ranked among the top third of coaches in games decided by fewer than six points. But he simply doesn't fit into a contrived storyline. It would be a surprise if Utah players under Majerus took an "Understanding Music" class during Christmas vacation to help stay eligible like NCSU scholars did under Valvano.

Just keep everything in perspective. Alluding to allegations about a professor altering grades of Wolfpack players, the faculty senate chairman at the time asked SI: "If we're supposedly changing grades, how come we have so many people in academic difficulty?" Pulitzer Prize winner Claude Sitton, a doughty local editor/columnist for the Raleigh News & Observer during Valvano's tenure, was unapologetic about the paper's contemporaneous coverage of the NCSU scandal. "Looking back on it, Valvano just initiated academic rape as far as basketball players were concerned," Sitton said. "But Valvano only did what (Chancellor Bruce) Poulton wanted him to do, and that was win ball games no matter how."

In a scornful column, Sitton wrote: "College sports, in short, are corrupt. The rot reaches far beyond the campus - to the kid on the corner who thinks sports opens the glory road, the high school teacher who gives a player a free pass, the TV executive who manipulates universities for profit, sportswriters who see, hear and speak no evil, and all who know that higher education has been turned into a sideshow by the commercial sports conglomerate and do nothing to end it." Sitton's summary continued to ring true as the ACC summoned Louisville and Syracuse to its ranks in recent years as they each soon went on probationary status with their Hall of Shame coaches.

ESPN's abundant coverage seemed to revel in cancer frontman Lance Armstrong's arrogant stumblin' and bumblin' "one big lie" rather than taking his bike-ride fall in a valley as time for self-reflection. The view from this vantage point is that defend-the-brand revisionist history is a misguided echo chamber. Amid the distortion, a final verdict persists about a greater-good higher calling. As many folks as possible should make a vintage donation to the V Foundation. Just envision V as Victory (over cancer) or as Vitale (for his long-term heavy lifting in the project).

It wasn't long before name-dropping ESPN, via Out House correspondent Andy Katz apparently getting as much beer-summit face time with trustworthy POTUS as ex-HHS Secretary Kathleen "Get-In-Line" Sebelius, went viral giving a prominent "Audacity-of-Hype" venue for Oval Office NCAA bracket selections. But the West Wing(ing) verve must absorb so much dignified time for the selfie-taking hoopster-in-chief that a Sgt. Schultz "I-know-nothing" routine emerges while chronically pleading ignorance about various less vital matters such as the Benghazi terrorist attack, ShrillaryRotten's multiple email address changes as Secretary of Yoga, IRS targeting of conservatives, Fast and Furious gun-running, healthcare exchange ineptitude, NSA spying on allies, North Korea's cyber "vandalism," Justice Department snooping on national media, etc., and then failing to attend a church service at Christmas. Meanwhile, a void in thought-police treatment made more faith-influenced individuals nearly vomit when the network's "inn" didn't have room for the authentic Messiah's message vying for a little air time more important to many Americans than giving free political points.

As our departing fearless leader might proclaim: "Cut it out!" Thus, it was no surprise sister network A&E emerged equally intolerant of deeply-held religious beliefs when "be(ing) original" by suspending/marginalizing the brassy "Duck Dynasty" patriarch for his version of "Vagina Monologues." Are you buyin' what ESPN's flock of quacks are sellin' verbatim - accepting the laughing/thinking/crying hook, line and sinker? Very odd this vociferous emphasis on V. Upon "ducking" and turning the other cheek again, it's time to say an old-fashioned: "Merry CHRISTmas, ESPN!" If this vernacular is objectionable to sensibilities of the politically-correct elite, then avoid a GQ bearded set-up with a patronizing "Happy Holidays!"

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

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 December football at the professional level:

DECEMBER
1: B Len Barnum (West Virginia Wesleyan hooper) accounted for the New York Giants' lone score with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jim Lee Howell (All-SWC first-five hoops selection as Arkansas senior in 1935-36) in 14-6 setback against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1940. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught two touchdown passes from Bob Waterfield in a 31-21 win against the New York Giants in 1946. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 179 yards on 29 carries in a 24-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963. . . . B Olie Cordill (Rice hoops letterman in 1938) caught a third-quarter touchdown pass to help the Cleveland Rams secure a 13-13 tie against the Green Bay Packers in 1940. . . . Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) had three of his league-high nine rushing touchdowns in a 20-7 win against the Washington Redskins in 1946. . . . Los Angeles Dons rookie E Dale Gentry (averaged 5.3 ppg for Washington State's 1941 NCAA Tournament runner-up) caught two touchdown passes in a 62-14 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1946. . . . Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) had two interceptions in a 34-27 setback against the New York Giants in 1963. . . . TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught a touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter to give the Baltimore Ravens the lead in a 27-23 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2002. . . . Minnesota Vikings 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 four touchdown passes in a 41-17 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 1996. . . . Chicago Cardinals rookie E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) caught two touchdown passes from Paul Christman in a 35-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1946. . . . Los Angeles Rams TE James McDonald (four-year Southern California letterman in early 1980s averaged 8.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg as senior forward) had a 35-yard pass reception in a 29-3 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 1985. . . . Brooklyn Dodgers TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) threw two touchdown passes in a 14-6 win against the New York Giants in 1940. One of the TD receptions was caught by rookie HB Banks McFadden (led Clemson in scoring each of his three seasons en route to becoming school's first All-American in 1939). . . . Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked three of his league-high 25 field goals in a 23-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1968. . . . New York Giants B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) had a decisive 31-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter of 21-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1935. . . . Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had eight pass receptions for 124 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns - in a 35-31 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1991. . . . Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 332 yards in a 36-20 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1963. . . . Cincinnati Bengals QB John Stofa (averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Buffalo in 1961-62) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 33-14 setback against the Boston Patriots in 1968. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) had six pass receptions for 60 yards in a 9-7 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1991.

2: Washington Redskins B Steve Bagarus (Notre Dame hooper in early 1940s) caught two touchdown passes (70 and 29 yards) from QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) in a 24-0 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1945. Baugh finished with three TD passes. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski in a 44-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1979. . . . Dallas Cowboys TE Jean Fugett (leading scorer and rebounder for Amherst MA as junior in 1970-71) caught two touchdown passes in a 22-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1973. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes for 140 yards in a 24-10 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2007. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw four first-half touchdown passes in a 49-28 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1951. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoop letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 19-13 setback against the New York Yankees in 1928. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) had a 91-yard touchdown reception from Bob Waterfield in a 42-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1951. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 42-10 win against the Chicago Bears in 1956. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) rushed for two first-quarter touchdowns in a 42-17 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1951. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) caught two touchdown passes in a 30-13 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1956. . . . Buffalo Bills TE Tom Rychlec (collected four points and six rebounds in one hoops game for American International MA in 1954-55) opened the game's scoring with a touchdown reception from Jack Kemp in a 23-14 win against the Dallas Texans in 1962. . . . New York Giants DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown in a 14-0 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1951. . . . Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 37-14 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1962. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-7 win against the New York Giants in 1979. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught two touchdown passes from Y.A. Tittle (one for 77 yards) in a 20-17 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1956. . . . Boston Redskins B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1926) opened the game's scoring with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) in a 13-3 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1934.

3: Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown in a 24-21 win against the Denver Broncos in 1972. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two first-half touchdown passes (56 and 21 yards) from Ron Jaworski in a 28-27 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1978. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught eight passes for 121 yards in a 24-10 setback against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie RB Glenn Davis (Army hooper in 1944-45 and 1945-46) scored two second-quarter touchdowns (one rushing/one receiving) in a 51-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1950. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Vern Den Herder (finished Central College IA career in 1970-71 as school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder) returned an interception 24 yards in a 37-21 win against the New England Patriots in 1972. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught nine passes - including two touchdowns - in a 31-28 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 2006. . . . Washington Redskins DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) had two interceptions in a 38-24 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted nine times for 432 yards (48.0 average) in a 35-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1961. . . . 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 two second-half touchdown passes in a 30-27 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1967. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes (82, 67 and 32 yards) in a 45-21 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1950. Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) had four touchdowns among his 12 pass receptions for 302 yards. In 1961 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Layne threw three TD passes in a 35-24 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles. . . . Cleveland Rams rookie B Bill Lazetich (three-year Montana hoops letterman in late 1930s) opened the game's scoring with a five-yard touchdown catch in a 35-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1939. . . . Cleveland Browns WR Dave Logan (three-time scoring runner-up averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) caught two touchdown passes from Brian Sipe in a 47-24 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 1978. . . . Philadelphia Eagles B Fran Murray (All-EIL first-team guard for Penn in 1935-36 and 1936-37) caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Dave O'Brien in a 35-13 setback against the Cleveland Rams in 1939. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two touchdown passes from Tom Flores (32 and 31 yards) in a 28-28 tie against the New York Jets in 1966. . . . Minnesota Vikings WR Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) caught two touchdown passes from Fran Tarkenton - including one of them for 51 yards - in a 42-21 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1961. . . . Chicago Bears QB Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) threw three touchdown passes in a 49-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1944. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw four touchdown passes in a 35-35 tie against the Washington Redskins in 1967. Six years earlier with the Washington Redskins, Snead threw a 60-yard TD pass to WR Tom Osborne (scored 1,291 points for Hastings NE during last half of 1950s) in a 38-24 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 17-10 win against the New England Patriots in 1978. . . . Rookie WR Dave Stief (hoop teammate of Portland State All-American Freeman Williams in 1977-78) caught a 53-yard touchdown pass from Jim Hart in the fourth quarter to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 21-14 win against the Detroit Lions in 1978. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 33-6 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2000. . . . Detroit Lions rookie HB Doak Walker (SMU letterman as freshman in 1945-46) rushed for two touchdowns in a 45-21 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1950.

4: Chicago Bears TE Martellus Bennett (averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg as Texas A&M freshman in 2005-06 before playing briefly next season under coach Billy Gillispie) had a career-high 12 pass receptions in a 41-28 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 135 yards on 15 carries and caught two passes for 64 yards in a 27-16 win against the Washington Redskins in 1960. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught 15 passes for 238 yards in a 24-23 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2005. . . . Portsmouth Spartans TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference choice for Colorado College) rushed for two touchdowns in a 19-0 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1932. . . . Chicago Bears LB George Connor (Holy Cross hoops letterman in 1943 and 1944 before averaging 2.5 ppg as Notre Dame center in 1946-47) recovered a fumble and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown in a 21-20 win against the Detroit Lions in 1955. . . . Buffalo Bills LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had two sacks in a 24-23 setback against the Miami Dolphins 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 11 passes for 147 yards in a 30-24 setback against the New England Patriots in 2000. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two touchdown passes (51 and 49 yards) in a 31-21 playoff win against the Buffalo Bills in 1949. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoop letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown in a 14-0 win against the New York Yankees in 1927. . . . Oakland Raiders rookie WR Charlie Hardy (played in nine hoops games for San Jose State in 1954-55) caught four passes for 123 yards in a 41-17 setback against the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960. It was the first of three consecutive contests during the month where Hardy had a touchdown reception. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) scored two second-half touchdowns in a 41-13 win against the Chicago Bears in 1960. . . . San Diego 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) caught five passes for 148 yards in a 34-7 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2008. . . . Chicago Bears E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) accounted for the game's only score with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Keith Molesworth (three-year letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) in a 6-0 win against the New York Giants in 1932. . . . Atlanta Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had an interception and returned a punt 23 yards in 16-10 setback against the New England Patriots in 1977. . . . New York Bulldogs QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-27 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1949. . . . New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) had three sacks in a 44-7 win against the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988. . . . Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier letterman in 1943) caught two touchdown passes from George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) in a 31-21 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1949 AAFC playoff game. Ratterman finished with three TD passes. . . . Washington Redskins rookie WR Tom Osborne (scored 1,291 points for Hastings NE during last half of 1950s) had a career-high six pass receptions in a 27-16 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1960. . . . New York Yankees E Barney Poole (Ole Miss hoops letterman in 1943) had a 15-yard pass reception in a 17-7 playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1949. Yankees DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) returned three punts for 34 yards. . . . New York Titans WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had three touchdown catches in a 30-27 win against the Denver Broncos in 1960. Broncos S Al Romine (four-year hoops letterman from 1951-52 through 1954-55 for Florence State AL) returned an interception 13 yards and SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 11 pass receptions - including two second-half TDs from Frank Tripucka. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw three touchdown passes in a 52-10 win against the New York Jets in 1971. . . . In 1960, New York Giants HB Ed Sutton (seven hoop games for North Carolina as sophomore in 1954-55) rushed for 62 yards on seven carries in a 31-31 tie against the Dallas Cowboys after rushing for 57 yards on five carries in a 31-23 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles the previous week.

5: Washington Redskins RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) rushed for two first-quarter touchdowns in a 49-14 win against the New York Giants in 1937. Giants TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two touchdown passes. . . . Philadelphia Eagles E Tony Bova (St. Francis PA hoops letterman in 1942) caught two touchdown passes (48 and 13 yards en route to leading league with 24.6-yd average) in a 38-28 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1943. . . . In 1937, Chicago Bears QB Ray Buivid (Marquette hoops letterman in 1935-36) became the first rookie to throw five touchdown passes in a single NFL game (42-28 nod over Chicago Cardinals). . . . Oakland Raiders WR Ronald Curry (averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3 apg for North Carolina in 1998-99 and 2000-01) caught nine passes for 141 yards - including two touchdowns from Kerry Collins - in a 34-27 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers TB Ray Evans (two-time All-American was four-year letterman and second-leading scorer for Kansas in 1942 NCAA Tournament) opened the game's scoring with a nine-yard rushing touchdown in a 38-28 win against the New York Giants in 1948. . . . Los Angeles Dons rookie WR Len Ford (center for Morgan State's CIAA hoops titlist in 1944) caught two touchdown passes from Glenn Dobbs in a 38-21 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1948. . . . New York Giants' Dave Jennings (forward averaged 5.9 ppg for St. Lawrence NY in 1972-73 and 1973-74) punted four times for 55.3-yard average in 17-14 win against the Houston Oilers in 1982. Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) had three sacks. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three touchdown passes in a 37-16 win against the New York Jets in 1976. . . . Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) had two of his league-high 14 pass reception touchdowns in a 42-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1948. . . . Philadelphia Eagles rookie 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 21-17 setback against the Arizona Cardinals in 1999. Five years later, McNabb completed 32-of-43 passes - including five TDs - in a 47-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2004. WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had eight of McNabb's 32 pass completions for 161 yards. Five years earlier with the San Francisco 49ers, Owens caught nine passes for 145 yards in a 44-30 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1999. . . . Philadelphia Eagles B Dom Moselle (leading hoops scorer for Wisconsin-Superior in 1947-48 and 1948-49) had a career-high 46 rushing yards in 13-13 tie against the Detroit Lions in 1954. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 320 yards in a 21-19 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1965. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had eight pass receptions for 164 yards in a 24-13 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1965. . . . New York Giants LB Brad Van Pelt (averaged 4.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg while shooting 61.7% from floor as Michigan State sophomore in 1970-71) had two interceptions in a 24-10 win against the Detroit Lions in 1976. . . . Cincinnati Bengals DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) supplied a safety by tackling Steve Young in the end zone in a 21-8 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1993.

6: San Francisco 49ers RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) rushed for two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers to finish the 1953 campaign with seven TDs. . . . Boston Braves RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) scored a touchdown on a 74-yard punt return in a 14-0 win against the New York Giants in 1936. . . . Cleveland Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught three first-half touchdown passes (22, 23 and 36 yards) in a 62-14 win against the New York Giants in 1953. Browns QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three TD passes. . . . FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for all four of the Chicago Bears' touchdowns in a 27-21 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1959. . . . Indianapolis Colts DE Sam Clancy (two-time Eastern 8 first-team selection ended career in 1981 as Pittsburgh's all-time leading rebounder) had 2 1/2 sacks in a 6-0 win against the New England Patriots in 1992. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught eight passes for 167 yards in a 30-23 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2009. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) threw two first-half touchdown passes to Boyd Dowler (26 and 30 yards) in a 38-20 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1959. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes and contributed a pair of one-yard plunges for TDs in a 28-19 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1964. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 23-12 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1987. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bill Mackrides (Nevada-Reno hoops letterman in 1944) passed for one fourth-quarter touchdown to Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoops letter in 1947) and rushed for another TD in a 21-17 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1953. . . . Cleveland Browns WR Evan Moore (Stanford hooper in 2003-04 and 2004-05) had a career-high six pass receptions in his pro debut, a 30-23 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2009. . . . A fourth-quarter touchdown catch by WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) gave the Oakland Raiders a 16-13 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1964. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie WR Dave Smith (averaged 15.6 ppg and 11.6 rpg while shooting 51.1% from floor for Indiana PA in 1968-69 and 1969-70) caught an 87-yard touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw in a 20-12 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1970. . . . Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught eight passes for 165 yards in a 35-31 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998. . . . Kansas City Chiefs WR Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) scored two touchdowns (46-yard pass reception and 25-yard rush) in a 26-17 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1971. . . . Providence Steam Roller rookie TB Cy Wentworth (New Hampshire hoops letterman in 1922 and 1923) opened the game's scoring with a 20-yard rushing touchdown in 13-10 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1925.

7: St. Louis Cardinals DE Bubba Baker (averaged 4.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg as forward-center for Colorado State from 1974-75 through 1977-78) posted 2 1/2 sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 10-10 tie in 1986. . . . Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 20-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941. . . . Detroit Lions WR Marlin Briscoe (averaged 9.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Nebraska-Omaha in 1964-65) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 25-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1975. Briscoe finished the game with five catches for 119 yards. . . . Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had at least 10 tackles for the second consecutive contest in 2008. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three touchdown passes in a 42-0 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1947. . . . Philadelphia Eagles E Bud Grant (third-leading scorer for Minnesota in 1948-49 after named team MVP previous season over first-team All-American Jim McIntyre) caught two touchdown passes in a 38-21 win against the Dallas Texans in 1952. . . . Dallas Cowboys SS Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) had two interceptions in a 41-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1974. . . . E Red Hickey (three-time All-SWC selection and member of Arkansas' 1941 Final Four team) caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in the fourth quarter to give the Los Angeles Rams a 17-14 win against the Chicago Bears in 1947. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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) caught 10 passes for 159 yards in a 34-17 setback against the Detroit Lions in 2014. . . . Chicago Cardinals FB Bert Johnson (played one game in 1934-35 under legendary Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp) had a 26-yard touchdown reception in a 34-24 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1941. . . . 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 second-quarter touchdown passes in a 14-7 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2003. . . . Chicago Bears E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) caught two touchdown passes from Red Grange (21 and 30 yards) in a 21-0 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1930. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns in a 30-27 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1975. . . . Chicago Cardinals E-DB Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns - including a 56-yard interception return - in a 45-21 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. . . . Washington Redskins DB Joe Lavender (averaged 13.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for San Diego State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had three interceptions - returning one of them 51 yards for a touchdown - in a 40-17 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1980. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the Chicago Bears in 1952. Three of league-high 15 TD receptions for Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) each was at least 25 yards in the first half. Six years later with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Layne threw two second-half TD passes - including a 28-yarder to E Cy McClairen (two-time all-league selection scored 36 points for Bethune-Cookman in 1953 SIAC Tournament championship game) - in a 14-14 tie against the Washington Redskins in 1958. . . . Cleveland Rams HB Bill Lund (hooper for Case Western Reserve OH) scored two second-half touchdowns - including a 63-yard run from scrimmage - in a 42-0 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1947. . . . New York Giants WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) caught a career-long 72-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Rote in 27-17 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1952. Redskins E Hugh Taylor (OCU leading scorer with 11.4 ppg as senior in 1947) caught three touchdown passes from Eddie LeBaron. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 36-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. . . . Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) returned an interception 74 yards in a 27-13 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1975. It was Moore's first of three INTs in as many games to close the season. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia in a 50-14 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2003. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) had eight pass receptions in a 31-17 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1975. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) had 10 pass receptions - including go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter - in a 17-14 win against the New York Jets in 1980. . . . Chicago Rockets B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) had an 80-yard touchdown reception in a 34-14 setback against the Los Angeles Dons in 1947. . . . Buffalo Bills rookie QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 21-21 tie against the San Francisco 49ers in 1947. . . . Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught two first-half touchdown passes from John Elway (37 and 25 yards) in a 35-24 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1997. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1961-62) threw three touchdown passes in a 41-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1974. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught two first-quarter touchdown passes from Y.A. Tittle (44 and 22 yards) in a 48-21 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1958.

8: Cleveland Browns DB Erich Barnes (played briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in a 24-21 win against the Washington Redskins in 1968. . . . Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) had two interceptions in a 40-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1968. . . . Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron (redshirt freshman forward for BYU in 2006-07 before playing briefly for Southern California in 2008-09 under coach Tim Floyd) had nine pass receptions for 121 yards in a 27-26 setback against the New England Patriots in 2013. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three first-half touchdown passes - including a 68-yarder to Frank Pitts - in a 40-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1968. . . . 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 of his NFL-high 16 touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 31-13 win against the Carolina Panthers in 2013. . . . Denver Broncos DB Charlie Greer (played seven basketball games for Colorado in 1965-66 as sophomore) had two interceptions in a 33-27 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1968. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 38-7 win against the Boston Patriots in 1968. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Red Hickey (three-time All-SWC selection and member of Arkansas' 1941 Final Four team) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Bob Waterfield in a 38-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1946. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) had two touchdown catches in a 42-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1957. . . . Minnesota Vikings 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 three touchdown passes in a 24-22 win against the Detroit Lions in 1996. Six years later with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Johnson threw four TD passes in a 34-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 315 yards - including four touchdowns (three for more than 40 yards) - in a 38-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1963. . . . Phoenix Cardinals RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for two second-quarter touchdowns in a 20-14 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1991. . . . 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) returned a kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown in a 29-26 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. . . . Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) rushed for two touchdowns in a 30-20 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1968. . . . Frankford Yellow Jackets E Chuck Kassel (Illinois hoops letterman in 1925 and 1926) contributed the game's lone touchdown with a 10-yard pass reception in a 7-0 win against the New York Giants in 1928. . . . Cleveland Rams rookie HB Bill Lund (hooper for Case Western Reserve OH) opened the game's scoring with a 22-yard touchdown reception in a 66-14 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. . . . Baltimore Colts rookie TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught two touchdown passes from Johnny Unitas (61 and 27 yards) in a 41-10 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1963. . . . Rookie E Eggs Manske (point guard led Northwestern to share of 1933 Big Ten Conference crown) supplied the Philadelphia Eagles' only score with a pass reception touchdown in a 13-6 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1935. . . . Buffalo 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 10 pass receptions in a 30-27 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1991. . . . B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) rushed for both of the game's touchdowns to power the Chicago Bears to a 13-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1935. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had 12 pass receptions - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns from Jeff Garcia (including game winner with 12 seconds remaining) in a 31-27 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2002. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had three touchdown catches in a 41-27 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1963. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers rookie WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) had a career-high eight pass receptions in a 24-6 setback against the Houston Texans in 2002. . . . Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 350 yards - including three touchdowns - in a 34-21 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1962. Six years later with the Philadelphia Eagles, Snead threw three TD passes in a 29-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1968. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie HB Jack Wilson (Baylor hoops letterman in 1942) caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in a 38-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1946. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Roy Zimmerman (San Jose State hoops letterman as center in 1938 and 1939) threw three touchdown passes in a 40-14 win against the Boston Yanks in 1946. Six years earlier with the Washington Redskins as a rookie, Zimmerman returned a kickoff 37 yards and had a 61-yard punt in a 73-0 setback against the Chicago Bears in the 1940 NFL championship game. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) had a 23-yard rushing TD in the title tilt. Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) coached the Redskins.

9: Minnesota Vikings WR Tom Adams (two-time All-MIAC honoree set Minnesota-Duluth single-season mark for rebounds with 367 as senior in 1961-62) caught two passes from Fran Tarkenton for 45 yards in a 37-23 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1962. . . . San Francisco 49ers rookie RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) rushed for two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in 1951. . . . Minnesota Vikings LB Matt Blair (played in 1970 NJCAA Tournament for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M hoops team finishing in seventh place) intercepted two passes in a 10-3 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1979. . . . Minnesota Vikings rookie QB Todd Bouman (South Dakota State transfer averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for St. Cloud State MN from 1993-94 through 1995-96) passed for 348 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-24 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2001. . . . Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) had five of his NFL-high 67 pass receptions for 146 of his NFL-high 1,116 yards in a 24-23 win against the New York Jets in 1973. . . . Philadelphia Eagles CB Jimmy Carr (three-year hoops letterman for Morris Harvey WV appeared in NAIA Tournament in 1953 and 1954) had an interception in his second straight game in 1962. . . . New York Giants rookie TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) had a game-high 83 passing yards and chipped in with 59 rushing yards (including fourth-quarter touchdown) in a 30-13 win against the Chicago Bears in the 1934 NFL championship contest. Giants E Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) had two pass receptions for 28 yards in his second straight NFL title tilt. Bears B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) completed 4-of-9 passes, returned four punts for 67 yards and punted nine times for 40.7-yard average. Bears B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) caught one pass for 23 yards and returned an interception 16 yards. . . . Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught six passes for 155 yards in a 30-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two first-quarter touchdown passes in a 28-10 win against the Detroit Lions in 1979. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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) caught six passes for 131 yards in a 23-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. . . . 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) passed for 305 yards in a 15-12 win against the Detroit Lions in 2001. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 302 yards and five touchdowns (two for more than 70 yards) in a 52-20 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1962. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three second-half touchdown passes in a 34-24 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. Two years later, Kilmer threw three second-quarter TD passes in a 23-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1974. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) rushed for three touchdowns in a 45-21 win against the New York Yanks in 1951. . . . Houston Oilers TE Bob McLeod (all-time leading rebounder for Abilene Christian TX with 1,237 from 1957-58 through 1960-61 also ranks among school's top 10 career scorers) caught five passes for 114 yards - including a career-long 55-yard touchdown from George Blanda - in a 32-17 victory against the Oakland Raiders in 1962. . . . 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 24-14 win against the San Diego Chargers in 2001.

