If you need more unassailable evidence proving who are the best team-sport athletes in the world, check out some of the premier tight ends in NFL history (past and present). A striking number of the elite players at that rigorous position are former college basketball players although ESPN (Engineering Social Priorities Network) probably is more interested in positioning Michael Sam for another destination after he was "kissed" adrift by multiple professional squads. In the past, what kind of "picks" do you think imposing Mike Ditka (Pittsburgh) and John Mackey (Syracuse) set back in the day before the Big East Conference was formed? Wouldn't you love to see LeBron James maneuver down the field like Charles Atlas the same way he does when driving down the lane?

Although ex-California hoopster Tony Gonzalez failed to reach the 2013 postseason with the Atlanta Falcons in his quest to finally win a playoff game before he retired, succeeding in the NFL remains a "Battle of the Titans" at the TE position. Former hoopsters Antonio Gates (Kent State) and Jimmy Graham (Miami FL) spark the San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks, respectively. Coming on strong at the same position is fellow ex-college hoopster Julius Thomas, the most sought-after free agent last year after originally being a relatively obscure player for the Denver Broncos until exploding on the scene two seasons ago as their runner-up in touchdowns with 12 and contributing a team-high eight pass receptions in an AFC title-game victory against the New England Patriots.

Thomas, an All-Big Sky Conference hoopster with Portland State, flashed potential as the next game-changing tight end when he caught nine touchdown passes in the Broncos' first five games two seasons ago en route to signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A 74-yard TD strike to "It's So Easy" at San Diego in mid-season two years ago illustrated how QB Peyton Manning capitalized on Thomas' athleticism the same way he did ex-hoopster Marcus Pollard (Bradley) with the Indianapolis Colts. Pollard, a J.C. transfer who was the Braves' leading rebounder in 1992-93, caught at least three touchdown passes each of Manning's first seven NFL seasons from 1998 through 2004.

Ditka has a quality successor as an ex-hoopster tight end with the Bears in Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M). A superior athlete to keep an eye on in the future is Texas Southern dual-sport player Derrick Griffin, who originally committed to A&M before aligning with Miami FL and subsequently sitting out and remaining in home state for academic reasons. Griffin, averaging almost 14 ppg and 10 rpg as a redshirt freshman under Tigers coach Mike Davis, boasts the physical credentials to become the latest SWAC multi-sport standout in the mold of Harold Carmichael (Southern), Andrew Glover (Grambling) and Otis Taylor (Prairie View A&M) if he avoids future incidents such as being ejected after punching an Alcorn State hooper. Griffin, 6-7, led TSU with 36 pass receptions, 709 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns before seamlessly swapping uniforms and collecting 19 points and 12 rebounds against Mississippi State plus 20 points and nine boards against Syracuse. Thomas, Bennett and Jordan Cameron of the Miami Dolphins plus ex-UCI hooper Darren Fells of the Arizona Cardinals should keep moving up the following list of Top 25 NFL tight ends who were former college basketball players:

Where are the profuse apologies from so-called recruiting experts for failing to include Oklahoma's Buddy Hield among the consensus top 100 high school recruits in 2012? He is the fourth consecutive national player of the year overlooked by the recruiting wizards who can't seem to comprehend upside potential or room for growth.

When Hield tallied 46 points at Kansas, the eruption triggered research regarding which individual opponent has the highest single-game scoring outburst against each major university. But Hield going wild fell two points shy of matching the individual record against KU (48 by Jackson State's Lindsey Hunter in 1992-93 before his 17-year NBA career).

Furman's Darrell Floyd and Frank Selvy collaborated for a total of nine scoring records in this category that have stood since the mid-1950s. Such scorched-earth outputs have been difficult to come by thus far in the 21st Century (unofficially seven uprisings). Many schools don't keep track of a standard perhaps reflecting a mite negatively upon them but following is what CollegeHoopedia.com unearthed on the topic:

*Unofficial.

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

The top three father-son duos in 2015-16 appear to be at Oregon State (coach Wayne Tinkle and son Tres), Southern LA (coach Roman Banks and son Tre'len) and UCLA (coach Steve Alford and son Bryce). If the Tinkles help eventually boost the Beavers back to national prominence, they stand the best chance of cracking the following all-time Top 10 of sons playing under their dad at the same school:

Last year, Northern Iowa's Seth Tuttle became the latest All-American from an obscure hometown (Sheffield, IA) with small population (1,168 according to 2013 census). Perhaps the most overlooked budding star attending a power-conference school from this season's freshman class is Kansas State center Dean Wade (St. John, KS; 1,250). St. John is half the size of Kimball, Neb., the hometown for South Dakota State's Mike Daum, the Summit League's MVP as a redshirt freshman.

But Tuttle and Wade aren't exactly from virgin territory. There have been a striking number of major-college All-Americans who came from even smaller outposts. Flyover-country hamlets offering little more than a part-time post office and gas station supplied the following standouts from municipalities with populations fewer than 1,000 (including a total of 10 "small-timers" in four-year span from 1955-56 through 1958-59):

With Auld Lang Syne chords playing in the background, the final day of the calendar year offered another time to say goodbye by acknowledging the passing away in 2015 of a striking number of major-college basketball movers and shakers. The NCAA Division I deceased list in 2015 included All-Americans George BonSalle (Illinois), Bill Bridges (Kansas), Ticky Burden (Utah), Mel Daniels (New Mexico), Bevo Francis (Rio Grande IN), Chet Giermak (William & Mary), Hot Rod Hundley (West Virginia), Ron Johnson (Minnesota), Bob Kauffman (Guilford NC), Dave Meyers (UCLA), Jack Parr (Kansas State), John Rudometkin (USC), Dave Scholz (Illinois), Bill Stauffer (Missouri), Roy Tarpley (Michigan), Dick Triptow (DePaul), Neal Walk (Florida) and Michael Wright (Arizona).

Members of legendary UCLA coach John Wooden's first and final NCAA tourney teams - John Matulich in 1950 and Meyers in 1975 - are among the following alphabetical list of 2015 deceased players and coaches who didn't drop the ball on the court at midnight or any other time:

