College Hoopedia

World Series Versatility: MLB's Fall Classic Impacted By College Hoopdom

October 25th, 2024 - 8:24

Numerous universities have had versatile athletes who played college basketball before going on to major league baseball careers including appearances in the World Series. Tim Stoddard (North Carolina State) and Kenny Lofton (Arizona) are the only two such athletes to participate in an NCAA Final Four before competing in a WS. Believe it or not, the duo attended the same high school (Washington in East Chicago, Ind., a town with modest population of 28,000).

While many single-minded basketball fans are assessing polls and rankings in preseason hoop magazines and websites, following is an incisive "Who Am I?" quiz for well-rounded basketball/baseball enthusiasts taking a toll on their memories as they try to recall Fall Classic participants who played varsity basketball for a current NCAA Division I college. Keep your chin up if you need relief answering the following questions because they're almost as difficult as pitchers will find keeping the high-priced rosters of the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees at bay:

I was a 13-year major league second baseman who set several fielding records and played in the 1967 World Series with the Boston Red Sox after ranking among the nation's top 12 free-throw shooters both of my college basketball seasons with Oklahoma State.
Who am I? Jerry Adair

I was a 17-year first baseman who hit four homers and a double in a single game and played in back-to-back World Series with the Milwaukee Braves after being LSU's leading scorer (18.6 points per game) for the Tigers' 1945-46 team compiling an 18-3 record and losing against Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference Tournament final.
Who am I? Joe Adcock

I was a 10-year pitcher who led the A.L. in winning percentage in 1935 with an 18-7 record (.720) for the World Series-bound Detroit Tigers after I was named to the first five on an all-conference basketball team in my final season at Kansas State. I was a submariner who hurled a complete game victory in a 10-4 verdict over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of the '34 Series before losing Game 7 to Dizzy Dean.
Who am I? Eldon Auker

I was a shortstop who participated in five World Series, four with the champion, in a six-year span from 1910 through 1915 after earning a basketball letter for Holy Cross in 1908.
Who am I? John "Jack" Barry

I was a rookie pitcher in 1978 with the New York Yankees who went the distance for the first time in my major league career in a Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. I was a 6-5 forward who averaged 14.3 ppg and a team-high 8.9 rebounds per game for Dartmouth in 1974-75 when I was selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League.
Who am I? Jim Beattie

I was a catcher who appeared in back-to-back World Series with the New York Yankees (1927 and 1928) after being a basketball letterman for Niagara from 1916-17 through 1918-19.
Who am I? Bernard "Benny" Bengough

I was an outfielder who, during my 11-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hit a double in the 1925 World Series to help them become the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit in a seven-game series. I played with my brother on Oregon's basketball squad before we briefly played alongside each other with the Pirates.
Who am I? Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee

I was 1952 National League Rookie of the Year and pitched a complete-game victory in World Series opener that year for the Brooklyn Dodgers after playing hoops with Morgan State in the mid-1940s.
Who am I? Joe Black

I was a player-manager who earned American League MVP honors in leading the Cleveland Indians to the 1948 World Series after being the top scorer for an Illinois team sharing a Big Ten Conference basketball title.
Who am I? Lou Boudreau

I was an infielder who participated in 1962 World Series for the San Francisco Giants after lettering in hoops with East Tennessee State in the mid-1950s.
Who am I? Ernie Bowman

I was a pitcher who appeared in the 1947 and 1949 World Series with the Brooklyn Dodgers after notching 21-12 and 13-5 won-loss marks, respectively, following a basketball career at NYU, where I was the Violets' sixth-leading scorer in 1943-44 with an average of 3.8 ppg. Major league player and manager Bobby Valentine is my son-in-law.
Who am I? Ralph Branca

I was credited with creating "the high five" in conjunction with fellow Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Dusty Baker in 1977 before stroking a single later that year in World Series opener against the New York Yankees. I averaged 16.3 ppg in six basketball contests for Nevada-Reno in 1974-75 prior to dismissal for a so-called lack of discipline.
Who am I? Glenn Burke

I was a 12-year outfielder who played in three World Series with the New York Yankees and hit 38 home runs in one season with Kansas City after finishing my college basketball career ranking fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list.
Who am I? Bob Cerv

I am a Hall of Fame catcher who participated in five World Series (1929-30-31-34-35) with the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers after playing basketball for Boston University.
Who am I? Mickey Cochrane

I posted a 1.88 ERA in 14 1/3 innings for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Giants in the 1912 World Series after being a two-year basketball letterman with Vermont.
Who am I? Ray Collins

I am a Hall of Fame outfielder for the New York Yankees who compiled a .350 batting average in four World Series (1926-27-28-32) after being captain with Eastern Kentucky's basketball squad.
Who am I? Earle Combs

I am a three-time All-Star Game performer who pitched in the 1957 World Series for the Milwaukee Braves after being an All-Pacific Coast Conference first-team selection in 1949-50 when the 6-7 sophomore center led Washington State and the PCC North Division in scoring (13.3 ppg).
Who am I? Gene Conley

I appeared in two World Series games for St. Louis Cardinals in 1934 after serving as Davidson basketball captain in early 1920s.
Who am I? Pat Crawford

I hit .323 in three World Series (1948 with Boston Braves; 1951 and 1954 with New York Giants). Member of LSU's 1942-43 basketball squad before entering military service (Marine Corps V-12 program) during World War II. Known as the "Swamp Fox," I was a five-sport letterman with Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now Louisiana-Lafayette) during 1943-44.
Who am I? Alvin Dark

I led N.L. outfielders in putouts three years and hit near or over .300 for three St. Louis Cardinal pennant winners (1926, 1928 and 1930) after earning letters three seasons in basketball for California.
Who am I? Taylor Douthit

I was a second baseman who posted a career-high 22-game hitting streak during 1975 regular season before hitting safely in all seven World Series contests for Boston Red Sox against Cincinnati Reds. I averaged 2.7 ppg in 11 basketball outings with Morehead State in 1962-63.
Who am I? Denny Doyle

I was a 10-year utility infielder who saw action in two World Series games in 1959 with the Chicago White Sox after averaging seven ppg as a 5-9 starting guard for Indiana in 1951-52.
Who am I? Sammy Esposito

I was a catcher who appeared in two World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1974 and 1978). Pacific teammate of All-American Keith Swagerty averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 1965-66 and 1966-67 under coach Dick Edwards, scoring two points against eventual NCAA champion UCLA in the 1967 West Regional final.
Who am I? Joe Ferguson

I led the A.L. in won-loss percentage in 1946 with a 25-6 mark before pitching a shutout in Game 3 of the World Series for the Boston Red Sox against the St. Louis Cardinals after earning a basketball letter for Mississippi State in 1940-41.
Who am I? Boo Ferriss

I was a lefthanded hitting backup outfielder who participated in the 1929 World Series with the Philadelphia Athletics after being a basketball letterman for Army's 18-5 team in 1921 following two campaigns with Rutgers.
Who am I? Walt French

I wasa righthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1980 World Series with the Kansas City Royals after leading New Hampshire with 7.2 rpg in 1975-76.
Who am I? Rich Gale

I was a first baseman-outfielder who hit 103 major league homers and pinch hit four times for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1961 World Series after earning a letter with Temple's basketball team in 1948-49 when I averaged 2.7 ppg.
Who am I? Dick Gernert

I was a lefthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1960 World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates after finishing my four-year college career as Mississippi's leader in career scoring and rebounds following a senior season when my scoring average was higher than first-team All-Americans Elgin Baylor (Seattle) and Wilt Chamberlain (Kansas).
Who am I? Joe Gibbon

I am a Hall of Fame pitcher who set a record with 17 strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers in my third World Series in five years after becoming the first basketball player in Creighton history to average at least 20 ppg in a career.
Who am I? Bob Gibson

I am a palm-ball specialist who blanked the Baltimore Orioles in 5 1/3 innings in three relief appearances for the champion Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1971 World Series after becoming the first N.L. pitcher to appear in each contest of a four-game LCS. I connected on 6-of-10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60.
Who am I? Dave Giusti

I am a Hall of Fame first baseman-left fielder who had 14 extra-base hits in four World Series with the Detroit Tigers after attending NYU briefly on a basketball scholarship in 1929.
Who am I? Hank Greenberg

I am an eight-time All-Star Game shortstop who started for World Series championship teams with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 and St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 after twice ranking among the top four scorers in the country with Duke.
Who am I? Dick Groat

I was a perennial All-Star outfielder with multiple Gold Gloves and N.L. batting titles who sparked the San Diego Padres to two World Series (1984 and 1998) after becoming a two-time All-WAC second-team selection as a San Diego State guard who led the league in assists as a sophomore and junior.
Who am I? Tony Gwynn

I was a three-time All-Star catcher who played in the 1962 World Series with the San Francisco Giants (swatted a two-run homer off Hall of Famer Whitey Ford of the Yankees in Game Four) after playing as a backup forward for Illinois' basketball squad as a sophomore (1956-57) and junior (1957-58).
Who am I? Tom Haller

I was a 12-year lefthanded reliever who appeared in back-to-back World Series (1963 and 1964) with the New York Yankees after the 6-7 Morehead State forward-center ranked 15th in the country in scoring as a junior (24.2 ppg in 1956-57) and among the nation's top 10 rebounders as a senior (19.1 rpg in 1957-58).
Who am I? Steve Hamilton

I was a 12-year lefthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1989 World Series with the San Francisco Giants after being a 6-2 guard who averaged 5.3 ppg as a freshman in 1976-77 and 4.9 ppg as a sophomore in 1977-78 for East Tennessee State.
Who am I? Atlee Hammaker

I was a first baseman-outfielder who participated in the 1942 World Series with the New York Yankees after playing for Manhattan basketball teams winning a school-record 17 consecutive games in 1930 and 1931.
Who am I? John "Buddy" Hassett