10: New York Giants B Len Barnum (West Virginia Wesleyan hooper) had an interception in 27-0 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1939 NFL championship game. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two touchdown passes in a 41-6 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 2001. . . . New York Giants QB Randy Dean (played in two hoop games in 1973-74 under Northwestern coach Tex Winter) threw his lone NFL touchdown pass in a 17-0 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1978. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 48-20 win against the Denver Broncos in 2006. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw four touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the Washington Redskins in 1950. . . . Cleveland Rams WR Ray Hamilton (Arkansas letterman for two SWC hoop champions from 1936 through 1938) caught a 70-yard touchdown pass in a 26-13 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1944. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars rookie WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Mark Brunell in a 41-31 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1995. . . . Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 30-23 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1972. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four touchdown passes in a 30-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1961. . . . Chicago Cardinals rookie B Ike Mahoney (Creighton hooper in early 1920s) caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Red Dunn (four-time Marquette hoops letterman first half of 1920s) in a 59-0 win against the Milwaukee Badgers in 1925. . . . Rookie WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) scored the New York Giants' only touchdown by catching a pass from Charlie Conerly in 9-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1950. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 23-of-36 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-24 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2000. . . . New York Giants rookie B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) scored two second-half touchdowns in a 20-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1933. . . . Indianapolis Colts rookie WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had five pass receptions for 135 yards in a 23-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1989. . . . Rookie B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) scored the Chicago Bears' lone touchdown with a 42-yard pass reception from Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) in 7-6 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1933. . . . New England Patriots WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Jim Plunkett in a 17-10 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1972. . . . New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) had three touchdown receptions in a 28-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961. . . . Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had nine pass receptions for 171 yards in a 41-33 setback against the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960.

11: Philadelphia Eagles E Neill Armstrong (played one game under legendary Oklahoma A&M coach Hank Iba in 1944) caught a touchdown pass in his fourth consecutive contest in 1949. . . . Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 53-27 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1949. Rams E Bob Shaw (Ohio State hoops starter in 1942 and 1943) had four TD pass receptions. . . . New York Giants B lEN Barnum () had a nine-yard run from scrimmage and 20-yard pass reception in 23-17 win against the Green Bay Pacers in 1938 NFL championship game. Packers E Wayland Becker (Marquette hoops letterman in mid-1930s) had a game-high 78 receiving yards. Giants TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two touchdown passes, including a 21-yarder to rookie E Hap Barnard (four-year hoops letterman for Central Oklahoma played in 1938 NAIA Tournament as senior). C-LB Mel Hein (Washington State hoops letterman in 1930), the only offensive lineman earning NFL MVP award, recovered a fumble near midfield to help set up a Giants TD. Giants E Jim Lee Howell (All-SWC first-five selection as Arkansas senior in 1935-36) had two pass receptions. Giants TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) had a six-yard rushing TD. . . . Philadelphia Eagles CB Jimmy Carr (three-year hoops letterman for Morris Harvey WV appeared in NAIA Tournament in 1953 and 1954) had an interception in his second consecutive contest in 1960. Pittsburgh Steelers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) scored two first-half touchdowns - including an 87-yard run from scrimmage - in a 27-21 win against the Eagles. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 23-21 win against the San Diego Chargers in 2005. Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught 13 passes for 123 yards. Six years later, Gates caught two TD passes from Philip Rivers in a 37-10 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2011. . . . New Orleans Saints rookie WR Eugene Goodlow (scored 38 points in 19 games for Kansas State in 1977-78 and 1978-79) caught a career-high seven passes in a 20-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1983. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-24 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1955. . . . In his lone professional game, Oakland Raiders QB Charlie Green (averaged 3.7 ppg and 2 rpg for Wittenberg OH runner-up in 1963 NCAA Division II Tournament) completed both pass attempts for a total of 17 yards in a 28-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1966. . . . New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoops letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) rushed for a 60-yard touchdown in a 13-0 win against the New York Yankees in 1927. . . . Dallas Cowboys DB Manny Hendrix (All-WAC second-team selection for Utah as senior in 1985-86 averaged 12.1 ppg and team-high 5.1 apg as sophomore) had an interception in a 24-17 win against the Washington Redskins in 1988. . . . New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 155 yards in a 3-0 win against the Washington Redskins in 1993. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 23-10 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1983. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw six of his league-high 23 touchdown passes in a 52-21 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1949. . . . New York Titans WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had 10 catches for 179 yards - including two touchdowns (one for 72 yards) - in a 31-28 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1960. Six years later with the Raiders, Powell caught two TD passes from Tom Flores (46 and 45 yards) in a 28-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1966. . . . Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had two of his league-high 15 touchdown receptions in a 27-24 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1993. . . . Atlanta Falcons LB Marion Rushing (Southern Illinois hooper from 1954-55 through 1956-57) had an interception in a 16-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966. . . . New York Giants LB Tom Scott (hoops letterman as Virginia forward in 1951) returned an interception 14 yards for a touchdown in a 17-3 win against the Washington Redskins in 1960.

12: Washington Redskins RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) opened the game's scoring with a seven-yard rushing touchdown and LB Eddie Kawal (Illinois hoops letterman in 1930) returned an interception 19 yards in a 28-21 win against the Chicago Bears in the 1937 NFL Championship. Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) coached the Redskins. Bears E Eggs Manske (point guard led Northwestern to share of 1933 Big Ten Conference crown) had a four-yard pass reception touchdown plus 51-yard catch, Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries, Bears B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) returned an interception 16 yards and Bears B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) completed a pass for 35 yards to rookie E Dick Plasman (Vanderbilt two-year starting center named to 1936 All-SEC Tournament second five). Plasman also had two sacks. . . . Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-21 win against the New York Giants in 1948. Redskins E Hugh Taylor (OCU leading scorer with 11.4 ppg as senior in 1947) caught two second-half TD passes from Baugh. Six years later, Taylor had three first-half TD receptions in a 37-20 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1954. . . . . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) completed 23-of-37 passes for 355 yards in a 34-25 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1965. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Al Dixon (Iowa State hooper in 1975-76 and 1976-77) had a career-high 102 receiving yards (on six catches) in a 21-16 setback against the Los Angeles Raiders in 1982. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two first-half touchdown passes in a 31-28 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1999. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two touchdown passes in a 37-14 win against the New York Giants in 2004. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Red Hickey (three-time All-SWC selection and member of Arkansas' 1941 Final Four team) opened a game's scoring with a touchdown reception of more than 20 yards for the third time in less than a month in 1948. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) scored five touchdowns - including two via pass receptions (50 and 65 yards from Bart Starr) - in a 42-27 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1965. . . . Washington Redskins 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 second-quarter touchdown passes in a 28-3 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 1999. . . . Phoenix Cardinals RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns in a 19-0 win against the New York Giants in 1992. . . . Chicago Bears rookie QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 24-21 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1948. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) scored two touchdowns in a 42-35 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1977. Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) completed 14-of-19 passes for three TDs. Six years earlier, Staubach threw three first-half TD passes in a 42-14 win against the New York Giants in 1971. . . . Buffalo Bills QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-17 win against the Baltimore Colts in the 1948 AAFC playoffs. . . . Cincinnati Bengals rookie WR Patrick Robinson (starting guard for Tennessee State in 1990-91 when averaging 6.7 ppg and 2.9 apg) had a career-high three pass receptions in a 7-2 setback against the New England Patriots in 1993. . . . Philadelphia Eagles LB George Tarasovic (led NLU forerunner Northeast Junior College LA with 21 ppg in 1950-51) returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown in a 47-13 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1965. . . . New York Giants E Will Walls (starting forward with TCU for three years from 1935 through 1937) caught a 33-yard touchdown pass in a regular-season ending 31-7 win against the Washington Redskins in 1943. . . . Philadelphia Eagles DE Norm Willey (Marshall hoops center in late 1940s) opened the game's scoring by recovering a fumble for a touchdown in a 29-14 win against the New York Giants in 1954.

13: New York Giants TE Kevin Boss (averaged 3 ppg and 2.7 rpg while shooting 51.9% from floor for Western Oregon in 2004-05 and 2005-06) had a career-high seven pass receptions in 45-38 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. . . . Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) closed out 1952 campaign with his third consecutive contest contributing three pass receptions for touchdowns (including 77-yarder). . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw four touchdown passes in a 49-6 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1964. . . . Chicago Bears rookie WR George Farmer (teammate of UCLA legend Lew Alcindor in 1968-69) caught a career-high nine passes for 142 yards in a 35-17 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1970. . . . Ray Flaherty (four-sport Gonzaga athlete including hoops) coached the Washington Redskins in 1942 when they registered a 14-6 win against the Chicago Bears in the NFL championship game. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 25 yards on eight carries, caught one pass for 11 yards, had one interception and returned a kickoff for 23 yards. . . . Chicago Cardinals QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 35-20 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1959. . . . Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for three touchdowns in a 36-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1959. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 371 of a league-high 3,045 yards - including two third-quarter touchdowns - in a 38-13 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1964. . . . New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-27 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1970. The next year with the Washington Redskins, Kilmer threw three TD passes in a 38-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1971. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 41-6 win against the Dallas Texans in 1952. The next year, Layne threw two first-half TD passes in a 27-16 win against the New York Giants in 1953. In 1959 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Layne threw four TD passes in a 35-20 win against the Chicago Cardinals. . . . New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) returned a fumble recovery 20 yards for a touchdown in a 20-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1981. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie WR Bucky Pope (two-time All-Carolinas Conference pick for Catawba NC averaged 19.4 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) opened the game's scoring by catching a 95-yard touchdown pass from Bill Munson in a 24-24 tie against the Green Bay Packers in 1964. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 301 yards - including three second-quarter touchdowns - in a 36-34 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. . . . 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 seven times for 324 yards (46.3 average) in a 27-10 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1969. . . . San Francisco 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught a touchdown pass in last four games to finish with a league-high 10 TD catches in 1953.

14: Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 40-13 win against the Boston Yanks in 1947. Redskins B Dick Poillon (Canisius hooper in early 1940s) scored two TDs. . . . Green Bay Packers LB Fred Carr (played for defending NCAA champion Texas Western in 1967 playoffs) had two interceptions in a 22-5 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1975. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) had a 43-yard rushing touchdown in a 35-3 win against the Boston Patriots in 1963. . . . In 1930, the Green Bay Packers' lone score in a 6-6 tie against the Portsmouth Spartans was a 15-yard pass from Red Dunn (four-year Marquette letterman first half of 1920s) to rookie Weert Engelmann (All-NCC selection for South Dakota State). . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 45-17 win against the Detroit Lions in 2003. . . . Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 37-34 setback against the New York Giants in 1952. . . . San Francisco 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 in a 35-13 win against the Detroit Lions in 1998. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 214 yards on 26 carries - including three touchdowns - in a 40-14 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1975. Browns WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) had six pass receptions for 130 yards.

15: Miami Dolphins LB Larry Ball (played eight hoop games for Louisville as sophomore in 1968-69 before persuaded by coach Lee Corso to concentrate on football) had an interception in a 34-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1973. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught seven passes for 138 yards in a 23-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2002. . . . Detroit Lions TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference choice for Colorado College) rushed seven times for a game-high 80 yards - including 40-yard touchdown - in 26-7 win against the New York Giants in 1935 NFL championship contest. TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw a 42-yard pass for the Giants' lone touchdown. Giants rookie E Tod Goodwin (West Virginia hoops letterman in 1933) had two pass receptions for 26 yards. Giants B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries and returned one kickoff for 30 yards. . . . Cincinnati Bengals LB James Francis (averaged 3 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Baylor in 1986-87 and 1987-88) had two interceptions - returning one 42 yards for a touchdown - in a 21-13 win against the Houston Texans in 1996. . . . A fourth-quarter touchdown reception by rookie E Dale Gentry (averaged 5.3 ppg for Washington State's 1941 NCAA Tournament runner-up) propelled the Los Angeles Dons to a 17-17 tie against the Chicago Rockets in 1946. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Eugene Goodlow (scored 38 points in 19 games for Kansas State in 1977-78 and 1978-79) caught five passes for 135 yards - including a 76-yard touchdown from Bobby Hebert - in a 31-19 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1985. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw four touchdown passes to Paul Warfield in a 34-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1973. . . . Dallas Cowboys DB Manny Hendrix (All-WAC second-team selection for Utah as senior in 1985-86 averaged 12.1 ppg and team-high 5.1 apg as sophomore) recorded a safety in a 25-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1991. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) caught two touchdown passes from Norm Van Brocklin in a 37-21 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1957. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 299 yards - including two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 28-24 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1963. . . . New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 24-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968. . . . Frankfort Yellow Jackets B Ken Mercer (three-year letterman as Simpson IA forward) rushed for three touchdowns in a 19-0 win against the Chicago Bears in 1928. . . . Baltimore Colts RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) had two pass reception touchdowns - including a 61-yarder from Earl Morrall - in a 28-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1968. . . . New York Giants E Buster Poole (three-year Arkansas letterman was senior captain in 1936-37) caught four passes for 40 yards in a 24-14 setback against the Chicago Bears in the 1946 NFL championship game. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two of his AFL-high 16 touchdown passes in a 35-31 win against the Denver Broncos in 1963. Broncos TE Gene Prebola (Boston University hooper in 1957-58) had four pass receptions for 106 yards. Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 10 of his AFL-leading 78 pass receptions. . . . New England Patriots TE-LB John Tanner (JC recruit averaged 3.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1968-69) played on offense, defense and special teams in a 34-27 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1974 finale. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 23-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2002. . . . Washington Redskins rookie QB Harry Theofiledes (averaged 9.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Waynesburg PA in 1964-65 and 1965-66) threw a 39-yard touchdown pass in 14-3 win against the Detroit Lions in 1968 season finale. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught 12 passes for 150 yards in a 37-34 setback against the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.

16: 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 three touchdown passes for the third time in last four games of 1973 campaign. . . . San Francisco 49ers RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter with a 67-yard punt return against the Baltimore Colts in 1956. . . . Washington Redskins B Steve Bagarus (Notre Dame hooper in early 1940s) had a 38-yard pass reception for the game's first touchdown in a 15-14 setback against the Cleveland Rams in 1945 NFL championship contest. E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) scored the Rams' first TD with a 37-yard pass reception from Bob Waterfield en route to game highs of nine catches and 125 receiving yards. Rams E Steve Pritko (Villanova two-year hoops letterman) caught two passes for 17 yards. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers DB Tony Dungy (roommate of Flip Saunders averaged 2.6 ppg for Minnesota in 1973-74 under coach Bill Musselman) intercepted a pass in second consecutive contest in 1978. . . . Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) had three of his league-high 17 touchdown receptions in a 42-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1951. . . . San Diego 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) caught three touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 34-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. . . . St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 386 yards - including two first-half touchdowns (one of them 77 yards to Sonny Randle) - in a 45-35 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1962. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw four touchdown passes - three to Larry Brown - in a 38-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973. . . . Green Bay Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) opened the game's scoring with a 45-yard touchdown catch in a 20-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. . . . San Francisco 49ers E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) caught two touchdown passes from John Brodie in a 27-24 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1961. . . . Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Tony Romo in a 38-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2006. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) had five pass receptions for 108 yards in a 35-34 win against the Washington Redskins in 1979. Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) passed for 336 yards and three TDs. Six years earlier, Staubach completed 14-of-19 passes - including three touchdowns - in a 30-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973. . . . New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown in a 27-17 win against the New York Yanks in 1951.

17: New York Giants E Red Badgro (first-five All-Pacific Coast Conference pick as forward in 1926-27 when named USC's MVP) had a 29-yard pass reception for a touchdown in a 23-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in the 1933 NFL championship game. Giants B Dale Burnett (two-time all-conference hooper for Emporia State KS) had game highs with five catches for 94 receiving yards. Bears B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) completed 2-of-5 passes for 24 yards, rushed once for five yards, returned three punts for 33 yards and punted 10 times for a 39.8-yard average. Giants rookie B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) had a team-high 40 rushing yards and returned one kickoff 36 yards. Bears rookie B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) rushed for a game-high 73 yards. . . . Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three first-half touchdown passes to Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) in a 38-24 win against the Denver Broncos in 1967. . . . Chicago Bears rookie TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught eight passes for 102 yards - including two touchdowns - in a 52-35 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1961. Vikings DB Dick Pesonen (two-year Minnesota-Duluth hoops letterman was starting guard in 1959-60) returned five kickoffs for 133 yards. Vikings WR Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) caught three TD passes from Fran Tarkenton. Reichow had a total of seven TD pass receptions in the last five games of season. . . . Denver Broncos TE Wesley Duke (averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Mercer from 2001-02 through 2004-05) caught a touchdown pass from Jake Plummer in a 28-17 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2005. Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught 11 passes for 137 yards. . . . Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) scored two second-quarter touchdowns - one rushing and one receiving - in a 14-7 win against the New York Giants in 1944 NFL championship contest. Giants LB Mel Hein (Washington State hoops letterman in 1930) had an interception. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three first-half touchdown passes in a 41-32 win against the Boston Patriots in 1967. . . . Houston Oilers 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 two touchdown passes from George Blanda in a 47-16 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1961. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) had eight pass receptions for 156 yards in a 34-21 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2001. . . . Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the New England Patriots in 1972. . . . New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) opened the game's scoring with an 80-yard touchdown pass to Danny Abramowicz in a 30-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1967. Ten years later with the Washington Redskins, Kilmer threw two first-quarter TD passes in a 17-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1977. . . . Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) completed 15-of-29 passes but threw three interceptions in a 24-14 playoff setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1950. . . . New York Giants rookie WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) had a pass reception for 19 yards in 8-3 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1950 playoff game. Browns rookie B Dom Moselle (leading hoops scorer for Wisconsin-Superior in 1947-48 and 1948-49) returned two kickoffs for 55 yards. Giants DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) had an interception. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught 20 passes for 283 yards in a 17-0 win against the Chicago Bears in 2000. . . . Chicago Bears rookie K Mac Percival (three-year letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked three field goals in a 23-14 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1967. . . . Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 182 yards on 22 carries in a 48-16 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1978. Pruitt closed out the campaign with at least 113 yards rushing in his last three contests. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-24 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1967. Five years later with the New York Giants, Snead threw two second-quarter TD passes in a 23-3 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. . . . St. Louis Cardinals rookie WR Dave Stief (hoop teammate of Portland State All-American Freeman Williams in 1977-78) had career highs of nine pass receptions for 183 yards in a 42-21 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1978.

18: St. Louis Cardinals DE Bubba Baker (averaged 4.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg as forward-center for Colorado State from 1974-75 through 1977-78) posted three sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 1983 game. . . . Washington Redskins TE Jean Fugett (leading scorer and rebounder for Amherst MA as junior in 1970-71) had four pass receptions for 61 yards in a 35-20 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1976 playoff game. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two first-half touchdown passes in a 35-19 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1999. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) passed for 298 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns - in a 35-20 playoff setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1976. . . . Boston Patriots rookie SE Oscar Lofton (collected 31 points and 30 rebounds in 12 games for Southeastern Louisiana in 1958-59) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes (37 and 39 yards) in a 37-21 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1960. . . . 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 a fumble recovery 60 yards for a touchdown in a 34-31 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2004. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) had five pass receptions for 149 yards in a 33-30 win against the New York Giants in 2004. . . . Green Bay Packers CB Quinten Rollins (led Miami OH in steals all four seasons from 2010-11 through 2013-14 including MAC as senior) had a career-high eight tackles in 30-27 win against the Chicago Bears in 2016. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers LB Bill Saul (averaged 6.1 ppg for Penn State in 1959-60) returned an interception eight yards in a 57-33 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1966. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie QB John Stofa (averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Buffalo in 1961-62) passed for 307 yards and four touchdowns in a 29-28 win against the Houston Oilers in 1966. . . . Indianapolis Colts TE Erik Swoope (averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Miami FL from 2010-11 through 2013-14) caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Luck in 34-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2016. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 24-20 win against the New York Jets in 2005.

19: Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown in a 22-9 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1971. . . . E Billy Dewell (three-time All-SWC first-team pick for SMU in late 1930s) and E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) each had one of the Chicago Cardinals' three pass receptions in a 7-0 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1948 NFL championship game. . . . New Orleans Saints rookie 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 first-half touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 30-24 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2010. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught nine passes - including two touchdowns - in a 48-3 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2005. . . . Oakland Raiders TE Teyo Johnson (part-time starting forward for Stanford averaged 4.9 ppg and 3 rpg in 2000-01 and 2001-02) opened the game's scoring with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Kerry Collins in a 40-35 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2004. . . . Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) had a career-high seven pass receptions in a 31-17 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2010. . . . Miami Dolphins rookie RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had nine pass receptions for 148 yards in a 47-34 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1993. . . . Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 14-10 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1954. . . . Green Bay Packers TE Rich McGeorge (all-league hooper for Elon averaged 13.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg while making 59% of his field-goal attempts) had a career-high five pass receptions in a 27-6 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1971. . . . Cleveland Browns rookie HB Ara Parseghian (Miami of Ohio hooper in 1946-47 and 1947-48) rushed for 14 yards on four carries in a 49-7 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1948 AAFC championship game. . . . Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) rushed 13 times for 43 yards and caught six passes for 41 yards in a 14-12 playoff setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1976. . . . Washington Redskins CB Lonnie Sanders (averaged 10.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg as Michigan State forward in 1961-62) closed out the 1965 campaign with an interception in his second straight game. . . . New York Jets DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) recorded a safety in a 22-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010. . . . Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) caught a touchdown pass in each of last three games of his rookie season in 1965. . . . E Will Walls (starting forward with TCU for three years from 1935 through 1937) had one of the New York Giants' four pass receptions in a 28-0 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1943 NFL championship game. . . . San Diego Chargers DB Bud Whitehead (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 15 games for Florida State in 1959-60) had two interceptions in a 24-14 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1965.

20: Carolina Panthers rookie TE Luther Broughton (forward scored five points in five games for Furman in 1994-95) scored the go-ahead touchdown with a 68-yard reception in fourth quarter of a 20-13 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1998. . . . QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw a 19-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give the Kansas City Chiefs a 13-6 playoff win against the New York Jets in 1969. . . . San Francisco 49ers WR Bruce Ellington (South Carolina's leading scorer as freshman point guard with 12.8 ppg in 2010-11 before averaging 11.1 ppg as sophomore) scored two touchdowns - one receiving/one rushing - in a 38-35 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2014. . . . New York Giants DB Percy Ellsworth (appeared in all four of Virginia's NCAA tourney contests for 1995 Midwest Regional finalist) had two interceptions - including one for a 43-yard touchdown - in a 28-7 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998. . . . Tennessee Titans WR Justin Gage (averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Missouri from 1999-00 through 2001-02) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Vince Young in a 27-24 win against the Miami Dolphins in 2009. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 38-35 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2014. . . . 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 two touchdown passes from Randall Cunningham in a 50-10 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1998. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two first-quarter touchdown passes from Joe Flacco in a 31-7 win against the Chicago Bears in 2009. . . . San Diego 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) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 27-24 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009. . . . 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) passed for 346 yards and four touchdowns in a 30-28 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2003. . . . Phoenix Cardinals RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 146 yards in a 16-13 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1992. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 306 yards in a 27-13 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2009. . . . Houston Oilers QB Gifford Nielsen (BYU swingman averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 1973-74 and 1974-75) passed for a career-high 377 yards - including three touchdowns to Dave Casper - in a 21-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1981. . . . Kansas City Chiefs WR Stan Rome (All-ACC second-team choice as Clemson junior averaged from 10.4 to 15.3 ppg while hitting 53% of FGAs from 1974-75 through 1977-78) scored the game's lone touchdown with a 15-yard pass reception in a 10-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1981. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 30-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970.

21: Cleveland Browns DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) had an interception in a 31-20 playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1968. . . . Chicago Bears QB Young Bussey (LSU hoops letterman in late 1930s) completed his lone pass in the 1941 NFL championship game for eight yards in a 37-9 win against the New York Giants. George Halas (starting guard for Illinois' Big Ten Conference titlist in 1916-17) coached the Bears. TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) passed for 73 yards and chipped in with a Giants-high 52 rushing yards. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 13 yards on four carries. Bears E Dick Plasman (Vanderbilt two-year starting center named to 1936 All-SEC Tournament second five) had a game-high 48 receiving yards on two catches. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie E Bob Carey (forward-center averaged 8.8 ppg in three-year Michigan State career in early 1950s) had three pass receptions for 30 yards in 31-21 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1952 playoff game. Rams S Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) returned an interception 20 yards. Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) threw a 24-yard touchdown pass and had two receptions for 75 yards. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers TB Johnny Clement (SMU hoops letterman in 1940) had a team-high 59 rushing yards in a 21-0 playoff setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) had team-high 32 receiving yards. . . . San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 41-24 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. . . . Chicago Bears rookie TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) caught three touchdown passes in a 42-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1975. . . . Philadelphia Eagles DB Joe Lavender (averaged 13.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for San Diego State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown in a 26-3 win against the Washington Redskins in 1975. Five years later as a member of the Redskins, Lavender had two interceptions in a 31-7 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980. . . . Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) had an interception in a 56-7 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1969. . . . Minnesota Vikings rookie 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 two first-half touchdown passes from Tommy Kramer in a 20-16 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1980 season finale. . . . Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from John Elway in a 38-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1997. . . . Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 20-3 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2003. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Lamar Thomas (collected 16 points and 4 rebounds in four games for Miami FL in 1990-91) had six pass receptions for 136 yards - including three touchdowns from Dan Marino - in a 31-21 win against the Denver Broncos in 1998. Thomas had multiple catches in all but one of 15 regular-season games. . . . TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from John Brodie in the fourth quarter to power the San Francisco 49ers to a 14-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1969.