• Jack Adams, 81, averaged 20.6 ppg for Eastern Kentucky from 1953-54 through 1955-56. Three-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection scored a school-record 49 points in single game as senior.
• Sam Alaimo, 93, played for Santa Clara in the mid-1940s. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
• John Albrinck, 80, averaged 3.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Xavier from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Ned Wulk.
• Bill Altman, 75, averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Indiana from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Branch McCracken.
• Stacey Arceneaux (a/k/a Bob Stacey), 79, came with John Crawford from New York City as Iowa State's first African-American players in the mid-1950s but promptly returned home.
• Doug Atkins, 85, averaged 9.9 ppg for Tennessee's 1950-51 basketball squad before concentrating on football as a defensive end and becoming an eight-time Pro Bowl participant. The eventual Pro Football Hall of Famer was selected in the first round of 1953 NFL draft.
• Bob Badeer, 76, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Princeton in 1957-58 under coach Cappy Cappon.
• Rick Barrett, 75, averaged 7.2 ppg for Denver in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
• Jim Barry, 71, averaged 17.3 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Georgetown in the mid-1960s. Cousin of Miami All-American Rick Barry was senior captain in 1965-66 after twice leading the Hoyas in scoring average.
• Joe Barry, 78, averaged 9.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg for St. Mary's from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He was an All-WCAC second-team selection as a senior when the Gaels' first-ever NCAA tourney team was eliminated in regional final by eventual champion California.
• John Bates, 77, coached a total of 15 seasons in MEAC for Maryland-Eastern Shore (72-14 record from 1971-72 through 1973-74) and Coppin State (222-121 from 1974-75 through 1985-86). His 26-1 UMES squad in 1973-74 became the first HBCU to be invited to the NIT.
• Mike Battle, 56, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Baylor in 1979-80 and 1980-81.
• Lionel "Larry" Baxter, 93, played for St. John's in the mid-1940s under coach Joe Lapchick before abruptly quitting school to get married. His college career was interrupted by WWII.
• Chester "Chet" Beam, 82, averaged 6.2 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Louisville's three NIT participants from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Peck Hickman.
• Charles Beasley, 69, was an All-SWC first-team selection for SMU his final two seasons in 1965-66 and 1966-67 under coach Doc Hayes. Beasley averaged 15.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg during his three-year college career.
• Bob Bedell, 70, averaged 14.9 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Stanford from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Howie Dallmar. Team-leading scorer each of last two seasons as an All-AAWU selection.
• Dave Benedict, 75, averaged 2.4 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Lehigh in 1958-59 and 1960-61.
• Jim Benka, 78, averaged 1.3 ppg for Marquette in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
• Tom Besmer, 81, played for Santa Clara in 1957-58.
• Ron Bissett, 83, averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Seattle in 1952-53 and 1953-54. He was a member of Canada's 1956 Olympic squad.
• Keith Blair, 76, averaged 11.6 ppg and 2.9 rpg for West Texas State from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He was an All-Border Conference second-team selection as a junior before leading West Texas State in scoring as a senior with 13.4 ppg while pacing league in free-throw marksmanship.
• Don Blanchard Sr., 88, played in two basketball games for Mississippi in 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. Offensive end and placekicker with the Rebels in 1949 also tied for fifth in the high jump competition at the 1950 SEC Men's Outdoor Track and Field meet.
• John Blankenship, 67, was runner-up to Illinois prep teammate Larry Ward in scoring with 14.3 ppg as Centenary sophomores in 1966-67.
• Carl Boldt, 82, was a J.C. recruit teammate of All-American Bill Russell for San Francisco's 1956 Phil Woolpert-coached undefeated team (averaging 8.6 ppg and 5 rpg).
• George BonSalle, 80, averaged 17.3 ppg for Illinois from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Harry Combes, earning All-American acclaim as All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection in junior season. Seventh pick overall in NBA draft.
• Dr. James "Don" Bostic, 60, averaged 4.4 ppg for Florida from 1973-74 through 1976-77. He was a senior tri-captain.
• Bob Boyd, 84, coached Seattle (41-13 record in two seasons in 1963-64 and 1964-65), Southern California (216-131 in 13 seasons from 1966-67 through 1978-79) and Mississippi State (55-87 in five seasons from 1981-82 through 1985-86). His 24-2 USC squad finished the 1970-71 campaign ranked fifth in the final national polls. He averaged 10.7 ppg for USC in 1950-51 and 1951-52, leading the Trojans in scoring both seasons. All-PCC South Division first-team selection as a senior.
• Jonathan Boyd, 26, was a juco recruit who averaged 10.3 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Alcorn State in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
• John Brady, 78, averaged 14.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Fordham from 1956-57 through 1958-59. Leading scorer as senior for an NIT participant.
• George Bray, 92, was a Southern Oregon College transfer who became a three-year letterman for Oregon in the mid-1940s. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII.
• Dick Brennan, 83, averaged 7.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Tulane from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Clifford Wells.
• Bill Bridges, 76, averaged 13.2 ppg and 13.9 rpg for Kansas from 1958-59 through 1960-61, leading the Jayhawks in rebounding all three seasons. All-American as senior ranked among nation's top 25 in rebounding percentage each of his final two campaigns.
• Lamar "Spo" Bridges Sr., 88, averaged 4.8 ppg for Florida in 1947-48.
• Rod Brookin, 47, averaged 11.1 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 40.9% from beyond the three-point arc for Pittsburgh from 1986-87 through 1989-90 under coach Paul Evans.
• Ronnie Brooks, 82, averaged 3.5 ppg for Maryland from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
• Bill Brophy Sr., 82, averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Texas A&M in 1954-55 and 1955-56. He led the Aggies in scoring and rebounding his first season before becoming an All-SWC second-team selection as captain the next year.
• Luther "Ticky" Burden, 62, was an NCAA consensus second-team All-American as a junior guard for Utah in 1974-75. Two-time All-WAC first-team selection ranked fourth in the nation in scoring that season with 28.7 ppg after finishing 16th the previous year with 23.7 ppg.
• John "Jake" Burrows, 97, was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection for The Citadel as a senior in 1939-40.
• Gerry Calabrese Sr., 90, averaged 10.2 ppg for St. John's from 1946-47 through 1949-50 after serving three years in U.S. Navy during WWII. Runner-up in scoring for back-to-back NIT teams under coach Frank McGuire was the 24th pick overall in 1950 NBA draft. He became mayor of Cliffside Park, N.J., for more than 50 years. His son, Tom, was assists leader for his alma mater's NCAA playoff team in 1977 and succeeded him as mayor of Cliffside Park.
• Roy "Wayne" Calvert, 71, averaged 6.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Roy Skinner.
• Alexander "Whitey" Campbell, 89, was first 1,000-point career scorer in Miami FL history (1946-47 through 1949-50).
• Lionel "Junie" Carbonneau Jr., 88, played for New Hampshire in 1950-51.
• Robert Carlson, 88, averaged 9.9 ppg for Penn in 1947-48 and 1948-49 after averaging 8.8 ppg in 1944-45 (All-EIBL selection as freshman).
• Milroy "Bud" Carnahan, 85, played for Pittsburgh in the early 1950s under coach Doc Carlson.
• Bobby "Soupbean" Carter, 75, averaged 10.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Tennessee from 1958-59 through 1960-61, leading the Volunteers in scoring as a senior with 14.4 ppg.
• Jim Cathcart, 88, averaged 8 ppg for Arkansas from 1947-48 through 1949-50. He participated in NCAA tourney as a junior.
• Jack Chapman Jr., 61, averaged 8.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg for South Alabama from 1972-73 through 1974-75.
• James "Buck" Cheek, 88, was a starting forward who scored 109 points during the season for Duke's 1946 Southern Conference Tournament titlist.
• James "Tom" Chester Jr., 73, averaged 14.5 ppg and 9.9 rpg for Canisius from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Bob MacKinnon. Chester finished among the team's top two in scoring and rebounding all three seasons (including NIT runner-up his senior year).
• Ralph Childs, 78, played for Vanderbilt in 1955-56 under coach Bob Polk before transferring to Arkansas State in Childs' hometown.
• Mike Christian, 62, averaged 11.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.6 apg for Auburn from 1971-72 through 1973-74. He was runner-up in scoring for the Tigers each of his last two seasons.
• Ron Chumbley, 80, was a juco recruit who played for Akron in 1955-56.
• George "Winston" Churchill, 90, was a multi-year letterman for Texas Tech in the mid-1940s.
• Jim Clancy, 70, played for Lehigh in 1963-64 under coach Tony Packer, the father of Billy Packer.
• Lou Coaston, 79, averaged 2 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Washington from 1956-57 through 1958-59.