I was a lefthanded hitting utilityman who participated as a rookie with the New York Yankees in the 1923 World Series against the New York Giants after earning a basketball letter for Vanderbilt in 1918.
Who am I? Harvey Hendrick

I was a 16-year pitcher who relieved in two World Series games for the Cincinnati Reds in 1961 after earning a hoops letter with Houston in 1946-47 when eventual coach Guy Lewis was co-captain.
Who am I? Bill Henry

I was a 10-year pitcher who hurled four shutout innings as the fourth-game starter for the New York Yankees in the 1939 World Series after being a basketball All-American for Butler. I was named to the first A.L. All-Star team in 1933.
Who am I? Oral Hildebrand

I was a 16-year first baseman/outfielder who homered in Game 4 of the 1963 World Series to help the Los Angeles Dodgers sweep the New York Yankees and twice led the A.L. in homers after leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding as a junior and senior.
Who am I? Frank Howard

I am a lefthanded pitcher who started three games with Boston Red Sox (winning two) in 1986 Word Series after being a member of Dixie State's third-place hoop squad in 1980 NJCAA Tournament when the Utah-based school was a juco.
Who am I? Bruce Hurst

I was a 13-year infielder who slugged 43 of my 136 career homers for the Atlanta Braves in 1973 after appearing in four World Series with the Baltimore Orioles (1966, 1969, 1970 and 1971). I averaged 1.7 ppg as a sophomore in my only varsity basketball season (1961-62) with Texas A&M before signing a pro baseball contract.
Who am I? Davey Johnson

I was a 13-year outfielder who hit .306 for the New York Yankees in 19 World Series games after being a three-year basketball letterman for Maryland.
Who am I? Charlie Keller

I was a Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher who became N.L. MVP but lost the 1950 World Series opener to the New York Yankees as a starter, 1-0, after playing two seasons for Syracuse basketball teams.
Who am I? Jim Konstanty

I began rookie year with the Chicago Cubs by winning nine of my first 10 decisions before becoming a reliever for the 1969 Amazin' Mets World Series champion. I was a standout basketball player for Campbell in 1960 and 1961 when the North Carolina-based school was a junior college.
Who am I? Cal Koonce

I was an infielder-outfielder who hit .303 in my 15-year career. When I was with the Detroit Tigers, I led the A.L. in batting average once (.353 in 1959), hits four times (209 in 1953 when he was rookie of the year, 201 in 1954, 196 in 1956 and 198 in 1959) and doubles on three occasions (38 in 1955, 39 in 1958 and 42 in 1959) before appearing in the 1962 World Series with the San Francisco Giants. I managed the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1982 World Series. I played in five games for Wisconsin's basketball team in the 1951-52 season.
Who am I? Harvey Kuenn

I was a three-time All-Star outfielder who posted a .331 average with 22 HRs and 107 RBI in my first full season with the New York Giants in 1935 before appearing in the World Series in 1936 and 1937. I had two hits in a six-run second inning of Game Four in the Giants' lone victory against the New York Yankees in 1937 after scoring 16 points in nine basketball games for Arizona in 1931.
Who am I? Hank Leiber

I am an outfielder who led the A.L. in stolen bases, a record for an A.L. rookie, and appeared in the World Series with three different teams (Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants) after setting Arizona basketball records for steals in a season and career.
Who am I? Kenny Lofton

I was a 12-year infielder who played in the 1957 and 1958 World Series with the New York Yankees after being a member of Southwest Missouri State squads that won 1952 and 1953 NAIA Tournament titles.
Who am I? Jerry Lumpe

I was a lefthanded outfielder who appeared in 1943 World Series for the New York Yankees against the St. Louis Cardinals after being a basketball letterman with William & Mary from 1935-36 through 1937-38.
Who am I? Arthur "Bud" Metheny

I was a Gold Glove left fielder in 1960 between participating in two World Series with the Dodgers (1959 and 1965) after averaging 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50.
Who am I? Wally Moon

I was a righthander who appeared in 1934 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals' Gas House Gang against the Detroit Tigers. I was an all-around athlete for East Tennessee State.
Who am I? Jim Mooney

I was an infielder who hit .303 with the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox in 17 A.L. seasons from 1925 through 1941, participating in two World Series (1925 and 1933). I was a basketball letterman for Mississippi State in 1923-24.
Who am I? Charles "Buddy" Myer

I was a five-time All-Star who holds the A.L. record for most homers by a third baseman (319), but was homerless in five World Series (four with the New York Yankees and one with the San Diego Padres). The highlight of my career was four dazzling stops in Game 3 of the 1978 World Series to help the Yankees win their first of four consecutive games. I averaged 5.3 ppg while earning basketball letters in my hometown for San Diego State in 1963-64 and 1964-65, shooting 87.8% from the free-throw line (36 of 41) as a sophomore.
Who am I? Graig Nettles

I was a 17-year A.L. pitcher and three-time All-Star who made two relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins in 1965 World Series shutouts by Los Angeles Dodgers opponent Sandy Koufax after averaging more than 20 ppg in late 1950s for North Carolina-based former juco Campbell.
Who am I? Jim Perry

I was a 19-year MLB pitcher who appeared in two World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies after averaging 18.9 ppg and 14.3 rpg in three varsity basketball seasons with Notre Dame.
Who am I? Ron Reed

I was a catcher who played with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1967 and 1968 World Series. I led Duquesne in scoring in my senior season with a 17.9 average in 1956-57 when I finished fourth in the nation in free-throw percentage (86.2). As a sophomore, I was a starter for an NIT championship team compiling a 22-4 record and finishing sixth in the final AP poll.
Who am I? Dave Ricketts

I appeared in 1915 World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies en route to becoming the N.L.'s winningest lefthanded pitcher until Warren Spahn broke my record. I earned basketball letters with Virginia in 1911-12 and 1913-14.
Who am I? Eppa Rixey Jr.

I am a Hall of Fame pitcher who was a 20-game winner for six consecutive seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies after leading Michigan State in field-goal percentage as a junior captain. In 1950, I lost my only World Series start, 2-1, when the Yankees' Joe DiMaggio homered off me in the 10th inning.
Who am I? Robin Roberts

I am a Hall of Fame infielder who was a regular for six National League pennant winners after compiling league-high scoring averages in both of my seasons with UCLA. I collected two homers and seven doubles in World Series competition for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Who am I? Jackie Robinson

I was a four-time All-Star third baseman with the New York Yankees who appeared in six of the seven World Series from 1936 through 1942. I managed the Detroit Tigers after being a head basketball coach with Yale and with the Toronto Huskies of the Basketball Association of America. I played in a handful of basketball games for Dartmouth.
Who am I? Robert "Red" Rolfe

I was a New York Yankees lefthander who registered a pair of 2-1 World Series victories (over the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1941 and St. Louis Cardinals in 1943) after playing for two of the premier teams in college basketball history when LIU went 24-2 in 1934-35 and 26-0 in 1935-36. I was named to the first five on the Metropolitan New York Basketball Writers Association All-Star Team after the undefeated season.
Who am I? Marius Russo

I pitched in two World Series games for the New York Yankees in 1964 after being a 6-4 sophomore forward who averaged 13.5 ppg and 7.1 rpg for Connecticut's NCAA Tournament team in 1959-60.
Who am I? Rollie Sheldon

I was a three-time All-Star first baseman-outfielder who played in the 1956 and 1958 World Series with the New York Yankees and 1967 World Series with the Boston Red Sox. I was a member of Southwest Missouri State squads winning back-to-back NAIA Tournament titles in 1952 and 1953.
Who am I? Norm Siebern

I was an infielder-outfielder who batted .319 or better in 12 of 14 major league seasons with the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs from 1921 through 1934. In 1927, my first full season with the Cubs, I led the N.L. with 46 doubles. In the Cubs' 1929 pennant-winning season, I combined with Hall of Famers Kiki Cuyler and Hack Wilson to become the first outfield in N.L. history to have each starter finish with more than 100 RBI. I hit .378 in nine World Series games with the Cubs in 1929 and 1932 after earning a letter as guard with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 1920.
Who am I? Riggs Stephenson

I was a 10-year switch-hitting utilityman who played in the 1970 World Series with the Cincinnati Reds. I was an all-conference selection both years when I finished third in scoring for Austin Peay State teams in 1959-60 (11.5 ppg) and 1960-61 (10.4 ppg) participating in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Who am I? Jimmy Stewart

I was a 13-year veteran who appeared in 485 major league games, all as a reliever, and won a 1979 World Series game with the Baltimore Orioles after starting as a forward opposite national player of the year David Thompson of North Carolina State for an NCAA basketball champion.
Who am I? Tim Stoddard

I was a lefthander who led the N.L. in won-loss percentage in 1973 (12-3 mark with the New York Mets) before appearing in the World Series and notching a save in Game 2 against the Oakland A's. Basketball letterman for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66 (averaged 14.7 ppg as teammate of noted women's coach Leon Barmore).
Who am I? George Stone

I was a catcher for the Kansas City Royals in two World Series (1980 and 1985) after averaging 3.7 ppg with San Diego in 1968-69.
Who am I? John Wathan

I was an 11-year infielder who led the A.L. in stolen bases three times and hit .326 in the World Series for back-to-back N.L. pennant winners with the Cincinnati Reds after becoming the first Duke player to earn All-American honors in basketball. I was the initial player to bat in a televised major league game (Reds vs. Brooklyn on August 26, 1939) and the only player ever to hit four consecutive doubles in a game in both leagues.
Who am I? Billy Werber

I was an outfielder who played in 12 All-Star Games and had over 3,000 career hits after playing the entire game for Minnesota in the Gophers' first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1972. I participated in the World Series with the New York Yankees (1981) and Toronto Blue Jays (1992).
Who am I? Dave Winfield