22: Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw four touchdown passes -including an 82-yarder to Frank Jackson - in a 48-0 win against the New York Jets in 1963. . . . 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 two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-14 playoff setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1968. Vikings DT Gary Larsen (ex-Marine played multiple hoops seasons for Concordia MN in early 1960s) had a sack. Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught three passes for 92 yards - including a 49-yard TD from Earl Morrall. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers E Cy McClairen (two-time all-league selection scored 36 points for Bethune-Cookman in 1953 SIAC Tournament championship game) opened the game's scoring with a 48-yard touchdown pass reception from Morrall in a 27-2 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1957. . . . San Francisco 49ers rookie E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) opened a playoff game's scoring by catching a 34-yard touchdown pass from Y.A. Tittle in a 31-27 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1957. 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught a 12-yard TD pass from Tittle. . . . New York Yankees TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) completed 8-of-18 passes in 14-9 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1946 NFL championship game. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught 10 passes for 247 yards - including four touchdowns from Tom Flores - in a 52-49 win against the Houston Oilers in 1963. . . . Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) had four pass receptions for 117 yards in a 41-6 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1968 AFL playoffs.

23: Neill Armstrong (played one game under legendary Oklahoma A&M coach Hank Iba in 1944) coached the Chicago Bears to a 27-17 wild-card game setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1979. Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two touchdown passes. . . . Oakland Raiders WR Ronald Curry (averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3 apg for North Carolina in 1998-99 and 2000-01) caught 11 passes in a 20-9 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006. It was Curry's third consecutive contest with at least eight receptions. . . . Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had an interception for the third consecutive contest and chipped in with 10 tackles in a 27-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes for 137 yards in a 25-20 setback against the Detroit Lions in 2007. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two touchdown passes in a 34-16 playoff win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1973. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) had a game-saving tackle in a 24-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1951 NFL championship contest. Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) caught four passes for 66 yards. . . . Dallas Cowboys DB Manny Hendrix (All-WAC second-team selection for Utah as senior in 1985-86 averaged 12.1 ppg and team-high 5.1 apg as sophomore) had an interception in a 17-3 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1990. . . . Dallas Texans rookie DE Bill Hull (forward for Wake Forest squad finishing third in 1962 NCAA Tournament averaged 6.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg in two varsity seasons) returned an interception 23 yards to help set up the game-winning field goal in overtime in a 20-17 win against the Houston Oilers in 1962 AFL championship game. . . . 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 three touchdown passes in a 48-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2001. . . . Los Angeles Rams TE James McDonald (four-year Southern California letterman in early 1980s averaged 8.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg as senior forward) caught two passes for 18 yards in a 16-13 playoff setback against the New York Giants in 1984. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-23 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2007. . . . Chicago Bears 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) had three sacks in a 28-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2012. . . . Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 30-28 playoff win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1972. The next year, Staubach threw two TD passes - including an 83-yarder to Drew Pearson - in a 27-16 playoff win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1973. . . . San Diego Chargers WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown in a 24-21 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990.

24: Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-10 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2005. . . . Los Angeles Rams rookie RB Glenn Davis (Army hooper in 1944-45 and 1945-46) opened the 1950 NFL championship game's scoring with an 82-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in a 30-28 setback against the Cleveland Browns. Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) completed 22-of-33 passes for 298 yards and four TDs while chipping with 99 rushing yards. . . . Oakland Raiders 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 two touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 52-9 win against the Carolina Panthers in 2000. . . . Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown in a 50-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1967 playoff game. . . . San Diego Chargers rookie 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) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 20-7 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 2006. . . . Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown in 23-20 win against the Detroit Lions in 2000. . . . Seattle Seahawks 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) had a five-yard touchdown reception in a 31-7 playoff win against the Denver Broncos in 1983. . . . 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) had three sacks in a 24-20 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2005. . . . Baltimore Colts WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg as sophomore forward for Amherst MA in 1971-72) had two pass receptions for 45 yards in a 37-31 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1977 playoff game. . . . San Diego Chargers rookie DB Bud Whitehead (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 15 games for Florida State in 1959-60) had two interceptions in a 10-3 playoff setback against the Houston Oilers in 1961.

25: Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 11 of his league-high 102 passes - including two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 31-30 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2004. . . . Minnesota Vikings 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 first-half touchdown passes in a 30-23 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 2005.

26: Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 41-21 playoff setback against the Chicago Bears in 1943. Bears E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Sid Luckman. Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) co-coached the Bears. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 30 yards on seven carries and returned two punts for 17 yards. . . . Rookie FB Bill Bowman (fouled out with four points in only basketball game with William & Mary in 1953-54) scored the Detroit Lions' only touchdown (five-yard rush) in a 56-10 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1954 NFL championship game. Bowman also had a 50-yard run from scrimmage in the contest. Browns DE Len Ford (center for Morgan State's CIAA hoops titlist in 1944) returned two interceptions a total of 45 yards. Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught an eight-yard TD pass and 45-yard reception from Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43). Graham threw three first-half TD passes and rushed for three TDs. The next year, Graham threw two TD passes (50 and 35 yards) and rushed for two TDs while Ford had another INT in a 38-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1955 NFL title tilt. . . . A fourth-quarter touchdown reception by TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) carried the Kansas City Chiefs to a 31-24 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1998. . . . RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) opened the Green Bay Packers' scoring with a rushing touchdown in a 13-10 playoff win against the Baltimore Colts in 1965. . . . 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) passed for 471 yards - including a 33-yarder for a touchdown in overtime - to give the Washington Redskins a 26-20 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1999. . . . New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) totaled 175 yards in rushing (94 on 16 carries) and pass receiving (81 on eight catches) in a 16-14 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1993. . . . Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) had five pass receptions for 115 yards in a 24-23 setback against the Denver Broncos in 2010. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two touchdown passes in a 24-20 playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1971. . . . Cleveland Browns 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 in a 29-28 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. . . . Chicago Bears TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) had two pass receptions for 25 yards in a 37-7 playoff setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1977. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 83 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown in a 26-13 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1982. . . . 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 10 passes in a 42-14 setback against the New York Jets in 1982. . . . San Francisco 49ers TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught a touchdown pass from John Brodie in a 24-20 playoff win against the Washington Redskins in 1971.

27: Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught four passes for 54 yards in a 17-16 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1953 NFL championship contest. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw a 33-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) opened the game's scoring with a rushing TD. . . . Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 114 yards on 27 carries in 1964 NFL championship game (27-0 against Baltimore Colts). It was Brown's lone playoff win. . . . Weeb Ewbank (hoops letterman for Miami OH in 1926-27 and 1927-28) coached the Baltimore Colts to a 31-16 victory against the New York Giants in 1959 NFL championship game. Colts DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had two interceptions - returning one 42 yards for a touchdown. . . . Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two touchdown passes in a 21-14 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1970. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two touchdown passes from Joe Flacco for the second straight week in 2009. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-7 win against the Washington Redskins in 2003. Six years later, McNabb passed for 322 yards and three TDs in a 30-27 win against the Denver Broncos in 2009. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown in a 38-19 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1998. . . . Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from John Elway in a 42-17 playoff win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1997. The next year, Smith had nine pass receptions for 158 yards in a 28-21 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 1998.

28: 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 fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-28 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1975. . . . Philadelphia Eagles E Neill Armstrong (played one game under legendary Oklahoma A&M coach Hank Iba in 1944) caught two passes for 16 yards in a 28-21 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1947 NFL championship game. Cardinals E Billy Dewell (three-time All-SWC first-team pick for SMU in late 1930s) caught a team-long 38-yard pass from Paul Christman. Eagles E Dick Humbert (three-year starter captained Richmond as senior in 1940-41 when averaging 7.4 ppg) caught two passes for 30 yards. . . . Cleveland Browns rookie E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) had a game-high 53 receiving yards in a 17-7 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1952 NFL championship contest. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) opened the game's scoring with a two-yard rushing touchdown. Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) had a team-high 97 rushing yards featuring a 67-yard TD. . . . Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught nine passes for 153 yards in a 23-21 win against the New York Jets in 2003. . . . Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught a 93-yard touchdown pass from Daryle Lamonica in a 26-8 setback against the Boston Patriots in 1963 AFL playoff contest. . . . Weeb Ewbank (hoops letterman for Miami OH in 1926-27 and 1927-28) coached the Baltimore Colts to a 23-17 overtime victory against the New York Giants in 1958 NFL championship game. . . . Oakland Raiders DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 35 yards in a 10-6 playoff setback against the Kansas City Chiefs following 1991 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 44-6 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2008. . . . Miami Dolphins RB Jerris McPhail (starting point guard for Mount Olive NC with 11 ppg in early 1990s) had five pass receptions in a 17-3 setback against the New England Patriots in 1997 playoff game. . . . WR Andre Rison (backup guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) got the Atlanta Falcons on the scoreboard with a 24-yard touchdown reception in a 27-20 playoff win against the New Orleans Saints in 1991.

29: Baltimore Colts DE Ordell Braase (first-team All-NCC pick for South Dakota in 1952-53 and 1953-54) had three sacks in a 34-0 playoff win against the Cleveland Browns in 1968. . . . George Halas (starting guard for Illinois' Big Ten Conference hoops titlist in 1916-17) coached the Chicago Bears to a 14-10 win against the New York Giants in 1963 NFL championship contest. Giants starting SS Dick Pesonen (two-year Minnesota-Duluth hoops letterman was starting guard in 1959-60) recovered a fumble. . . . Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught seven passes for 146 yards in a 34-31 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002. . . . Detroits Lions RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for 34 yards on seven carries and caught one pass for 16 yards in a 59-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1957 NFL championship game. Lions QB Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) threw a 16-yard touchdown pass. . . . San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 38 yards in a 21-10 playoff win against the New York Giants in 1984. . . . Houston Oilers QB Gifford Nielsen (BYU swingman averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 1973-74 and 1974-75) threw a go-ahead 47-yard touchdown pass to Mike Renfro in a 17-14 playoff win against the San Diego Chargers in 1979. . . . TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning with 2:26 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Indianapolis Colts a 20-13 win against Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002.

30: FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) contributed the Chicago Bears' lone touchdown with a nine-yard rush in a 47-7 setback against the New York Giants in 1956 NFL championship game. Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had six catches for team-high 87 receiving yards. . . . Cincinnati Bengals LB James Francis (averaged 3 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Baylor in 1986-87 and 1987-88) returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown in a 21-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1990. . . . Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 30-26 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001. . . . 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 nine passes for 115 yards in a 44-38 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2012. . . . New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) caught three second-half touchdown passes in a 31-28 playoff win against the St. Louis Rams in 2000. . . . Dallas Cowboys DE Too Tall Jones (backup center averaged 1.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Tennessee State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had two sacks in a 27-20 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1978 NFC divisional playoffs. Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had an interception. . . . 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) caught eight passes for 138 yards in a 42-28 setback against the Houston Texans in 2007. . . . Minnesota Vikings DT Gary Larsen (ex-Marine played multiple hoops seasons for Concordia MN in early 1960s) had a sack in 27-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1973 playoff contest. . . . Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the New York Giants in 2001. Six years later, McNabb passed for 345 yards in a 17-9 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2007. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars WR Micah Ross (Jacksonville's leading scorer, rebounder and FG% shooter as senior in 1997-98) returned four kickoffs in a 30-26 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001. . . . New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) caught five passes for 69 yards in a 16-7 playoff setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1962.

31: Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) opened the game's scoring with a six-yard rushing touchdown in 37-0 playoff win against the New York Giants in 1961 NFL championship contest. Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) had game highs of four pass receptions and 80 receiving yards - including two touchdowns from Bart Starr. Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) caught three passes for 41 yards. . . . Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two touchdown passes in a 26-3 playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. . . . 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 21-3 playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000.

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: December Calendar of Great Games in College Hoops History

Did You Know?: Marquee mentors John Beilein (Canisius), Vic Bubas (Duke), Denny Crum (Louisville), Bob Knight (Army), Guy Lewis (Houston), Ralph Miller (Wichita), Digger Phelps (Notre Dame) and Jerry Tarkanian (UNLV) lost their head coaching debuts with these schools between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Trivia buffs might also want to know bitter rivals Kentucky and Louisville each had their school rebounding record by an individual set on the same day in 1955.

Prominent players don't establish most of the school standards against lesser lights in non-conference competition. For instance, Utah's Billy McGill and Illinois' Skip Thoren set school single-game rebounding records in the early 1960s when each of them retrieved 24 missed shots against UCLA before the Bruins began their run of NCAA titles under legendary coach John Wooden.

Granted, fewer contests are played around Christmas but there clearly is a significant decrease in superior performances during that span. Holiday festivities can go awry between Christmas and New Year's Eve. 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. Following is a day-by-day calendar citing memorable moments in December college basketball history:

DECEMBER
1 - Eastern Kentucky's Jack Adams (49 points vs. Union in 1955), Iona's A.J. English (46 vs. Fairfield in 2015), Louisville's Wes Unseld (45 vs. Georgetown College KY in 1967) and NYU's Jim Signorile (50 vs. Herbert Lehman NY in 1969) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Ronnie Shavlik (55 points vs. William & Mary in 1954 set North Carolina State's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Vic Bubas made his Duke head coaching debut in 1959 with a 59-49 loss against Georgia Tech before guiding the Blue Devils to three Final Fours in a four-year span in the mid-1960s. . . . Pete Carril made his Princeton debut in 1967 with a 62-59 win against Army en route to becoming the Tigers' all-time winningest coach and capturing the Ivy League's only NIT championship (1975). . . . Denny Crum made his Louisville head coaching debut in 1971 with a 70-69 defeat at Florida before amassing a school-record 675 victories. . . . Eddie Sutton made his Creighton head coaching debut in 1969 with an 84-62 decision over Wisconsin-Oshkosh en route to 802 victories with five schools. . . . Jerry Tarkanian made his UNLV head coaching debut in 1973 with an 82-76 defeat against Texas Tech before notching a school-record 509 victories with the Rebels. . . . Ralph Miller made his Wichita head coaching debut in 1951 with a 62-55 defeat at Colorado before registering 657 victories with three schools. . . . Guy Lewis made his Houston head coaching debut in 1956 with a 97-78 defeat at Kansas State before compiling a school-record 592 victories. . . . Al McGuire made his Marquette debut in 1964 with a 69-49 triumph over St. Thomas MN en route to becoming the Warriors' all-time winningest coach. . . . Bob Knight made his Indiana debut in 1971 with an 84-77 triumph over Ball State en route to becoming the Hoosiers' all-time winningest coach. . . . Digger Phelps made his Notre Dame debut in 1971 with a 101-83 defeat against Michigan before compiling a school-record 393 victories. . . . Frank McGuire made his South Carolina coaching debut in 1964 with a 76-59 triumph against Erskine SC en route to a school-record 283 victories. . . . John Beilein made his Canisius coaching debut in 1992 with a 110-62 defeat at Duke before going on to win more than 20 games in a single season with four different DI schools. . . . Bob Nichols made his Toledo coaching debut in 1965 with a 108-77 triumph against Baldwin-Wallace OH en route to a school-record 375 victories. . . . Lynn Howden (24 vs. Florida State in 1970) set Texas' single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
2 - Eventual NCAA all-time scoring leader Pete Maravich collected 48 points and career-high 16 rebounds in his LSU varsity debut (97-81 win against Tampa in 1967). . . . Northern Arizona's Cory Schwab (43 points at Cal Poly in overtime in 2000) and Wisconsin's Christian Steinmetz (50 at Sparta's Company C in 1904) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Dean Smith made his North Carolina head coaching debut in 1961 with an 80-46 decision over Virginia en route to a school-record 879 victories. . . . Norm Stewart made his Missouri head coaching debut in 1967 with a 74-58 success at Arkansas en route to a school-record 634 victories with the Tigers. . . . Don Haskins made his Texas Western head coaching debut in 1961 with a 66-59 triumph at Iowa State en route to a school-record 719 victories. . . . Terry Holland made his Virginia coaching debut in 1974 with a 77-69 victory against Washington & Lee VA en route to a school-record 326 victories. . . . Phil Martelli made his Saint Joseph's debut in 1995 with a 64-56 success at Delaware en route to becoming the Hawks' all-time winningest coach and national COY in 2004.
3 - Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Von McDade (50 points at Illinois in double overtime in 1990) set school single-game scoring record. . . . DeWayne Russell (42 vs. Louisville in 2016) set Grand Canyon's DI single-game scoring record. . . . Lew Alcindor collected 56 points and 21 rebounds vs. Southern California in his varsity debut with UCLA in 1966. . . . John Wooden made his UCLA head coaching debut in 1948 with a 43-37 decision over UC Santa Barbara en route to a school-record 620 victories with the Bruins. . . . Lefty Driesell made his Davidson head coaching debut in 1960 with a 65-59 decision over Wake Forest en route to 786 victories with four schools. . . . Everett Case made his North Carolina State coaching debut in 1946 with a 63-28 decision over the Cherry Point Marines en route to a school-record 377 victories with the Wolfpack. . . . Arizona State's Mark Landsberger (27 vs. San Diego State in 1976), Jacksonville's Artis Gilmore (34 vs. St. Peter's in 1970) and UMKC's Tony Berg (23 vs. Baylor in 1996) set school single-game rebounding records.
4 - Mississippi State's Bailey Howell (47 points vs. Union TN in 1958) and Northwestern State's Billy Reynolds (42 at Lamar in 1976) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Brown's Ed Tooley shot an NCAA-record 36 free throws in a single game in 1954. . . . Long Beach State's school-record 75-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by San Francisco (94-84 in overtime in 1974). . . . Lou Carnesecca made his St. John's coaching debut in 1965 with a 64-62 triumph at Georgetown in overtime en route to a school-record 526 victories. . . . Bob Knight made his Army head coaching debut in 1965 with a 70-49 setback at Princeton before becoming Indiana's all-time winningest coach, capturing three NCAA championships with the Hoosiers in a 12-year span and compiling 899 victories. . . . UCLA's season-opening defeat by 27 points (110-83 at Illinois in 1964) was worst-ever for a team going on to capture an NCAA championship. . . . Marv Branstrom (28 vs. Arizona State in 1958) set San Jose State's single-game rebounding record.
5 - Kansas' Wilt Chamberlain (52 points vs. Northwestern in 1956), North Carolina State's David Thompson (57 vs. Buffalo State in 1974), Rider's Ron Simpson (48 at St. Francis NY in double overtime in 1987) and Washington State's Brian Quinnett (45 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1986 Amana Hawkeye Classic at Iowa City) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Chamberlain also grabbed 31 rebounds in his varsity debut, establishing an NCAA standard for most boards in first career game. . . . Charlotte's school-record 60-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Appalachian State (71-64 in 1977). . . . Dale Brown made his LSU head coaching debut in 1972 with a 94-81 triumph against Memphis State en route to a school-record 448 victories. . . . Harry Combes made his Illinois coaching debut in 1947 with a 67-27 success against Coe College IA before directing the Illini to three Final Fours in a four-year span from 1949 through 1952. . . . Shelby Metcalf made his Texas A&M head coaching debut in 1963 with a 61-58 triumph against Houston en route to a school-record 438 victories. . . . Gene Estes (24 vs. Texas Western in 1960) set Tulsa's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
6 - American's Russell "Boo" Bowers (45 points at Harvard in 1980), Nebraska-Omaha's Devin Patterson (41 at Montana State in 2015), Old Dominion's Alex Loughton (45 vs. Charlotte in double overtime in 2003), Rice's Doug McKendrick (47 vs. Georgia Tech in 1965) and Texas-San Antonio's Roderic Hall (52 vs. Maine in consolation game of 1997 Southwest Missouri Tournament at Springfield, Mo.) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Kent State's Doug Grayson set an NCAA single-game record by hitting 16 consecutive field-goal attempts vs. North Carolina in 1967. . . . Indiana's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Kentucky (66-51 in 1976). . . . Bob Presley (27 vs. St. Mary's in 1967) set California's single-game rebounding record.
7 - Niagara's Calvin Murphy (68 points vs. Syracuse in 1968) and St. Mary's Jim Moore (43 vs. Sacramento State in 1964) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Forest Arnold (46 points vs. Hardin-Simmons in 1955) set Memphis State's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Cincinnati's school-record 86-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Kansas (51-47 in 1963), Jacksonville's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Florida State (90-83 in 1971) and Tulsa's school-record 36-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Oklahoma State (93-75 in 1982). . . . Benny Becton (29 vs. Maine in 1962) set Vermont's single-game rebounding record.
8 - Davidson's Fred Hetzel (53 points vs. Furman in 1964), Morgan State's James McCoy (38 vs. Georgia State in semifinals of 1989 Godfather's Pizza Classic at Chattanooga, Tenn.), Rutgers' Bob Lloyd (51 at Delaware in 1965) and Wright State's Bill Edwards (45 vs. Morehead State in 1992) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Arizona's school-record 81-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Kansas State (76-57 in 1951) and Missouri's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Arkansas (95-82 in 1990). . . . Colgate's Jack Nichols (26 vs. Cornell in 1956) and Missouri State's Lee Campbell (20 vs. Southern Utah State in 1989) set school single-game rebounding records against DI opponents.
9 - Tony Bolds (41 points vs. Alcorn State in opening round of 1983 Great Busch Shootout at Southern Illinois) set Mercer's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Utah's school-record 54-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Weber State (79-77 in 2000). . . . Butler's Jeff Blue (23 vs. Michigan in 1961), College of Charleston's Thaddeous Delaney (21 vs. Charleston Southern in 1995), Dayton's Garry Roggenburk (32 vs. Miami Ohio in 1959), Iowa State's Bill Cain (26 vs. Minnesota in 1969), Lafayette's Ron Moyer (33 vs. Gettysburg PA in 1970) and Towson's Junior Hairston (21 vs. Niagara in 2007) set school single-game rebounding records against Division I opponents.
10 - Duke's Danny Ferry (58 points at Miami FL in 1988) and Long Beach State's Ed Ratleff (45 vs. St. Mary's in 1970) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Troy State (28 of 74) and George Mason (16 of 34) combined to set NCAA single-game three-point field-goal records in 1994 for shots made and attempted beyond the arc with Troy State's figures establishing marks for one team. . . . Tulane's school-record 42-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Arkansas (42-41 in 1949). . . . Bucknell's Hal Danzig (29 vs. Lehigh in 1958), Kentucky's Bob Burrow (34 vs. Temple in 1955) and Louisville's Charlie Tyra (38 vs. Canisius in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records.
11 - North Carolina A&T's Joe Binion (41 points vs. Livingstone NC in final of 1982 Miller Aggie Classic) and Virginia's Barry Parkhill (51 vs. Baldwin-Wallace OH in 1971) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Louisville's Clifford Rozier set an NCAA single-game record by hitting all 15 of his field-goal attempts against Eastern Kentucky in 1993. . . . Ohio State's school-record 50-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Davidson (95-73 in 1963). . . . Marvin Barnes (28 vs. Fairfield in 1972) set Providence's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
12 - Alabama's Mike Nordholz (50 points vs. Southern Mississippi at 1966 Birmingham Classic), North Dakota State's Ben Woodside (60 vs. Stephen F. Austin in 2008), Radford's Doug Day (43 at Central Connecticut State in 1990), Southern's Tim Roberts (56 vs. Faith Baptist LA in 1994) and Texas Christian's Lee Nailon (53 vs. Mississippi Valley State in first round of 1997 TCU Tournament) set school single-game scoring records. Woodside tied an NCAA mark by converting free throws against SFA. . . . Oklahoma's Mookie Blaylock set an NCAA single-game record with 13 steals vs. Centenary in 1987. . . . Henry "Hank" Iba made his Oklahoma A&M head coaching debut in 1934 with a 24-17 decision over Wichita en route to a school-record 655 victories with the Cowboys. . . . Kent State's Leroy Thompson (31 vs. Case Western OH in 1948) and Weber State's Willie Sojourner (25 vs. West Texas State in 1969) set school single-game rebounding records.
13 - Evansville's inaugural year at the NCAA Division I level ended in tragedy in 1977 when coach Bobby Watson and 13 members of his Purple Aces squad perished in a plane crash shortly after taking off en route to their fifth game of the season. . . . St. Peter's Rich Rinaldi (54 points vs. St. Francis NY in 1971), Southern Mississippi's Jerome Arnold (41 vs. Missouri-Kansas City in 1978), Toledo's Clarke "Pinky" Pittenger (49 at Bluffton OH in 1918) and Tulsa's Willie Biles (48 vs. St. Cloud State MN in 1973) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Phog Allen made his Kansas head coaching debut in 1907 with a 66-22 decision over Ottawa KS en route to a school-record 590 victories with the Jayhawks. . . . Bradley's Barney Cable (28 vs. Canisius in 1955), Eastern Kentucky's Garfield Smith (33 vs. Marshall in 1967) and UALR's Rashad Jones-Jennings (30 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2005) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
14 - Marshall's Keith Veney set an NCAA single-game record for three-pointers (making 15-of-25 shots from beyond arc vs. Morehead State in 1996).
15 - UC Irvine's Kevin Magee (46 points vs. Loyola Marymount in 1981) and Providence's Marvin Barnes (52 vs. Austin Peay in 1973) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Tennessee topped Temple, 11-6, in 1973 in the lowest-scoring game since 1938. . . . La Salle's Michael Brooks set the East Coast Conference single-game scoring record with 51 points at Brigham Young in 1979. . . . Jack Friel made his Washington State debut in 1928 with a 62-18 decision over Lewis-Clark State ID en route to becoming the Cougars' all-time winningest coach. . . . Cal State Fullerton's Kerry Davis (27 vs. Central Michigan in 1975), Colgate's Dick Osborn (26 vs. Yale in 1951), Texas A&M's Vernon Smith and Rynn Wright (21 vs. UNLV in 1978) and Utah State's Wayne Estes (28 vs. Regis CO in 1962) set school single-game rebounding records against DI opponents.
16 - Cal State Fullerton's Bobby Brown (47 points vs. Bethune-Cookman in 2006), Creighton's Bob Portman (51 vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1967), Murray State's Marcus Brown (45 vs. Washington MO in 1995) and North Carolina's Bob Lewis (49 vs. Florida State in 1965) set school single-game scoring records. . . . In 2000, Illinois guard Cory Bradford set an NCAA record by hitting a three-point field goal in his 74th of 88 consecutive games. . . . St. Joseph's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Fairfield (82-68 in 1966) and Texas-El Paso's school-record 31-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Indiana (69-66 in 1989). . . . Florida State's Dave Cowens (31 vs. LSU in 1967), Mercer's Scott Farley (22 vs. Alabama in 1995), SMU's Ira Terrell (26 vs. New Mexico State in 1975) and UTEP's Jim Barnes (27 vs. Centenary in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
17 - Furman senior swingman Darrell Floyd set a Southern Conference single-game record with 62 points vs. The Citadel in 1955. . . . Oklahoma's Mookie Blaylock tied his NCAA single-game record with 13 steals vs. Loyola Marymount in 1988. . . . Cincinnati's LaZelle Durden set the Great Midwest Conference single-game scoring record with 45 points at Wyoming in 1994. . . . Illinois ended visiting San Francisco's school-record 60-game winning streak (62-33 in 1957). . . . Denver's Dick Brott (29 vs. Southern California in 1956) and Furman's Bob Thomas (35 vs. The Citadel in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
18 - Warren Isaac (50 points vs. Bates ME in 1964) set Iona's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Penn's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Temple (57-52 in 1971). . . . Adolph Rupp made his Kentucky head coaching debut in 1930 with a 67-19 decision over Georgetown College KY en route to a school-record 876 victories. . . . Hec Edmundson made his Washington debut in 1920 with a 30-14 decision over Varsity/Alumni en route to becoming the Huskies' all-time winningest coach. . . . Alabama's Harry Hammonds (28 vs. Massachusetts in 1966), Brigham Young's Scott Warner (27 vs. Texas Tech in 1969), Cleveland State's Dave Kyle (24 vs. Ohio University in 1976) and Hofstra's John Irving (28 vs. Long Island in 1975) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
19 - Iowa State's Lafester Rhodes (54 points vs. Iowa in overtime in 1987), Norfolk State's Tony Murphy (43 vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at UNLV in 2006) and UNC Asheville's Ricky Chatman (41 vs. James Madison in overtime in 1987) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Kevin Thomas (46 vs. Tennessee in 1955 Carousel Invitational at Charlotte) set Boston University's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Auburn's Rex Frederick (27 vs. SMU in 1957), Lehigh's Greg Falkenbach (25 vs. Drexel in 1970) and New Mexico State's Sam Lacey (27 vs. Hardin-Simmons TX in 1969) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
20 - Fresno State's Charles Bailey (45 points at North Texas State in double overtime in 1973), Georgia's Ronnie Hogue (46 vs. Louisiana State in 1971) and Maryland's Ernest Graham (44 vs. North Carolina State in 1978) set school single-game scoring records. . . . John Connors (23 vs. Iona in 1956) set St. Bonaventure's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
21 - Idaho's Orlando Lightfoot (50 points at Gonzaga in 1993), Ohio's Dave Jamerson (60 vs. Charleston WV in 1989), Pacific's Bill Stricker (44 vs. Portland in 1968) and Pittsburgh's Don Hennon (45 vs. Duke in double overtime in 1957) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Visiting Cincinnati outlasted Bradley in seven overtimes in 1981 in the longest game in NCAA history. . . . Texas Christian hit an NCAA-record 56 free throws in 70 attempts in 1999 against Eastern Michigan. . . . West Virginia ended North Carolina's school-record 37-game winning streak (75-64 in 1957 at Kentucky), Houston's school-record 59-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Illinois (97-84 in 1968) and Oklahoma State's school-record 49-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Southern California (28-25 in 1940). . . . Memphis State center John Gunn, who averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds per game the previous two years for national postseason tournament teams, died in 1976 due to complications of a rare disease (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome).
22 - Central Michigan's Tommie Johnson (53 points at Wright State in 1987), Georgia Tech's Kenny Anderson (50 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1990), Jackson State's Trey Johnson (49 at Texas-El Paso in 2006) and San Jose State's Adrian Oliver (42 vs. Puget Sound WA in 2010) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Centenary's Robert Parish (50 at Lamar in 1972) and Seton Hall's Nick Galis (48 vs. Santa Clara in 1978 Cable Car Classic at San Francisco) set school single-game scoring records against a Division I opponent. . . . Louisiana State All-American Pete Maravich set an NCAA single-game record for most successful free throws by converting 30 foul shots at Oregon State in 1969. . . . Oklahoma's school-record 51-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Duke (90-85 in 1990). . . . Rich Kelley (27 vs. Kentucky in 1973) set Stanford's single-game rebounding record. . . . Oklahoma set an NCAA record for most consecutive points against a DI opponent with a 39-point run in the first half against Weber State in 2014.
23 - Scott Fisher (39 points at Montana State in 1985) set UC Santa Barbara's school single-game scoring record. . . . Bob Portman (46 vs. Weber State in 1968) set Creighton's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Top-ranked Virginia and national player of the year Ralph Sampson lost in Hawaii at tiny NAIA school (Chaminade) in 1982 in perhaps the biggest upset in college basketball history.
27 - Gene Harris (46 points vs. Holy Cross in 1961 Quaker City Classic at Philadelphia) set Penn State's single-game scoring record.
28 - Oklahoma's Wayman Tisdale (61 points vs. Texas-San Antonio in All-College Tournament at Oklahoma City in 1983) and Texas A&M's Bennie Lenox (53 vs. Wyoming in 1963 All-College Tournament at Oklahoma City) set school single-game scoring records. . . . NCAA champion-to-be Michigan lost on a neutral court at Salt Lake City to non-Division I opponent Alaska-Anchorage in 1988. . . . Providence's school-record 55-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by St. John's (91-79 in 1974). . . . Detroit's Bill Ebben (38 vs. Brigham Young in 1955), Gonzaga's Paul Cathey (28 vs. UNLV in 1977), Illinois' Skip Thoren (24 vs. UCLA in 1963), Michigan State's Horace Walker (29 vs. Butler in 1959), Niagara's Alex Ellis (31 vs. Villanova in 1956), UAB's Cameron Moore (24 vs. George Washington in 2011) and Washington State's Jim McKean (27 vs. West Virginia in 1966) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
29 - Chattanooga's Vincent Robinson (20 vs. Tennessee State in 1989), Colorado's Burdette Haldorson (31 vs. Oklahoma in 1952), Louisiana-Monroe's Calvin Natt (31 vs. Georgia Southern in 1976), Ohio State's Frank Howard (32 vs. Brigham Young in 1956), San Diego State's Michael Cage (26 vs. La Salle in 1980), Texas A&M's Steve Niles (21 vs. Furman in 1969) and Utah's Billy McGill (24 vs. UCLA in 1961) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
30 - Austin Peay's James "Fly" Williams (51 points vs. Georgia Southern in final of 1972 Claxton Fruitcake Classic), Florida International's Carlos Arroyo (39 at North Texas in overtime in 2000), Fordham's Charlie Yelverton (46 vs. Rochester NY in 1970), Hawaii's Trevor Ruffin (42 vs. Louisville in 1993), Penn's Ernie Beck (47 vs. Duke in 1952 Dixie Classic at Raleigh, N.C.), St. Joseph's Tony Costner (47 vs. Alaska-Anchorage in 1983 Cable Car Classic at San Francisco) and Utah State's Wayne Estes (52 vs. Boston College in overtime at 1964 Rainbow Classic in Hawaii) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Duke overcame a 29-point halftime deficit to defeat Tulane in consolation game of 1950 Dixie Classic at Raleigh. . . . Stanford ended Long Island's school-record 43-game winning streak (45-31 in 1936). . . . Hawaii's Bob Nash (30 vs. Arizona State in 1971), Idaho State's Ed Wilson (26 vs. Arkansas in 1967), La Salle's Tom Gola (31 vs. Brigham Young in 1953), Michigan State's Johnny Green (29 vs. Washington in 1957), St. John's LeRoy Ellis Sr. (30 vs. NYU in 1961), South Alabama's Leon Williams (28 vs. Texas-Arlington in 1972) and Western Kentucky's Tom Marshall (29 vs. Louisville in 1953) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
31 - Loyola of Chicago's school-record 41-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by St. Louis (90-57 in 1964).