• Jim Cochrane, 92, was an All-Mid-American Conference second-team selection as a junior in 1948-49 when leading Case Western Reserve OH in scoring with 15 ppg. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and Korean Conflict.
• Arnold Coleman, 60, played in 1977 NCAA playoffs against Digger Phelps-coached Notre Dame when leading Hofstra in assists with 4.9 per game. Versatile athlete was Flying Dutchmen's top football wide receiver in 1975 and 1976.
• Loverd Coleman, 65, was a juco recruit who averaged 6.3 ppg and 6 rpg for UNLV in 1971-72.
• Jim Cox, 70, averaged 3.3 ppg for Denver in 1965-66.
• Tommy "Lefty" Crook, 89, played for Memphis State in the late 1940s after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
• Herschal Crow Jr., 80, played for Oklahoma State in 1955-56 under coach Hank Iba.
• John Cummings, 88, played for Lehigh in the late 1940s.
• Ken Cunningham, 71, was backup guard for Cincinnati's 1963 NCAA Tournament runner-up before coaching Akron (43-60 record in four seasons from 1976-77 through 1979-80).
• Charles Curtis III, 66, played for Loyola Marymount from 1968-69 through 1970-71.
• Joseph "Levy" Dabadie Jr., 88, lettered for Louisiana State in 1942-43 and 1943-44 before his career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII. He went on to become a National Guard Brigadier General.
• Jim Dailey, 76, averaged 5.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg for St. Louis from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
• Don Dale, 83, averaged 1.3 ppg for Minnesota in 1951-52 under coach Ozzie Cowles.
• Ralph D'Altilia, 72, registered team highs of 20 ppg and 14.2 rpg in 1964-65 as Vermont captain and an All-Yankee Conference second-team selection.
• John "Jack" Dalton, 89, served in U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during WWII before becoming Vanderbilt letterman in 1945-46 prior to averaging 3.6 ppg for St. John's from 1946-47 through 1949-50 under coaches Joe Lapchick and Frank McGuire.
• Mel Daniels, 71, was an NCAA consensus second-team All-American as a senior center for New Mexico in 1966-67. He led the Lobos in scoring and rebounding three straight seasons, finishing his career with 20 ppg and 11.1 rpg.
• Dave Darby, 74, averaged 3.2 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Western Michigan in 1961-62.
• Dick Davidson, 69, played for Nebraska in 1965-66 before serving in U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
• John Davidson, 73, played for Iowa State from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
• Bob Davis, 82, averaged 1.3 ppg for Louisville in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
• Dr. Pete Demir, 84, averaged 1.4 ppg for Connecticut's 1950-51 NCAA playoff team under coach Hugh Greer before transferring to Penn, where he averaged 2.7 ppg in 1953-54 under coach Howie Dallmar.
• Mike DeNoia, 87, averaged a team-high 11.7 ppg for Scranton PA in 1947-48. He was a quarterback selected in fourth round of both the AAFC (San Francisco 49ers) and NFL (Washington Redskins) 1949 drafts.
• Daryl Devero, 55, averaged 13 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 1.4 spg for Seton Hall from 1979-80 (Pirates runner-up in scoring and rebounding as sophomore) to 1981-82 under coach Bill Raftery. Devero participated in 1979 NJCAA Tournament final.
• John DeWitt, 86, was a three-year letterman who averaged 6.8 ppg as a senior for Texas A&M's first NCAA playoff team in 1950-51 before becoming the school's first NBA draft choice. All-SWC second-team selection as a junior (9.1 ppg) and team-leading scorer as sophomore (10.3 ppg). He also was an all-league OF with the Aggies' 1951 College World Series participant and SWC track champion.
• Bobby Dews, 76, was a starting guard averaging 8.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Georgia Tech's 22-6 squad in 1959-60 before becoming a MLB coach mostly under Hall of Famer Bobby Cox with the Atlanta Braves.
• Don Dickerson, 72, averaged 3 ppg for Tennessee Tech in 1962-63 and 1963-64.
• Wayne Dobbs, 75, compiled a 69-87 major-college coaching record in six seasons (31-45 with George Washington from 1967-68 through 1969-70 and 38-42 with Vanderbilt from 1976-77 through 1978-79).
• Dr. Donald Dobler, 88, was a three-time All-Skyline Six Conference selection who averaged 8.3 ppg for Colorado A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. He twice led the Rams in single-season scoring.
• John Dohner, 85, averaged 12 ppg as a 5-8 guard for Virginia from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
• Dick Doughty, 76, averaged 4.1 ppg and 3.1 rpg for California from 1957-58 through 1959-60. Regular for the Bears his last two seasons when they reached back-to-back NCAA tourney championship games.
• Bill Downey, 91, was a letterman for Marquette in 1942-43 and 1943-44.
• Danny Drinon, 77, was a juco recruit who averaged 3 ppg and 1.1 rpg for San Francisco in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
• Norm Drucker, 94, played for CCNY in the early 1940s before becoming a long-time referee in the NBA and ABA.
• Dave Druliner, 68, averaged 1.1 ppg for Stanford from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Howie Dallmar.
• Hank Dudek, 90, was one of St. Joseph's top three scorers in 1947-48 (7.5 ppg) and 1948-49 (11.9 ppg) under coach Bill Ferguson after having his college career interrupted by serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
• Gordon Dunker, 84, played for Iowa State in the early 1950s.
• Robert Echols, 77, averaged 1.8 ppg for Texas Tech in 1957-58 and 1959-60.
• Fred Eisele, 80, averaged 1.3 ppg for Penn State from 1958-59 through 1960-61. Served in U.S. Army until retiring as a Colonel in 1987.
• Wilson "Jake" Eison Jr., 78, averaged 14.7 ppg and 10.6 rpg for Purdue from 1956-57 through 1958-59, leading the Boilermakers in rebounding each of his last two seasons. Team MVP as junior before becoming All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as senior. He was 28th pick overall in NBA draft.
• Norm Ellenberger, 83, coached New Mexico (134-62 record from 1972-73 through 1978-79), guiding the Lobos to a 24-4 mark in 1977-78 when they finished fourth in the final UPI national poll. He averaged 6.1 ppg for Butler in 1952-53 and 1953-54 under coach Tony Hinkle.
• Bob Elliott Sr., 88, was Washington State's third-leading scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49 under coach Jack Friel.
• Otmer "Gay" Elmore Jr., 73, played for West Virginia in the early 1960s under coach George King.
• Dan Englehardt, 81, averaged 7 ppg and 2.1 rpg for North Carolina State from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Everett Case.
• Bill Evans, 90, was named to Drake's All-Decade Team despite having career interrupted by serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection in 1942-43 and 1946-47 before moving up to first-team acclaim in 1947-48 and 1948-49.
• Orlando Febres, 51, averaged 3.9 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.7 apg for New Mexico State from 1982-83 through 1985-86.
• Bobby Finley, 82, averaged 3.2 ppg for West Texas State from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
• Dick "Sonnie" Fisher, 95, was an All-Big Nine Conference first-team selection as Ohio State forward in 1940-41. Halfback was an all-league second-team choice in 1941 in first OSU campaign under coach Paul Brown before becoming a 17-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 1942 NFL draft.
• Ken Fitzner, 72, averaged 3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
• Gary Floan, 74, averaged 6 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Idaho from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
• John "Jack" Flynn, 90, was a top scorer for Maryland in the mid-1940s, earning All-Southern Conference Tournament second-team acclaim in 1944-45.
• Wes Flynn, 74, averaged 9.4 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Arizona from 1960-61 through 1962-63 as one of the Wildcats' top three scorers all three seasons. He was their captain when named Outstanding Senior and Most Inspirational Player in school's first season as member of WAC.
• Dave Forsythe Jr., 71, averaged 1.7 ppg for Rhode Island in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
• Bill C. Foster, 79, coached UNC Charlotte (87-39 record from 1970-71 through 1974-75), Clemson (156-106 from 1975-76 through 1983-84), Miami FL (78-71 from 1985-86 through 1989-90) and Virginia Tech (101-78 from 1991-92 through 1996-97). He directed Clemson to a runner-up spot in the 1980 West Regional before capturing the 1995 NIT title with Virginia Tech.
• Clarence "Bevo" Francis, 82, was an All-American center for Rio Grande (Ohio) in 1952-53 and 1953-54 when he averaged 49.2 ppg. Francis scored an NCAA record 113 points against Hillsdale on February 2, 1954.
• Waldene "Wally" Frank, 76, averaged 12 ppg and 6.7 rpg for Kansas State from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Tex Winter. As a sophomore, Frank was third-leading scorer for national fourth-place team in NCAA playoffs. Two-time All-Big Eight Conference selection led K-State in scoring and rebounding as senior before becoming 26th pick overall in NBA draft.
• Ed Freedman, 85, averaged 1.7 ppg for Connecticut in 1948-49 under coach Hugh Greer.
• H. "Gene" Frymoyer, 89, averaged 6.2 ppg for Lehigh from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
• Herbert Fuller Jr., 88, played for Auburn in 1944-45.
• Walt Funk, 92, was a Penn State letterman in 1943-44. He served in U.S. military during WWII.
• Ross Furry, 66, played for Memphis State in 1968-69.
• Ed Garrity Jr., 83, averaged a team-high 16.1 ppg for St. Joseph's in 1952-53. He set a school record for most points in home game at Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse by scoring 40 against Rhode Island.