In the longest opener in World Series history (5-4 decision over the New York Mets in 14 innings), I fanned the side in the top of the 12th for the Kansas City Royals in 2015 en route to three hitless frames of relief in my 11th MLB season after the 6-10 center was an All-Ivy League first-team selection for Princeton in 1999-00 (13.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.9 bpg).
Who am I? Chris Young

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 25 NFL Gridiron

October 25th, 2024 - 8:19

Long before kneeling knuckleheads and politicized multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything 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 on October 25 in football at the professional level (especially in 1970 and ex-hoopers with the Bears and Giants):

OCTOBER 25

Chicago Bears E Connie Mack Berry (All-Southern Conference second-team selection as North Carolina State hoops center in 1937 and 1938) scored the Chicago Bears' last two touchdowns (32-yard rush and 46-yard fumble return) as they remained undefeated (11-0) with a 45-14 win against the Philadelpia Eagles in 1942. Eagles FB Bert Johnson (played one game in 1934-35 under legendary Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp) had a TD reception.
New York Giants B Dale Burnett (two-time all-conference hooper for Emporia State KS) scored two touchdowns - one receiving/one rushing - in a 27-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1931. Giants B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1926) returned an interception 77 yards for TD.
Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught 13 passes for 168 yards in a 27-20 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1964.
Baltimore Colts CB Jim Duncan (Maryland-Eastern Shore hooper) returned an interception 26 yards in a 27-3 win against the Boston Patriots in 1970. The previous week, Duncan returned an INT 30 yards in a 29-22 win against the New York Jets.
Green Bay Packers TB Weert Englemann (All-NCC for South Dakota State) scored three first-quarter touchdowns - two on passes from Red Dunn (four-year Marquette letterman first half of 1920s) and an 85-yard kickoff return - in a 48-20 win against the Providence Steam Roller in 1931.
Chicago Bears rookie WR George Farmer (teammate of UCLA legend Lew Alcindor in 1968-69) caught six passes for 147 yards in a 16-10 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1970.
Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoop games for Clemson in 2010-11) caught two touchdown passes in a 42-23 win against the Miami Dolphins in 2018. It was the third of five consecutive contests where Hopkins had at least one TD reception from Deshaun Watson.
San Francisco 49ers rookie WR John Isenbarger (Indiana hooper for three games in 1967-68) caught a 61-yard touchdown pass from John Brodie in 19-14 win against the Denver Broncos in 1970.
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 142 yards in a 37-7 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009.
E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) supplied the Chicago Bears' lone touchdown with a 14-yard pass reception in 12-10 win against the Detroit Lions in 1936.
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Damon Jones (averaged 3.9 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Southern Illinois in 1995-96 under coach Rich Herrin) caught a career-long 31-yard touchdown pass from Mark Brunell in 37-24 setback against the Denver Broncos in 1998.
Brooklyn Dodgers B Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) scored game's lone touchdown by returning an interception 57 yards in 9-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1936.
Atlanta Falcons rookie DE Randy Marshall (letterman on 1966 NWC championship hoops squad for Linfield OR) returned a fumble recovery for touchdown in 32-14 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1970.
Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) had an interception in his third consecutive contest in 1970.
Chicago Cardinals FB Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) rushed for two first-half touchdowns in a 34-7 win against the Frankfort Yellow Jackets in 1930.
A 46-yard touchdown catch by E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) in fourth quarter gave the San Francisco 49ers a 20-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1959.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (Chattanooga hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) scored two second-half touchdowns in a 28-10 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1998.
Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught nine passes for 152 yards - including two touchdowns - in a 40-7 AFL win against the Denver Broncos in 1964.
Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) had more than 100 receiving yards for second straight game in 1981.
New York Giants B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) rushed for go-ahead touchdown in fourth quarter of a 21-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1936.
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Bill Saul (averaged 6.1 ppg for Penn State in 1959-60) returned an interception 13 yards in 34-10 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1964.
Philadelphia Eagles DE Tom Scott (hoops letterman as Virginia forward in 1951) recovered a fumble for touchdown in 56-17 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1953.
New York Giants LB Lou Slaby (collected two points and two rebounds in two basketball games for Pittsburgh in 1960-61) had an interception in 42-20 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1964.
Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67) punted seven times for 321 yards (45.9 average) in a 27-16 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 25

October 25th, 2024 - 8:18

Extra! Extra! Instead of wondering if "strong as hell" Plagiarist Biledumb learned most of his economic underage-girl commentary from watching "To Catch a Predator" or if Cacklin' Commie-la will ever adequately answer a simple question, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former college hoopers Larry Doby (Virginia Union), Tom Haller (Illinois), Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State) and Jim Todd (Parsons IA/Millersville State PA) switched MLB teams on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 25 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 25

OF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA basketball titlist) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Chicago White Sox in 1955.
C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) purchased from the Detroit Tigers by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972.
1B Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) traded by the Texas Rangers to the San Diego Padres in 1978.
In 1977, RHP Jim Todd (played for Parsons IA before averaging 16 ppg with Millersville State PA in 1968-69) shipped by the Chicago Cubs to the Seattle Mariners to complete an earlier deal in the spring.

Rest in Peace: NCAA DI Head-Coaching Careers Curtailed By Untimely Deaths

October 24th, 2024 - 19:05

South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim was only 43 years old when he died because of complications during a medical procedure. USF also had a head coach (Bill Gibson) die in his mid-40s following the 1974-75 campaign. Similar tragic tales have been told before at the NCAA Division I level. Following is an alphabetical list of major-college head coaches who were active when passing away in the prime of life:

Marshall coach Stu Aberdeen passed away at age 43 in the offseason (mid-June) from a heart attack while vacationing in Florida after his second season with the Thundering Herd in 1978-79. He was credited with recruiting two of the premier players in Tennessee history - New York products Ernie Grunfeld and Bernard King.
Michigan State coach John Benington, 47, died of a heart attack while jogging after the 1968-69 season. He guided St. Louis to four NIT appearances in seven-year stint.
Dayton coach Tom Blackburn, falling ill with cancer, was 58 when he died eight days after the Flyers' regular-season finale in 1963-64. He directed the Flyers to six NIT championship games in 12-year span from 1951 through 1962.
Colgate coach John "Jack" Bruen, 48, died of pancreatic cancer just before Christmas in 1997 after guiding the Red Raiders to back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances in 1995 and 1996.
Franklin "Cappy" Cappon was to have coached in 1961-62, but died of a heart attack at 61 while showering at fieldhouse three days before Princeton's opening game. He previously coached Michigan in the 1930s.
Nebraska coach Joe Cipriano, 49, died after a year-long battle with cancer three days before the Cornhuskers' 1980-81 season opener. He was their all-time winningest mentor when perishing.
Tommy Joe Eagles, hired by New Orleans after he was forced out by Auburn at the end of the previous season, died of a heart attack at age of 45 in late July 1994 during a visit to an NBA rookie camp in Utah.
South Florida coach Bill Gibson, 47, died of a heart attack following the 1974-75 campaign after returning from a recruiting trip. He had suffered a severe heart attack before the start of his only season as coach of the Bulls.
Hugh Greer, 60, was Connecticut's all-time winningest mentor when he died of a massive heart attack midway through the 1962-63 campaign. Interim George Wigton went on to guide the Huskies to the NCAA playoffs.
Lew Hill was midway through his fifth season with Texas-Rio Grande Valley when passing away at the age of 55 on February 7, 2021, because of medical issues.
Jesse "Bud" Kennedy, diagnosed with stomach cancer following his 18th season as Florida State's head coach, died on June 24, 1966, at the age of 59 and was succeeded by 29-year-old assistant Hugh Durham, who went on to guide the Seminoles and Georgia to the Final Four.
Notre Dame's George Keogan died of a heart attack at his home on February 17, 1943, at the age of 52. In 24 seasons as a college coach (20 with the Irish), he never compiled a losing record and won 13 straight one-point games from 1924-25 to midway through 1933-34. Keogan passed away before ever appearing in the NIT or NCAA Tournament. UND was still bound by the school's ban on postseason competition.
Paul Lambert, lured by Auburn from Southern Illinois following 1977-78 campaign after eight seasons with the Salukis as Jack Hartman's successor, died at the age of 43 in a tragic motel fire in Columbus, Ga., while conducting a two-day clinic waiting for his family to move. The Tigers filled the coaching vacancy by hiring Sonny Smith from East Tennessee State.
Oklahoma coach Lester Lane, a former Sooners All-American, died of a heart attack in a pickup game at the age of 41 in 1973 before ever coaching a contest for them.
Frank "Bucky" O'Connor, who coached Iowa to Final Four in 1955 and 1956, perished at age of 44 in an automobile accident after 1957-58 season. He died after swerving to avoid two guinea hens in the road, lost control of his car and skidded into path of a truck hauling 16 tons of concrete tile.
Lee Patton, who held the second-best winning percentage in West Virginia history, died at age of 45 in an auto accident late in the 1949-50 season.
Wake Forest's George "Skip" Prosser, 56, died of a heart attack following the 2006-07 season after returning to his office from noon jog.
Anthony Stewart was on precipice of his fifth season with Tennessee-Martin when perishing at the age of 50 in mid-November 2020.
Only three days after the end of Temple's 1938-39 campaign, James Usilton Sr. died of a heart ailment at the age of 43. Usilton won 68.1% of his games with the Owls decided by fewer than five points (49-23 in close contests).
Bobby Watson, 35, was in his first season at Evansville when he and his Purple Aces team members were killed. Their plane incurred engine failure and crashed on December 13, 1977, leaving for flight to Nashville. Watson had survived a 31-month tour of duty in Vietnam, where he earned five Purple Hearts.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 24 NFL Gridiron

October 24th, 2024 - 9:45

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 on October 24 in football at the professional level (especially in 1948 and 1971 plus ex-hoopers with the Browns):