Memorable Moments in November College Basketball History

NCC Leaves Historically Black Mark on Mizzou's Previously-Proud Program

There goes the neighborhood. Kim Anderson's coaching stint at Missouri doesn't appear as if it will provide enough vitality to propel his alma mater back to national significance, let alone its first Final Four. A 62-52 defeat shooting a miserable 25% from the floor at home against North Carolina Central is not what Mizzou fans had in mind when Anderson arrived back on campus as coach. The Tigers' embarrassing setback, leaving a historically black mark, represented another power-conference member succumbing at home against a HBCU (Historically Black College or University).

The possibility of a St. John's resurgence anytime soon doesn't appear likely after the Red Storm bowed against Delaware State, 79-72. Ditto Oregon State as the Beavers bowed to a HBCU opponent for the third time this decade (93-90 in OT against Savannah State). No HBCU institution ever has reached Sweet 16 of an NCAA Tournament, but following are additional HBCU road victories on a power league member's homecourt or neutral court during regular-season play since ACC member Miami (Fla.) succumbed to South Carolina State in 2004-05:

Season HBCU Winner on Road Power League Member Loser Competence of Power League School Incurring Defeat
2004-05 South Carolina State 60 Miami (Fla.) 50 Hurricanes won at NCAA playoff-bound Florida.
2004-05* South Carolina State 63 Penn State 43 Nittany Lions lost by three points against 20-game winner Ohio State in Big Ten Tournament.
2005-06 Bethune-Cookman 75 South Florida 68 Bulls beat NCAA playoff-bound Georgetown in regular-season finale.
2006-07 Jackson State 71 Rutgers 70 Scarlet Knights twice defeated Cincinnati.
2007-08 Tennessee State 60 Illinois 58 Illini beat Oklahoma State and Missouri in nonconference competition before bowing to TSU.
2008-09 Morgan State 79 DePaul 75 Blue Demons defeated Cincinnati (18-14) in Big East Tournament.
2008-09 Morgan State 66 Maryland 65 Terrapins participated in NCAA Tournament.
2009-10 Morgan State 97 Arkansas 94 Razorbacks prevailed at Ole Miss, a 24-game winner.
2010-11 Texas Southern 66 Oregon State 60 Beavers beat 30-game winner Arizona.
2011-12 Tennessee State 64 South Carolina 63 Gamecocks upended Clemson, Alabama and Georgia.
2012-13 Alabama A&M 59 Mississippi State 57 Bulldogs beat Marshall Henderson-led Ole Miss and twice defeated Frank Martin-coached South Carolina.
2012-13 Southern (La.) 53 Texas A&M 51 Aggies won at Kentucky in inaugural SEC season and also beat NCAA playoff-bound Mizzou.
2013-14 Coppin State 78 Oregon State 73 Beavers bow to second HBCU school under coach Craig Robinson in last four seasons before winning at Maryland.
2013-14 North Carolina Central 82 North Carolina State 72 Wolfpack suffered first-ever defeat against a MEAC member.
2013-14 Texas Southern 90 Temple 89 Owls defeated UAB on neutral court by 21 points before the Blazers beat North Carolina, which whipped three PS Top 5 teams (Louisville, Michigan State and Kentucky).
2014-15 Delaware State 72 Wake Forest 65 Demon Deacons defeated North Carolina State and Pittsburgh.
2015-16 Alabama State 85 Virginia Tech 82 Hokies defeated eventual NCAA regional #1 seed Virginia.
2015-16 Southern (La.) 76 Mississippi State 72 Bulldogs defeated Arkansas by 32 points.

*Neutral court (Milwaukee).

Calling Card: Giddy and Scoochie Among Most Entertaining Hoop Nicknames

Dayshon "Scoochie" Smith, Dayton's assists leader the last few seasons, and Nathanial "Giddy" Potts, Middle Tennessee State's three-point specialist), are the latest DI players with entertaining nicknames. Bo and Mo, Buck and Duck, Bud and Butch, Dutch and Skip plus Red and Whitey are too commonplace. But Potts and Smith joined the following long list of collegians over the years with a distinctive moniker:

smALL-STARS: Big Things Come in Small Packages at NCAA Division I Level

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind (about your size) don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss

Central Michigan's Marcus Keene (5-9) leads the nation in scoring this campaign. But the good doctor (Seuss) must know big things can come in even smaller packages. What sensation Justin Robinson of Monmouth may lack in height (5-8), he more than compensated for with heart the past couple of seasons. Brimming with self-confidence and mental toughness in non-league competition against power-league opponents, the premium point guard defied odds by excelling in a big man's game. Perhaps the most exciting short standout most observers don't know about is Demontrae Jefferson (5-7), who scored 27 points in his Texas Southern debut at Louisville.

The next mighty mite of consequence probably will be Chris Lykes (5-6), who signed with Miami (Fla.) and will join the Hurricanes in 2017-18. Joining Robinson among little big men at mid-major level this campaign are Winthrop's Keon Johnson (5-7) and Mount St. Mary's Junior Robinson (5-5). They will eventually join the following alphabetical list examining the top players in NCAA history even shorter than Robinson:

Mighty Mite School Ht. Short Summary of College Career
Vin Albanese Syracuse 5-7 Averaged 4.6 ppg for the Orangemen in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
Ken Alessi West Virginia 5-7 The Mountaineers' second-leading scorer in 1950-51 (10.1 ppg) behind All-American Mark Workman.
Christopher Anderson San Diego 5-7 Averaged 9.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.9 apg and 2 spg for the Toreros from 2011-12 through 2014-15. Ranked among the nation's top 11 in assists average his final two seasons.
Kendall Anthony Richmond 5-7 Shot 80.6% from the free-throw line and 39.2% from beyond the three-point arc en route to averaging 14.2 ppg from 2011-12 through 2014-15. The Spiders' leading as a senior with 16.4 ppg after finishing runner-up as a freshman and junior.
Martin Badoian Brown 5-7 Three-year letterman was captain as a senior in 1951-52 when he averaged 13.9 ppg.
Mike Belich Pittsburgh 5-7 Led the Panthers in scoring as a senior in 1950-51 with 15.9 ppg.
Eric Bell Stephen F. Austin 5-6 Ranked 30th in the nation in assists with 5.7 per game as a sophomore in 2007-08.
Arnold Bernard Southwest Missouri State 5-5 J.C. transfer was an All-Mid-Continent Conference second-team selection in 1989-90. The next season, earned the same status in the Missouri Valley when he led the league in assists (7.6 apg) and steals (2.4 spg).
Tyrone Bogues Wake Forest 5-3 All-ACC first-team selection as a senior averaged 8.3 ppg, 6.6 apg and 2.3 spg from 1983-84 through 1986-87.
Jermaine Bolden Morgan State 5-7 Led MEAC in assists with 4.9 per game in 2008-09.
Jimmy Boothe Xavier 5-7 Led the Musketeers' 1956 NIT team in scoring with 16.5 ppg.
Earl Boykins Eastern Michigan 5-6 Two-time All-MAC first-team selection finished second in the nation in scoring in 1997-98 with 25.7 ppg, including 45 points vs. Western Michigan (tying school single-game record against a Division I opponent). MVP in the league's postseason tournament as a senior.
DeAndre Bray Jacksonville State 5-6 Posted an OVC-leading 5.2 apg as a sophomore in 2006-07 and ranked 11th in the nation as a junior (6.4 apg). Assists average fell off to 4.9 per game as a senior.
Greg Brown New Mexico 5-7 WAC Player of the Year as a senior in 1993-94 when he averaged 19.3 ppg and 4.4 apg.
Alex Bynum Brown 5-7 Averaged 8.3 ppg with the Bears from 1980-81 through 1983-84.
Alton Byrd Columbia 5-7 Three-time All-Ivy League first-team selection averaged 8.1 apg as a sophomore in 1976-77 en route to becoming the Lions' all-time leader in assists. Led the conference in assists as a sophomore and senior.
Joe Campbell Purdue 5-7 Eventual PGA golfer averaged 7.7 ppg in three seasons of varsity basketball. He was the Boilermakers' third-leading scorer (11.9 ppg) and leading free-throw shooter (73.6%) as a senior in 1956-57.
Pete Carril Lafayette 5-6 The 1952 graduate averaged 11.5 ppg in his career with the Leopards before becoming Princeton's all-time winningest coach.
Taurence Chisholm Delaware 5-6 Blue Hens all-time leader in assists with 877 ranked among the top 12 in the nation all four years, including a runner-up finish as a sophomore. All-ECC second-team selection as a senior in 1987-88.
Jackie Crawford Southwest Missouri State 5-7 J.C. transfer was an All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection and MVC Tournament MVP in 1991-92 (12 ppg, 4.5 apg, 83.5 FT%).
Jordon Crawford Bowling Green 5-6 Shortest player among NCAA's top 150 scorers as a senior in 2012-13 when he averaged 15 ppg. Led Falcons in assists his last three seasons.
Johnny Dee Notre Dame 5-7 Second-leading scorer (12.6 ppg) for the 15-5 Irish in 1944-45 before UND went 17-4 the next year when he averaged 5.8 ppg.
Jeremiah Dominguez Portland State 5-6 Big Sky Conference MVP in 2007-08 and league tournament MVP the next season. Leading scorer for PSU's all-time two winningest DI teams those years.
Gene Duffy Notre Dame 5-7 Averaged 6.6 ppg for the Irish's 1958 Mideast Regional runner-up. Contributed 6.8 ppg as team captain the next season.
Andy Dulik Navy 5-7 Averaged 10.3 ppg from 1954-55 through 1956-57, finishing among the Midshipmen's top three scorers as a sophomore and junior.
Haywood Eaddy Loyola Marymount 5-5 J.C. transfer led the WCC in steals (2.1 spg) in 1997-98 and in free-throw shooting (89.8%) and assists (5.6 apg) in 1998-99.
Don Ferguson Iowa State 5-7 Averaged 5.1 ppg in 1948-49 and 8.9 ppg in 1949-50 with the Cyclones.
Chico Fletcher Arkansas State 5-6 Two-time Sun Belt Conference MVP led league in assists four consecutive seasons from 1996-97 through 1999-2000.
Robert Flynn Dayton 5-7 Member of 1951 NIT runner-up averaged a career-high 7.8 ppg as a sophomore in 1948-49.
Louis Ford Howard 5-6 Contributed 14 assists and 10 steals in a game against Maryland-Eastern Shore when he averaged a team-high 14.1 ppg in an abbreviated junior campaign in 2004-05 before averaging 9.2 ppg and team-high 4.8 apg as a senior. Led the MEAC in assists as a sophomore (5 apg) and in steals as a senior (2.6 spg).
Tony Freeman Indiana/Illinois-Chicago 5-7 Honorable mention All-Mid-Continent Conference in 1988-89 after playing for the Hoosiers in 1986-87.
Maurice "Kojak" Fuller Southern (La.) 5-7 Averaged 10.5 ppg and 3.7 apg as a sophomore in 1995-96 with the Jaquars.
Jack Goldsmith Long Island 5-7 Led the Blackbirds in scoring in 1945-46 when they posted their 13th of 18 consecutive winning records through 1950-51.
Tyquawn Goode Fairfield 5-5 Averaged 5.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.7 apg and 1.5 spg from 2001-02 through 2004-05. MAAC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior led the Stags in assists all four seasons.
Marques Green St. Bonaventure 5-7 Averaged 15.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 5.9 apg and 2.9 spg while shooting 83.5% from the free-throw line from 2000-01 through 2003-04. He finished seventh in school all-time scoring when his career ended while ranking first in assists and steals. All-Atlantic 10 Conference first-team selection as a junior when he led league in scoring (21.3 ppg), assists (8 apg), steals (2.6 spg) and free-throw shooting (87.9%) before earning second-team acclaim as a senior. He paced the A10 in steals his last three seasons.
George Harrington Harvard 5-7 All-Ivy League second-team selection as a senior in 1958-59 when he averaged a team-high 14.6 ppg after averaging 11.4 ppg the previous two seasons.
Jason Harrison Mississippi 5-5 Started every game as a senior for the Rebels' 2002 NCAA playoff team after serving as their "sixth-man" most of his first three seasons. Finished his career third on Ole Miss' all-time list for three-pointers (163), third in assists (427), third in steals (172) and fifth in free-throw shooting (82%).
Dick Hickox Miami (Fla.) 5-6 Averaged 19.4 ppg from 1958-59 through 1960-61, leading the Hurricanes in scoring all three seasons.
Jermaine "Squirt" Hicks Weber State/Chicago State 5-6 Co-Newcomer of the Year in Mid-Continent Conference in 1997-98. Scored 40 points at Fresno State the next season when he was an all-league second-team selection.
David Holston Chicago State 5-7 Scored school DI record 43 points against St. Bonaventure in 2006-07 season opener. Mid-Continent Conference second-team selection as a freshman in 2005-06 (13.4 ppg, 2.8 apg, 85.7 FT%). Ranked 10th in the nation in scoring as a junior in 2007-08 (23.1 ppg) when pacing country in three-point field goals per game (4.6). Became school's all-time leading Division I scorer in 2008-09 when averaging 25.9 ppg (4th in nation).
Shawn Hood Cleveland State 5-7 Leader in assists and steals in 1983-84 and 1984-85 for the Vikings.
Rod Hutchings Northern Arizona 5-7 Shot 93.3% from the free-throw line as a senior in 2000-01 to finish his four-year career at 84%. Also contributed 285 assists for the Lumberjacks.
Keith "Mister" Jennings East Tennessee State 5-7 All-American and Southern Conference Player of the Year as a senior. Two-time Southern Conference Tournament MVP averaged 15.7 ppg and 7.7 apg while shooting 86.1% from the free-throw line from 1987-88 through 1990-91. Paced the league twice in free-throw shooting, three times in steals and all four seasons in assists.
Aaron Johnson UAB 5-7 Averaged 5.2 ppg and team-high 4.1 apg as a freshman in 2007-08. Named an All-Conference USA third-team selection as junior in 2009-10 before becoming league MVP as a senior when he led nation with 7.7 apg.
Omar Johnson Texas-San Antonio 5-7 Averaged 12.6 ppg, 4.2 apg and 1.9 spg with the Roadrunners in 2008-09 and 11.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 3.4 apg in 2009-10.
Casey Jones Northeast Louisiana 5-7 Led the Indians in assists as a senior in 1990-91 with 5.8 per game, finishing his career with 3.8 apg.
Charles Katsiaficas New Hampshire 5-7 Averaged 7.8 ppg in 1947-48 and 12.1 ppg in 1948-49 with the Wildcats.
Darryl "Pee Wee" Lenard Georgia/St. Louis 5-7 Led the Midwestern City Conference in steals with 1.8 per game in 1983-84.
Drew Lavender Oklahoma/Xavier 5-6 Paced the Sooners' 2004 NIT team in assists and steals before finishing team runner-up in same two categories for their 2005 NCAA playoff squad. After transferring, he led Atlantic 10 Conference in assists with 4.8 per game in 2006-07.
Sherry Marshall Columbia 5-7 All-Ivy League first-team selection as a sophomore in 1947-48 when he averaged 8.2 ppg and shot 75.9% from the free-throw line. All-conference second-team pick as a freshman, junior and senior.
Kellen McCoy Weber State 5-6 J.C. transfer was named Big Sky Conference Player of the Year in 2008-09 (team highs of 14.1 ppg and 1.3 spg) after averaging 8.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg the previous year.
Shandue McNeil St. Bonaventure 5-7 Averaged 9.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.4 apg and 2.5 spg from 1993-94 through 1996-97. Led Atlantic 10 Conference in assists and steals as a sophomore (all-league second-team choice) and in assists as a senior.
Bob Michel New Hampshire 5-6 Averaged 9.1 ppg from 1953-54 through 1955-56 with the Wildcats.
Wendell "Cookie" Miller Nebraska 5-7 Averaged 6.1 ppg plus team highs of 3.6 apg and 1.9 spg with the Huskers as a freshman in 2007-08 before posting similar figures the next season as a sophomore.
Mark Morse Tulsa 5-7 All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection in 1991-92 (14.9 ppg, 5.1 apg, 2.2 spg) and 1992-93 (17.4 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.2 spg). J.C. recruit earned award as MVC Newcomer of the Year.
Johnny Nunziato Boston University 5-5 Led the Terriers in scoring with 15.4 ppg as a senior in 1953-54 after averaging 6.6 ppg the previous season.
Billy Pappas New Hampshire 5-6 Two-time All-Yankee Conference first-team selection averaged 18.9 ppg from 1952-53 through 1954-55 with the Wildcats.
Ronell Peters Texas-Arlington 5-6 UTA's all-time leader in assists led the SLC in that category in 1983-84 (7 apg). He also paced the SLC in steals in 1983-84 (2 spg) and 1985-86 (2.4 spg).
Otto Petty Florida State 5-7 The Seminoles' all-time leader in assists with 602 averaged 6.4 ppg for FSU's 1972 NCAA Tournament runner-up. Contributed 7.6 ppg in 1970-71 and 8.2 ppg in 1972-73.
Bernie Pina Rhode Island 5-6 Letterman from 1951-52 through 1953-54 averaged a career-high 8.5 ppg as a senior for the Rams.
Tajuan Porter Oregon 5-6 Career averages of 14.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.1 apg while shooting 87% from the free-throw line and 38.5% from beyond the arc with the Ducks from 2006-07 through 2009-10. Averaged 31 points in his first three games as a freshman, including 38 with 10 three-pointers against Portland State. Pacific-10 Conference Tournament MVP in 2007.
Calvin Rayford Kansas 5-7 Wisconsin native averaged 2.3 apg from 1992-93 through 1995-96. Member of KU's 1993 Final Four squad.
Jim "Miggs" Reilly Georgetown 5-7 Starter for 1943 NCAA Tournament runner-up.
Shawnta Rogers George Washington 5-4 Leading scorer for Atlantic 10 Conference Western Division champion in 1998-99 (20.7 ppg) when he was named the league's MVP while also topping the A10 in assists (6.8 apg) and steals (3.6 spg). Three-time all-league selection twice paced the conference in free-throw shooting.
Chuck Rolles Cornell 5-6 Two-time All-Ivy League first-team selection averaged 23 ppg as a senior in 1955-56 after averaging 16 ppg as a junior.
Jim Ross Washington State 5-7 Averaged 9.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg from 1956-57 through 1958-59. Led the Cougars in free-throw percentage as a junior.
Gene Sosnick Pacific 5-6 All-California Basketball Association first-team selection as a senior in 1952-53 when he averaged 17.6 ppg for the Tigers.
Javan Steadham Delaware State 5-7 Averaged 8.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.1 apg as a sophomore in 1995-96 after contributing 4 ppg as a freshman. Averaged 9.7 ppg and team-high 4.8 apg in 1996-97 with the Hornets.
Frank Sylvester Bradley 5-4 Averaged 5.9 ppg from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Led the Braves in assists as a junior and senior.
Raymond Taylor Florida Atlantic/Florida International 5-6 Averaged 11.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.8 apg and 1.4 for FAU from 2009-10 through 2011-12 before transferring to FIU, where he played briefly in 2013-14.
Jim Thacker Idaho 5-7 Two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection averaged team-high 16.7 ppg in 1967-68 and 14.6 ppg and 5.3 rpg in 1968-69 with the Vandals.
Joe Tocci Penn State 5-7 Averaged 7.5 ppg as Nittany Lions senior co-captain in 1949-50 after contributing 6.3 ppg the previous season.
Monte Towe North Carolina State 5-7 All-ACC first-team selection as a junior averaged 11.1 ppg and 4.1 apg from 1972-73 through 1974-75.
Benny Valentine Eastern Washington 5-7 All-Big Sky Conference second-team selection as a junior in 2008-09 (team highs of 15.1 ppg, 3.1 apg, 1.5 spg and 55 three-pointers). Contributed 8.2 ppg and 2.7 apg the next season.
Spud Webb North Carolina State 5-7 J.C. transfer averaged 10.4 ppg and 5.7 apg with the Wolfpack in 1983-84 and 1984-85. Led the ACC in assists as a junior (6 apg).
Leland "Pookey" Wigington Seton Hall 5-4 Member of the Pirates' 1989 NCAA Tournament runner-up.
Willie Worsley Texas Western 5-6 Averaged 8 ppg as a sophomore for the Miners' 1966 NCAA Tournament champion. Contributed 12.2 ppg in 1966-67 before sharing backcourt with Tiny Archibald and scoring 14.4 ppg in 1967-68.
Rudy Zannini San Francisco 5-7 Member of regular rotation for 1955 NCAA Tournament champion.