• Fred Geraci, 90, played for Xavier in 1945-46 after serving in U.S. military during WWII.
• Bob Gibson Jr., 88, played hoops for Youngstown State in the late 1940s. He compiled a 19-9 football coaching record with Bowling Green State in three years from 1965 through 1967.
• Sterling Gibson, 84, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Texas Christian in 1955-56 and 1956-57 under coach Buster Brannon.
• Chester "Chet" Giermak, 87, was an All-American center as a William & Mary senior in 1949-50 when he ranked seventh in the nation in scoring (20.8 ppg) after finishing third the previous year (21.8 ppg). He was the Tribe's all-time leading scorer for 65 years with 2,032 points until Marcus Thornton surpassed him in 2014-15.
• Merlin "Boody" Gilbertson, 92, was a member of Washington's first NCAA playoff team in 1943. After serving in the U.S. military (Army) during WWII, he was co-captain of the final Huskies team coached by Hec Edmundson in 1947.
• Gordon Gillespie, 85, averaged 6.6 ppg for DePaul in 1947-48 and 1948-49 under coach Ray Meyer after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. Gillespie, a hooper with Illinois in 1943-44, went on to be inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009 as a coach.
• Bob "Geef" Gilmore, 81, averaged 1.3 ppg for Lehigh in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
• Roger Godfrey, 82, played for Wisconsin from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Bud Foster.
• Brad Goodhart, 68, averaged 4.9 ppg and 4 rpg for St. Mary's in 1965-66 and 1966-67.
• George Gorman, 87, played for Gettysburg from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
• Bob Graham, 91, was an All-PCC South Division selection for Southern California in 1944-45 as the Trojans' captain and team MVP.
• Tommy Green, 59, averaged 11.2 ppg for Southern (La.) in the late 1970s before coaching the Jaguars (74-64 record from 1996-97 through 2000-01).
• Herbert Greene, 71, played for Auburn in the mid-1960s before becoming an assistant coach with his alma mater.
• Larry Greene, 78, averaged 1.2 ppg for Tulane in 1956-57 before transferring to Centenary, where he averaged 9.1 ppg in 1959-60.
• Ralph "Clark" Greenhalgh, 90, was a three-year letterman for Brigham Young in the late 1940s. His college career was interrupted serving with U.S. Army occupation forces in Japan following WWII.
• Jerry Greer, 79, averaged 1.3 ppg and 2 rpg for Northwestern from 1957-58 through 1959-60 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps.
• Bill Gregory III, 79, averaged 3.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Auburn from 1955-56 through 1958-59 (redshirt in 1956-57) under coach Joel Eaves.
• Dennis Griffin Jr., 72, averaged 4.8 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Western Michigan in 1962-63 and 1963-64.
• Lawrence Gualtieri, 81, was member of NCAA Tournament team for Wayne State MI in 1956.
• Anton Guitano, 65, averaged 6 ppg and 2.2 rpg for St. Peter's from 1968-69 through 1970-71.
• Gerald "Shorty" Gunnels, 88, played for Idaho in the late 1940s before transferring to Western New Mexico.
• Bill Guthridge, 77, was national coach of the year in 1997-98 when he became winningest first-year mentor in NCAA history (34-4 mark with North Carolina). Coached the Tar Heels two more seasons, finishing with an 80-28 record. Guthridge played for Kansas State under coach Tex Winter.
• Richard Gwinn, 87, lettered for Missouri in 1945-46.
• Jack Haley, 51, was a backup center for UCLA from 1984-85 through 1986-87 after attending junior college.
• Steve Hall, 44, averaged 1.2 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Ohio State from 1988-89 through 1991-92. As a senior, he appeared in the NCAA Tournament for the Southeast Regional #1-seed Buckeyes.
• Mark Haller, 99, was a starting center with Syracuse for two seasons in the late 1930s.
• Tom Hamilton, 75, averaged 6.2 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Morehead State from 1958-59 through 1961-62. He was a younger brother of former MLB pitcher Steve Hamilton, who remains the Eagles' all-time leading rebounder.
• Reggie Hannah, 56, averaged 14.7 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Florida from 1977-78 through 1979-80 before transferring to South Alabama, where he averaged 14.3 ppg and 6.6 rpg in 1981-82 under coach Cliff Ellis. All-SEC third-team selection as a junior was leader in rebounding average all four seasons with the two schools.
• Kyp Hardaway, 52, played for Oral Roberts in 1981-82.
• Milo "Gene" Harmon, 63, averaged 16.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Creighton from 1971-72 through 1973-74, leading the Bluejays in scoring each season under coach Eddie Sutton.
• Welton "Bill" Harper, 89, averaged 4.4 ppg for Oregon State from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Slats Gill. Harper, who participated in the Final Four his sophomore season as an All-PCC North Division second-team selection, spent more than four decades as a scout with the Philadelphia Phillies; best known for signing Hall of Fame 2B Ryne Sandberg.
• Jim Harris, 66, played for Kentucky in 1968-69 under coach Adolph Rupp.
• Larry Hayes, 88, was a member of Oklahoma A&M teams reaching NCAA tourney title games in 1946 and 1949 under coach Hank Iba. Hayes served in U.S. Air Corps Pilot Training Program during WWII.
• Harry Hayward Jr., 66, averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Michigan in 1969-70 and 1970-71 under coach Johnny Orr.
• August "Bud" Heineman, 85, averaged 8.5 ppg for Missouri from 1948-49 through 1950-51. He was the Tigers' top scorer with 11.8 ppg as senior co-captain.
• Leo Helmuth, 79, was a walk-on for Purdue in the late 1950s.
• Bob Hendricks, 88, was a two-year starter for Texas Christian in the late 1940s.
• Ken Hensley, 74, played for Kansas in 1959-60.
• John "Babe" Higgins, 90, was an All-PCC South Division selection for both California in 1943-44 under coach Nibs Price and Stanford in 1946-47 and 1947-48 under coach Everett Dean. Higgins also lettered in football for each Bay Area institution. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
• George Hill, 85, played for Auburn in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He was the Tigers' second-leading rebounder as a senior with 7.9 rpg under coach Joel Eaves.
• Tim Hill averaged 15.5 ppg for Siena from 1952-53 through 1955-56.
• Harold "Bud" Hjelm II averaged 10.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg for San Jose State from 1952-53 through 1954-55. He was an All-CBA second-team selection as a junior and senior.
• Chris Hobbs, 33, was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team in 2000-01 when he led Clemson in field-goal shooting (56.6%) and rebounding (6.3 rpg). Hobbs, the Tigers' runner-up in rebounding each of his last three seasons, posted career averages of 8.3 ppg and 5.9 rpg.
• Dick Hoffman, 88, averaged 7.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Miami (Fla.) from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
• Leslie Holbrook, 70, played for Xavier in the mid-1960s.
• Eddie Hole, 84, averaged 6.1 ppg for Rhode Island from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
• John "Jack" Holland Jr., 86, played for Villanova in the late 1940s.
• Bruce Holzschuh, 80, averaged 7.1 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Clemson from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
• Dick Honingford, 83, played for Notre Dame in the mid-1950s.
• Bob Hopkins, 80, remains Grambling's all-time scoring leader (3,756 points) and coached his alma mater (44-45 record in three seasons from 1986-87 through 1988-89). He also coached four other HBCU institutions - Prairie View A&M (10-14 in 1964-65), Alcorn State (70-12 in three seasons from 1966-67 through 1968-69), Southern (38-19 in two seasons in 1984-85 and 1985-86) plus Maryland-Eastern Shore (8-47 in two seasons in 1990-91 and 1991-92). Hopkins directed Southern to the NCAA playoffs in 1985.
• Charles "Bambi" Howland, 72, averaged 4.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Alabama in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
• Guy Huestis, 64, played for Washington State in the early 1970s. He passed away following ALS diagnosis.
• Nate Huffman, 40, was the first seven-footer in Central Michigan history and led the MAC in rebounding in 1996-97.
• Don Hughes, 84, averaged 1.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Cornell in the mid-1950s.
• Hot Rod Hundley, 80, was a two-time NCAA consensus All-American who averaged 24.5 ppg and 10.6 rpg for West Virginia from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
• William "Tat" Hunter Sr., 48, averaged 7.6 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Florida State from 1985-86 through 1988-89. He led the Seminoles in rebounding each of last two seasons with NCAA tourney teams.
• Bob Hutchinson, 79, averaged 1.6 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Penn State in 1960-61 and 1961-62.
• Tony Iacovino, 88, was a three-year letterman for St. Bonaventure in the late 1940s and roommate of Eddie Donovan after serving in U.S. Navy in the Philippines during WWII. Iacovino averaged 2.7 ppg his last two seasons.
• John Irving, 61, averaged 13.2 ppg and 15.4 rpg with Hofstra from 1974-75 through 1976-77, finishing among nation's top four rebounders and earning All-ECC honors all three seasons. He averaged 4.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg as Arizona freshman in 1972-73 before transferring.
• Ron Jacobs, 72, coached Loyola Marymount for one season (14-14 record in 1979-80).