OCTOBER 24

New York Giants E O'Neal Adams (three-year letterman was third-leading scorer in 1941 when Arkansas reached NCAA Tournament national semifinals) opened game's scoring by returning a blocked punt 34 yards for touchdown in 42-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1943. Giants E Will Walls (starting forward with Texas Christian for three years from 1935 through 1937) caught a 31-yard TD pass.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) completed 14-of-20 passes (including two touchdowns) and rushed for one TD in a 31-27 loss against the Oakland Raiders in 1971.
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 177 yards on 24 carries in a 38-14 win against the New York Giants in 1965.
Detroit Lions TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference hoops choice for Colorado College) rushed for two touchdowns in a 28-20 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1937.
Cleveland Browns B Bob Cowan (averaged 1.7 ppg for Indiana in 1942-43) caught a career-best 63-yard touchdown pass from Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) in a 35-7 win against the New York Yankees in 1948. It was one of four TD passes for Graham.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three second-half touchdown passes in a 27-20 win against the Washington Redskins in 1971. WR Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) caught two of Dawson's TD passes. Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two first-half TD passes to Charley Taylor.
Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught five passes for 218 yards - including two 44-yard touchdowns - in a 34-24 AFL win against the New York Jets in 1964.
Pittsburgh Steelers TB Ray Evans (two-time All-American was four-year hoops letterman and second-leading scorer for Kansas in 1942 NCAA Tournament) threw two touchdown passes in a 34-27 setback against the New York Giants in 1948.
Only pass reception of pro career for George Grimes (Virginia hoops letterman in 1943) was a 17-yard touchdown from Detroit Lions teammate Fred Enke (three-year All-Border Conference first-team selection under his father was Arizona co-captain as senior in 1947-48) in a 34-27 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1948.
Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 37-34 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2010.
San Francisco 49ers rookie RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for two touchdowns in a 37-31 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1954. 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught two TD passes from Y.A. Tittle.
Miami Dolphins rookie RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) scored two touchdowns (one pass reception/one rushing) in a 41-27 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 1993.
Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) scored two third-quarter touchdowns in a 49-27 win against the Boston Yanks in 1948. Yanks QB Roy Zimmerman (San Jose State hoops letterman as center in 1938 and 1939) threw three TD passes.
Green Bay Packers HB Jack McAuliffe (member of Beloit WI squads capturing three successive state and Midwest hoop titles, winning 39 of 41 games and going undefeated in 1921-22 and 1923-24) opened game's scoring with a 15-yard touchdown pass in 35-0 win against the Racine Tornadoes in 1926.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 376 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-31 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2004. In midst of five consecutive contests with more than 100 receiving yards, Eagles WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two first-half TD passes from McNabb.
Brooklyn Dodgers E Max Morris (All-American in 1945 and 1946 when two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection averaged 16.3 ppg for Northwestern) had a 24-yard touchdown pass reception in 35-14 AAFC win against the Chicago Rockets in 1948.
Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier hoops letterman in 1943) rushed for two of his AAFC-high 10 touchdowns in a 35-21 AAFC win against the Los Angeles Dons in 1948.
Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Danny White in a 31-21 win against the Chicago Bears in 1976.
Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had two second-half touchdown catches in a 30-21 AFL win against the Boston Patriots in 1965.
San Diego Chargers WR Mikhael Ricks (played three hoop games for Stephen F. Austin in 1995-96) had a career-high six pass receptions in a 31-3 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1999.
Cleveland Browns TE Oscar Roan (averaged 5.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg for SMU in 1973-74) provided game-winning touchdown with a fourth-quarter pass reception from Brian Sipe in 21-17 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1976.
Brooklyn Dodgers rookie B Frank Sachse (All-Border Conference second-team forward for Texas Tech in 1937-38 with 16.8 ppg) threw a 57-yard touchdown pass in 33-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1943.
Washington Redskins DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had two interceptions in a 24-20 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes to Bob Hayes in a 44-21 win against the New England Patriots in 1971.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 24

October 24th, 2024 - 9:44

Extra! Extra! Instead of debating whether self-absorbed Cacklin' Commie-la can answer a direct question, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former Arizona hooper Kenny Lofton supplied significant World Series performances with two different MLB teams - one from each league - on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 24 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 24

Philadelphia Athletics SS Jack Barry (basketball letterman for Holy Cross in 1908) stroked two doubles among his three hits in a 4-2 Game 4 victory against the New York Giants and Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) in 1911 World Series.
2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) traded by the Minnesota Twins to Philadelphia Phillies in 1988. The previous year with the St. Louis Cardinals, he hammered a homer among three hits in Game 6 of 1987 World Series against the Minnesota Twins.
Securing at least one steal in his seventh consecutive postseason contest, Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) went 3-for-3, scored three runs and received three walks in a 7-6 win against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of 1995 World Series. Seven years later with the San Francisco Giants, Lofton provided three hits for the second straight game in 2002 World Series against the Anaheim Angels.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg as All-Iowa Conference freshman selection in 1964-65 and 12.1 as sophomore in 1965-66 before transferring with his coach to Washburn KS where he was All-CIC choice for 1968 NAIA Tournament team) supplied the game-winning RBI in an 8-7 victory against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of 1981 World Series.
Brooklyn Dodgers INF Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons for UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41), the first black major leaguer of the 20th Century, died of heart disease at the age of 53 in 1972.
DH-RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) banged out a two-out, two-run double in the top of the 11th inning to spark the Toronto Blue Jays to their first World Series championship with a 4-3 decision over the Atlanta Braves in Game 6 in 1992.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 23 NFL Gridiron

October 23rd, 2024 - 8:41

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 on October 23 in football at the professional level (especially in 1960 and ex-hoopers with the Packers):

OCTOBER 23

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 167 yards in a 31-29 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) rushed for a first-half touchdown in his fourth consecutive contest of the month in 1955.
Buffalo Bills TE Reuben Gant (averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Oklahoma State in 1971-72 and 1972-73) caught five passes for 111 yards in a 27-16 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1977.
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 35-21 setback against the Denver Broncos in 2014.
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 third-quarter touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 62-7 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 2011.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes for second straight game in 1977.
Houston Oilers rookie WR Bill Groman (Heidelberg OH scoring average leader as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught three first-half touchdown passes from George Blanda in a 42-28 AFL win against the New York Titans in 1960. Titans WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had two of his AFL-high 14 TD catches.
Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for two of his league-high 13 touchdowns in a 41-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1960.
Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight UTEP basketball games as freshman in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) amassed a career-high nine pass receptions for two touchdowns in a 23-21 setback against the Washington Redskins in 2022.
Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 35-28 setback against the New York Giants in 1949. Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned an interception 45 yards for TD.
Arizona Cardinals DB David Macklin (collected 13 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists for Penn State in 15 basketball games as freshman in 1996-97) returned an interception 60 yards for touchdown in 20-10 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2005. Titans WR Tyrone Calico (played one basketball game for Middle Tennessee State in 1998-99) contributed a career-high six pass receptions.
A fourth-quarter field goal by Mac Percival (three-year hoops letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) boosted the Chicago Bears to 13-10 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1972.
Philadelphia Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) scored two long touchdowns (75-yard pass reception and 77-yard run from scrimmage) in 49-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1949.
New England Patriots TE Derrick Ramsey (grabbed three rebounds in two Kentucky games in 1975-76) caught two touchdown passes from Steve Grogan in a 31-0 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1983.
Cleveland Browns QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 41-10 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1955.
Green Bay Packers E Al Rose (Texas hoops letterman from 1928 through 1930) opened game's scoring by returning an interception 16 yards for touchdown in 13-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1932.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-3 win against the New York Giants in 1966.
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 10 of his AFL-leading 92 pass receptions in a 31-24 AFL win against the Boston Patriots in 1960. Broncos DB Bob McNamara (averaged 1.3 ppg for Minnesota in 1952-53 and 1953-54 under coach Ozzie Cowles) chipped in with two interceptions.
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 (37 and 72 yards) in a 34-23 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1955.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 23

October 23rd, 2024 - 8:39

Extra! Extra! Instead of exhibiting audacity to think math-whiz Plagiarist "Lock Donald Up" Biledumb should emerge from lame-stream #MessMedia "Let's Go Brandon" bubble-wrapping to concentrate a mite more on workers than "wokers" after bizarre hand-gesture genius figures out whether he ever visited the Southern border regarding security issue before erecting $457K security fence to protect his DE beach home, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former college hoopers Jack Coombs (Colby ME) and Bruce Hurst (Dixie UT J.C.) hurled complete-game victories for A.L. teams in MLB World Series competition on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 23 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 23

In Game 5 of 1910 World Series, Philadelphia Athletics RHP Jack Coombs (basketball captain and starting center for Colby ME) tossed his third complete-game victory against the Chicago Cubs.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bruce Hurst (J.C. hooper for Dixie UT in mid-1970s) notched a 4-2 complete-game victory against the New York Mets in Game 5 of 1986 World Series.
Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) hired as Los Angeles Dodgers manager in 1998.
Kansas City Royals LF Lynn Jones (averaged 10.4 ppg for Thiel PA from 1970-71 through 1973-74) contributed a pinch-hit double against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of 1985 World Series.
Gene Michael (Kent State's leading scorer with 14 ppg in 1957-58) replaced by Bob Watson as New York Yankees general manager in 1995.
INF Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons for UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945, paving the way for MLB integration.
OF Richie Scheinblum (averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 1962-63 and 1963-64 with LIU-C.W. Post) purchased from the Cleveland Indians by the Washington Senators in 1970.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 22 NFL Gridiron

October 22nd, 2024 - 9:26

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 on October 22 in football at the professional level (especially in 1950 and 1961 and ex-hoopers with the Bears and Lions):