Going South in Alaska: Many DI Schools Get Cold Shoulder in Anchorage

Drake became the 50th NCAA Division I school losing to DII Alaska-Anchorage. Over the years, UAA upended the following current/future members from power conferences - Auburn, California, Houston, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Penn State, SMU, Tennessee, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, Wake Forest and Washington.

Michigan's 1989 NCAA Tournament champion lost on a neutral court (Utah) to Anchorage, 70-66, during the Wolverines' pre-Big Ten Conference competition slate. The Seawolves dropped six of their last 12 games that season against Chaminade, Metro State (twice), Eastern Montana, Puget Sound and Alaska-Fairbanks to finish with a 21-9 record before Michigan earned an NCAA crown maneuvering through the DI playoffs under interim coach Steve Fisher.

UAA defeated at least one major university 10 consecutive campaigns from 1985-86 through 1994-95. If sizing up small-school successes over the big boys is a need-to-know topic in your college hoops analysis, CollegeHoopedia.com has assembled "one-of-a-kind" details on the striking number of "David vs. Goliath" small-college victories over major universities.

Thank Yous and Turkeys: Feasting on Ebb and Flow of College Basketball

More than 20,000 thank yous can't begin to express my appreciation for setting the stage for procedure in Texas saving life of one of my grandsons when he was only two days old. The gratitude beyond measure is for world-famous heart surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley, who performed well in excess of 20,000 open-heart operations before passing away recently at the age of 96. He was a three-year letterman (1938-39 through 1940-41) on Texas basketball teams combining for a 51-21 record. The 6-3 Cooley, named the 32nd most influential student-athlete in 2006 when the NCAA celebrated its centennial anniversary, saw action in both of the Longhorns' games in the inaugural NCAA Tournament in 1939 after they captured the Southwest Conference championship.

"I've always had the opinion that my training in athletics equipped me for a life in medicine," Houston-based Dr. Cooley said, "and particularly in surgery because there's so much of the physical part involved. Surgery is a specialty in which a person must have vigor and a healthy body to perform at his peak. It requires a certain amount of physical training as well as mental training. In surgery, operations are accomplished by teams. As in athletics, a strong individual effort is possible only with the support of a good team. The morale of the team must be maintained by the captain. And these are the things individuals learn in a program of competitive sports. We learn to accept defeat but not to be satisfied with defeat; that there is no alternative for winning. Extra effort and determination and hard work and practice are what lead to accomplishment and victory."

Again, thank you Dr. Cooley for your extra effort and determination and hard work. A Thanksgiving holiday week absolutely should include the time-honored tradition of a smorgasbord mulling over a mixture of heartfelt Thank Yous while also chewing on tasteless Turkeys. The list of candidates in college basketball is extensive stemming from issues and individuals your most grateful for and those of dubious distinction. Following is a healthy serving of food-for-thought Thanksgiving tributes and tongue-lashings for hoop observers to gobble-gobble up:

THANK YOUS

  • Cheers to Barry clan headed by former Miami FL All-American Rick Barry. He and his sons deserve royalty respect as First Family of Hoops with Canyon the most recent contributor as early-season leading scorer for Florida.

  • Cheers to mid-major players deserving post-season recognition this season if A-A voters are paying attention.

  • Cheers to multiple players carrying the torch for their father at the same school dear old dad attended.

  • Cheers to this season's crop of entertaining freshmen although they pale in comparison to the depth exhibited by gifted group in 1979-80.

  • Cheers to ex-college hoopsters dominating as NFL tight ends even after Tony Gonzalez retired.

  • Cheers to Canada, which could provide a north-of-the-border All-American for the sixth consecutive campaign.

  • Cheers to the Big East Conference, which appears to be continuing a renaissance after losing prominent members to supposedly superior leagues.

  • Cheers to Colorado State's Larry Eustachy, who overcame personal problems and became the first coach in history to win at least 24 games in a single season with five different DI schools.

  • Cheers to "old-school" seniors for not abandoning college hoops early and giving the sport at least some modicum of veteran leadership.

  • Cheers to 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. The Ivy League deserves extra kudos for not conducting the money-grubbing gimmick otherwise known as a postseason conference tournament.

  • Cheers to 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.

  • Cheers to model coaches who have their egos in check and carry their personal profiles in school media guides after, not before, the player bios.

  • Cheers to upstanding schools having their academic priorities in order although it is getting increasingly difficult not to accept the stereotype that universities need to be one-dimensional sports factories to assemble successful NCAA Division I basketball programs.

  • Cheers to Gonzaga coach Mark Few, who has assembled a "mid-major" powerhouse giving every indication it will eventually reach the Final Four.

  • Cheers to entertaining little big men (players 5-10 or shorter) such as Monmouth's Justin Robinson (5-8) and Winthrop's Keon Johnson who inspire us with their self-confidence and mental toughness in the Land of the Giants.

  • Cheers to women's hoops, which has improved immeasurably while the men's game has suffered somewhat from inattention to fundamentals such as competent free-throw shooting. The team-oriented women look for passing angles to teammates "flashing" into the lane while far too many one-dimensional men seek camera angles to trigger a "flashdance" routine. Some of the self-centered men haven't quite comprehended it isn't platform diving or figure skating they're participating in and you don't secure extra points for degree of difficulty.

  • Cheers to junior college players and foreigners who overcome perceptions in some misguided quarters that they are the rogues of recruiting.

  • Cheers to 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).

TURKEYS

  • Jeers to Hall of Fame coaches Jim Boeheim (Syracuse), Rick Pitino (Louisville) and Roy Williams (North Carolina) for respective Eeyore-like analysis after their schools became immersed in assorted Hall of Shame scandals. How close did Mike "Let's Move On" Krzyzewski come to joining this negative ACC-heavy list in aftermath of reasons for Rasheed Sulaimon's departure from Duke and one-and-done rental player Jahlil Okafor's infatuation with clubbing before the NBA rookie center acquired a baby-sitting security guard before ever helping the Philadelphia 76ers win a game?

  • Jeers to Division I schools in a 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 as network sports divisions operate at ample deficits.

  • Jeers to the striking number of power conference members who've provided a long list of players on their rosters participating in an authentic "War on Women."

  • Jeers to recruiting services incapable of discerning Creighton's Doug McDermott, unanimous national player of the year two seasons ago, 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.

  • Jeers to marquee coaches who've served up assistants as sacrificial lambs when the heat of an investigation of their program intensifies.

  • Jeers to 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 several decades left college early or never attended a university.

  • Jeers to any school for 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.

  • Jeers to "Me Generation" showmen who've failed to comprehend their respective teams don't benefit on the court from a trash-talking Harlem Globetrotter routine.

  • Jeers to self-absorbed players who spend more time getting tattoos and practicing macho dunks than 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.

  • Jeers to high-profile coaches who take off for greener pastures despite having multiple years remaining on their contract or don sweaters and workout gear with a logo of a sneaker manufacturer instead of their school during TV games and interviews. Where is their allegiance?

  • Jeers to network analysts when they serve as apologists for the coaching community. When their familiar refrain echoes throughout hoopdom, they become nothing more than the big mouths that bore.

  • Jeers to marquee schools forsaking entertaining non-conference games with natural rivals while scheduling a half-dozen or more meaningless "rout-a-matics" at home.

  • Jeers to several colleges that hired tainted coaches, showing winning is still more important than dignity at some schools of lower learning. The crass-act enablers of academic anemia know who they are!

  • Jeers to defrauding coaches who manipulate junior colleges and high schools into giving phony grades to regal recruits even before encouraging them to take lame courses at their day-care facilities to keep the team GPA out of danger zone. Ditto coaches who steer prize high-school prospects to third parties toying with standardized test results.

  • Jeers to "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 contrived classes such as Afro Studies at North Carolina are taken in college anyway if a staggering 60% of NBA players file for bankruptcy five years after retirement?

  • Jeers to overzealous fans who seek to flog freshmen for not living up to their high school press clippings right away. The impatient onlookers need to get a grip on themselves.

  • Jeers to the excessive number of small schools thinking they can compete at the Division I level. 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.

  • Jeers to lap-dog media embarrassed looking the other way at Louisville when stripped naked by lap-dancing Katina the Escort keeping copious copulation comments to assemble one of the biggest stories of the decade (Get Your Fill in the Ville) while the press passed out from Pitino Personality or his bourbon. How many other Pitino Places are out there such as Bo Knows Affairs at Wisconsin?

  • Jeers to ESPN (Extra Sensitive Pious Network) for rejecting a charity hospital ad promoting Jesus several years ago while giving forums to individuals who either lie to NCAA investigators as a head coach, lose new coaching job due to drunkenness, become a recruiting guru for the network after shady dealings at the highest level, specialize in man-check motivation, practice reprehensible race-baiting with the intellectually-bankrupt "Uncle Tom" bomb (Jalen Rose) or spew journalistic-junk spin along the lines of lunatic liberal propagandists Howard Bryant, LZ Granderson and Bomani Jones.

Bigger Not Always Better: Small-College Notebook Often Overlooked

The spotlight was on small-college hoopdom again when Greenville (Ill.) College tied the NCAA DIII record for most three-point field goals made in a game with 37 in a 178-125 victory against Lincoln Christian, which contributed 11 treys to set a new DIII mark for combined three-pointers with 48. Previously, only the ultimate trivia buff knew anything remotely athletic about Greenville, which had a 1974 graduate by the name of Wilbur "Butch" Lockley participate in Survivor Season 6 Amazon. Lockley is remembered primarily because of the high school principal's Egyptian dance, refusal to gaze at a couple of naked female contestants and obsession with firewood prior to a huge fire.

In a caste-like era separating the haves from the have-nots, imperial universities are seeking mega-conferences and, perhaps in the near future, an even more restrictive upper division. But the elitist institutions aren't able to exclude humble small schools from making a big impact on college basketball. Jack Taylor of Grinnell (Iowa) lit up scoreboards several seasons ago, pouring in 71 points in his season opener against Finlandia (Mich.) before exploding for 109 points against Crossroads (Minn.). Even when Taylor was out of the lineup in mid-season, Grinnell generated national headlines after Pat Maher set an NCAA single-game mark with 37 assists in a 164-144 win over College of Faith. In the afterglow of a focus on small colleges when Taylor erupted for 138 points in a single game, following is a chronological notebook with items detailing what will always be appealing about the little guy:

Basketball was a new demonstration sport at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, which also was part of the World's Fair the same year. Hiram College (Ohio), Wheaton College (Ill.) and the University of Latter Day Saints (known today as Brigham Young) were the three college teams invited to compete in what was officially called the "Olympic Collegiate Basketball Championship." Hiram finished the round-robin tournament 2-0 and was declared the champion and awarded the first Olympic gold medal in basketball.

College of Charleston (S.C.) went winless 10 seasons from 1913-14 through 1923-24 (0-56 record; did not compete in 1918-19). . . . Paul Davis, after leaving Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Oklahoma State), guided North Dakota State (18-0 in 1916) and North Dakota (16-0 in 1920) to undefeated seasons in a five-year span. He was also the football coach for these schools. . . . Indiana State's coach for five seasons from 1918-19 through 1922-23 after playing for the institution (known as Indiana State Normal School at the time) was Birch E. Bayh Sr. His son with the same name is a former U.S. Senator from Indiana from 1963 to 1981 and candidate for the Democratic nomination for president in the 1976 election. His grandson, Birch E. "Evan" Bayh III, is a former Indiana Governor and U.S. Senator (from 1999 to 2011). . . . Peru (Neb.) State Teachers won 55 consecutive games over a five-year span from 1921-26. . . . Earl Kinzie, a member of McPherson's 1928 Kansas Conference championship team that placed third in the national AAU Tournament in Kansas City, became a doctor and practiced family medicine in Texas for 50 years. He delivered more than 2,000 babies, including standout running back Earl Campbell.

Longtime radio and TV personality Art Linkletter was San Diego State's leading scorer in 1932-33 and 1933-34. . . . Stanford All-American Hank Luisetti is usually credited with introducing the jump shot but fans of Glenn Roberts from Emory & Henry (Va.) beg to differ. Roberts led the nation in scoring in 1933 and 1935 en route to tallying 2,013 career points. . . . Westminster (Pa.), playing in the first-ever collegiate basketball doubleheader at Madison Square Garden on December 29, 1934, upset St. John's, 37-33. . . . Tarleton (Tex.), coached by W.J. Wisdom, posted 86 straight victories from 1934 to 1937 en route to winning 112 of 113 games in a seven-year span. . . . Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr., the son of a legend who had the longest coaching career in the history of football (71 years), guided the basketball squad at Susquehanna (Pa.) for 16 seasons from 1935-36 through 1950-51. . . . Carleton (Minn.) forward Wayne Sparks, a "Little All-American" in 1936-37, died in a bomber crash in World War II. . . . Drury's Eugene "Peaches" Westover (class of '38), a four-time All-MCAU forward, was killed January 1, 1945, during WWII at the Battle of the Bulge. . . . Western Kentucky was the only school to defeat Murray State in a 79-game span from January 3, 1936 through March 10, 1938. . . . The leading scorer for champion Central Missouri State in the first NAIA tourney in 1937 (when it was known as the National Intercollegiate Tournament) was eventual major leaguer Chuck Workman, an outfielder-third baseman who finished second in the National League in home runs in 1945 with 25 for the Boston Braves. . . . Louisville lost a school-record 19 consecutive contests in the midst of a six-year stretch from 1936-37 through 1941-42 when the Cardinals were 57 games below the .500 mark. Louisville was a long way from becoming a major-college power in 1944 when Peck Hickman was hired as coach for $200 per month. The Cardinals won a total of 29 games over the previous seven seasons. In that span, they lost at least three times to Alfred Holbrook (three defeats), Berea (four), Centre (seven), Georgetown College (nine), Hanover (nine), Oakland City (three) and Transylvania (six). . . . Ulyss "Useless" Brock, a 6-0, 135-pound forward, scored 83 points (22 field goals and 39 free throws) for Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) in a 101-21 verdict over Bethel in February, 1940. . . . UC Santa Barbara reached the 1941 NAIA Tournament semifinals although All-CCAA first-team center Lowell Steward, the league's first black player, couldn't compete because Missouri was a Jim Crow state at the time. Steward would later fly 143 combat missions in Europe as a P-51 pilot for the famed Tuskegee Airmen. . . . George Barr, regarded as probably the finest player in Northland (Wis.) history when he competed in the early 1940s, entered the Army Air Corps as a senior during World War II, earning his diploma in absentia. Barr volunteered for the Jimmy Doolittle raids over Tokyo in 1942. His plane was forced down on mainland China after the raid and the crew imprisoned. Barr was a prisoner of the Japanese for 3 1/2 years with most of the time spent in solitary confinement. Teammate Duane Borst served as a First Lieutenant with the Ninth Air Force B-26 Marauder Group in France, flying 43 missions over Germany.

Football legend Eddie Robinson won more than 70 percent of his games as Grambling's basketball coach from 1942-56. . . . Bob Barker, longtime host of highly-rated daytime game show The Price is Right, played for Drury (Mo.) in the early 1940s before serving in the military during WWII. . . . York (Neb.) College, boasting an enrollment of 50, upset Akron, 52-49, in the first round of the 1943 NAIA Tournament before losing to North Texas, 51-49, in the second round. Brothers Jim and Wayne Kaeding scored 78 of York's 101 points in the two contests. . . . North Carolina College's Rocky Roberson scored 58 points in a game against Shaw (N.C.) during the 1942-43 season for what was believed to be a college record at the time. . . . More than 100 current NCAA Division I schools previously competed in the NAIA Tournament. Thirteen of the 17 different colleges to win NAIA titles from 1941 through 1963 are currently classified as NCAA Division I institutions. One of the 13 universities is Southeast Missouri State, which captured the 1943 crown after losing its first four games of the season. . . . Mississippi College defeated Mississippi State three times by double-digit margins in 1944-45. . . . Howie Schultz, a star for Hamline (Minn.) in the early 1940s, replaced Jackie Robinson at first base in Robinson's first regular-season game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. . . . CIAA champion West Virginia State was the nation's only undefeated college team in 1947-48, finishing with a 23-0 record. The squad, coached by Mark Cardwell, included future NBA players Bob Wilson and Earl Lloyd. . . . UCLA legend John Wooden was in his final season as coach of Indiana State when the Sycamores lost to Louisville in the 1948 NAIA final. Curtis Walker, Indiana State's 12th man, was the first African-American player in the NAIA Tournament. The all-tourney first five included Beloit's Johnny Orr, who went on to become a longtime major-college coach. Two years later, Indiana State won the NAIA title. . . . Tennessee A&I, coached by Henry A. Kean, was the nation's only undefeated team in 1948-49 with a 24-0 record. The Tigers' leading scorers, Clarence Wilson and Joshua Grider, were both eventually longtime standouts with the Harlem Globetrotters. . . . Hamline (Minn.), the 1949 NAIA champion, had two players - center Vern Mikkelsen and forward Hal Haskins - on Converse's first three five-man All-American teams. In 1950, scribes named Haskins winner of the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association's Gold Star Award as the outstanding visitng player in New York. In what might be the most impressive honor ever received by a small-college player, he virtually doubled the vote total of runner-up Chuck Cooper of Duquesne. North Carolina State's Sam Ranzino finished third, UCLA's George Stanich placed fourth and Holy Cross' Bob Cousy was fifth. The first five winners of the award were Penn's Howie Dallmar, DePaul's George Mikan, Kentucky's Ralph Beard, St. Louis' Ed Macauley and Denver's Vince Boryla. Haskins was among seven Hamline players who started their professional careers in an eight-year span from 1946 through 1953 under coach Joe Hutton Sr.

Morris Harvey's George King became the first college player to average 30 or more points per game in a seson when he led the nation's small-college players with a 31.2-point average in 1949-50. King went on to become a prominent major-college coach. . . . Sewanee (Tenn.) played 58 games in 10 weeks during the summer of 1951 while touring Africa and Europe with Goose Tatum, Marques Haynes and the Harlem Globetrotters. This reportedly was the first international trip for any college basketball team. . . . John Chaney scored 57 points for Bethune-Cookman FL in a 1952 game against Knoxville before becoming a Hall of Fame coach with Temple. . . . Florida A&M won the 1952 SIAC Tournament final against host Alabama State, 71-67, despite having just four players on the court the final 13-plus minutes (including two overtimes) because of players fouling out. . . . The first predominantly black college to take the floor in an integrated national collegiate tournament was Tennessee State (then Tennessee A&I) in 1953. Hall of Famer John McLendon coached Tennessee State to three consecutive national titles (1957-59). Oddly, the '53 Tennessee State team defeated McLendon-coached North Carolina College for the opportunity to go to Kansas City. . . . Seven years earlier, McLendon led North Carolina College to a 64-56 triple-overtime victory over Virginia Union in the final of the first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament. The CIAA Tournament blossomed into one of the premier postseason events in the country, including major-college tourneys. . . . Alderson-Broaddus College's Joe Miller (3,666) and Carl Hartman (3,373) became the only pair of 3,000-point scorers in college history to be teammates (1954 and 1955). . . . Southwest Missouri, winning the 1953 NAIA crown to become the first school to capture back-to-back titles with a 32-team format, played the last 3 1/2 minutes of its semifinal game with only four players on the court after encountering foul problems. The principal reason Southwest Missouri was shorthanded stemmed from two squad members being in spring training on their way to playing 12 seasons of major league baseball - infielder Jerry Lumpe and first baseman/outfielder Norm Siebern.

Ted Cassidy, Stetson's leading scorer and rebounder in 1954-55, played the role of Lurch in The Addams Family comedy TV series. . . . Tom Hart of Middlebury (Vt.) became the greatest rebounder in collegiate history. He still holds the record for most rebounds per game in a single season (29.5 rpg as a junior in 1954-55) and in a career (27.6 rpg). His coach was former baseball major leaguer Tony Lupien. The 6-4 Hart had two 46-rebound games in 1955 and grabbed 45 in a contest the next year as a senior. In track meets, Hart routinely entered six events and often scored over half his team's points, specializing in the high jump and pole vault. . . . West Virginia Tech averaged more than 100 points per game four consecutive seasons from 1954-55 through 1957-58. . . . Bill Reigel, playing for his third college in six seasons, led the nation's small-college players with a 33.9-point average when he paced McNeese State to the 1956 NAIA Tournament title. Reigel had averaged 18 points per game for the Duquesne freshman team in 1950-51 and 16.3 points per game for the Duke varsity in 1952-53 before entering military service. He later coached McNeese for three seasons from 1971-72 through 1973-74. . . . One of McNeese's three defeats in its championship season was at Lamar, 61-60, after the Cowboys had clobbered the Cardinals (12-12) by a total of 84 points in two early-season contests. . . . Long-time Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy directed the basketball squad from Coe (Iowa) in the 1956 NAIA Tournament. . . . Lee Pfund, the coach for 1957 NCAA Division II champion Wheaton (Ill.), compiled a 3-2 pitching record for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945. The all-time winningest coach for Wheaton had three sons (John, Kerry and Randy) each score more than 1,150 points for the school. Randy went on to become coach of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers before becoming vice-president of the Miami Heat. NBA coach Donn Nelson, who gained a reputation as an authority on foreign basketball talent, collected 1,460 points and 538 rebounds for Wheaton in the mid-1980s. . . . Western Illinois missed an opportunity to become the nation's only undefeated college team in 1957-58 when it lost to Tennessee State, 85-73, in the NAIA Tournament championship game. Western had defeated Tennessee State, 79-76, earlier in the season. It was one of three consecutive NAIA titles won by Tennessee State, which boasted future pros Dick Barnett, John Barnhill and Ben Warley. . . . Davis & Elkins' Paul Wilcox, 6-6, is the only player to lead the NAIA in scoring (22.6 ppg) and rebounding (22.3 rpg) in the same season (1958-59). . . . In 1959, North Carolina A&T became the first predominantly black institution to participate in NCAA Division II national playoff competition. The Aggies finished third in the tourney. . . . Jack Madden, the dean of NBA referees for an extended period, graduated from Rider (N.J.) in 1959 as the school's career leader in scoring and rebounding.