• Theodore "Ted" Jacobs, 89, averaged 4.9 ppg for Ohio State from 1947-48 through 1949-50 under coach Tippy Dye after serving in U.S. military during WWII. As a senior, Jacobs scored 16 points in 27 minutes in two NCAA playoff games.
• Dr. Mike Jaekels, 86, played for Notre Dame in 1949-50 under coach Moose Krause.
• Charlie James, 71, averaged 3.6 ppg for San Francisco's 1965 NCAA playoff team that lost to UCLA in West Regional final.
• Dr. Robert "Joe" Jameson, 72, averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Purdue from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
• Royce Jeffries, 46, became one of Oklahoma State's all-time leaders in FG% in the late 1980s. He was shot in the back multiple times while working as a bouncer at Kansas City bar.
• Lionel Jenkins, 80, averaged 4.8 ppg for Providence from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Joe Mullaney.
• Thornton Jenkins, 91, was a four-year letterman for Missouri, leading the Tigers in scoring in 1942-43, 1946-47 and 1947-48 as a three-time All-Big Six Conference selection. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
• Jim Jochems, 80, averaged 3.3 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Colorado from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
• Doyle Johnson, 89, was a juco recruit who played for Oklahoma A&M in the mid-1940s under coach Hank Iba.
• Howard Johnson, 82, averaged 7.9 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Iowa State in 1953-54.
• Ralph Johnson, 84, averaged 10.3 ppg for Baylor from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Bill Henderson. Johnson participated in Final Four his sophomore season before becoming an All-SWC first-team selection as the Bears' top scorer each of final two years.
• Ron Johnson, 76, was a two-time All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection who averaged 19.6 ppg and 12.1 rpg for Minnesota from 1957-58 through 1959-60. He led the Gophers in rebounding all three seasons.
• Johnny Jones, 68, averaged 19.6 ppg and 8.7 rpg for Villanova from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Jack Kraft. Leading scorer and rebounder for the Wildcats each of first two seasons before All-American Howard Porter and fellow Floridian joined roster.
• Bob Jorgenson, 88, averaged team-high 11.3 ppg for Washington as freshman All-PCC North Division selection in 1944-45 before becoming one of the Huskies' top five scorers for their 1948 NCAA playoff squad. He served in U.S. Air Corps during WWII.
• Dr. Bernard Kaminski, 82, averaged 10.9 ppg for Massachusetts in 1951-52 before leaving school to serve in U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
• Bob Kauffman, 69, was an All-American for Guilford NC in 1967-68 before becoming third pick overall in NBA draft. He averaged 22.7 ppg and 15.9 rpg during four-year college career.
• Ralph Kauffman, 81, averaged 4.2 ppg for Michigan in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
• Bill Kelley, 89, lettered for Texas Tech in 1944-45 and 1945-46. Tight end played with the Green Bay Packers in 1949.
• Harold "Hardwood" Kelly, 91, was Mississippi's leading scorer with 9.4 ppg in 1946-47 after serving in U.S. military during WWII. He was runner-up in total points for the Rebels with 241 in 1947-48.
• Joe Kennelly, 78, sandwiched NIT appearances with Dayton in 1958 (runner-up) and 1960 around leading the Flyers in rebounding as a junior with 11.7 rpg.
• Frank Kerns, 82, coached Georgia Southern (243-132 record from 1981-82 through 1993-94), guiding the Eagles to three NCAA playoff appearances (1983-87-92).
• Tom Ketchum, 86, played for Loyola New Orleans in early 1950s. He served as a medic in U.S. Army.
• Sammie Key, 76, averaged 13.4 ppg and 5 rpg for Western Michigan from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He was an All-MAC second-team selection as sophomore when WMU's runner-up in scoring.
• Bill Kidd, 87, played for Louisville from 1947-48 to 1952-53 under coach Peck Hickman. Kidd's career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict.
• Tom King, 91, averaged 11.5 ppg for Michigan in 1943-44 as teammate of Dave Strack, who subsequently guided the Wolverines to back-to-back Final Fours in mid-1960s. King served in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and later in Korean Conflict.
• Billy Kirkpatrick, 82, averaged 11.1 ppg and 2 rpg for Auburn from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Joel Eaves after serving in U.S. Army and Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was an All-SEC second-team selection as senior captain when leading the Tigers in scoring with 18.7 ppg.
• Gerald "Jerry" Kittredge, 84, averaged 6.2 ppg for Temple in 1950-51 and 1952-53. In his first season, he was runner-up with the Owls in rebounding (12.1 rpg) to NCAA unanimous first-team All-American Bill Mlkvy.
• Ralph Klaerich, 87, averaged 10.1 ppg for Loyola of Chicago in 1948-49 and 1949-50 (led Ramblers in points scored).
• Frank Klonoski III, 83, played for Tulane in 1951-52 under coach Clifford Wells.
• Bob Klostermeyer, 83, averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for St. Louis from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Eddie Hickey. As a sophomore, he was member of the Billikens' first NCAA tourney team.
• Lamont "Monty" Knight, 54, averaged 13.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Virginia Commonwealth from 1978-79 through 1981-82. He participated in the NCAA playoffs as a sophomore and junior.
• Bill Knipp, 75, averaged 5.5 ppg for Air Force from 1959-60 through 1961-62. Senior captain played for the Falcons' first two NCAA tourney teams.
• Jim Konstanty, 73, played for Cornell from 1961-62 through 1963-64.
• Barry Koval, 68, averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg and team-high 4.8 apg for Virginia in 1967-68.
• Fred Kovar, 85, averaged 6.8 ppg for St. Louis from 1949-50 through 1951-52. As a senior, All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection played in both the NCAA playoffs and NIT.
• Paul Krieger, 73, averaged 8.7 ppg and 9.3 rpg for Pittsburgh from 1961-62 through 1963-64. He was the Panthers' leading rebounder for national postseason tourney teams as a junior (NCAA) and senior (NIT).
• Brian Kulas, 77, led Wisconsin in scoring average with 15.8 ppg in 1958-59 under coach Bud Foster.
• Alan Kyber, 81, averaged 3.1 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Furman from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Lyles Alley. Kyber played in historic game on 2-13-54 when teammate Frank Selvy scored major-college record 100 points against Newberry SC. Kyber coached American University to a 34-39 record from 1966-67 through 1968-69 in school's first three seasons at major-college level.
• Paul LaBrue, 72, averaged 3.5 ppg for Oklahoma State from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Hank Iba. LaBrue was sixth man as senior for NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional runner-up.
• Jack Landon Sr., 89, played for Oklahoma from 1943-44 through 1946-47, earning All-Big Six Conference second-team honors as a junior before averaging 5.3 ppg with the Sooners' NCAA Tournament runner-up as a senior.
• Edmond Lawrence, 62, was a four-time All-Southland Conference selection who averaged 19.5 ppg and 11.9 rpg for McNeese State from 1972-73 through 1975-76 when the Cowboys made their transition to NCAA Division I status.
• Bob Lawson, 84, averaged 1.8 ppg for Colorado from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
• Gary Lechman, 75, averaged 20.7 ppg and 13 rpg for Gonzaga from 1964-65 through 1966-67. Led the Zags in scoring and rebounding average all three seasons as an All-Big Sky Conference first-team selection. Ranked among the nation's top six in FG% in each of his last two campaigns.
• Gennaro "Jerry" Lembo, 87, averaged 2.5 ppg for Providence from 1949-50 through 1951-52. He served as a Sergeant First Class in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict.
• Bobby Lesley, 74, was a juco recruit who averaged 11.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 1961-62 and 1962-63 for coach Don Haskins' first two Texas-El Paso squads.
• Guy Lewis, 93, was a two-time national coach of the year who directed Houston to five Final Fours during his 30-year coaching career with the Cougars (592-279 record from 1956-57 through 1985-86). He averaged 20.3 ppg for UH in the mid-1940s before nine different All-Americans featuring Otis Birdsong, Clyde Drexler, Elvin Hayes and Hakeem Olajuwon helped him become his alma mater's all-time winningest coach.
• Bob Light, 88, remains Appalachian State's all-time winningest coach (211-178 from 1957-58 through 1971-72) after helping the Mountaineers make the transition to the NCAA Division I level in his final campaign.
• Jim Lindsey, 84, played for Louisiana State in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
• Ed Liptak, 86, averaged 3.7 ppg for Connecticut in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
• Jack Little, 84, was on Texas Tech's roster in 1949-50.
• Larry Little, 75, coached Centenary (100-33 record from 1971-72 through 1975-76) and Hawaii (103-143 from 1976-77 through 1984-85). His most famous pupil was center Robert Parish with Centenary.
• Bob Lockley Sr., 85, was a Philadelphia native who played for Kansas in 1955-56 under coach Phog Allen.
• Ron Logback, 75, played three seasons for New Mexico State in early 1960s, appearing in 1960 NCAA playoffs. Successor to QB Charley Johnson for school's football squad.
• Jim Loscutoff, 85, was a juco recruit who averaged 14.4 ppg and 14.8 rpg for Oregon in 1950-51 and 1954-55 (career interrupted by stint in U.S. Army).
• Ernie Lotano, 74, averaged 5.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Syracuse in 1960-61 before transferring to Albany.