OCTOBER 22

New York Giants B Len Barnum (West Virginia Wesleyan hooper) rushed for a touchdown in his second consecutive contest in 1939. Chicago Bears E Dick Plasman (Vanderbilt two-year starting hoops center named to 1936 All-SEC Tournament second five) caught a 68-yard TD pass from Sid Luckman in 16-13 setback against the Giants.
Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught a touchdown pass from Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) for the third consecutive contest in 1950. Lions rookie E Dick Rifenburg (scored nine points in five basketball games for Michigan in 1948-49) had a 19-yard TD reception in 28-27 setback against the San Francisco 49ers.
Detroit Lions TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference hoops choice for Colorado College) rushed for three touchdowns in a 28-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1934.
Chicago Bears rookie TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught two touchdown passes in a 31-0 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1961.
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught nine passes in a 30-27 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006. Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught six passes for 138 yards.
Houston Oilers WR Bill Groman (Heidelberg OH scoring average leader as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught two touchdown passes in a 38-7 AFL win against the Dallas Texans in 1961.
Green Bay Packers RB-K Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) converted all four of his field-goal attempts in a 33-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1961.
San Francisco 49ers WR John Isenbarger (Indiana hooper for three games in 1967-68) caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Steve Spurrier in 20-20 tie against the New Orleans Saints in 1972.
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 three touchdown passes to Albert Connell in a 35-16 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2000.
Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 361 yards - including two first-half touchdowns - in a 30-23 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1972.
E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) accounted for the Chicago Bears' lone touchdown with a 24-yard catch from Red Grange in the fourth quarter in 10-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1933.
Green Bay Packers rookie RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games for Texas-El Paso in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) opened game's scoring with a 46-yard rushing touchdown in 26-17 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2017.
Rookie FB J.W. Lockett (three-year hoops letterman led Central Oklahoma with 8.8 rpg in 1958-59) scored the Dallas Cowboys' lone touchdown with five-yard pass from Don Meredith in second game in a row in 1961.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 302 yards - including three second-half touchdowns - in a 23-21 setback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006.
Rookie DB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) opened the Houston Oilers' scoring with a 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown in 24-19 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967.
Baltimore Colts HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier hoops letterman in 1943) had two touchdown pass receptions in a 70-27 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1950. Fellow HB Rip Collins (guard for Louisiana State's basketball team from 1945 to 1947) had a 63-yard pass reception for the Colts.
New York Titans WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) had 12 pass receptions for 160 yards in a 27-10 AFL setback against the Denver Broncos in 1961.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) returned a punt 87 yards for touchdown in 36-22 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 2006.
New York Giants rookie B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) had a 70-yard rushing touchdown in 21-7 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1933.
Green Bay Packers LB Dave Robinson (made two free throws and grabbed five rebounds in two basketball games for Penn State in 1960-61) had two interceptions in a 48-21 win against the New York Giants in 1967.
Chicago Bears QB Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) threw three touchdown passes - all at least 28 yards - in a 21-21 tie against the Detroit Lions in 1944.
Buffalo Bills TE Tom Rychlec (collected four points and six rebounds in one hoops game for American International MA in 1954-55) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 52-21 AFL setback against the Boston Patriots in 1961.
Pittsburgh Steelers DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for Maryland-Eastern Shore) had at least one interception in his fourth consecutive contest in 1961.
Detroit Lions B Bill Shepherd (Western Maryland hooper) opened game's scoring with a 58-yard rushing touchdown in 26-7 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1939.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 321 yards - including two first-quarter touchdown passes highlighted by 87-yarder to Ben Hawkins - in a 48-14 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967.
Washington Redskins E Hugh Taylor (OCU leading scorer with 11.4 ppg as senior in 1947) caught three touchdown passes from Harry Gilmer in a 38-28 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1950.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Cedric Tillman (averaged 4.3 ppg and 2.6 rpg while serving as part-time starter for Alcorn State in 1990-91) opened game's scoring with a touchdown catch from Mark Brunell in 23-15 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1995. It was Tillman's third consecutive contest with a TD reception.
Philadelphia Eagles rookie DE Norm Willey (Marshall center in late 1940s) opened game's scoring by returning an interception 41 yards for touchdown in 17-10 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1950.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 22

October 22nd, 2024 - 9:24

Extra! Extra! There's a reason Cacklin' Commie-la doesn't have him on campaign trail with her. Instead of debating why petty Plagiarist "How Do I Get Off Stage?" Biledumb, a super predator on our intellect via Binder Babe Ka-ringe, and "party of science" (#Dimorat) employ mix-and-match political science at odds with data-driven real science, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former Eastern university hoopers Danny Coombs (Seton Hall) and Joe Lahoud (New Haven CT) were involved in MLB trades on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 22 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 22

CF Ken Berry (freshman hooper for Wichita in 1959-60) traded by the California Angeles to Milwaukee Brewers in 1973.
LHP Danny Coombs (Seton Hall basketball third-leading scorer and rebounder in 1961-62) purchased from the Houston Astros by the San Diego Padres in 1969.
Boston Red Sox 2B Denny Doyle (averaged 2.7 ppg for Morehead State in 1962-63) hit safely in all seven 1975 World Series games against the Cincinnati Reds.
C Art Kusnyer (led Kent State in field-goal percentage in 1965-66 when he was team's third-leading scorer and rebounder) traded by the California Angels to the Milwaukee Brewers in a nine-player swap in 1973.
OF Joe Lahoud (New Haven CT hoops letterman in mid-1960s) traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the California Angels in a nine-player swap in 1973.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 21 NFL Gridiron

October 21st, 2024 - 11:10

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 on October 21 in football at the professional level (especially in 1956 and 2012 plus ex-hoopers with the Redskins):

OCTOBER 21

Washington Redskins FB Frank Akins (averaged 1.7 ppg for Washington State's 1941 NCAA Tournament runner-up) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 24-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1945.
LB Connor Barwin (played 34 games for Cincinnati in 2005-06 and 2006-07) opened the Houston Texans' scoring with a safety tackling QB Joe Flacco in 43-13 win against the Baltimore Ravens in 2012.
Chicago Bears 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 two touchdowns in a 58-27 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1956. Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had two second-quarter TD receptions (37 and 68 yards).
Chicago Cardinals B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1916) accounted for all of game's scoring with three field goals in a 9-0 win against the Minneapolis Marines in 1923.
Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman hooper in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) scored a touchdown on a 27-yard interception return in 21-19 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2007.
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 35-8 win against the Baltimore Ravens in 1999.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-6 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1973.
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 seven passes for 216 yards - including one for league-high 95 yards - in a 35-28 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2012.
San Francisco 49ers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for two touchdowns in a 20-17 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1956.
Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) passed for 294 yards and two second-quarter touchdowns in a 31-13 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973.
Atlanta Falcons rookie CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) returned an interception 81 yards in 41-0 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1973. Six years later, Lawrence returned a blocked punt 41 yards for touchdown in 20-15 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1979.
WR Greg Little (collected five points and five rebounds in 10 basketball games for North Carolina in 2007-08 under coach Roy Williams) opened the Cleveland Browns' scoring with a touchdown catch from Brandon Weeden in 17-13 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Bill Mackrides (Nevada-Reno hoops letterman in 1944) opened game's scoring with a 22-yard touchdown pass in 26-24 setback against the New York Giants in 1951. Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned a punt 71 yards for TD.
Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had five pass receptions for 161 yards - including two second-half touchdowns - in a 44-24 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1990.
Boston B Frank Sachse (All-Border Conference second-team forward for Texas Tech in 1937-38 with 16.8 ppg) threw an 80-yard touchdown pass in 38-14 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1945.
Baltimore Colts rookie LB Bill Saul (averaged 6.1 ppg for Penn State in 1959-60) secured a safety in 35-15 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1962.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 45-28 win against the New York Giants in 1973. Six years later, Staubach threw two second-quarter TD passes in a 22-13 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1979.
Indianapolis Colts TE Erik Swoope (averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Miami FL from 2010-11 through 2013-14) caught a touchdown pass from QB Andrew Luck in his third consecutive contest in 2018.
Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) returned an interception 36 yards for touchdown in 49-28 setback against the New England Patriots in 2007.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 21

October 21st, 2024 - 11:07

Extra! Extra! Instead of debating whether cranky conservative Meghan McCain, whose Senatorial father (John) always cozied up to misguided #MessMedia and facilitated Trump dossier transmittal to disgraced Jim Comey, should have known what was ahead for her during stint in ABC Lying's Den with The View vindictive vermin/leftist lunatics Joyless Behar, Whoopie "Stay Out of My Vagina" Goldberg (real name: Caryn Johnson), Not-So-Sunny Hostin and nutty "Love Story" purveyor Ana Navarro, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former Far West university hoop guards Tony Gwynn (San Diego State) and Kenny Lofton (Arizona) supplied significant World Series performances as MLB outfielders on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 21 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 21

1B Bill Davis (averaged 12.5 ppg in 1963-64 for Minnesota basketball team including eventual NBA standouts Archie Clark and Lou Hudson) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the San Diego Padres in 1968.
Kansas City Royals RHP Rich Gale (led New Hampshire with 7.2 rpg in 1975-76) lost Game 6 when the Philadelphia Phillies clinched 1980 World Series championship.
RHP Dave Giusti (made 6 of 10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60) traded with C Dave Ricketts (Duquesne's leading scorer with 17.9 ppg in 1956-57) by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1969.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) provided his third multiple-hit game in four World Series contests against the New York Yankees in 1998.
In 1995 opener against the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four squad compiling 35-3 record) became the first player since 1921 to steal two bases in one inning of a World Series game.
RHP Joe Niekro (averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for West Liberty WV from 1963-64 through 1965-66) made his lone World Series appearance, hurling two innings of shutout relief for the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 of 1987 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
RHP Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS hooper in late 1920s and early 1930s) traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1935.
OF Richie Scheinblum (averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 1962-63 and 1963-64 with LIU-C.W. Post) purchased from the Texas Rangers by the Kansas City Royals in 1971.
RHP Ralph Terry (juco hooper averaged 22 ppg for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in mid-1950s) shipped by the New York Yankees to Cleveland Indians as player to be designated in trade made the previous month.