Jazz vocalist Al Jarreau, a five-time Grammy winner, played for Ripon (Wis.) in the early 1960s. . . . The NAIA All-Stars upset NCAA champion Ohio State, 76-69, in a first-round game in the 1960 Olympic Trials. The NAIA zone defense limited Buckeye All-American Jerry Lucas to 14 points. . . . The first final NCAA College Division poll in 1960-61 included three coaches - Stan Albeck (Northern Michigan), Harry Gallatin (Southern Illinois) and Butch van Breda Kolff (Hofstra) - who went on to coach in the NBA for at least four seasons. In the next 10 campaigns, three other coaches - Bill Fitch (North Dakota), Bill Musselman (Ashland) and Scotty Robertson (Louisiana Tech) - guided College Division schools to a final Top 10 spot before moving up to the NBA for at least five years. Fitch and his successor, Jimmy Rodgers, coached multiple NBA teams. . . . The 1961-62 All-SWAC first-team selections included three frontcourters who later played at least 10 seasons in the pros - Prairie View's Zelmo Beaty, Southern's Bob Love and Grambling's Willis Reed. . . . Grambling finished in the top 10 of the first 76 weeks of College Division/Division II polls from January 5, 1961 through the end of the 1966-67 campaign. The Tigers, coached by Fred Hobdy, placed in the top five 40 consecutive weeks from March 2, 1961, through January 28, 1965. Grambling supplied seven top 20 NBA draft choices in a 20-year span from 1957 through 1976 before moving up to the NCAA Division I level - Bob McCoy (10th in 1957), Hershell West (16th in 1963), Reed (10th in 1964), Wilbert Frazier (12th in 1965), Jimmy Jones (13th in 1967), Fred Hilton (19th in 1971) and Larry Wright (14th in 1976).

Ronnie Maravich, a letterman for Georgia Southern in 1961-62, is a half-brother of Hall of Famer Pete Maravich (NCAA DI all-time leading scorer from LSU). . . . North Carolina A&T's Hugh Evans, a 12th-round draft choice by the St. Louis Hawks in 1963, went on to become a long-time NBA referee. Evans, a high school teammate in New York with Connie Hawkins and a college teammate of Al Attles, spent three years in the San Francisco Giants' minor league system. . . . Longtime Harlem Globetrotter Fred "Curly" Neal was an All-CIAA selection for Johnson C. Smith (N.C.) in 1962-63. . . . South Dakota State's decisive basket in a 44-42 decision over Wittenberg (Ohio) in the 1963 College Division Tournament final was a 40-foot baseball pass by Sid Bostic that went in after the buzzer sounded while the ball was in flight. . . . Winthrop "Wink" Davenport, who holds career average (19.6 ppg) and single-game (44 points as a junior vs. Bowdoin on February 2, 1963) scoring records for Wesleyan (Conn.), is the father of former women's tennis sensation Lindsay Davenport. He played for the U.S. volleyball team in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. . . . John Fred Gourrier, the lead vocalist for rock-and-roll group John Fred and the Playboy Band featuring hit single Judy in Disguise, was a 6-5 forward for Southeastern Louisiana in the mid-1960s. . . . Sam Alford, father of former Indiana All-American guard Steve Alford, led the NAIA in free-throw shooting in 1963-64. The elder Alford hit 91.2% of his foul shots for Franklin (Ind.) that season. . . . Midwestern (Tex.) defeated Austin College, 14-11, in overtime in 1964. Midwestern held a 4-1 halftime lead and the teams were tied at 8-8 at the end of regulation. Midwestern had won an earlier game that season with Austin by 40 points, 92-52. . . . Bob Jones, the all-time leading rebounder for Georgetown College (Ky.), is the father of former Virginia All-American guard and coach Jeff Jones. . . . Evansville was ranked No. 1 for 19 consecutive weeks from January 30, 1964, through the end of the 1964-65 season. . . . Jerry Sloan outscored Walt Frazier, 25-16, in Evansville's 85-82 victory over Southern Illinois in the 1965 NCAA College Division Tournament final. They went on to become NBA All-Defensive Team first-team selections the same year four times in seven seasons from 1968-69 through 1974-75. . . . Emmy Award-winning writer Bob Einstein, who created the Super Dave Osborne hapless stuntman character, averaged 5 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Chapman (Calif.) in 1963-64 and 1964-65. . . . Writer-director Ron Shelton, synonymous with numerous sports movies, scored 1,420 points for Westmont (Calif.) in the mid-1960s. . . . Ken Howard, street-savvy high school teacher in CBS classic drama The White Shadow, was third-leading all-time scorer for Amherst (Mass.) when his career ended in 1966. . . . Shippensburg's team in the mid-1960s had four different players eventually coach high school state championship teams in the mid-1980s during their careers following graduation. Art Taneyhill and Reggie Weiss coached basketball champions in Pennsylvania while Harry Chapman and Jim Deibler coached football titlists. . . . Wilberforce (Ohio) forward Lonnie Lynn Sr., a 1966 NBA draft choice of the St. Louis Hawks who played in the ABA in 1969-70, is the father of entertainer "Common" (previously Common Sense), a hip hop artist, actor and rap poet who was invited to the White House by the Obama Administration. . . . In 1966-67, Cleveland State's John McLendon became the first African-American to coach at an integrated college in the United States. He had previously been the first black coach at the professional level with the ABL's Cleveland Pipers. . . . In 1966-67, Kentucky Wesleyan had its first of 13 full seasons ranked in the top 10 of College Division/Division II polls (1967-68-69-82-84-87-90-98-99-00-01-02-03). . . . Rockhurst's Ed McKee, a 10th-round choice of the ABA's Indiana Pacers in its initial draft in 1967, went on to become P.R. director of the franchise after it merged with the NBA. McKee was also SID for Indiana State when Larry Bird gained national notoriety. . . . Ashland (Ohio) was coached by Bill Musselman in 1967-68 when the school allowed only 33.9 points per game, an NCAA record. . . . Scranton (Pa.), boasting a 20-5 record in 1968-69 under coach Nat Volpe, defeated five different major colleges that season - Lehigh, Rider, Lafayette, Colgate and Seton Hall. . . . Youngstown State's John McElroy became the shortest player (6-0) ever to score 70 or more points in a game involving NCAA colleges when he scored 72 against Wayne State (Mich.) on February 26, 1969. . . . Mickey Gibson, a transfer from Kentucky who was dismissed from the Wildcats' squad by coach Adolph Rupp because he got married, set the UNC-Asheville single-game scoring record with 44 points against Washington & Lee on February 8, 1969.

The first family of small-college basketball, if not all of hoopdom, was the six brothers Jones from McGehee, Ark., all 6-8 or taller, who became the top six rebounders in Albany (Ga.) State history during the 1960s and 1970s. Oliver and Melvin were borderline pro prospects before Wil (nine), Caldwell (17), Major (six) and Charles (15) each played a minimum of six ABA/NBA seasons. Major Jones, 6-9, led NCAA Division II rebounders in 1974-75 with an average of 22.5 per game. He is the last Division I or Division II player to average at least 20 per game.

Doug Williams, a 32-year-old Air Force veteran, earned NAIA first-team All-American honors for St. Mary's (Tex.) in 1969-70 when he averaged 18.9 points per game. He scored 24 in a 76-66 upset of Houston. . . . Elmore Smith, a 7-0 center for 1970 NAIA champion Kentucky State, was called for goal tending 12 times in a 116-98 defeat against Eastern Michigan. . . . New Orleans won 38 consecutive home games in a small arena nicknamed the "Chamber of Horrors" after losing its opener against Louisiana College in the Privateers' varsity debut in 1969-70. LC, coached by Billy Allgood, also defeated Mississippi State that season. LC beat the following six eventual DI in-state schools at least five times apiece from 1964-65 through 1974-75: Louisiana Tech, McNeese State, Nicholls State, Northeast Louisiana, Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana. The Wildcats also upended Tulane three times from 1962-63 through 1967-68 before becoming the first predominantly white school to play a home-and-home season series against a HBCU (Grambling in 1971-72). . . . Stephen F. Austin, the top-ranked team at the NCAA College Division level in 1969-70, had four players selected in the NBA draft after the season - Narvis Anderson, George E. Johnson, Surry Oliver and Erwin Polnick. . . . Curlee Conners, Southeastern Louisiana's leading scorer and rebounder in 1969-70 and 1970-71, is an uncle of Marcus Dupree from Philadelphia, Miss., and a central figure in the recruiting of the nation's premier prep running back by Oklahoma in the early 1980s. . . . In 1970, with an enrollment under 650 students, three Maryland State College players from a 29-2 team were selected in the NBA draft - Jake Ford (2nd round), Levi Fontaine (5th) and James "Bones" Morgan (7th). Four years later, the school (now known as Maryland-Eastern Shore) had three more players chosen from a 27-2 squad - Rubin Collins (2nd), Talvin Skinner (3rd) and William "Billy" Gordon (4th). . . . Tennessee State edged Oglethorpe (Ga.), 7-4, on February 16, 1971, in what is believed to be the lowest-scoring college game since the center jump was eliminated prior to the 1937-38 season. Tennessee State had overwhelmed Oglethorpe, 82-43, earlier in the season. . . . Louisiana Tech had two players selected fourth overall in an NBA draft - Jackie Moreland (Detroit Pistons in 1960) and Mike Green (Seattle SuperSonics in 1973). . . . Birmingham-Southern's Russell Thompson scored 25 points without making a field-goal attempt in a 55-46 victory over Florence State in the 1970-71 season. He converted 25 of 28 free throws. . . . Kentucky State's Travis "Machine Gun" Grant set the single-game NAIA Tournament scoring record with 60 points against Minot State in 1972. Grant finished his four-year college career with 4,045 points and a 33.4-point average. . . . Roanoke guard Hal Johnston, whose athletic career was almost ended when he fractured his skull in a fall from a truck as a senior in high school, was a runaway choice for most outstanding player honors at the 1972 NCAA College Division Tournament. . . . Robert "Firechief" Smith came to USC-Spartanburg in 1972 as a 34-year-old center, powering USCS to its first two winning seasons. He averaged 9.9 rpg in 1973-74, when he was named MVP of the Palmetto Conference Tournament - the first title of any kind in the history of the program. . . . Guilford won the 1973 NAIA Tournament with a lineup that included included three future NBA players - Lloyd Free, M.L. Carr and Greg Jackson. Guilford's top reserve was Steve Hankins, a 6-6, 220-pound, 28-year-old Marine Corps veteran who had served 44 months in Vietnam and was one of the military pallbearers at President Kennedy's funeral. . . . Guilford (N.C.) and Tennessee State are the only two small colleges to have two alums score more than 20 points per game in an NBA season - Free and Bob Kaufmann attended Guilford, while Dick Barnett and Truck Robinson attended Tennessee State.

Guard Greg Procell averaged 11.5 ppg in two seasons for Northwestern State in 1972-73 and 1973-74. Procell, a native of Noble, La. (Ebarb H.S.), held the national high school scoring record (6,702 points) until 2002 when it was broken by Jeremy Monceaux at Parkway Christian Academy of Birmingham, Ala., after Monceaux played varsity as a seventh- and eighth-grader at Spencer, La. Procell's NSU-career high was 27 points as a junior in a 76-70 overtime loss at Northeast Louisiana. He originally signed with Southwestern Louisiana, but when the Rajun Cajuns' program was shut down for NCAA infractions Procell attended Panola (Tex.) Community College, where he averaged 33.7 ppg as a freshman and 28.5 ppg as a sophomore. Procell, who had a J.C. single-game high of 57 points, became a fishing guide on Toledo Bend and an assistant principal at Huntington High in Shreveport. . . . Leon Gobczynski, a 6-10 center, averaged 36.1 points per game for Millikin (Ill.) in the 1973-74 season despite being blanked by Augustana (Ill.) in an 88-61 defeat. Gobczynski, who had scored 43 points in an earlier game that year between the two teams, missed all nine of his field-goal attempts in 36 minutes of playing time. . . . Salem (W. Va.) College's Archie Talley set an NAIA record for most points in a season (1,347) in 1975-76 when he averaged 40.8 per game. . . . Philadelphia Textile defeated a different Big Five school in three consecutive seasons from 1975-76 through 1977-78 - Villanova twice, Temple and St. Joseph's. . . . Amherst's Jim Rehnquist, son of Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, finished fifth in NCAA Division III scoring in 1976-77 with an average of 27.8 points per game. . . . Dave Robbins, who is white, became coach at Virginia Union in 1978-79 in the predominantly black CIAA. Robbins went on to win more CIAA Tournaments than any coach in league history. VUU finished in the Top 10 of final national rankings nine consecutive seasons from 1987-88 through 1995-96 and 12 of 13 beginning in 1983-84. . . . Former Briar Cliff (Iowa) players comprised Panama's entire starting lineup in the 1987 Pan American Games. Four members of Briar Cliff's "Panamanian Pipeline" were selected in NBA drafts from 1978 through 1981 (Mario Butler, Rolando Frazer, Tito Malcolm and Ed Warren). In the late 1980s, the first five spots on the school's career scoring list were Panamanians.

Mark Curry, a comedian starring in ABC's hit black sitcom Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, played center with California State-Hayward for three seasons in the early 1980s. . . . When Tampa resurrected its men's program in 1983-84 after a 13-year hiatus, coach Richard Schmidt took his first-year squad, starting one junior transfer and four freshmen, and won the Sunshine State Conference postseason tournament and automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs en route to a 20-11 record. It was the first time in NCAA history that a first-year team in any division qualified for the national tourney. Schmidt is a professional aviculturist who breeds exotic birds and raises other prize-winning animals on his ranch. Entertainer Wayne Newton has purchased birds from him. . . . Former Phoenix Suns/Seattle SuperSonics coach Paul Westphal guided Grand Canyon (Ariz.) to the 1988 NAIA title. . . . Four of the eight NAIA finals from 1981 through 1988 required extra sessions. Nine of 11 championship games in one stretch were decided in overtime or by fewer than six points in regulation. . . . Chuck Randall, Western Washington's longtime coach, invented the Slam-Dunk basketball rim. . . . Gary Lydic, a guard for the junior varsity as a freshman at McPherson (Kan.) and student assistant coach as a senior, served as director of ministry services for Focus on the Family when the organization was headquartered in Pasadena, Calif. On the morning Hall of Famer Pete Maravich died of a heart attack stemming from a heart defect, Lydic was among the men playing with him in a pickup game before the 40-year-old legend was slated to be interviewed on a Christian radio program. . . . Michael Jordan wasn't the best former college basketball standout performing as an outfielder with Birmingham (AA Southern League) in the Chicago White Sox's farm system in 1994. The superior baseball player was teammate Scott Tedder, a 6-4 lefthander who graduated as Ohio Wesleyan's all-time leading scorer in 1988. Tedder, playing about 1/4 of the '94 season in the league with Orlando, hit .281 while Jordan managed a lowly .202 and amassed more than 2 1/2 times as many strikeouts (114). Tedder posted a .261 average over five years with the Barons. . . . The pep song for Chadron (Neb.) State should have been "Here's to Mrs. Robinson" during eight seasons from 1988-89 through 1995-96 when three brothers (Josh, Jason and Jeremy Robinson) played for the Eagles. Each of Gerry and Triss Robinson's sons was a four-year starter and they collaborated for 5,081 points and 2,138 rebounds in a total of 330 games. No one can determine for sure, but they might have combined for more points and rebounds than any other trio of brothers at any single college. Josh, the eldest brother, finished his career as the school's all-time leading scorer (2,041 points). . . . Marquette's Al McGuire wasn't the only former Belmont Abbey (N.C.) coach to make a name for himself at the major-college level. All four Belmont Abbey coaches in the 1980s went on to coach Division I schools - Bobby Hussey (Davidson/Virginia Tech), Eddie Payne (East Carolina/Oregon State), Kevin Eastman (UNC Wilmington/Washington State) and Rick Scruggs (Gardner-Webb). . . . Todd Beamer, a backup guard for Wheaton (Ill.) in 1988-89, was the Oracle Corp account manager traveling from New Jersey to California on United Airlines Flight 93 for a business meeting on September 11, 2001, when helping lead a "let's roll" takeover by passengers from Islamic terrorists, forcing the plane down in Pennsylvania countryside about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

Todd Rowe, a 1992 graduate who is the all-time leading scorer for Malone (Ohio), became the first player in a professional Chinese league to score 3,000 points before he moved on to a league in Japan. . . . Bob Hoffman was deprived of becoming the first coach in NAIA history to guide men's and women's champions when No. 1 seed Oklahoma Baptist bowed to Hawaii Pacific (88-83) in the 1993 championship game. Hoffman had directed Southern Nazarene (Okla.) to the 1989 NAIA women's title. . . . John Pierce of David Lipscomb (Tenn.) became college basketball's all-time leading scorer after totaling 33 points in his 1993-94 regular-season finale, a 119-102 triumph over Cumberland. Pierce's 4,110 total career points broke former roommate Phil Hutcheson's mark of 4,106 set in the 1990 NAIA Tournament. . . . NAIA powerhouse Life (Ga.) had a 99-game homecourt winning streak, the third longest in college history, snapped by Talladega (Ala.), 75-72, in January 1999. Talladega was an unlikely spoiler, having won just two of its first 16 games that season. Life went on to become the first unseeded team to win the NAIA Tournament by overcoming a 26-point deficit to frustrate Mobile, 63-60. . . . Central Arkansas ranks among the schools for most NAIA Tournament appearances but none of those were when 1992 U.S. basketball Olympian and Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen played for the Bears. . . . David Lipscomb's Don Meyer reached the 700-win plateau quicker than any coach in college history. He compiled 702 victories through 1998-99 in 24 seasons before leaving for Northern State (S.D.) when he disagreed with Lipscomb's decision to move up to NCAA Division I. His 1989-90 squad won a college basketball-record 41 games. Meyer, atop the NCAA win list among active coaches with 891 at the time in 2008, had his left leg amputated below the knee after an auto accident. Meyer either fell asleep or was distracted when his car crossed the center line and collided with a semi. Meyer, 63, was diagnosed with a slow-growing cancer in his liver and bowels that doctors said might not have been found had he not been injured. . . . Six different members of the MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) from the state of Missouri - Central Missouri State, Missouri-Rolla, Missouri Southern, Missouri Western, Northwest Missouri State and Southwest Baptist - finished with a final Top 10 ranking in a 12-year span from 1990-91 through 2001-02. . . . Prior to the inaugural season for Westminster (Pa.) in the NCAA in 1998-99, the Titans were acknowledged as the all-time winningest program in NAIA history with 1,299 victories. . . . Danny Miles, en route to reaching the 1,000-win plateau in 2013-14, earned triumph No. 400 in 4 1/2 hours because a broken rim at Simpson College in Redding, Calif., forced the game to be moved 20 miles to another facility. In college at Southern Oregon, Miles set the all-time pass completion percentage record for both NCAA and NAIA for a single season based on 225 attempts (1965, 190-247, .769) and career percentage based on 500 completions (1964-67, 577-871, .662).

Three different North Dakota State coaches the first three years of the 21st Century - Ray Giacoletti, Greg McDermott and Tim Miles - went on to guide other schools at the NCAA Division I level to national postseason competition. . . . Kenyan Charles Maina, who led Lynn (Fla.) in blocked shots two seasons in the late 1990s, starred in the nationally-acclaimed movie "The Air Up There." . . . Haitian Robert Joseph of Union (Tenn.) surpassed David Robinson's record by becoming the single-season blocked shots leader for all levels of college basketball with 242 rejections in 2001-02. . . . The College of Staten Island (N.Y.) started hosting an in-season tournament, called CSI Tournament of Heroes, to pay homage to three former CSI players (Terrance Aiken, Scott Davidson and Tom Hannafin) who perished during the terorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Aiken had just started a computer consulting job on the 97th floor of World Trade Center Tower I while Davidson and Hannafin were New York City firefighters. . . . Jaeson Maravich, a son of NCAA all-time leading scorer Pete Maravich, was an NAIA All-American for William Carey (Miss.) in 2002-03 and 2003-04. Jaeson previously had stints with Alabama and McNeese State sidetracked by a back ailment. . . . Hope International (Calif.) ended a 60-game losing streak with a 94-84 win over Redlands (Calif.) in 2003-04. . . . Jack Bennett, the coach of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's 2004 NCAA Division III champion, is a brother of Dick Bennett, who guided Wisconsin to the 2000 NCAA Division I Tournament Final Four. Just like Dick had a son (Tony) play for him at Wisconsin-Green Bay, Jack had a son (Nick) who supplied 83 three-pointers for the Pointers in 2003-04. . . . Grinnell (Iowa) set an NCAA single-season scoring record for all levels by averaging 126.2 points per game in 2003-04. The Pioneers (18-6) had more three-pointers (530) than either two-point baskets (472) or free throws (495). Boasting eight players with more than 25 treys, they scored fewer than 100 points only three times. Grinnell coach David Arseneault had his teams press from the start and they would surrender a layup for a chance to come back down and take a three-point shot. The Pioneers hit 530 of 1,582 attempts from beyond the arc (33.5%).

The Moir family has accounted for more than 1,500 college victories. Page Moir became the all-time winningest coach for a school, Roanoke (Va.), where his father, Charles, won the 1972 NCAA College Division crown before coaching at the Division I level with Virginia Tech and Tulane. Charles' brother, Sam, coached at Catawba (N.C.) for 31 seasons. . . . In 2006, Texas Wesleyan became the fourth unseeded team in eight years to capture the NAIA Division I title. Three years later, Rocky Mountain (Mont.) defeated Columbia (Mo.) in the first championship game between two unseeded teams since seeding was introduced in 1957. . . . Brian Rice, a 43-year-old Navy retiree, was a backup for Geneva (Pa.) in 2012-13.

Numerous small-college hoopers were so versatile they eventually excelled professionally in other major sports. Earning acclaim as MLB All-Stars were: George Altman (Tennessee State), Glenn Beckert (Allegheny PA), Frank Bolling (Spring Hill AL), Al Bumbry (Virginia State), Mickey Cochrane (Boston University), George Crowe (Indiana Central), Larry Doby (Virginia Union), Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC), Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona), Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State), Chuck Hinton (Shaw NC), Gil Hodges (St. Joseph's IN/Oakland City IN), Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA), Duane Josephson (Northern Iowa), David Justice (Thomas More KY), Dave Lemanczyk (Hartwick NY), Danny Litwhiler (Bloomsburg PA), Davey Lopes (Iowa Wesleyan), Jerry Lumpe (Southwest Missouri State), Bake McBride (Westminster MO), Graig Nettles (San Diego State), Bill Nicholson (Washington College MD), Joe Niekro (West Liberty WV), Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS), Gary Peters (Grove City PA), Rip Repulski (St. Cloud State MN), Preacher Roe (Harding AR), Richie Scheinblum (LIU-C.W. Post), Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence NY), Jeff Shaw (Rio Grande OH), Norm Siebern (Southwest Missouri State), Matt Thornton (Grand Valley State MI), Bob Veale (Benedictine KS), Wes Westrum (Bemidji State MN) and Bill White (Hiram OH). Ex-hoopers among NFL/AFL Pro Bowl selections included: Ken Anderson (Augustana IL), Ordell Braase (South Dakota), Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha), Buck Buchanan (Grambling), Harold Carmichael (Southern LA), Ben Coates (Livingstone NC), Charley Cowan (New Mexico Highlands), Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton OH), London Fletcher (John Carroll OH), Len Ford (Morgan State), Jean Fugett (Amherst MA), Bill Groman (Heidelberg OH), Harlon Hill (Florence State AL), Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado), Dave Jennings (St. Lawrence NY), Too Tall Jones (Tennessee State), Jacoby Jones (Lane TN), Gary Larsen (Concordia MN), Joe Lavender (San Diego State), Rolland Lawrence (Tabor KS), Cy McClairen (Bethune-Cookman FL), Bob McLeod (Abilene Christian TX), Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO), Elvin "Kink" Richards (Simpson IA), Art Shell (Maryland-Eastern Shore), Rod Smith (Missouri Southern State), Ed Sprinkle (Hardin-Simmons TX), Lionel Taylor (New Mexico Highlands), Otis Taylor (Prairie View A&M) and Rayfield Wright (Fort Valley State GA).

Smaller colleges, many from the hinterlands, supplied a striking number of the biggest names in major-college coaching. From 1995 through 2000, five of the six NCAA Division I Tournament championship coaches graduated from obscure colleges with significantly smaller enrollments - Jim Calhoun (American International MA), Jim Harrick (Charleston WV), Tom Izzo (Northern Michigan), Lute Olson (Augsburg MN) and Tubby Smith (High Point NC). In fact, it is rare for a Final Four not to feature at least one coach from a humble background. John Calipari, a graduate of Clarion (Pa.) State, guided Kentucky to the 2012 national championship before Michigan's John Beilein (Wheeling Jesuit NY) and Wichita State's Gregg Marshall (Randolph-Macon VA) directed teams to the Final Four. Small-school hoopers who coached prominent universities to multiple bowl games include Dan Devine (Minnesota-Duluth), Tom Osborne (Hastings NE) and Bobby Petrino (Carroll MT). Title game coaches in the NFL and AFL after playing small-college hoops include Wally Lemm (Carroll WI) and Marv Levy (Coe IA). Status as a cash cow notwithstanding, it would appear no one should have been able to accuse the NCAA hierarchy of unabashed favoritism for the DI level. After all, former Executive Director Cedric Dempsey (Albion MI) and former enforcement chief David Berst (MacMurray IL) were small-school hoopers. Dempsey coached his alma mater after he was named MIAA MVP in 1953-54. Berst averaged 6.3 ppg and 4 rpg and held the school's baseball record for best ERA in a career before coaching both sports at his alma mater.