• Dick Lotts, 83, averaged 2.5 ppg for Virginia in the Cavaliers' first two seasons as member of ACC in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
• Danny Lotz, 78, averaged 1.7 ppg and 2.1 rpg for North Carolina from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Frank McGuire. Member of the Tar Heels' 1957 undefeated club as sophomore and captain as senior was a son-in-law of evangelist Billy Graham.
• Bobby Lowther, 91, was an All-SEC first-team selection for Louisiana State in 1945-46. He won four SEC titles in the javelin and pole vault and was triple jump winner at the 1946 AAU championships.
• John "Jack" Luhring, 87, averaged 3.8 ppg for Iowa State from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
• Ray Lumpp, 91, tied for NYU high-scoring output in 1948 NIT title tilt setback against St. Louis University.
• Tom Lunceford, 65, averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Santa Clara from 1969-70 through 1971-72. He appeared in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore.
• Baldo Lutich, 84, was a member of Arizona's first NCAA playoff team in 1951 under coach Fred Enke.
• Walt Lysaght, 86, averaged 13 ppg for Richmond from 1952-53 through 1955-56 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. All-Southern Conference second-team selection as a senior finished among UR's top four scorers all four seasons and top two rebounders each of last three years.
• Bob MacKinnon, 87, played for Canisius before coaching his alma mater (142-163 record in 14 seasons from 1958-59 through 1971-72).
• Owen Mahorn Jr., 61, averaged 11 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Fairfield in 1973-74 and 1974-75.
• Roy Marble, 48, became Iowa's all-time leading scorer (2,116 points) by averaging 15.8 ppg from 1985-86 through 1988-89. He was an All-Big Ten Conference selection his last three seasons.
• Marc Marotta, 52, was Marquette's leading rebounder his final two campaigns in 1982-83 and 1983-84. He averaged 8.2 ppg and 5.1 rpg in his four-year college career.
• Ronnie Marra, 83, was member of Seton Hall's NIT titlist in 1953 as teammate of All-American Walter Dukes.
• Dwight "Bud" Marsee, 86, played for Purdue in 1947-48 before incurring a spinal injury in an automobile accident en route to the NCAA golf championship at Stanford.
• Jack Martin, 93, compiled a 375-323 coaching record with Hardin-Simmons TX (41-35 in three seasons from 1948-49 through 1950-51) and Lamar (334-283 in 25 seasons from 1951-52 through 1975-76). He was predecessor to Billy Tubbs when Lamar made transition to NCAA Division I level. Martin served in U.S. Army Air Corps in Pacific Theatre during WWII before becoming an All-Border Conference second-team selection for Hardin-Simmons in 1947-48.
• Maurice Martin, 89, averaged 3 ppg for Kansas from 1945-46 through 1949-50. His college career was interrupted by serving as Fireman Second Class in U.S. Navy.
• Anthony Mason, 48, averaged 18.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Tennessee State from 1984-85 through 1987-88, leading the Tigers in scoring and rebounding his last three seasons.
• Randy Mateling, 66, averaged 1.2 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Georgia in 1969-70 and 1970-71.
• Fred Mattlin, 64, played for Yale in 1970-71 under coach Joe Vancisin.
• John Matulich, 84, averaged 2.1 ppg for UCLA's first NCAA tourney team in 1949-50 under coach John Wooden.
• Ken McCally, 82, averaged 7.4 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Navy from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Ben Carnevale. McCally made decisive basket in closing moments of 69-67 win against Cornell in 1954 NCAA Tournament East Regional semifinals.
• Ryan McDermott, 37, averaged 1.1 ppg and 1.7 rpg for New Mexico State in 1999-00 and 2000-01 under coach Lou Henson after compiling a 6-17 record and 6.27 ERA as RHP in Cleveland Indians' farm system from 1996 through 1998.
• Darrell McGee, 47, averaged 7.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 5 apg and 1.2 spg for New Mexico from 1986-87 through 1989-90. The Lobos' all-time assists leader paced WAC in that category as a junior with 7.4 apg.
• Dick McGee, 91, averaged 10.6 ppg for Muhlenberg PA from 1946-47 through 1949-50, finishing team runner-up in scoring in three of those seasons.
• Bob McGoff, 67, played for Hofstra in 1968-69.
• Eddie McHugh, 86, averaged 11.6 ppg for Yale from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Howard Hobson. McHugh, a two-year captain, was an All-EIBL (forerunner of Ivy League) second-team selection as a junior when leading Bulldogs in scoring. He hit .261 as a 2B in the Boston/Milwaukee Braves' farm system in three years (1952-56-57).
• Phil McHugh, 80, averaged 5.8 ppg as a three-year hoops starter for Oregon from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He was also a three-year letterman in football, leading the Ducks in pass receptions as senior captain with 11.
• Paul "George" McLaughlin, 83, averaged 10.3 ppg for St. Mary's from 1950-51 through 1952-53. He was an All-CBA (predecessor to WCC) selection as a senior.
• Russell McLaughlin, 88, played for Drake in 1948-49 and 1949-50 after college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Navy in Guam during WWII. He was a football letterman with Iowa in 1944.
• Charles McNeil, 77, averaged 14.5 ppg and 6.9 rpg for Maryland from 1957-58 through 1959-60, leading the Terrapins in scoring as a sophomore and junior. All-ACC second-team selection as a junior after helping the Terrapins make their first NCAA tourney appearance the previous season.
• Phil McNiff, 88, averaged 7.3 ppg for George Washington in 1947-48 and 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
• Matt Meiners, 37, played for Wisconsin in 1996-97 under coach Dick Bennett.
• Dave Meyers, 62, was an NCAA unanimous first-team All-American in 1974-75 when leading UCLA's NCAA Tournament champion in scoring and rebounding in John Wooden's final season as coach of the Bruins.
• Frank Mixon was a juco recruit who averaged 18.6 ppg and 8.5 rpg for Denver in 1963-64 and 1964-65, leading the Pioneers in scoring both seasons.
• Roger Mockford, 90, played for Oregon in late 1940s after serving in U.S. Army during WWII and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.
• Samuel "John" Moffatt Jr., 88, averaged 9.9 ppg for George Washington from 1947-48 through 1949-50. He was GWU's top scorer as a senior when earning All-Southern Conference second-team honors.
• Andy Mogish, 95, had his three-year career (4.5 ppg) with Syracuse in mid-1940s interrupted by stint in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII in European Theatre.
• Jim Mooney, 85, was a three-year starter for Villanova from 1950-51 through 1952-53 before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps near end of Korean Conflict. He led the Wildcats in rebounding as a sophomore with 14.7 rpg.
• Frank Moore, 89, averaged 6.1 ppg for Penn State in 1950-51 after serving in U.S. military with Occupation Army in Germany.
• Martice Moore, 40, averaged 10.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Georgia Tech in 1992-93 and 1993-94 before averaging 12.5 ppg and 6.9 rpg for Colorado in 1995-96 and 1996-97. Moore participated in NCAA tourney with both schools.
• Zach Moritz, 27, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2 rpg for Boise State from 2007-08 through 2010-11. He died from Lyme disease.
• Edwin Morris, 92, was a North Carolina State letterman in 1945-46 after serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
• Dr. John Murphy, 68, averaged 10.2 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Bucknell from 1965-66 through 1967-68. He was senior captain.
• Dr. Ken Nanson, 78, averaged 11.3 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Oregon State from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Slats Gill. He was runner-up in points scored to All-American Dave Gambee all three seasons with the Beavers.
• Paul Naponick, 67, was a football player who averaged 5.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1967-68. His older brother, John, was a football/basketball player at Virginia.
• Ernie Neal, 91, played for Oregon State in the late 1940s after serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
• Jim Nebergall, 92, averaged 7 ppg for Wichita in 1948-49. He had been recruited by coach Jack Gardner to play for Kansas State before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
• John Neeley, 87, averaged 3.4 ppg for Oregon from 1948-49 through 1950-51.
• Nick Nicholas, 81, played for Cincinnati in mid-1950s under coach George Smith.
• Bob "Bevo" Nordmann, 75, averaged 11 ppg and shot 55.7% from the floor with St. Louis University from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He was an All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection as a junior.
• Mike Norris, 70, averaged 10.5 ppg for DePaul from 1964-65 through 1966-67, leading the Blue Demons in scoring as senior with 17.3 ppg under coach Ray Meyer.
• Dan Nyimicz, 90, was North Carolina's captain in 1948-49 when he averaged 7.5 ppg. Nyimicz served as a Sergeant in U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific during WWII.
• Tommy O'Keefe, 87, averaged 10.5 ppg for Georgetown from 1946-47 through 1949-50 to become the school's first 1,000-point career scorer. Notre Dame transfer led the Hoyas in scoring each of his last three campaigns and was senior captain.
• Joe Ossola, 86, averaged 8.6 ppg for St. Louis from 1946-47 through 1949-50. He was a teammate of All-American Ed Macauley on 1948 NIT titlist before becoming an All-Missouri Valley Conference selection the next two seasons. Ossola hit .265 as a C in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system in four years from 1950 through 1953. His son, Ken, was an eighth-round pick by the New York Mets in 1969 MLB draft.
• Mac Otten, 90, averaged 9.3 ppg for Bowling Green State's NIT teams in 1947-48 and 1948-49 as teammate of eventual All-American Charles Share. Otten's brother, Don, was an A-A for BGSU in 1945-46.
• Roger Paluska, 73, averaged 3.1 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Denver in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
• Dai-Jon Parker, 22, averaged 7.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Vanderbilt in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
• Rev. John Parker, 73, was a teammate of All-American Dave DeBusschere on Detroit's NIT teams in 1960 and 1961.
• Jack Parr, 78, was a two-time All-American center who averaged 16.9 ppg and 12.7 rpg for Kansas State from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Tex Winter. As a senior, Parr was the second-leading scorer and rebounder for the Wildcats' Final Four squad.
• Jesse Pate, 41, was a J.C. recruit who posted a team-high scoring average (13.4 ppg) for Arkansas' NCAA Tournament team in 1995-96.
• Jim Paul, 81, played for St. Louis in 1953-54 under coach Eddie Hickey.
• Joe Pehanick Sr., 86, was leading scorer (20.5 ppg) and rebounder (10 rpg) for Seattle's NCAA tourney team in 1953-54. He was 55th pick overall in NBA draft that year.
• Ed Petrie, 82, averaged 12.9 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Seton Hall from 1953-54 through 1955-56, finishing runner-up in scoring with the Pirates as junior and senior.
• Mike Phillips, 59, was the starting center for Kentucky's NCAA Tournament champion as a senior. He averaged 11.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 1974-75 through 1977-78.
• David Pike Jr., 67, averaged 12 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Missouri in 1968-69 and 1969-70 under coach Norm Stewart. Juco recruit was among the Tigers' top three scorers both seasons, earning All-Big Eight Conference second-team acclaim as a junior.
• L.J. Pipkin, 58, averaged 11.1 ppg and 7 rpg for North Carolina A&T from 1975-76 through 1978-79. Two-time All-MEAC second-team selection led Aggies in scoring and rebounding as a sophomore.
• Ernie Plank, 89, was a member of Ohio State's NCAA playoff team in 1944 before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a rookie area scout for the San Francisco 49ers in 1979 when encouraging Bill Walsh to draft Notre Dame's Joe Montana after competing against the quarterback while on Northwestern's coaching staff.
• Art Powell, 78, averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in partial season in 1956-57. Wide receiver led the AFL in pass reception yards in 1962 and 1963 and in touchdowns on pass receptions in 1960 and 1963 before playing in four AFL All-Star Games.
• Duriel Price, 32, played for West Virginia from 2002-03 through 2004-05 under coach John Beilein.
• Phil Provo III, 68, averaged 3.7 ppg for Toledo from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Bob Nichols.
• John Quillen Sr., 79, averaged 7.8 ppg for Virginia Tech from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
• Harold Rahn Jr., 88, played for Penn State in late 1940s. He served in U.S. Navy during WWII.
• Ronnie Register, 70, averaged 3.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Louisiana State in 1964-65.
• George Reid, 48, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2 rpg for Ohio University from 1985-86 through 1988-89.
• C.G. "Perk" Reitemeier Jr., 86, played for Kansas State in 1950-51 under coach Jack Gardner before serving in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict.
• Minister Ezelle Rivers, 52, averaged 3.1 ppg and 2.7 rpg for UALR from 1981-82 through 1984-85.
• Karl Roesler, 74, averaged 6.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Notre Dame from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He was the Fighting Irish's second-leading rebounder as a senior.
• Gordon Rogers, 79, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Michigan in 1957-58 and 1958-59 after transferring from Western Michigan.
• Ken Rohloff, 76, averaged 12.4 ppg and 3 rpg for North Carolina State from 1960-61 through 1962-63, finishing among the Wolfpack's top three in scoring average each season under coach Everett Case. Two-time All-ACC second-team selection was co-captain as senior.
• Daryl Ross, 60, averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Montana State from 1973-74 through 1975-76. All-Big Sky Conference second-team selection as a senior when he was the Bobcats' leading scorer with 16 ppg.
• Bill Roth, 91, played for Northwestern in late 1940s after juco recruit served as a lieutenant flying 25 bombing missions over enemy territory during WWII.
• Alan Rubenstein, 86, averaged 2.6 ppg for Rutgers in 1948-49 after averaging 3.3 ppg in 1947-48.
• Adolph "Abe" Rubin, 86, averaged 1.7 ppg for Missouri from 1948-49 through 1950-51.
• Bill Rucks, 61, was a seven-footer who averaged 2.9 ppg and 3 rpg for Illinois from 1972-73 through 1974-75.
• John Rudometkin, 75, was a two-time All-American and All-AAWU first-team selection who averaged 18.8 ppg and 10.5 rpg for Southern California from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He averaged 25 ppg and 12.8 rpg in the Trojans' four NCAA playoff games in 1960 and 1961.
• Raymond Farley "Fish" Salmon Jr., 88, earned basketball letters for Mississippi in 1945 and 1946. SEC's first split-T formation QB succeeded Charlie Conerly at Ole Miss in 1948 for 8-1 team after previously being a halfback and serving in Army Air Corps during WWII.
• H. "Ken" Sanders, 74, played briefly for Virginia in 1959-60.
• Philip "Flip" Saunders, 77, averaged 8.2 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Minnesota from 1973-74 through 1976-77, pacing the Gophers in free-throw percentage three seasons in a row.
• Bernard "Ben" Schadler, 90, was three-year letterman for Northwestern in the mid-1940s. Captain of team as senior in 1946-47 after earning All-Big Nine Conference second-team honors in 1944-45. He was a 31st-round selection by the Detroit Lions as back in 1945 NFL draft.
• Dolph Schayes, 87, averaged 10.2 ppg for NYU from 1944-45 through 1947-48 under coach Howard Cann. Schayes was the third-leading scorer for the Violets' 1945 national runner-up.
• Marty Scheinkman, 95, played for CCNY in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
• Tom Schneider, 68, averaged 15.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Bucknell from 1966-67 through 1968-69, leading the Bison in scoring as a senior. Compiled a 97-150 coaching record in nine seasons with Lehigh (16-42 in 1983-84 and 1984-85), Penn (51-54 from 1985-86 through 1988-89) and Loyola MD (30-54 from 1989-90 through 1991-92).
• Roger Schnobrich, 85, averaged 4.2 ppg with Minnesota in 1950-51 after transferring from St. Thomas MN.
• Dave Scholz, 67, averaged 20.5 ppg and 9.7 rpg for Illinois from 1966-67 through 1968-69. Three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was All-American as senior.
• Milt Schoon, 92, starred for Valparaiso in the mid-1940s. Valpo defeated George Mikan-led DePaul in 1943-44.
• Giles Scofield Jr., 98, was an All-EIBL first-team selection for Princeton as senior captain in 1938-39.
• Ed Searcy, 75, averaged 3.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Illinois in 1959-60 and 1960-61 under coach Harry Combes before transferring to DII Southern Illinois under coach Jack Hartman.
• Jim Senske averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Loyola Marymount in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
• Bob Shea Sr., 90, played for [Rhode Island State](schools/rhode-island0 in the mid-1940s under coach Frank Keaney. Shea was senior co-captain of 1946 NIT runner-up.
• Charles Shuffield, 70, averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Western Kentucky in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
• Allen "Bones" Simpson, 79, was a two-time All-Border Conference second-team selection for West Texas State. He averaged 12.9 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
• Chris Slade, 41, played for Vanderbilt in 1995-96.
• Dean Smith, 83, coached North Carolina (879-254 record in 36 seasons from 1961-62 through 1996-97) to 11 Final Four appearances, capturing NCAA titles in 1982 and 1993. Two-time national coach of the year won 13 ACC Tournament championships, directed the Tar Heels to 28 final Top 20 rankings and had 22 All-Americans. He played for Kansas under legendary coach Phog Allen.
• Edward Spethman, 84, played for Creighton in 1949-50.
• John Stasio, 72, was Xavier's third-leading rebounder (5.9 rpg) as a senior in 1964-65 when averaging 8.4 ppg.
• Bill Stauffer, 85, averaged 11.5 ppg and school-record 13.6 rpg for Missouri from 1949-50 through 1951-52 when pacing the Tigers in rebounding each season. All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection his final two campaigns was 7th pick overall in 1952 NBA draft after earning All-American acclaim.
• Ron Stenhouse, 74, averaged 5 ppg for Rhode Island from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
• Joe Sterling Sr., 90, lettered multiple seasons with Auburn in the late 1940s.
• Wayne Stout, 61, played for California in 1972-73.
• Chris Stucke, 50, played for Bowling Green State in the mid-1980s.
• Cleveland "Buster" Sullivan Jr. played for Rice in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
• Don Suman, 95, earned letter for 1944 SWC regular-season co-champion Rice before coaching his alma mater to a 132-105 record in 10 seasons from 1949-50 through 1958-59 (reaching 1954 NCAA playoff regional semifinals). General Manager of AFL charter member Houston Oilers, which won the first two league titles in 1960 and 1961.
• Van Sweet, 94, played for Baylor in early 1940s before coaching the Bears to an 8-29 record in 1943-44 and 1944-45. Spent three years in the U.S. Navy serving with amphibious forces in the Pacific theater. Coached Pacific to a 94-186 mark in 11 seasons from 1952-53 through 1962-63 when school made transition to major-college level.
• Dr. Rex Swett, 76, averaged 7.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Nebraska from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He was runner-up in scoring with the Huskers as a junior.
• Karl Tarbell II, 89, averaged 5.2 ppg for South Carolina in 1945-46 before transferring to Connecticut, where he played in 1946-47 and 1947-48. Tarbell was in Naval officer training when WWII ended.
• Jerry Tarkanian, 84, coached Long Beach State (122-20 record in five seasons from 1968-69 through 1972-73), UNLV (509-105 in 19 seasons from 1973-74 through 1991-92) and Fresno State (153-80 in seven seasons from 1995-96 through 2001-02). UPI national coach of the year in 1983 guided UNLV to four Final Fours, including an NCAA title in 1990.
• Roy Tarpley, 50, was a two-time All-American who averaged 13.1 ppg and 7.8 rpg for Michigan from 1982-83 through 1985-86 under coach Bill Frieder. Tarpley led the Wolverines in scoring and rebounding his final three seasons.
• Jeremiah Tate, 19, was a Wofford guard who drowned after YMCA Camp counselor dove off bridge into lake for a swim at 2 a.m.
• Richard Tate, 71, was a juco recruit who averaged 10.1 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Utah in 1964-65 and 1965-66. Third-leading scorer for the Utes' 1966 Final Four team went on to earn letter as defensive back for the school's football squad the next year before becoming fifth-round selection of the Green Bay Packers in 1967 NFL draft.
• Robert Tatum, 50, was a two-time All-MAC selection who averaged 12 ppg, 2.7 apg and 1.3 spg for Ohio University from 1982-83 through 1985-86.
• Rodney Taylor, 48, averaged 7 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Villanova from 1986-87 through 1989-90 under coach Rollie Massimino. Taylor was among the Wildcats' top two rebounders as a sophomore and junior.
• Kyle Testerman, 80, played for Tennessee in the mid-1950s. Republican served two terms as Knoxville mayor (mid-1970s and mid-1980s).
• Freddie "Machine Gun" Thompson, 55, averaged 7 ppg and 2.8 rpg for UNLV in 1978-79 under coach Jerry Tarkanian.
• Ken Timmons, 86, averaged 5.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Detroit from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
• Don Tomlinson, 66, averaged 15.6 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Missouri from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Norm Stewart. Leading scorer last two seasons with the Tigers as an All-Big Eight Conference selection.
• Earl Tonet, 94, played for Massachusetts in the late 1940s.
• Eddie "Burt" Touchberry, 80, averaged 6.7 ppg and 7.7 rpg for Florida from 1953-54 through 1956-57, leading the Gators in rebounding as a senior with 10.2 rpg. All-SEC pitcher in 1957 when setting a still-existing single-season ERA record of 0.81. He compiled a 13-13 record in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system in four years from 1957 to 1961.
• Dick Triptow, 92, was an All-American for DePaul in 1943-44 under coach Ray Meyer after reaching the Final Four the previous with teammate George Mikan.
• Terry Truax, 70, coached Towson State (202-203 record in 14 seasons from 1983-84 through 1996-97).
• Lou Tsioropoulos, 84, averaged 7.6 ppg and 8.3 rpg for Kentucky from 1950-51 through 1953-54 under coach Adolph Rupp. Member of 1951 NCAA Tournament title team before becoming an All-SEC second-team selection as a senior.
• Ken Turner, 68, averaged 15.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Mississippi from 1966-67 through 1968-69, leading the Rebels in scoring each of Southern Illinois native's last two seasons.
• Ned Underwood, 81, averaged 8.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Texas Tech from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He participated in 1956 NCAA Tournament.
• Jack Upchurch, 76, averaged 8.5 ppg for Eastern Kentucky from 1958-59 through 1960-61, appearing in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore against eventual Final Four participant Louisville.
• Benjamin "Coyte" Vance, 85, averaged 14.4 ppg for Mississippi State from 1949-50 through 1951-52. All-SEC second-team selection as a senior when he was the Bulldogs' top scorer.
• Frank Vitetta, 83, averaged 1.6 ppg for Penn in 1952-53 as teammate of All-American Ernie Beck.
• Jackson Vroman, 34, averaged 13.2 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Iowa State in 2002-03 and 2003-04.
• Neal Walk, 67, was a two-time All-American who averaged 20.8 ppg and 15.3 rpg for Florida from 1966-67 through 1968-69. He led the nation in rebounding as a junior (19.8 rpg) before finishing fourth in that category the next year.
• Joe Walker Sr., 90, was a Mississippi letterman in 1945-46.
• Jim Wannemacher, 70, was a backup forward for Dayton in 1967 NCAA Tournament final and the Flyers' 1968 NIT titlist.
• Torrey Ward, 36, averaged 8.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg for UAB in 1998-99 and 1999-00.
• Dr. Charles Warren, 82, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.3 ppg for Texas in 1953-54.
• Jeff Warren, 44, set Missouri's single-season record for field-goal shooting (67.6%) as a sophomore in 1990-91 that stood for 21 years. He averaged 6.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg from 1989-90 through 1992-93 under coach Norm Stewart.
• James "Dave" Weatherby, 88, was a member of Kansas State's 1948 Final Four team after earning All-Big Six Conference second-team honors in 1945-46. He served in U.S. Army during WWII.
• Bob Weber, 82, was senior captain and third-leading rebounder for Wisconsin in 1953-54 under coach Bud Foster.
• Ralph Weiger, 90, played for Purdue in 1945-46. Weiger was also a football letterman as an end in 1946. He went on to become Chairman/CEO/President of five different organizations including Midas International Corporation and Jiffy Lube.
• Bill Weiman, 80, averaged 5.7 ppg for Notre Dame from 1953-54 through 1955-56. Member of the Irish's NCAA playoff regional runner-up squad as a sophomore.
• John Weinert, 83, compiled a 146-133 coaching record with Bowling Green State in 10 seasons from 1976-77 through 1985-86.
• Christian Welp, 50, averaged 16.1 ppg and 7.7 rpg while shooting 56.9% from the floor for Washington from 1983-84 through 1986-87. He was a three-time All-Pacific-10 Conference selection.
• Merrill "Red" Wetherington, 83, averaged 12 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Florida in 1950-51 and 1951-52.
• Peter White, 49, was a two-time assists leader in the Ivy League while averaging 9.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 5.9 apg and 1.3 spg for Yale from 1984-85 through 1987-88.
• Davey Whitney, 85, coached Texas Southern (54-72 record from 1964-65 through 1968-69) before becoming Alcorn State's all-time winningest mentor (510-292 from 1969-70 through 1988-89 and 1996-97 through 2002-03).
• Doug Widtfeldt, 57, averaged 4.2 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Southern California from 1976-77 through 1979-80. As a senior, he was the Trojans' captain and second-leading rebounder (6.1 rpg).
• D.C. "Dixie" Wilcutt, 92, was an All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection as a senior on St. Louis University's NIT championship club in 1948, scoring 16 points in final against NYU. He averaged 7.3 ppg in three-season career interrupted by serving in U.S. military during WWII.
• Ernest "Zeke" Wilemon, 89, lettered for Texas in 1944-45. As an OF, he hit .292 in farm systems of the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates in four years from 1946 through 1949 (96 RBI and 97 runs scored at Class C level in 1947).
• Dr. Roger Wiley Sr., 90, was an All-PCC North Division selection in 1947-48 and 1948-49 when leading Oregon in scoring. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army helping build roads in Far East theatre during WWII.
• Clayton Wilkinson, 94, was an All-Big Nine Conference second-team selection for Iowa as a sophomore in 1944-45 when averaging 11.5 ppg.
• John "Hot Rod" Williams, 53, averaged 16 ppg and 7 rpg for Tulane from 1981-82 through 1984-85. He was a three-time All-Metro Conference first-team selection.
• Tony Worrell, 49, was Southland Conference Player of the Year as a senior in 1987-88 when averaging 20.2 ppg and 7.2 rpg for North Texas.
• Michael Wright, 35, was an All-American in 2000-01 when leading Arizona's NCAA Tournament runner-up in rebounding. Finished his three-year Wildcats career with 15.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg.
• Jim Young, 82, was leading scorer for Santa Clara's 1952 Final Four team. All-CBA (predecessor to West Coast Conference) first-team selection as a senior averaged 12.1 ppg from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
• Gene Zyzda, 74, averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Colorado from 1959-60 through 1961-62.

Foreigners such as returning Oklahoma All-American guard Buddy Hield have been much more than bit players in a modern-day immigrant version of "Coming to America." Bahamian native Hield joined a select circle of foreigners who were DI All-Americans for multiple seasons.

After seven consecutive contests with more than 20 points, Hield emerged as the front-runner in the national player of the year race. Hield became the initial backcourter joining the following alphabetical list of hoop princes of sorts who earned All-American status multiple seasons after spending most or all of his formative years in a country outside mainland U.S.:

*Named National Player of the Year.