Walking Tall: 7-9 Olivier Rioux is Tallest Player in College Basketball History

October 21st, 2024 - 9:24

Sky-is-the-limit expectations face 7-9 Canadian Olivier Rioux, a preferred walk-on for Florida and the tallest player in college basketball history. It will be a tall order, but his development likely will determine whether or not the Gators become a national force again. Believe it or not, there has previously been a striking number of towering players with higher profiles including fellow Canadian Zach Edey, who earned back-to-back national POY awards with Purdue.

Who have been the tallest players in major-college history? Eight of 12 NCAA Division I players taller than 7-4 have impacted major-college hoops this century and could literally look down upon national Player of Year winners Lew Alcindor (7-2/UCLA), Anthony Davis (7-0/Kentucky), Patrick Ewing (7-0/Georgetown) and Shaquille O'Neal (7-1/Louisiana State) plus two-time All-Americans Artis Gilmore (7-2/Jacksonville) and Hakeem Olajuwon (7-0/Houston). Nearly half of the players 7-4 or taller were layup line sideshows, averaging no more than 3 ppg in their major-college careers. Rioux and a 7-4 successor to Edey (medical redshirt Daniel Jacobsen) are among the following list of skyscrapers:

Tallest DI Players	Ht.	School(s)	Summary of NCAA Division I Career
Olivier Rioux	7-9	Florida	Canadian product is preferred walk-on in 2024-25
Neil Fingleton	7-7 1/2	North Carolina/Holy Cross	missed both of his field-goal attempts in one game with Carolina in 2001-02 before averaging 2.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.7 bpg and 45.2 FG% for Holy Cross in 2002-03 and 2003-04
Tacko Fall	7-7	UCF	10.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.4 bpg and 74 FG% from 2015-16 through 2018-19 (All-AAC third-team selection)
Kenny George	7-7	UNC Asheville	9.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.7 bpg and 71.6 FG% in 2006-07 and 2007-08 (All-Big South Conference second-team selection) before having part of his right foot amputated because of staph infection
Shawn Bradley	7-6	Brigham Young	14.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 5.2 bpg and 51.8 FG% in 1990-91 (All-WAC second-team selection)
John Hollinden	7-6	Oral Roberts	1.2 ppg and 1.1 rpg in 1976-77 and 1977-78 before transferring to Indiana State-Evansville
Mike Lanier	7-6	Hardin-Simmons/UCLA	averaged 5.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.8 bpg and 45.2 FG% for Hardin-Simmons in 1988-89 and 1989-90 before averaging 1.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.1 bpg and 32.4 FG% with UCLA in 1991-92 and 1992-93.
Mamadou Ndiaye	7-6	UC Irvine	10.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.5 bpg and 67.6 FG% from 2013-14 through 2015-16 (All-Big West Conference first-team selection)
Sim Bhullar	7-5	New Mexico State	10.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.9 bpg and 63.3 FG% in 2012-13 (All-WAC third-team selection) and 2013-14
Chuck Nevitt	7-5	North Carolina State	3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1 bpg and 58 FG% from 1978-79 through 1981-82
Jamarion Sharp	7-5	Western Kentucky/Mississippi	juco recruit averaged 7.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 4.4 bpg for WKU in 2021-22 and 2002-23 before NCAA leader in rejections transferred and averaged 3.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.4 bpg with Ole Miss in 2023-24
Riley Sorn	7-5	Washington	3 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 2019-20 and 2020-21
Alan Bannister	7-4	Oklahoma State/Arkansas State	6.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 bpg and 45.9 FG% with OSU in 1985-86 and 1987-88 before averaging 2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.8 bpg and 45.2 FG% with ASU in 1989-90
Lonnie Boeckman	7-4	Oklahoma State	1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 35.8 FG% from 1973-74 through 1976-77
Tom Burleson	7-4	North Carolina State	19 ppg, 12.7 rpg and 51.6 FG% from 1971-72 through 1973-74 (three-time All-ACC selection and All-American as junior)
Mark Eaton	7-4	UCLA	1.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.9 bpg and 44.9 FG% in 1980-81 and 1981-82
Zach Edey	7-4	Purdue	consensus national player of the year the past two seasons, Canadian was instrumental in boosting Boilermakers to runner-up finish in 2024 NCAA Tournament (finished career with 18.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg and 62.1 FG% before becoming ninth pick overall in NBA draft)
Daniel Jacobsen	7-4	Purdue	freshman in 2024-25 became medical redshirt after fracturing tibia
Christ Koumadje	7-4	Florida State	4.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.2 bpg and 62.2 FG% from 2015-16 through 2018-19
Rolf Mayr	7-4	Duquesne	1.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg and 42.9 FG% in 1987-88
Chase Metheney	7-4	Virginia	2.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1 bpg from 1995-96 through 1997-98
Ralph Sampson	7-4	Virginia	16.9 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 3.5 bpg and 56.8 FG% from 1979-80 through 1982-83 (three-time national player of the year)
Rik Smits	7-4	Marist	18.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.2 bpg and 60.9 FG% from 1984-85 through 1987-88 (three-time all-conference first-team selection and two-time league player of the year)
Steve Turner	7-4	Vanderbilt	8.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 50.2 FG% from 1969-70 through 1972-73 (All-SEC third-team selection)
Matt Van Komen	7-4	Utah/Saint Mary's	played sparingly for Utes in 2019-20 and Gaels in 2020-21

NOTES: George Bell (7-8/Morris Brown GA, UC Riverside and Biola CA), Paul Sturgess (7-7/Florida Tech and Mountain State WV), Manute Bol (7-6/Bridgeport CT) and Priest Lauderdale (7-4/Central State OH) played for non-DI colleges. . . . Homesick Gunther Behnke (7-4/Kentucky) left UK before start of 1984-85 season to return to his native West Germany.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 20 NFL Gridiron

October 20th, 2024 - 9:17

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 on October 20 in football at the professional level (especially in 1963 and ex-hoopers with the old Brooklyn Dodgers):

OCTOBER 20

Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 34-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1940.
Detroit Lions rookie TB J.R. Callahan (Texas Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) threw a 56-yard touchdown pass in 35-14 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. The previous week, Callahan rushed for a six-yard TD in 36-14 setback against the Chicago Cardinals.
Oakland Raiders WR Dobie Craig (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Howard Payne TX in 1960-61) had a 93-yard pass reception and run for touchdown in 49-26 AFL win against the New York Jets in 1963.
Chicago Bears HB Beattie Feathers (Tennessee hoops regular in 1931-32) opened game's scoring with a 19-yard rushing touchdown in 24-14 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935. Dodgers rookie B Wilbur White (Colorado State letterman from 1932 through 1935) threw a 14-yard TD pass to Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp).
Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) returned an interception 55 yards for touchdown in 20-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1968.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes - including two of league-high 11 TD receptions for SE Karl Noonan (member of Iowa's basketball squad in 1963-64) - in a 24-22 AFL win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. Rookie DE Harry Gunner (J.C. transfer averaged 4.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Oregon State, playing on NCAA playoff team in 1966) registered a safety by tackling Griese.
Rookie B Swede Hagberg (three-year West Virginia hoops letterman in late 1920s) scored the Buffalo Bisons' only touchdown with a 34-yard pass reception in 7-7 tie against the Providence Steam Roller in 1929.
Cleveland Rams TB Parker Hall (Ole Miss hoops letterman in 1938) threw two first-quarter touchdown passes of more than 60 yards in a 26-14 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1940.
Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two touchdown passes in a 17-10 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted six times for 286 yards (47.7 average) in a 37-7 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1963.
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 two touchdown passes for the second week in a row in 2013. Jackson had 10 receptions for 138 yards.
Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-27 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1957.
FB J.W. Lockett (three-year hoops letterman led Central Oklahoma with 8.8 rpg in 1958-59) scored the Baltimore Colts' first touchdown with an 11-yard pass reception from Johnny Unitas in 25-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 1963.
San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 20-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1991.
Brooklyn Dodgers rookie HB Banks McFadden (led Clemson in scoring each of his three seasons en route to becoming school's first hoops All-American in 1939) threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) in 16-7 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1940.
CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) opened the Houston Oilers' scoring by intercepting a Joe Namath pass and returning it 51 yards for touchdown in 26-17 AFL setback against the New York Jets in 1963.
Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year hoops letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) converted all five of his field-goal attempts in a 29-16 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1968.
Minnesota Vikings WR Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) caught a 57-yard touchdown pass from Fran Tarkenton in 27-24 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1963.
Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 309 yards in a 38-27 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963.
Chicago Bears TE Ed Sprinkle (two-year hoops letterman for Hardin-Simmons TX in early 1940s) opened game's scoring with a 34-yard touchdown catch from Sid Luckman in 21-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1946.
San Diego Chargers WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) returned five punts for 79 yards in a 30-24 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1991.
New York Jets DE Marvin Washington (played in 1985 NCAA Tournament with UTEP under Don Haskins before averaging 2.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Idaho under Tim Floyd in 1987-88) had two sacks in 17-6 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 1991.
Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught nine passes in a 31-17 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 2013.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 20

October 20th, 2024 - 9:15

Extra! Extra! Instead of debating whether you'd be fine by always doing the exact opposite on any vital topic hideous Hunter's daddy (Plagiarist Biledumb) and San Franfreakshow Mayor Willie Brown's side chick (Cacklin' Kamala) lamely bloviate about while accepting activists stalking/filming female Senator of his party in restroom and Hamas-loving Odd Squad becomes fools personified, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former Big Apple college hoopers Frankie Frisch (Fordham) and Hank Greenberg (NYU) earned MLB league MVP awards on this date in the 1930s. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 20 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 20

Texas Rangers RHP Mike Adams (Texas A&M-Kingsville hooper in 1996-97) registered a victory in Game 2 of 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Philadelphia Athletics SS Jack Barry (hoops letterman for Holy Cross in 1908) contributed three hits, three runs scored and three RBI against the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of 1910 World Series.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) captured the 1931 National League MVP.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (attended NYU briefly on hoops scholarship in late 1920s) won the 1935 American League MVP.
Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) named Seattle Mariners manager in 2004.
LHP Dave Rajsich (juco hooper for Phoenix College AZ in early 1970s) traded by the Texas Rangers to Philadelphia Phillies in 1981.