The Classics: Georgetown/Maryland Rivalry Should Be Renewed Automatically

"Holy shadows of the dead, I am not to blame for your cruel and bitter fate, but the accursed rivalry which brought sister nations and brother people to fight one another. I do not feel happy for this victory of mine. On the contrary, I would be glad, brothers, if I had all of you standing here next to me, since we are united by the same language, the same blood and the same visions." - Alexander the Great

The best back-to-back non-conference games of the past two seasons may have already been played when Maryland came from behind to upend Georgetown both times. Where has this rivalry been for more than three decades? We missed out on Patrick Ewing and David Wingate vs. Adrian Branch in the early 1980s, Reggie Williams vs. Len Bias in mid-1980s, Alonzo Mourning vs. Tony Massenburg and Walt Williams in late 1980s and early 1990s, Allen Iverson vs. Joe Smith in mid-1990s and Mike Sweetney vs. Juan Dixon at the turn of 21st Century. Instead of grand games giving us a shot of adrenalin, we got to overdose on cupcakes with the Hoyas and Terrapins combining to win all 66 of their mismatches against in-state weaklings UMBC, UMES, Morgan State and Towson from the early 1980s through 2003-04. It is time for both schools to commit to opposing each other like they did from 1946-47 to 1979-80. If so, the "Duel in D.C." immediately becomes annual must-see TV in pre-conference competition comparable to Kentucky/Louisville, Illinois/Missouri and Cincinnati/Xavier.

Elsewhere, after 105 years steeped in history amid off-the-chart contempt, the rivalry between Kansas and Missouri expired for the foreseeable future when Mizzou departed the Big 12 Conference for the SEC. KU has a commanding edge in nearly every category (winning percentage, victories away from home and close games decided by single digits), but the Tigers have been enough of a tormentor to make the series as energetic and entertaining as you can find anywhere. Their border war stacked right up there with the more nationally-acclaimed "Clash of the Titans" between Duke and North Carolina.

Making about as much sense as Obamaland's delusional JV Syrian refugee policy treating possible terrorists like they're tourists in aftermath of deadly attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, it was shortsighted of KU and Mizzou to let their rivalry end. They simply join top six conference members DePaul/Illinois, Pittsburgh/West Virginia, Cincinnati/Ohio State and Texas/Texas A&M as potentially great natural non-league match-ups their fans can't enjoy.

Do we require self-absorbed Secretary of State John Kerry to bring James Taylor for a "You've Got a Friend" sing-along to ease the stress after Utah cancelled its game at BYU? If bruised egos heal in the near future, perhaps sounder minds will prevail with Mizzou annually opposing KU in Kansas City much like it does in St. Louis against Illinois. But Mizzou can't complain if the Jayhawks continue to act like a jilted lover because the self-centered Tigers fail to oppose competent in-state foes such as Missouri State and Saint Louis.

By almost any measure including Alexander the Great's perspective, KU has a superior program to Mizzou, which is at its lowest ebb in more than 50 years after mess-maker Frank Haith left the Tigers' program in tatters. But Jayhawks coach Bill Self should rein in his rhetoric as the divorce dialogue intensified or at least take a crash course in college basketball history. When comparing the significance of the Kentucky/Louisville rivalry to the termination of KU's home-and-home conference conflicts with the Tigers, Self said: "Well, they've always played every year (out of league). That's all they know."

Well, Self needs to "always know" that UK and Louisville went 61 years from 1923 through 1983 without a regular-season matchup before they came to their senses and saw the light. Speaking of light, KU and Mizzou simply have to shed one lightweight apiece to keep a good thing going for the sport in general and for their fans specifically like the entertaining Philly Big 5. The two schools combined to raise $1.75 million for hurricane victims by playing an exhibition game in the fall of 2017. Why not surpass that feat via a regular-season confrontation? KU shouldn't also deny hoop fans a Top 20 matchup with Wichita State.

By toning down picking on patsies, there is plenty of room on their respective non-league schedules to keep playing each other. Ditto for Indiana and Kentucky plus Memphis and Tennessee resuming their rivalries, which would definitely be among the top 10 such confrontations in the country. If the century-old KU/Mizzou spectacle returns, it could immediately surpass Kentucky/Louisville and go atop the following list of the nation's top 25 non-conference rivalries if only because of longevity:

  1. Kentucky/Louisville
  2. Illinois/Missouri
  3. Cincinnati/Xavier
  4. Iowa/Iowa State
  5. Indiana/Notre Dame
  6. Brigham Young/Utah
  7. St. Joseph's/Villanova
  8. Georgia/Georgia Tech
  9. Florida/Florida State
  10. Marquette/Wisconsin
  11. Clemson/South Carolina
  12. New Mexico/New Mexico State
  13. Marshall/West Virginia
  14. Utah/Utah State
  15. Temple/Villanova
  16. La Salle/Villanova
  17. Florida/Miami (FL)
  18. Iowa/Northern Iowa
  19. Colorado/Colorado State
  20. Drake/Iowa
  21. Penn/Villanova
  22. Providence/Rhode Island
  23. Creighton/Nebraska
  24. La Salle/Temple
  25. Idaho/Idaho State

Diminutive Dynamo: Short Subject Johnson Flying High For Winthrop Eagles

By any measure, it's more difficult for smaller athletes to score big in the Land of the Giants despite Central Michigan's Marcus Keene (5-9) leading the nation in scoring this season and Campbell's Chris Clemons (5-9) finishing runner-up. The only NCAA Division I players shorter than 6-0 to score more than 2,500 career points are 5-10 Calvin Murphy (2,548 for Niagara from 1967-68 through 1969-70) and 5-10 Keydren Clark (3,058 for Saint Peter's from 2002-03 through 2005-06).

Shortening the subject matter even more, Winthrop senior playmaker Keon Johnson (listed at 5-7 but probably closer to 5-4) exploded for 38 points in an overtime victory at Illinois before supplying back-to-back league outings with at least 39. This wasn't exactly virgin territory for Johnson, who averaged more than 20 ppg in three non-league road games last season against power conference members (North Carolina State, Georgia and Alabama) en route to finishing with an 18.7 mark. If Johnson maintains such a scoring pace in Big South Conference competition, he'll join the following short list of major-college players shorter than 5-8 who averaged in excess of 20 ppg in a single season:

Diminutive Player Ht. DI School Avg. Season
David Holston 5-7 Chicago State 25.9 2008-09
Earl Boykins 5-6 Eastern Michigan 25.7 1997-98
David Holston 5-7 Chicago State 23.1 2007-08
Chuck Rolles 5-6 Cornell 23.0 1955-56
Dick Hickox 5-6 Miami (Fla.) 22.1 1959-60
Marques Green 5-7 St. Bonaventure 21.3 2002-03
Billy Pappas 5-6 New Hampshire 21.0 1953-54
Shawnta Rogers 5-4 George Washington 20.7 1998-99
Keith "Mister" Jennings 5-7 East Tennessee State 20.1 1990-91

Bullying Tactics: Power-League Members Avoid Entertaining In-State Clashes

Any player worth his sneakers seeks to compete against quality, not inferior, opponents with something such as in-state bragging rights at stake rather than devouring cupcakes. LSU refrains from opposing Tulane in recent years but one of the greatest freshman debuts in college annals took place when Tigers forward Rudy Macklin grabbed a school-record 32 rebounds against the Green Wave to open the 1976-77 campaign. How many comparable splendid performances never had a chance to unfold on the court? Meanwhile, how many power-player schools fodder-bored torture us with age-old, one-sided arguments flapping their self-serving jaws about nothing to gain? Indiana likely will somehow survive defeat at IPFW while many power-conference counterparts compete in exotic-outpost tournaments in front of disinterested algae, barnacles, crabs, mussels, sea shells, snails and handful of other beach creatures. Why don't more elite schools put an emphasis on what is best for the sport in general by scheduling more entertaining contests against competitive in-state foes?

Isn't this supposed to be the era for putting an end to bullying? Pompous pilot Rick Pitino said Louisville played "four white guys and an Egyptian" to not embarrass lowly Savannah State in a previous mismatch. If that is the case, then why schedule a Savannah vacation in the first place? Giving fans half-a-peace sign and Quaaludes reminiscent of Bill Cosby's victims, the hoop haughtiness of power schools denying fans stimulating non-league games isn't a new phenomenon. For instance, LSU avoided potentially attractive in-state assignments for decades by never opposing McNeese State's Joe Dumars, Tulane's Jerald Honeycutt, New Orleans' Ervin Johnson, Louisiana Tech's Karl Malone, Northeast Louisiana's Calvin Natt, Centenary's Robert Parish and Southwestern Louisiana's Kevin Brooks, Bo Lamar and Andrew Toney. Last season, the Bayou Bengals didn't bother to give freshman sensation Ben Simmons an opportunity to oppose ULL's Shawn Long, one of only six players in NCAA history to finish career with more than 2,250 points and 1,400 rebounds.

Similarly over the years, North Carolina shunned Davidson first- and second-team All-Americans Stephen Curry, Mike Maloy and Dick Snyder during the regular season. The Tar Heels did defeat Davidson in exciting back-to-back East Regional finals by a total of six points in 1968 and 1969 when Maloy averaged 21.5 ppg and 13 rpg. In 1974, South Carolina's powerhouse boasting Mike Dunleavy, Alex English and Brian Winters, couldn't keep skirting Furman and succumbed in the East Regional, 75-67, when the Padadins' Clyde Mayes collected 21 points and game-high 16 rebounds. Dick Vitale-coached Detroit was eliminated from the NCAA playoffs in the 1977 Mideast Regional semifinals by Michigan after the Wolverines avoided the Titans' terrific trio comprised of Terry Duerod, John Long and Terry Tyler in the regular season that year and the previous campaign while opposing Fordham, Kent State, La Salle, Miami (Ohio), Rhode Island, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.

Don't we deserve to see national players of the year such as Indiana State's Larry Bird (never opposed Indiana), Princeton's Bill Bradley (Seton Hall), La Salle's Tom Gola (Villanova), Cincinnati's Kenyon Martin (Ohio State), Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson (Ohio State), Navy's David Robinson (Georgetown and Maryland), Xavier's David West (Ohio State) and Bradley's Hersey Hawkins (Illinois) strut their stuff in regular-season contests against nearby prominent programs? The Terrapins only met "The Admiral" upon being forced to compete in the second round of 1985 Southeast Regional when Robinson contributed game-high figures in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Unbelievably, more than 30 All-Americans from Ohio colleges in the last 60 years never had an opportunity to oppose Ohio State during the regular season (including small-school sensation Bevo Francis of Rio Grande).

Elsewhere, a few national postseason contests or rare in-season tourney matchup will create confrontations between in-state rivals that should have occurred in annual regular-season competition such as Oakland guard Kay Felder collecting 37 points and nine assists last season in an overtime loss against Michigan State at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Meanwhile, Michigan avoided Felder last year while feasting on Bryant, Delaware State, Elon, Houston Baptist, North Kentucky, Northern Michigan and Youngstown State. The premier mid-major players being shunned this campaign include Davidson's Peyton Aldridge and Jack Gibbs (Duke, North Carolina State and Wake Forest), Monmouth's Justin Robinson (Rutgers and Seton Hall), Valparaiso's Alec Peters (Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue) plus Winthrop's Keon Johnson (Clemson and South Carolina).

Power conference members give appearance of parasites while playing more than 85% of their out-of-conference games at home or a neutral site. Check out the non-league parade of patsies predatory powers Kansas and Kansas State scheduled while avoiding Fred VanVleet the previous four years and Wichita State All-American Antoine Carr the first half of the 1980s. The following mid-major/non-power league All-Americans specifically and fans generally were shortchanged during the regular season by smug in-state schools since the accepted modern era of basketball commenced in the early 1950s:

Mid-Major School All-American In-State Power League Member(s) A-A Didn't Oppose During Regular Season/Cupcakes Devoured While Avoiding Mid-Major A-A
Texas Western Jim Barnes SWC members except Texas in 1962-63 and 1963-64
Seattle Elgin Baylor Washington and Washington State in 1956-57 and 1957-58/Huskies opposed Yale while Cougars met Eastern Washington, Idaho State, Montana and Whitworth during that span
Penn Ernie Beck Villanova from 1950-51 through 1952-53/Wildcats opposed Army, Delaware, Geneva, Iona, King's, LeMoyne, Loyola (Md.), Millersville State, Mount St. Mary's, Muhlenberg, Rider, Saint Francis (Pa.), Saint Peter's, Scranton, Siena, Tampa, Texas Wesleyan, Valparaiso and William & Mary
Cincinnati Ron Bonham Ohio State from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Buckeyes opposed Butler, UC Davis and TCU
Gonzaga Frank Burgess Washington from 1958-59 through 1960-61/Huskies opposed Hawaii
Marshall Leo Byrd West Virginia from 1956-57 through 1958-59/Mountaineers opposed Mississippi Southern and Yale
Wichita State Antoine Carr Kansas and Kansas State from 1979-80 through 1982-83/Jayhawks opposed Alcorn State, Birmingham Southern, Bowling Green, Cal State Bakersfield, Maine, Mississippi Valley State, Morehead State, Nevada-Reno, Rollins, Texas Southern, U.S. International and Wisconsin-Oshkosh while Wildcats met Abilene Christian, Auburn-Montgomery, UC Davis, Cal State Bakersfield, Eastern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Portland State, South Dakota, Southern Colorado, U.S. International, Western Illinois and Wisconsin-Parkside
East Tennessee State Tom Chilton Memphis State and Vanderbilt from 1958-59 through 1960-61/Tigers opposed Birmingham Southern, UC Davis, Hardin-Simmons, Lamar, Louisiana College, Louisiana-Monroe, Loyola (New Orleans), Missouri-Rolla, Montana State, North Texas, Rollins, Southern Mississippi, Spring Hill, Tampa, Texas Wesleyan and Toronto while Commodores met Arkansas State, Dartmouth, Hardin-Simmons, Navy and Yale
Dayton Bill Chmielewski Ohio State in 1961-62
Illinois State Doug Collins DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern at DI level in 1971-72 and 1972-73/Blue Demons opposed Dubuque, Lewis, Parsons, Rocky Mountain, Saint Joseph's (Ind.), St. Mary's (Minn.), Westmont, Winona State, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Illini met DePauw, Furman, Loyola (New Orleans), South Dakota and Valparaiso, plus Wildcats tackled Ohio University, TCU and Valparaiso
San Francisco Quintin Dailey Stanford from 1979-80 through 1981-82/Cardinal opposed Air Force, UC Davis, Furman, Harvard, Penn, Portland, Rice, Seattle Pacific and U.S. International
Bowling Green Jim Darrow Ohio State from 1957-58 through 1959-60/Butler, Delaware, Princeton and Yale
Cincinnati Ralph Davis Ohio State from 1957-58 through 1959-60/Butler, Delaware, Princeton and Yale
Detroit Dave DeBusschere Michigan and Michigan State from 1959-60 through 1961-62/Wolverines opposed Ball State, Bowling Green, Brown, Butler, Denver, Drake, Idaho, Miami (Ohio), Penn, Portland, Washington (Mo.) and Western Ontario while Spartans met Bowling Green, Butler, Northern Michigan, Portland and Tulsa
Wichita State Cleanthony Early Kansas and Kansas State in 2012-13 and 2013-14/Jayhawks opposed American University, Belmont, Chattanooga, Iona, Louisiana-Monroe, Richmond, San Jose State, Southeast Missouri State, Toledo and Towson while Wildcats met Charlotte, Delaware, George Washington, Lamar, Long Beach State, North Dakota, North Florida, Northern Colorado, Oral Roberts, USC Upstate, South Dakota, Texas Southern, Troy, Tulane and UMKC
Detroit Bill Ebben Michigan from 1954-55 through 1956-57/Wolverines opposed Butler, Delaware, Denver, Kent State, Los Angeles State, Valparaiso, Washington (Mo.) and Yale
Oakland Kay Felder Michigan from 2013-14 through 2015-16/Wolverines opposed Bryant, Bucknell, Coppin State, Delaware State, Elon, Hillsdale, Holy Cross, Houston Baptist, Massachusetts-Lowell, Nicholls State, Northern Kentucky, Northern Michigan, South Carolina State and Youngstown State
St. Louis Bob Ferry Missouri from 1956-57 through 1958-59/Mizzou opposed North Dakota, Rice, South Dakota and UTEP
Dayton Henry Finkel Ohio State from 1963-64 through 1965-66/Buckeyes opposed Butler, UC Davis, South Dakota, TCU and West Texas
Columbia Chet Forte St. John's from 1954-55 through 1956-57/Redmen opposed Fairfield, Hofstra, Roanoke, Siena and Wagner
Cincinnati Danny Fortson Ohio State from 1994-95 through 1996-97/Buckeyes opposed Alabama State, Central Connecticut, Cleveland State, Drexel, George Mason, Kent State, LIU, Morgan State, Penn and Southwestern Louisiana
Oral Roberts Richie Fuqua Oklahoma and Oklahoma State at DI level in 1971-72 and 1972-73/Sooners opposed Charlotte, Indiana State, Samford, Stetson and Washburn while Cowboys met Arkansas State, Cal Poly-Pomona, Cal State Fullerton, Northwest Missouri State and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
Loyola Marymount Hank Gathers USC and UCLA from 1987-88 through 1989-90/Trojans opposed Boston University, Central Connecticut State, Delaware, Duquesne, Howard, Northern Arizona, Portland, Prairie View A&M, St. Francis, Seattle, UALR, U.S. International, Western Kentucky and Yale while Bruins met American University, Boston University, East Tennessee State, North Texas, Oral Roberts and Penn
Jacksonville Artis Gilmore Florida in 1969-70 and 1970-71/Gators opposed East Tennessee State, Fordham, Harvard, Morehead State and Samford
Oklahoma City Gary Gray Oklahoma State from 1964-65 through 1966-67/Cowboys opposed Abilene Christian, UC Santa Barbara, Creighton, Lamar, Regis and South Dakota State
Colorado State Bill Green Colorado from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Buffaloes opposed Creighton, Pepperdine and Texas Tech
Tennessee Tech Jimmy Hagan Tennessee and Vanderbilt from 1957-58 through 1959-60/Volunteers opposed Bucknell, Butler, Furman, Louisiana Tech, Sewanee, William & Mary, Wyoming and Yale while Commodores met Arkansas State, The Citadel, Dartmouth, Hardin-Simmons, Loyola (New Orleans), Navy, Rice, Sewanee, Southwestern, VMI, Wyoming and Yale
Loyola of Chicago Jerry Harkness DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Blue Demons opposed Aquinas, Baldwin-Wallace, Bowling Green, Christian Brothers, Denver, Gannon, Illinois Wesleyan, Lawrence Tech, North Dakota, NE State College, St. Bonaventure, Tampa, Western Michigan, Western Ontario and Youngstown State; Illini met Butler, Colgate, Cornell, Creighton, Manhattan, Penn, San Jose State and Washington (Mo.), and Wildcats tackled Brown, Colorado State, Creighton, Dartmouth, Manhattan, Princeton, SMU and Western Michigan
Miami (Ohio) Ron Harper Ohio State from 1982-83 through 1985-86/Buckeyes opposed Brooklyn, Central Florida, Chattanooga, Chico State, Eastern Michigan, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Santa Clara, South Alabama, Stetson and Tulane
Western Kentucky Clem Haskins Kentucky and Louisville from 1964-65 through 1966-67/Wildcats opposed Air Force, Cornell Dartmouth and Hardin-Simmons while Cardinals met Army, Bellarmine, Central Missouri, Georgetown College, La Salle, Niagara, Princeton, Southern Illinois, Southwestern Louisiana and Tampa
Detroit Spencer Haywood Michigan and Michigan State in 1968-69/Wolverines opposed Bradley, Butler, Northern Illinois and Toledo while Spartans met Butler, Southwestern Louisiana, Toledo and Western Kentucky
Cincinnati Paul Hogue Ohio State from 1959-60 through 1961-62/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Delaware and Evansville
Xavier Tu Holloway Ohio State from 2008-09 through 2011-12/Buckeyes opposed Alcorn State, Butler, Delaware State, Eastern Michigan, Florida Gulf Coast, Houston Baptist, IUPUI, Iona, Jackson State, Jacksonville, James Madison, Lamar, Lipscomb, Morehead State, UNC Asheville, North Carolina A&T, UNC Wilmington, North Florida, Oakland, Presbyterian, Saint Francis (Pa.), Samford, USC Upstate, Tennessee-Martin, Texas-Pan American, Valparaiso, VMI, Western Carolina and Wright State
Dayton John Horan Ohio State from 1951-52 through 1954-55/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Denver and Oklahoma City
Army Kevin Houston St. John's and Syracuse from 1983-84 through 1986-87/Redmen opposed Davidson, Fairleigh Dickinson, James Madison, Lafayette, Monmouth, Navy, Old Dominion, Southern, U.S. International, Wagner and Youngstown State while Orangemen met Boston University, C.W. Post, Duquesne, Fairfield, George Washington, Hawaii Loa, Lamar, La Salle, Loyola of Chicago, Maine, Navy and Northeastern
East Tennessee State Mister Jennings Vanderbilt from 1987-88 through 1990-91/Commodores opposed Alaska-Anchorage, Chaminade, Colgate, Cornell, Dartmouth, East Carolina, Fordham, George Washington, Hawaii, Lehigh, Morehead State, Murray State, UNC Asheville, Rice, Samford, SMU and UAB
Memphis State Larry Kenon Tennessee and Vanderbilt in 1972-73/Volunteers opposed Niagara while Commodores met Columbia, SMU and Western Kentucky
Cincinnati Sean Kilpatrick Ohio State from 2010-11 through 2013-14/Buckeyes opposed Albany, American University, Bryant, Central Connecticut State, Chicago State, Delaware, Florida Gulf Coast, IUPUI, Jackson State, Lamar, Louisiana-Monroe, Morehead State, Morgan State, UNC Asheville, North Carolina A&T, UNC Wilmington, North Dakota State, North Florida, Northern Kentucky, Oakland, Savannah State, USC Upstate, Tennessee-Martin, Texas-Pan American, UMKC, Valparaiso, VMI, Western Carolina, Winthrop, Wright State and Wyoming
Loyola Marymount Bo Kimble USC and UCLA from 1987-88 through 1989-90/Trojans opposed Boston University, Central Connecticut State, Delaware, Duquesne, Howard, Northern Arizona, Portland, Prairie View A&M, St. Francis, Seattle, UALR, U.S. International, Western Kentucky and Yale while Bruins met American University, Boston University, East Tennessee State, North Texas, Oral Roberts and Penn
Bowling Green Butch Komives Ohio State from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Buckeyes opposed Butler, UC Davis, Detroit, Houston, TCU and Utah State
Oklahoma City Bud Koper Oklahoma and Oklahoma State from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Sooners opposed Colorado State, South Dakota and Southern Illinois while Cowboys met Abilene Christian, Colorado State, Drake, Hardin-Simmons, Lamar, Long Beach State, Los Angeles State, Montana and Regis
St. Bonaventure Bob Lanier St. John's and Syracuse from 1967-68 through 1969-70/Redmen opposed Davidson, Duquesne, Harvard, Holy Cross, Massachusetts, Princeton, Rhode Island, Roanoke, St. Mary's and Westminster while Orangemen met American University, Bowling Green, George Washington, Holy Cross, Lafayette, La Salle, Navy, Rochester and Yale
Xavier Byron Larkin Ohio State from 1984-85 through 1987-88/Buckeyes opposed Ball State, Brooklyn, Bucknell, Central Florida, Central Michigan, Chattanooga, Howard, Jacksonville, Lafayette, UMBC, UMSL, Siena, Stetson, Tulane and Western Michigan
Texas-El Paso David "Big Daddy" Lattin SWC members except SMU in 1965-66 and 1966-67
Memphis State Keith Lee Tennessee and Vanderbilt from 1981-82 through 1984-85/Volunteers opposed American University, Biscayne, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Cleveland State, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia State, Hardin-Simmons, Hawaii, Idaho State, Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, Miami (Ohio), Montana State, Morehead State, Navy, New Orleans, Ohio Northern, Oklahoma City, Portland, Richmond, St. Francis (N.Y.), San Jose State, Southern Mississippi, UAB and Vermont while Commodores met Air Force, Alaska-Anchorage, Columbia, Eastern Kentucky, Indiana State, Long Beach State, Manhattan, North Alabama, Princeton, Samford, South Florida, Vermont, Western Carolina and Yale
Marshall Russell Lee West Virginia from 1969-70 through 1971-72/Mountaineers opposed Army, Bucknell, UC Irvine, Colgate, Columbia, East Carolina, Hawaii, New Mexico and Saint Francis (Pa.).
Wichita Cleo Littleton Kansas and Kansas State from 1951-52 through 1954-55/Jayhawks opposed Creighton, Denver, Rice, SMU, Tulane and Tulsa while Wildcats met Denver, Drake, Hamline, Wyoming and Yale
Cincinnati Steve Logan Ohio State from 1998-99 through 2001-02/Buckeyes opposed Albany, American University, Army, Coastal Carolina, Coppin State, Denver, Duquesne, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, IUPUI, Massachusetts, Morehead State, UNC Greensboro, UNC Wilmington, Oakland, Robert Morris, Santa Clara, Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech, Valparaiso, Vermont, Winthrop and Yale
UC Irvine Kevin Magee USC and UCLA in 1980-81 and 1981-82/Trojans opposed Doane, Idaho State, New Mexico, Oral Roberts, Portland, Richmond and Wyoming while Bruins met Boston University, Evansville and VMI
Western Kentucky Tom Marshall Kentucky in 1951-52 and 1953-54/Wildcats opposed La Salle, Washington & Lee and Xavier
Bradley Bobby Joe Mason DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern from 1957-58 through 1959-60/Blue Demons opposed Army, Baldwin-Wallace, Bowling Green, Canisius, Christian Brothers, Creighton, Evansville, Illinois Wesleyan, Miami (Ohio), Nebraska Wesleyan, North Dakota, Ohio University, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan; Illinois met Butler, Ohio University, Pacific, Rice and Western Kentucky, while Wildcats tackled Boston University, Duquesne, South Dakota, South Dakota State and Western Michigan
UNC Charlotte Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell Duke and North Carolina from 1973-74 through 1976-77/Blue Devils opposed Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Kent State, Lafayette, Princeton, Rice, Richmond, South Florida, Tulane, Vermont, Western Kentucky, William & Mary and Yale while Tar Heels met East Tennessee State, Furman, Howard, Marshall, Oral Roberts, St. Thomas (Fla.), South Florida, Vermont, Weber State and Yale
Dayton Don May Ohio State from 1965-66 through 1967-68/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, UC Davis, Cornell, Hardin-Simmons, Northern Michigan, South Dakota and TCU
Furman Clyde Mayes South Carolina from 1972-73 through 1974-75/Gamecocks opposed Assumption (Mass.), Bucknell, Canisius, Creighton, Davidson, DePauw, Drake, Eastern Kentucky, Fairfield, Fordham, Georgia Southern, Lafayette, Manhattan, Marshall, Niagara, St. Bonaventure, St. Joseph's, Stetson and Toledo
Richmond Bob McCurdy Virginia in 1973-74 and 1974-75/Cavaliers opposed Davidson, Denver, George Washington, Kent State, Lehigh, Navy, Stetson and Washington & Lee
Wichita State Xavier McDaniel Kansas State from 1981-82 through 1984-85/Wildcats opposed Abilene Christian, Auburn-Montgomery, UC Davis, Centenary, Eastern Washington, Morgan State, North Texas, Northern Iowa, Northridge State, South Dakota, Southern Colorado, Truman State, U.S. International, Western Illinois and Wisconsin-Parkside
Western Kentucky Jim McDaniels Kentucky and Louisville from 1968-69 through 1970-71/Wildcats opposed Miami (Ohio), Navy, Penn and Xavier while Cardinals met Bellarmine, UC Riverside, Furman, Georgetown College, SMU, Southern Mississippi and Stetson
Dayton Don Meineke Ohio State from 1949-50 through 1951-52/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Cornell, Denver, Harvard and Princeton
Bradley Gene Melchiorre Illinois and Northwestern from 1947-48 through 1950-51/Illini opposed Butler, Coe (Iowa), Colgate, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Penn, Princeton and Toledo while Wildcats met Butler, Dartmouth, Navy, Princeton, Rice, Ripon (Wis.), Tulane, Western Michigan and Yale
Southern Illinois Joe C. Meriweather DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern from 1972-73 through 1974-75/Blue Demons opposed Brown, Charlotte, Duquesne, Gonzaga, Indiana State, Lewis, LIU, Manhattan, Marshall, Massachusetts, Niagara, Rocky Mountain, St. Bonaventure, St. Joseph's (Ind.), Saint Mary's (Calif.), St. Mary's (Minn.), San Jose State, Toledo, Westmont, Winona State and Wisconsin-Green Bay; Illini met Army, DePauw, Detroit, Duquesne, Furman, Northern Michigan, Tulane and Valparaiso, while Wildcats tackled Butler, Marshall, Miami (Ohio), Ohio University, Rollins and Valparaiso
Seattle Eddie Miles Washington from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Huskies opposed Air Force, Army, Colorado State and Hawaii
Drake Red Murrell Iowa from 1955-56 through 1957-58/Hawkeyes opposed Cornell, Denver, Loyola Marymount, Loyola (New Orleans) and SMU
Seattle Twins Eddie O'Brien and Johnny O'Brien Washington from 1950-51 through 1952-53/Huskies opposed Santa Clara
Lamar Mike Olliver Texas from 1977-78 through 1980-81/Longhorns opposed Alaska-Anchorage, Arkansas State, Army, Biscayne, Centenary, Hardin-Simmons, Harvard, Long Beach State, Murray State, New Mexico State, Northern Montana, Northwestern State, Oklahoma City, Pacific, San Francisco and Vermont
Gonzaga Kelly Olynyk Washington in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2012-13/Huskies opposed Albany, Belmont, Cal Poly, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Northridge, Colorado State, Eastern Washington, Jackson State, Long Beach State, Loyola (Md.), McNeese State, Montana, Nevada, Northern Illinois, Portland, Portland State, San Francisco, San Jose State and Wright State
Tulsa Bob Patterson Oklahoma from 1952-53 through 1954-55/Sooners opposed SMU
Dayton Jim Paxson Ohio State from 1975-76 through 1978-79/Buckeyes opposed Ball State, Butler, Cal Poly-Pomona, Cal State-Hayward, Davidson, Evansville, Loyola Marymount, Marshall, Penn, Princeton, Rochester, Stetson, Toledo, Tulane and Vermont
Bradley Roger Phegley Illinois and Northwestern from 1974-75 through 1977-78/Illini opposed Army, Cal Poly, Charlotte, DePauw, Furman, Kent State, Long Beach State, Missouri-Rolla, North Dakota State, Rice, San Jose State, Valparaiso and William & Mary while Wildcats met Brown, Butler, Duquesne, Fairfield, Miami (Ohio), Ohio University, Texas-El Paso and Valparaiso
Murray State Bennie Purcell Kentucky from 1948-49 through 1951-52/Wildcats opposed Bowling Green, Bradley, Holy Cross, Indiana Central, Tulsa, Washington & Lee, West Texas State, Western Ontario and Xavier
Western Kentucky Bobby Rascoe Kentucky from 1959-60 through 1961-62/Wildcats opposed Miami (Ohio), Northern Colorado, VMI and Yale
Long Beach State Ed Ratleff USC and UCLA from 1970-71 through 1972-73/Trojans opposed Fordham, Hardin-Simmons, La Salle, Penn, Princeton, Rochester and Texas-El Paso while Bruins met Baylor, Bradley, The Citadel, Dayton, Denver, Drake, TCU, Tulsa and William & Mary
Memphis State Dexter Reed Tennessee from 1973-74 through 1976-77/Volunteers opposed Army, Biscayne, Charlotte, Columbia, Harvard, La Salle, Navy, North Texas State, Penn, San Francisco, Santa Clara, South Florida, Tulane, Vermont and Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Oklahoma City Hub Reed Oklahoma from 1955-56 through 1957-58/Sooners opposed Baylor and Rice
Massachusetts Lou Roe Boston College from 1991-92 through 1994-95/Eagles opposed Brooklyn, Brown, Buffalo, Cal Poly, Chaminade, Coastal Carolina, Coppin State, Dartmouth, Fairleigh Dickinson, Fordham, LIU, New Hampshire, Hofstra and Santa Clara
Tennessee State Carlos Rogers Tennessee and Vanderbilt in 1992-93 and 1993-94/Volunteers opposed Charlotte, Furman, Mercer, Radford, UALR and Western Carolina while Commodores met Air Force, Bowling Green, Harvard, Illinois State, North Carolina A&T, Princeton and SMU
Drexel Malik Rose Villanova from 1992-93 through 1995-96/Wildcats opposed Alaska-Anchorage, American University, Bradley, Columbia, Delaware, Hofstra, Marist, New Orleans, Richmond, Rider, St. Mary's and Vermont
Bowling Green Charlie Share Ohio State from 1946-47 through 1949-50/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Cornell, Denver and Harvard
Oklahoma City Arnold Short Oklahoma from 1951-52 through 1953-54/Sooners opposed SMU
Creighton Paul Silas Nebraska from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Huskers opposed Air Force, Denver, Miami (Ohio), Northern Iowa, Ohio University, SMU and Wyoming
Tulsa Bingo Smith Oklahoma and Oklahoma State from 1966-67 through 1968-69/Sooners opposed Bradley, Butler, Centenary, Loyola (New Orleans), Nevada Southern, North Texas State, Southwest Missouri State and TCU while Cowboys met Cal State Fullerton, Creighton, Lamar, MacMurray (Ill.), Pan American, South Dakota State, Trinity (Tex.) and Wyoming
Weber State Willie Sojourner BYU and Utah from 1968-69 through 1970-71/Cougars opposed Cornell, Denver, Hawaii, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Santa Clara and Seattle while Utes met Army, Denver, Kent State, Loyola Marymount, Montana, NYU, Northern Michigan, Penn, Saint Joseph's, San Jose State, Seattle, VMI and West Texas State
Wichita Dave Stallworth Kansas and Kansas State from 1962-63 through 1964-65/Jayhawks opposed Denver and Montana while Wildcats met Denver and South Dakota State
Xavier Hank Stein Ohio State from 1956-57 through 1958-59/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Manhattan, Princeton, Tulane and Yale
St. Louis Ray Steiner Missouri in 1950-51 and 1951-52/Tigers opposed Central Methodist, CCNY, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri Valley, New Mexico State and Washington (Mo.)
St. Bonaventure Tom Stith Syracuse from 1958-59 through 1960-61/Orangemen opposed Alfred, Boston University, Clarkson, Columbia, Holy Cross, La Salle, Massachusetts and Utica
Saint Francis (Pa.) Maurice Stokes Penn State and Pittsburgh from 1951-52 through 1954-55/Nittany Lions opposed Alfred, American University, Bowling Green, Carnegie Tech, Colgate, Dickinson, Gettysburg, Ithaca, Navy, Toledo, Washington & Jefferson, Wayne State and Western Kentucky while Panthers met Carnegie Tech, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Geneva, George Washington, Loyola (New Orleans), Miami (Ohio), Navy, Ohio University, Princeton, Puerto Rico, Westminster, William & Mary and Yale
Pacific Keith Swagerty California and Stanford from 1964-65 through 1966-67/Bears opposed Air Force, Hawaii, Tulane and Wyoming while Cardinal met Air Force, Denver, Tulane, Utah State and Wyoming
Morehead State Dan Swartz Kentucky from 1953-54 through 1955-56/Wildcats opposed Dayton, Idaho, La Salle and Xavier
Miami (Ohio) Wally Szczerbiak Ohio State from 1995-96 through 1998-99/Buckeyes opposed Alabama State, Army, Cal State Northridge, Central Connecticut, Chattanooga, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, George Mason, Kent State, LIU, Oakland, Rider, Robert Morris, South Florida, Southwestern Louisiana, Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech and Wyoming
Princeton Brian Taylor Seton Hall in 1970-71 and 1971-72/Pirates opposed Army, Biscayne, UC Irvine, Colgate, Dartmouth, Fairfield, Fordham, Harvard, Holy Cross, Iona, Lafayette, LIU, Loyola (Md.), Morehead State, Pepperdine and Stetson
Cincinnati Tom Thacker Ohio State from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Creighton, Detroit, Evansville, St. Bonaventure and TCU
Princeton Chris Thomforde Seton Hall from 1966-67 through 1968-69/Pirates opposed American University, Army, Boston University, Canisius, Fordham, Hofstra, Iona, LIU, Loyola (Md.), Loyola (New Orleans), NYU, Niagara, Rice, Saint Francis (N.Y.) and Scranton
Bowling Green Nate Thurmond Ohio State from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Creighton, Detroit, Evansville, St. Bonaventure and TCU
Cincinnati Jack Twyman Ohio State from 1951-52 through 1954-55/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Denver and Oklahoma City
Dayton Bill Uhl Ohio State from 1953-54 through 1955-56/Buckeyes opposed Butler, Denver, Oklahoma City and Tulane
Bradley Paul Unruh Illinois and Northwestern from 1946-47 through 1949-50/Illini opposed Butler, Coe (Iowa), Colgate, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, University of Mexico, Penn, Princeton and Toledo while Wildcats met Butler, Dartmouth, Navy, Princeton, Ripon (Wis.), Western Michigan and Yale
Cincinnati Nick Van Exel Ohio State in 1991-92 and 1992-93/Buckeyes opposed American University, UC Santa Barbara, Chicago State, Howard and Illinois-Chicago
Wichita State Fred VanVleet Kansas and Kansas State from 2012-13 through 2015-16/Jayhawks opposed American, Belmont, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Chaminade, Chattanooga, Holy Cross, Iona, Kent State, Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Loyola (Md.), Montana, Northern Colorado, Rider, San Jose State, Southeast Missouri State, Toledo and Towson while Wildcats met Alabama-Huntsville, Columbia, Coppin State, Delaware, Lamar, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota, North Florida, Northern Colorado, Savannah State, South Carolina State, USC Upstate, South Dakota, Southern Utah, Texas Southern, Troy and UMKC
Bradley Chet Walker DePaul, Illinois and Northwestern from 1959-60 through 1961-62/Blue Demons opposed Army, Baldwin-Wallace, Bowling Green, Creighton, Illinois Wesleyan, Miami (Ohio), North Dakota, Valparaiso and Western Kentucky; Illini met Butler, Colgate, Cornell, Creighton, Manhattan, Ohio University and Western Kentucky, while Wildcats tackled Boston University, Brown, Creighton, Dartmouth, Manhattan, Princeton and Western Michigan
American University Kermit Washington Maryland from 1970-71 through 1972-73/Terrapins opposed Brown, Buffalo, Canisius, Delaware, Fordham, Holy Cross, Kent State, Lehigh, LIU, Loyola (Md.), Navy, Richmond, Tampa and Western Kentucky
Southern Mississippi Clarence Weatherspoon Mississippi and Mississippi State from 1988-89 through 1991-92/Rebels opposed Arkansas State, Austin Peay State, Bethune-Cookman, Christian Brothers, Hofstra, Indiana State, McNeese State, Metro State (Colo.), Nicholls State, Northeast Louisiana, Northwestern State, Oral Roberts, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston State, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern (La.), Stetson and Tulsa while Bulldogs met Austin Peay State, Ball State, Centenary, Chattanooga, Christian Brothers, Delaware, Drake, East Carolina, East Tennessee State, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville, Mercer, New Orleans, Northeast Louisiana, Prairie View A&M, Rice, Southeastern Louisiana, Tennessee-Martin and Tennessee Tech
Ball State Bonzi Wells Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue from 1994-95 through 1997-98/Hoosiers opposed Alaska-Anchorage, Appalachian State, Bowling Green, Chaminade, Colgate, Delaware, Eastern Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Miami (Ohio), Morehead State, Princeton, Saint Louis, Santa Clara, Tulane, UALR and Weber State; Fighting Irish met Akron, The Citadel, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Drexel, Duquesne, Florida International, Fordham, Hofstra, Iona, Lehigh, Loyola of Chicago, Loyola (Md.), Loyola Marymount, Manhattan, Monmouth, New Hampshire, Nicholls State, Northeastern, St. Bonaventure, Sam Houston State, San Diego and Youngstown State, while Boilermakers tackled Austin Peay State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Cornell, Florida A&M, Houston, Idaho, Illinois-Chicago, James Madison, Long Beach State, LIU, Massachusetts, Murray State, New Orleans, Niagara, Northeast Louisiana, Tennessee-Martin, UAB, Weber State and Western Michigan
LIU Sherman White St. John's and Syracuse from 1948-49 through 1950-51/Redmen opposed Bowling Green, Denver, John Marshall, Pratt, Rhode Island and Wagner while Orangemen met Baldwin-Wallace, Boston University, Bradley, Creighton, Denver, John Carroll, Lawrence Tech, Loyola of Chicago, Penn, Princeton, Queens, Rider and Toronto
Cincinnati Bob Wiesenhahn Ohio State from 1958-59 through 1960-61/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Delaware, Detroit, Evansville, Princeton and St. Bonaventure
Memphis State Win Wilfong Tennessee and Vanderbilt in 1955-56 and 1956-57/Volunteers opposed Boston University, Colgate, Davidson, Furman, Kentucky Wesleyan, New Mexico State, Sewanee, Springfield, VMI and William & Mary while Commodores met New Mexico, New Mexico State, Sewanee and William & Mary
Portland State Freeman Williams Oregon from 1974-75 through 1977-78/Ducks opposed Air Force, Boise State, Bowling Green, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Sacramento, Colorado State, Creighton, Doane, Duquesne, Grambling, Hawaii, Montana State, Pepperdine, Rice, Saint Mary's, San Jose State, Seattle Pacific and Vermont
Austin Peay James "Fly" Williams Tennessee and Vanderbilt in 1972-73 and 1973-74/Volunteers opposed Niagara, North Texas State, Santa Clara and South Florida while Commodores met Columbia, Rice, Samford, SMU, Vermont and Western Kentucky
Cincinnati George Wilson Ohio State from 1961-62 through 1963-64/Buckeyes opposed Butler, UC Davis, Detroit, Houston, TCU and Utah State
Cal State Fullerton Leon Wood USC and UCLA from 1981-82 through 1983-84/Trojans opposed American University, Colorado State, Fordham, New Mexico, Oral Roberts, Penn, Portland, Richmond, Texas-San Antonio and Wyoming while Bruins met Boston University, Howard, Idaho State and New Mexico
Cincinnati Tony Yates Ohio State from 1960-61 through 1962-63/Buckeyes opposed Army, Butler, Creighton, Detroit, Evansville, St. Bonaventure and TCU

Put Big Boy Pants On: Power League Members Usually Plant Butt at Home

"Bullying builds character like nuclear waste creates superheroes. It's a rare occurrence and often does much more damage than endowment." - Zack W. Van

When big bullies are struck, they usually take their ball and go home. Why do so few power conference members play at in-state mid-major schools or even oppose them on a neutral court during the regular season? Why can't more big-name universities resemble defending NCAA champion Villanova with its longstanding tradition of competing in the Philly Big 5 honing the Wildcats' competitive edge for conference competition? How lame would the non-league slates be if not for ACC/Big Ten and Big 12/SEC made-for-ESPN extravaganzas?

In-state games against natural rivals, wherever they're played, are more revealing than most of the incessant mismatches in pre-conference competition. For instance, we've already got a clear picture that Indiana will be a power in the Big Ten again this season despite the Hoosiers' humbling experience losing at IPFW, 71-68. Want to bet whether the Hoosiers identified blemishes they'll promptly correct after displaying sufficient basketballs going on the road?

Non-league schedules would be significantly more entertaining and good for the game if skittish power league members weren't so condescending and be willing to oppose competent in-state low-majors away from friendly surroundings. Instead of meeting natural rival Davids on the road to brace for conference play, they frequently tuck tail and run after checking out the following results thus far this century. The scores are sobering reminders for Goliaths venturing away from Philistine the reasons why haughty "big boys" frequently strive to only stay home and pick on out-of-state patsies to pad their records:

2016-17
Duquesne 64, Pittsburgh 55
Indiana State 72, Butler 71
IPFW 71, Indiana 68 (OT)
Long Island 74, St. John's 73 (at Barclays Center)
Middle Tennessee State 71, Vanderbilt 48
Portland 53, Oregon State 45
San Diego State 77, California 65 (at Sacramento)
Southern Methodist 74, Texas Christian 59

2015-16
Duquesne 78, Penn State 52
Fordham 73, St. John's 57
Gonzaga 80, Washington 64 (at Nassau, Bahamas)
Northern Iowa 81, Iowa State 79 (at Des Moines)
Saint Mary's 78, Stanford 61

2014-15
Gonzaga 81, Washington State 66
Massachusetts 71, Boston College 62 (at Boston)
Northern Iowa 56, Iowa 44

2013-14
UC Santa Barbara 72, California 65
George Washington 77, Maryland 75
Gonzaga 90, Washington State 74
Harvard 73, Boston College 58
Illinois State 69, DePaul 64
Long Beach State 72, Southern California 71
Southern Methodist 55, Texas A&M 52 (at Corpus Christi)
Southern Methodist 69, Texas Christian 61
Virginia Commonwealth 82, Virginia Tech 52

2012-13
Brown 69, Providence 68
Butler 88, Indiana 86 (OT)
Coastal Carolina 69, Clemson 46
Florida Gulf Coast 63, Miami (Fla.) 51
Green Bay 49, Marquette 47
La Salle 82, Penn State 57
La Salle 77, Villanova 74 (OT)
Middle Tennessee 56, Vanderbilt 52
Old Dominion 63, Virginia 61

2011-12
Cal Poly 42, Southern California 36
Colorado State 65, Colorado 64
Creighton 76, Nebraska 66
Drake 74, Iowa State 65
Holy Cross 86, Boston College 64
Northern Iowa 80, Iowa 60
Saint Joseph's 65, Penn State 47
Saint Joseph's 74, Villanova 58
Southern Mississippi 86, Mississippi 82
Temple 78, Villanova 67
Xavier 76, Cincinnati 53

2010-11
Central Florida 57, Florida 54
Central Florida 84, Miami (Fla.) 78
Central Florida 65, South Florida 59
Florida Atlantic 50, South Florida 42
Fordham 84, St. John's 81
Furman 91, South Carolina 75
Kennesaw State 80, Georgia Tech 63
Marshall 75, West Virginia 71
UNC Wilmington 81, Wake Forest 69
North Texas 92, Texas Tech 83 (OT)
Northern Iowa 60, Iowa State 54
Princeton 78, Rutgers 73 (OT)

2009-10
Colorado State 77, Colorado 62
Creighton 67, Nebraska 61
Green Bay 88, Wisconsin 84 (OT)
Long Beach State 79, UCLA 68
Northern Iowa 67, Iowa 50
Portland State 88, Oregon 81
Rhode Island 86, Providence 82
Temple 45, Penn State 42
Temple 75, Villanova 65
Tulsa 86, Oklahoma State 65
Wofford 68, South Carolina 61
Xavier 83, Cincinnati 79 (2OT)

2008-09
College of Charleston 82, South Carolina 80 (OT)
Davidson 72, North Carolina State 67
Drake 60, Iowa 43
Lamar 85, Texas Tech 79
Southern Mississippi 78, Mississippi 59
Texas-El Paso 96, Texas Tech 78
Western Kentucky 68, Louisville 54

2007-08
Charlotte 63, Wake Forest 59
Creighton 74, Nebraska 62
Drake 79, Iowa State 44
East Carolina 75, North Carolina State 69
Old Dominion 72, Virginia Tech 69
Rhode Island 77, Providence 60
Richmond 52, Virginia Tech 49
Saint Joseph's 79, Penn State 67
Sam Houston State 56, Texas Tech 54
Tulane 68, Louisiana State 63
Xavier 64, Cincinnati 59

2006-07
Bradley 78, DePaul 58
Butler 60, Indiana 55
Butler 71, Notre Dame 69
Drake 75, Iowa 59
Gonzaga 97, Washington 77
Indiana State 89, Purdue 70
Northern Iowa 70, Iowa State 57
Ohio University 79, Cincinnati 66

2005-06
UC Davis 64, Stanford 58
Colorado State 83, Colorado 82
Creighton 70, Nebraska 44
Evansville 75, Purdue 69
George Washington 78, Maryland 70
Gonzaga 67, Washington State 53
Indiana State 72, Indiana 67
Marshall 58, West Virginia 52
Northern Iowa 67, Iowa 63 (OT)
Old Dominion 58, Virginia Tech 55
Portland 80, Oregon 72
Rhode Island 77, Providence 69
Xavier 73, Cincinnati 71 (OT)

2004-05
Bradley 63, DePaul 53
George Washington 101, Maryland 92
Gonzaga 99, Washington 87
Marshall 59, West Virginia 55
Northern Iowa 99, Iowa State 82
Santa Clara 86, Stanford 76
Temple 53, Villanova 52
Virginia Military 72, Virginia Tech 68

2003-04
Creighton 61, Nebraska 54
Gonzaga 95, Washington State 58
Illinois-Chicago 90, Northwestern 71
Northern Iowa 77, Iowa 66
North Texas 73, Baylor 69
Rhode Island 89, Providence 79
Temple 67, Penn State 56
Xavier 71, Cincinnati 69

2002-03
Dayton 75, Cincinnati 69
Florida Atlantic 74, Miami (Fla.) 73
Gonzaga 95, Washington 89 (OT)
Holy Cross 71, Boston College 70
Penn 62, Penn State 37
Penn 72, Villanova 58
Saint Joseph's 92, Villanova 75
William & Mary 60, Virginia Tech 52

2001-02
Butler 66, Indiana 64
Creighton 76, Nebraska 70
Drake 72, Iowa State 58
Fresno State 65, Southern California 58
Georgia State 83, Georgia 78
Gonzaga 67, Washington State 44
Marshall 81, West Virginia 79 (OT)
Northern Iowa 78, Iowa 76
Old Dominion 55, Virginia Tech 46
Penn 75, Villanova 74
Pepperdine 78, Southern California 77
Portland 79, Oregon 78
Rice 75, Baylor 60
Temple 75, Penn State 63
Temple 63, Villanova 57
Texas-Pan American 72, Baylor 66

2000-01
UC Irvine 56, California 52
Duquesne 71, Pittsburgh 70
Fordham 68, St. John's 67
Gonzaga 86, Washington 74
Indiana State 59, Indiana 58
Oakland 97, Michigan 90
Wichita State 76, Kansas State 66

1999-00
Colorado State 79, Colorado 57
Creighton 89, Nebraska 72
Drake 48, Iowa State 44
George Washington 74, Maryland 69
Gonzaga 76, Washington 66
Gonzaga 73, Washington State 63
Long Beach State 76, Southern California 66
North Texas 91, Texas A&M 88
Saint Louis 75, Missouri 72
Temple 69, Villanova 66
Xavier 66, Cincinnati 64

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