Fantasy World: Could K, Wright or Bennett Conclude Career at Small College?

October 19th, 2024 - 8:57

It has been done before by prominent pilots. How many small colleges might be fantasizing about Mike Krzyzewski, Jay Wright or Tony Bennett at their helm after championship-club luminaries left DI coaching ranks the past few years? What about a small-time or rural Krzyzewskiville? Coach K is unlikely to follow suit just for the love of the game after 42-year stint with Duke including a total of 13 Final Fours. But following is a summary of celebrated coaches who ended their careers guiding obscure small-college programs after directing a major university to the NCAA Division I Final Four:

Celebrated Coach	School(s)	Final Four(s)	Small-School Concluding Career
Forddy Anderson	Bradley/Michigan State	1950-54-57	Hiram Scott OH (1965-66 through 1969-70)
Jim Calhoun	Connecticut	1999 and 2004-09-11	Saint Joseph CT (2018-19 to 2021-22)
Ed Jucker	Cincinnati	1961-62-63	Rollins FL (1972-73 through 1976-77)
Rollie Massimino	Villanova	1985	Northwood/Keiser FL (2006-07 through 2016-17)
Jim O'Brien	Ohio State	1998	Emerson MA (2011-12 through 2013-14)
Phil Woolpert	San Francisco	1955-56-57	San Diego* (1962-63 through 1968-69)

*The Toreros moved up to NCAA DI level in 1979-80.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 19 NFL Gridiron

October 19th, 2024 - 8:32

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 on October 19 in football at the professional level (especially in 1952 and by ex-hoopers with the 49ers):

OCTOBER 19

Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoops championship in 1943) caught two touchdown passes in a 24-16 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1952.
New York Giants E Glenn Campbell (Emporia State KS hooper) caught two touchdown passes in a 53-0 win against the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1930.
Pittsburgh Steelers TB Johnny Clement (SMU hoops letterman in 1940) threw two touchdown passes and rushed for two TDs in a 35-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947.
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 49-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1952. Browns DE Len Ford (center for Morgan State's CIAA hoops titlist in 1944) opened the game's scoring with a fumble recovery return for TD.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 43-0 win against the New York Jets in 1975.
Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught seven passes for 129 yards in a 34-26 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003.
Philadelphia Eagles rookie E Dick Humbert (three-year starter captained Richmond team as senior when averaging 7.4 ppg) opened game's scoring with a four-yard touchdown catch in 21-17 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1941.
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 three touchdown passes in a 27-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969.
B Wild Bill Kelly (two-year Montana hoops letterman in mid-1920s) accounted for the Frankfort Yellow Jackets' lone score with a five-yard rushing touchdown in a 6-6 tie against the Orange Tornadoes in 1929.
OLT Frank Kinard (Ole Miss hoops letterman from 1935-36 through 1937-38) recovered a fumble and ran 60 yards for touchdown for the Brooklyn Dodgers' only score in a 20-6 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1941.
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 second-quarter touchdowns in a 35-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1997.
WR Dave Logan (three-time scoring runner-up averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) caught 46-yard touchdown pass from Brian Sipe in fourth quarter to give the Cleveland Browns a 26-21 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1980.
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) had a touchdown reception in his third contest of five-game span in 2003.
New York Giants WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Charlie Conerly in a 24-23 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1952.
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 26-yard touchdown reception from John Hadl in fourth quarter to give the Green Bay Packers a 19-17 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1975.
Pittsburgh Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) caught two touchdown passes from Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) in a 28-24 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1952. Redskins E Hugh Taylor (OCU leading scorer with 11.4 ppg as senior in 1947) caught two second-half TD passes.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two touchdown passes from Steve Young in a 35-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. Six years later, Owens had six pass receptions for 152 yards in a 24-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 when WR teammate Tai Streets (collected four points and seven rebounds in 13 games for Michigan's NIT titlist in 1997 under coach Steve Fisher) caught the go-ahead touchdown pass from Jeff Garcia.
Philadelphia Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) had a 69-yard pass reception for touchdown in 35-24 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1947.
Chicago Rockets B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns (one rush/two pass receptions) in a 31-28 AAFC setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1947. Rockets rookie QB Sam Vacanti (averaged 2.8 ppg as backup swingman for Iowa in 1942-43) threw three TD passes.
Detroit Lions WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg as sophomore forward for Amherst MA in 1972-73) had a career-long 44-yard touchdown catch in 48-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1981.
Los Angeles Rams WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) opened game's scoring with a 92-yard touchdown reception in 31-10 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1958.
San Francisco 49ers QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three first-half touchdown passes in a 35-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1975. TE Tom Mitchell (averaged 6.1 ppg and 9.4 rpg in 10 basketball games for Bucknell in 1963-64) caught a career-long 60-yard TD pass from Snead.
Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) had four pass receptions for 131 yards in a 17-10 AFL win against the Miami Dolphins in 1969.
Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67) punted four times for 200 yards (50.0 average) in a 49-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1969.
B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1926) provided the Staten Island Stapletons' lone score with a 37-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter in 7-6 setback against the Providence Steam Roller in 1930.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 19

October 19th, 2024 - 8:31

Extra! Extra! Instead of wondering if moon-bat VP Cacklin' Commie-la was "last person in the room" doing maid work cleaning up cocaine residue or hair-sniffing Plagiarist Biledumb's America-Last mess in embellished confrontation with Corn Pop, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

One former Southern college hooper (Don Kessinger/Ole Miss) replaced another (Larry Doby/Virginia Union) as MLB manager of the Chicago White Sox on this date in 1978. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 19 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 19

RHP Bob Garibaldi (starting basketball forward for Santa Clara in 1961-62 when averaging 10.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg) traded by the San Francisco Giants to the Kansas City Royals in 1970.
Kansas City Royals LF Lynn Jones (averaged 10.4 ppg for Thiel PA from 1970-71 through 1973-74) contributed a pinch-hit triple against the St. Louis Cardinals in opener of 1985 World Series.
In 1978, Don Kessinger (three-time All-SEC selection for Mississippi from 1961-62 through 1963-64 while finishing among nation's top 45 scorers each year) named player-manager of the Chicago White Sox after they dismissed Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist).
St. Louis Cardinals RHP John Stuper (two-time all-conference junior college hooper in mid-1970s with Butler County PA) tossed a four-hitter in a 13-1 romp over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 6 of 1982 World Series.

Burnout: Coaching NCAA Championship Club Took Toll on More Than Bennett

October 18th, 2024 - 12:27

Much of media was abuzz about Tony Bennett stepping down as Virginia's coach at the age of 55 after capturing NCAA Tournament crown with the Cavaliers in 2019. He became the 14th title bench boss bowing out of coaching when they were younger than 60. Following is a list of NCAA DI championship coaches who departed profession as college head coach by the age of 60 (including five of the first six titlists from 1939 through 1944):

Championship Coach	Age	Title Team	Year(s)
Pete Newell	44	California	1959
Jim Valvano	44	North Carolina State	1983
Kevin Ollie	47	Connecticut	2014
Al McGuire	48	Marquette	1977
Fred Taylor	51	Ohio State	1960
Harold "Bud" Foster	52	Wisconsin	1941
Howard Hobson	52	Oregon	1939
Everett Dean	53	Stanford	1942
Phil Woolpert	53	San Francisco	1955 and 1956
Ken Loeffler	54	La Salle	1954
Tony Bennett	55	Virginia	2019
Joe B. Hall	56	Kentucky	1978
E. "Branch" McCracken	56	Indiana	1940 and 1953
John Thompson Jr.	57	Georgetown	1984
Vadal Peterson	60	Utah	1944
Ed Jucker	60	Cincinnati	1961 and 1962
Nolan Richardson Jr.	60	Arkansas	1994
Jay Wright	60	Villanova	2016 and 2018

NOTE: Billy Donovan was 49 when he left Florida (2006 and 2007) for the NBA.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 18 NFL Gridiron

October 18th, 2024 - 10:44

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 on October 18 in football at the professional level (especially in 1964 and 1987 and for the Cardinals and Rams):

OCTOBER 18

San Francisco 49ers RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) provided a 60-yard rushing touchdown in come-from-behind 35-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1953.
Cleveland Browns DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) returned an interception 55 yards for touchdown in 42-31 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969.
Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 21-10 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1942.
Kansas City Chiefs DE Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned a fumble recovery 11 yards for touchdown in 35-22 AFL setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1964. Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught two TD passes from Jack Kemp.
WR Marlin Briscoe (averaged 9.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Nebraska-Omaha in 1964-65) accounted for both of the Buffalo Bills' touchdowns with pass receptions in a 33-14 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1970. Briscoe finished game with seven catches for 145 yards.
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 188 yards on 26 carries in a 20-16 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1964.
Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught eight passes for 109 yards in a 35-23 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1981.
Portsmouth Spartans rookie TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference hoops choice for Colorado College) provided all three of game's touchdowns - two of them rushes for 15 yards - in a 19-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1931.
Rookie E Milan Creighton (All-SWC second-team guard for Arkansas in 1929-30) opened scoring for the Chicago Cardinals with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) in 26-13 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1931.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three second-quarter touchdown passes in a 38-16 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971. Two of Dawson's TDs were caught by WR Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M). Chiefs DE Buck Buchanan (earned hoops letter as Grambling freshman in 1958-59) intercepted a pass.
Chicago Cardinals B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1916) supplied an 80-yard touchdown run in 20-7 win against the Kansas City Cowboys in 1925.
Baltimore Colts QB Fred Enke (three-year All-Border Conference first-team hoops selection under his father was Arizona co-captain as senior in 1947-48) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 37-14 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1953.
Chicago Bears HB Beattie Feathers (Tennessee hoops regular in 1931-32) rushed for two touchdowns in a 26-7 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1936.
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) had nine pass receptions for the second straight week in 2015.
Seattle Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) had eight pass receptions for 140 yards in a 27-23 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2015.
Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoops games for Clemson in 2010-11) caught 10 passes for 148 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns - in a 31-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015.
St. Louis Cardinals 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 38-24 win against the Washington Redskins in 1964.
RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games for Texas-El Paso in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) scored at least one touchdown in each of the Green Bay Packers' first five games in 2020.
New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 20-20 tie against the San Francisco 49ers in 1970.
Cleveland Rams B Bill Lazetich (three-year Montana hoops letterman in late 1930s) scored a touchdown in his second straight game in 1942.
Chicago Bears rookie TE Alonzo Mayes (averaged 2.9 ppg and 2 rpg for Oklahoma State in seven basketball contests in 1996-97 under coach Eddie Sutton) amassed NFL career highs of four pass receptions and 57 receiving yards in a 13-12 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1998.
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 a touchdown pass from Steve Dils for the second consecutive contest in 1987.
In his only game as a rookie in 1987, 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 nine pass receptions in 6-3 win against the New York Giants.
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 two sacks and seven tackles in a 28-21 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009.
Producing his lone NFL pass reception, New England Patriots WR Clay Pickering (Maine scoring leader with 15.6 ppg as junior in 1981-82) caught a 10-yarder from Doug Flutie in 21-7 win against the Houston Oilers in 1987.
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) caught three touchdown passes from Roman Gabriel in a 42-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1964.
Miami Dolphins TE Adam Shaheen (averaged 5.5 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Pitt-Johnstown 2013-14) opened game's scoring with a touchdown reception from Ryan Fitzpatrick for the second straight week in 2020.
Los Angeles Rams WR Del Shofner (Baylor letterman in 1956) had two touchdown receptions in a 45-6 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1959.
Chicago Bears DE Ed Sprinkle (two-year hoops letterman for Hardin-Simmons TX in early 1940s) returned a blocked punt 21 yards for touchdown in 35-28 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1953.
Green Bay Packers TE Don Summers (averaged 13.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Oregon Tech in 1980-81) had at least two pass receptions in his third consecutive contest in 1987.
Pittsburgh Steelers DE George Tarasovic (led NLU forerunner Northeast Junior College LA with 21 ppg in 1950-51) returned a fumble recovery 38 yards for touchdown in 27-6 win against the Washington Redskins in 1959.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie WR David Verser (played five basketball games for Kansas in 1977-78 under coach Ted Owens) caught a 73-yard touchdown pass from Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) in 34-7 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1981.
Minnesota Vikings DB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two UTEP games in 1967-68 under coach Don Haskins) returned two punts for 52 yards in a 54-13 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1970.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 18

October 18th, 2024 - 10:43

Extra! Extra! Instead of debating whether self-absorbed former Congressional representatives Liz Cheney (a/k/a Rachel Levine lookalike) and weeping Adam Kinzinger should be permanently drummed out of GOP for aligning with Russian-deejay duped #SackofSchiff, #NannyPathetic, Urkel Nadler, repulsive Raskin and farting Eric "Chinese Check-Her-Out" Swalwell regarding #Dimorat allegations of Trump-inspired J6 insurrection, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former college hoopers Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC) and Bruce Hurst (Dixie UT J.C.) made news as MLB pitchers on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 18 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 18

RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup basketball player and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) traded by the New York Mets to the St. Louis Cardinals in an eight-player swap in 1971.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bruce Hurst (J.C. hooper for Dixie UT in mid-1970s) notched a 1-0 victory against the New York Mets in 1986 World Series opener.

Newton Joined Four UCLA All-Americans With 12-0 NCAA Tournament Records

October 17th, 2024 - 20:46

Last season, Connecticut guard Tristen Newton joined an illustrious group of four UCLA players (Lew Alcindor, Henry Bibby, Curtis Rowe and Sidney Wicks) as the only All-Americans to go undefeated in as many as 12 NCAA playoff games. Following is a list including them and six additional All-Americans with the best winning percentages in NCAA Tournament competition (minimum of 12 contests):

All-American (Years A-A)	School	Playoff Record	Pct.	NCAA Tournament Statistics
Lew Alcindor (1967 through 1969)	UCLA	12-0	1.000	25.3 ppg and 16.8 rpg from 1967 through 1969
Henry Bibby (1972)	UCLA	12-0	1.000	15.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg from 1970 through 1972
Tristen Newton (2024)	Connecticut	12-0	1.000	12 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 6.3 apg in 2023 and 2024
Curtis Rowe (1970 and 1971)	UCLA	12-0	1.000	13.8 ppg and 11.6 rpg from 1969 through 1971
Sidney Wicks (1970 and 1971)	UCLA	12-0	1.000	13.3 ppg and 9.3 rpg from 1969 through 1971
Mikal Bridges (2018)	Villanova	13-1	.929	11.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.1 spg from 2016 through 2018
Jalen Brunson (2018)	Villanova	13-1	.929	12 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.8 apg from 2016 through 2018
Al Horford (2007)	Florida	13-1	.929	10.9 ppg and 9.8 rpg from 2005 through 2007
Dave Meyers (1975)	UCLA	12-1	.923	12.7 ppg and 6.8 rpg from 1973 through 1975
Shabezz Napier (2014)	Connecticut	12-1	.923	13.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.1 apg and 1.7 spg in 2011, 2012 and 2014
Joakim Noah (2007)	Florida	12-1	.923	12.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg and 3.2 bpg from 2005 through 2007 (DNP in 2005 opener)

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 17 NFL Gridiron

October 17th, 2024 - 9:10

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 on October 17 in football at the professional level (especially in 1937 and 1971 and three ex-hoopers scoring touchdowns with the Lions):

OCTOBER 17

Brooklyn Dodgers HB Al Akins (forward was hoops letterman for Washington in 1944 after lettering with Washington State previous two years) opened game's scoring with an 18-yard rushing touchdown in 14-14 AAFC tie against the Buffalo Bills in 1947.
Washington Redskins RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) scored three touchdowns from at least 60 yards (interception return from 65 and rushes from 60 and 62) in a 34-20 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1937.
Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw four touchdown passes in a 33-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1943.
New York Jets QB Bob Davis (sixth man for Virginia in 1964-65 when averaging 9.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg) threw two touchdown passes for first of three consecutive contests to finish month in 1971.
Chicago Bears B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) accounted for all of game's scoring with one rushing touchdown, three field goals and one extra point in a 16-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1926.
Chicago Bears HB Beattie Feathers (Tennessee hoops regular in 1931-32) opened the game's scoring with a four-yard rushing touchdown in 16-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1937.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) threw four touchdown passes - including 78-yarder to Ray Mathews - in a 55-27 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1954. Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three TD passes.
Atlanta Falcons 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 31-17 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw four touchdown passes in a 41-3 win against the New England Patriots in 1971. Five years later, Griese passed for 306 yards in a 20-17 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1976.
Detroit Lions rookie E Chuck Hanneman (three-year Eastern Michigan hoops letterman in mid-1930s) rushed for a 50-yard touchdown in 30-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937. Lions rookie B Vern Huffman (All-American was All-Big Ten Conference selection for Indiana in 1935-36 and 1936-37) returned an interception 100 yards for TD.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw for 321 yards - including three touchdown passes - in a 35-27 setback against the New York Giants in 1965.
Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven basketball games for Clemson in 2010-11 in coach Brad Brownell's inaugural season with the Tigers) caught two touchdown passes from Kyler Murray in a 37-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2021.
Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) caught three touchdown passes - including two 45-yarders in second quarter - in a 63-35 win against the New York Giants in 1948. E Ray Poole (Ole Miss' leading hoops scorer in 1942-43 with 12.3 ppg) opened the Giants' scoring with a TD reception from QB Charlie Conerly.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie HB Johnny Lattner (Notre Dame forward in 1951-52) scored a touchdown in each of his first four games in 1954.
Green Bay Packers WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from Bart Starr in 31-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 1965. It was Long's third consecutive contest with a TD reception. Lions DB Wayne Rasmussen (MVP in 1963 NCAA College Division Tournament for South Dakota State) returned an interception 36 yards for TD.
Philadelphia Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) had a 32-yard rushing touchdown in 45-0 win against the Washington Redskins in 1948.
Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 191 yards on 26 carries - including two touchdowns - in a 20-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1976.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 24-14 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 1971. 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 five times for 246 yards (49.2 average).
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) contributed eight pass receptions in a 34-24 setback against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.
Minnesota Vikings CB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two UTEP games in 1967-68 under coach Don Haskins) returned two kickoffs for 69 yards in a 24-13 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1971.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Supplying MLB Headlines on October 17

October 17th, 2024 - 9:09

Extra! Extra! Instead of debating whether trusting Bill Gates and Dr. Fraudci with your health plus #SickWillie, Plagiarist Biledumb and Cacklin' Commie-la with your political stances is like trusting perverts P Diddy, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein with your young daughter, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former San Diego State hoopers Tony Clark and Tony Gwynn made MLB postseason competition news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 17 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes: