On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 6 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 6 in football at the professional level (especially wide receivers for San Diego Chargers in playoff game following 2007 season):

JANUARY 6

  • San Diego Chargers WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) had six pass receptions for 121 yards in a 17-6 AFC wild-card playoff win against the Tennessee Titans following 2007 season. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) had five pass receptions for 114 yards - including a 25-yard touchdown from Philip Rivers.

  • Los Angeles Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught four passes for 35 yards in 23-17 win against the Baltimore Ravens in AFC wild-card game following 2018 season.

  • TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) provided the Kansas City Chiefs' lone touchdown with a six-yard pass from Trent Green late in third quarter of 23-8 AFC wild-card playoff setback against the Indianapolis Colts following 2006 season.

  • New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) had nine pass receptions in a 34-16 NFC divisional-round playoff setback against the Minnesota Vikings following 2000 season.

  • San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 58 yards for fourth-quarter touchdown in 41-13 NFC divisional-round playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings following 1989 season.

  • San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UT Chattanooga hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) closed out 2001 regular season with two first-quarter touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia (56 and 60 yards) in a 38-0 win against the New Orleans Saints early in 2002.

  • Chicago Bears TE Adam Shaheen (averaged 5.5 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Pitt-Johnstown 2013-14) had three pass receptions in 16-15 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in NFC wild-card contest following 2018 season.

  • Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) collected five solo tackles in a 27-0 setback against the Oakland Raiders in AFC divisional-round playoff game following 2000 season.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 5 NFL Playoffs

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 5 in football at the professional level (especially Antwaan Randle El in wild-card playoff games following 2002 and 2007 seasons):

JANUARY 5

  • New England Patriots LB Don Blackmon (collected 42 points and 32 rebounds in 12 games for Tulsa in 1977-78) registered two sacks in a 27-20 AFC divisional-round playoff win against the Oakland Raiders following 1985 season. Brad Van Pelt (averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Michigan State in 1970-71 and 1971-72) was starting LOLB for the Raiders.

  • Boston Patriots DE Larry Eisenhauer (collected 14 points and 18 rebounds in four basketball games for Boston College in 1959-60) recovered a fumble in 51-10 setback against the San Diego Chargers in AFL Championship following 1963 season.

  • Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (Clemson hooper for seven games in 2010-11 under coach Brad Brownell) caught five passes for 37 yards in a 21-7 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in AFC wild-card game following 2018 season.

  • San Diego Chargers DT Ernie Ladd (intended on only playing hoops for Grambling before legendary coach Eddie Robinson got him to play football) had a sack in 51-10 win against the Boston Patriots in AFL championship game following 1963 season. Pats rookie WR Art Graham (collected one point and three rebounds in two basketball games for Boston College in 1961-62) caught two passes for 68 yards.

  • Jacksonville Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (collected nine points and four rebounds in seven UCLA basketball contests in 2002-03 under coach Steve Lavin) caught two passes in a 31-29 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC wild-card game following 2007 season.

  • Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London (played two basketball games with Southern California in 2019-20 under coach Andy Enfield) caught 10 passes for 187 yards including two touchdowns in 44-38 overtime setback in 2025 against Carolina Panthers in season finale.

  • San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had nine pass receptions for 177 yards - including two touchdowns from Jeff Garcia (76 and 26 yards) - in a 39-38 wild-card win against the New York Giants following 2002 season. Owens also had a 25-yard pass completion to WR Tai Streets (collected four points and seven rebounds in 13 games for Michigan's NIT titlist in 1997 under coach Steve Fisher), who caught game-winning TD pass from Garcia with one minute remaining in fourth quarter. Giants CB Jason Sehorn (averaged 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg for Shasta Community College CA in 1990-91) intercepted one of Garcia's passes.

  • Rookie WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team coached by Bob Knight) returned a punt 66 yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers' first touchdown and also contributed five pass receptions for 85 yards in 36-33 AFC wild-card playoff win against the Cleveland Browns following 2002 season. Five years later, Randle El had a seven-yard TD reception for the Washington Redskins' first score among his game-high 10 catches in 35-14 NFC wild-card playoff setback against the Seattle Seahawks following 2007 campaign.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 4 NFL Playoff Games

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 4 in football at the professional level (especially the Cleveland Browns in AFC playoffs following 1980 campaign and WR Andre Rison with three different teams in both AFC and NFC divisional-round competition):

JANUARY 4

  • Philadelphia Eagles LB Connor Barwin (Cincinnati hooper in 2006 NCAA Tournament) contributed four solo tackles in a 26-24 setback against the New Orleans Saints in NFC wild-card game following 2013 season.

  • Rookie TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) accounted for the Kansas City Chiefs' lone touchdown with a third-quarter catch in a 14-10 setback against the Denver Broncos in AFC divisional-round playoff game following 1997 season.

  • 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 under coach Frank Haith) caught three passes for 44 yards from Drew Brees in a 26-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in wild-card game following 2013 season.

  • Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught a 31-yard pass in 27-9 win against the Miami Dolphins in AFC wild-card game following 2008 season.

  • Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (Clemson hooper for seven games in 2010-11 under coach Brad Brownell) caught six passes for 90 yards in a 22-19 win against the Buffalo Bills in AFC wild-card game following 2019 season.

  • Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Gene Washington in 27-7 NFL championship game win against the Cleveland Browns following 1969 season.

  • Cleveland Browns WR Dave Logan (three-time scoring runner-up averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) had two pass receptions for 36 yards in a 14-12 AFC divisional-round playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders following 1980 season. Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) caught three passes for 54 yards. Browns WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) caught two passes for 38 yards.

  • Indianapolis Colts DB David Macklin (collected 13 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists for Penn State in 15 basketball games as freshman in 1996-97) returned two interceptions a total of 52 yards in 41-10 win against the Denver Broncos in wild-card playoff game following 2003 season. Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught five passes for 66 yards and scored their only touchdown.

  • Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) caught three of four touchdown passes by Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) in a 37-7 NFC championship game win against the Los Angeles Rams following 1975 season.

  • Kansas City Chiefs WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had playoff career-highs of eight pass catches and 110 receiving yards in a 14-10 AFC divisional-round playoff setback against the Denver Broncos following 1997 season. Broncos DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) had two sacks. Six years earlier with the Atlanta Falcons, Rison caught seven passes for 62 yards in a 24-7 setback against the Washington Redskins in NFC divisional-round contest. Rison also caught a touchdown pass with the Green Bay Packers from Brett Favre in a 35-14 divisional-round win against the San Francisco 49ers following 1996 season to help offset touchdown catch by 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 2.8 ppg for Virginia's NCAA tourney teams in 1989-90 and 1990-91 under coaches Terry Holland and Jeff Jones).

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 3 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 3 in football at the professional level (especially for San Francisco 49ers in playoff games following 1970, 1981, 1997 and 1998 seasons):

JANUARY 3

  • Buffalo Bills WR Don Beebe (Aurora College IL junior varsity hooper in 1983-84) delivered a 38-yard touchdown reception in 41-38 win against the Houston Oilers in AFC wild-card game following 1992 season.

  • Seattle Seahawks TE John Carlson (played in three Notre Dame basketball games in 2003-04 under coach Mike Brey) finished 2009 regular season by catching a touchdown pass from QB Matt Hasselbeck in each of his last four outings.

  • Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) had a playoff-career high seven pass receptions - including go-ahead touchdown in second quarter - in 31-16 divisional-round win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1981.

  • Baltimore Colts CB Jim Duncan (Maryland-Eastern Shore hooper) returned four kickoffs for 105 yards (26.3 average) in a 27-17 AFC Conference playoff win against the Oakland Raiders following 1970 season.

  • TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) opened the Arizona Cardinals' scoring by catching a touchdown pass in 27-16 wild-card playoff setback against the Carolina Panthers following 2014 season.

  • San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) had eight pass receptions in a 23-17 wild-card playoff win in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts following 2008 season.

  • Minnesota Vikings TE Andrew Glover (All-SWAC second-team selection as senior in 1990-91 when leading Grambling with 16.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg while pacing league in field-goal shooting) had three pass receptions for 84 yards in a 38-22 NFC divisional playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers following 1997 season. 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 2.8 ppg for Virginia in 1989-90 and 1990-91) rushed for 120 yards including two touchdowns on goal-line plunges.

  • TE Demetrius Harris (led Milwaukee in FG% and rebounding as senior in 2012-13) contributed the Kansas City Chiefs' final score with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Alex Smith in 23-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2015 season finale.

  • Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in 20-17 wild-card playoff setback against the Tennessee Titans following 2003 season.

  • St. Louis Rams WR Jordan Kent (part-time starter for Oregon under his father while averaging 3.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg from 2003-04 through 2005-06) had his lone NFL pass reception (five yards against San Francisco 49ers in 2009 regular-season finale).

  • San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions - returning one 20 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown - in 38-24 NFC divisional playoff win against the New York Giants following 1981 season. Giants LB Brad Van Pelt (averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Michigan State in 1970-71 and 1971-72) provided one sack.

  • San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UT Chattanooga hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught a game-winning 25-yard touchdown pass from Steve Young with eight seconds remaining in 30-27 NFC wild-card playoff win against the Green Bay Packers following 1998 season. Niners RB Terry Kirby (hooper for Virginia's NCAA tourney teams in 1989-90 and 1990-91) chipped in with 32 rushing yards on five carries and two pass receptions.

  • Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned an interception 34 yards in 29-10 NFC wild-card playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys following 2003 season. Cowboys PK Billy Cundiff (played in nine basketball contests with Drake in 1999-00 and 2000-01) converted a 37-yard field goal.

  • Minnesota Vikings TE Joe Senser (two-time NCAA Division I leader in FG% averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg while shooting 66.2% from floor in four-year career for West Chester State PA in late 1970s) caught four passes in a 31-16 NFC divisional-round playoff setback against the Philadelphia Eagles following 1980 campaign.

  • Cincinnati Bengals WR David Verser (Kansas hooper in five games in 1977-78 under coach Ted Owens) returned four kickoffs for 94 yards in a 28-21 win against the Buffalo Bills in AFC divisional-round playoff game following 1981 season.

  • San Francisco 49ers TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught three passes for 70 yards in a 17-10 NFC Championship setback against the Dallas Cowboys following 1970 season. Cowboys WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) caught one pass for 21 yards from Craig Morton.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 2 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map amid politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 2 in football at the professional level (especially early in 2005 at end of 2004 season and multiple ex-hoopers with the Miami Dolphins):

JANUARY 2

  • Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught four passes for 146 yards in a 30-23 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2004 season finale early in 2005. Ravens LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) had two sacks and forced two fumbles.

  • New York Giants rookie DT Damane Duckett (made 3-of-4 field-goal attempts and grabbed 10 rebounds for East Carolina in nine basketball games in 2001-02) made his lone NFL start, collecting two solo tackles and assisting in three more, in 28-24 win against Dallas Cowboys in 2004 season finale.

  • Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 14 passes for 144 yards in a 24-17 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2004 season finale early in 2005.

  • Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) opened game's scoring by throwing a 75-yard touchdown pass to Paul Warfield in 21-0 AFC championship playoff win against the Baltimore Colts following 1971 season.

  • Kansas City Chiefs rookie WR Tony Hargain (averaged 2.3 ppg for Oregon from 1986-87 through 1988-89 under coach Don Monson) caught two passes for 46 yards in a 17-0 setback against the San Diego Chargers in AFC wild-card game following 1992 season.

  • Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for a 13-yard touchdown in 23-12 NFL championship game win against the Cleveland Browns following 1965 season.

  • Philadelphia Eagles rookie QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-31 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1999 season finale early in 2000.

  • Washington Redskins TE Robert Royal (collected 10 points and six rebounds in five LSU basketball games in 2000-01) caught a touchdown pass in his third consecutive contest in 2004 regular-season finale early in 2005.

  • Miami Dolphins WR Lamar Thomas (collected 16 points and 4 rebounds in four games for Miami FL in 1990-91 under coach Leonard Hamilton) caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Dan Marino in the fourth quarter to provide the difference in 24-17 wild-card playoff win against the Buffalo Bills following 1998 season early in 1999.

  • New York Jets DE Marvin Washington (played in 1985 NCAA Tournament with UTEP under coach Don Haskins before averaging 2.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Idaho under Tim Floyd in 1987-88) had career-high 2 1/2 sacks in a 24-0 setback against the Houston Oilers at end of 1993 regular season.

  • Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67) punted six times for 270 yards (45.0 average) in a 14-3 NFC championship game win against the San Francisco 49ers following 1971 season early in 1972.

Hot Stove League: MLB January Transactions Featuring Ex-College Hoopers

Texas Rangers Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Young (Princeton/Ivy league) plus fellow former NCAA Division I conference all-conference hooper Terrell Lowery (Loyola Marymount/West Coast) were each traded by the franchise this month in a span of 10 years. They are among the following former college hoopers involved in MLB off-season transactions during the month of January:

JANUARY

2: RHP Jack Ogden (Swarthmore PA hooper in 1918) traded by the New York Giants to Rochester (International) in 1919.
3: OF Hoot Evers (Illinois hoops starter in 1939-40) purchased from the Detroit Tigers by Baltimore Orioles in 1955. . . . UTL Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1918) traded by the Boston Red Sox to New York Yankees in 1923.
4: UTL Leo Burke (averaged 9.2 ppg for Virginia Tech in 1952-53 and 1953-54) purchased from the Washington Senators by Los Angeles Angels in 1961. . . . C Ken Retzer (one of top four juco scorers for Jefferson City MO in 1953-54) traded by the Houston Astros to Cleveland Indians in 1967.
5: RHP Rich Gale (led New Hampshire with 7.2 rpg in 1975-76) traded by the San Francisco Giants to Cincinnati Reds in 1983.
6: RHP Chris Young (All-Ivy League first-team selection as Princeton's leading scorer and rebounder in 1999-00) traded by the Texas Rangers to San Diego Padres in 2006.
7: OF Earle Combs (three-year hoops captain for Eastern Kentucky) traded by Louisville (American Association) to the New York Yankees in 1924.
8: INF Ernie Bowman (East Tennessee State hoops letterman in 1954-55 and 1955-56) shipped as player to be designated by the San Francisco Giants to Milwaukee Braves in 1964 to complete trade made the previous month.
9: OF-1B Mike Stenhouse (averaged 4.1 ppg for Harvard in 1977-78) traded by the Montreal Expos to Minnesota Twins in 1985.
10: DH-OF Larry Sheets (All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference selection for Eastern Mennonite VA in 1981-82 and 1982-83) traded by the Baltimore Orioles to Detroit Tigers in 1990.
11: INF Al Dark (hoops letterman for Louisiana State and Southwestern Louisiana during World War II) traded by the Chicago Cubs to Philadelphia Phillies in 1960. . . . SS Keith Kessinger (averaged 2.7 ppg for Ole Miss in 1985-86 and 1986-87) traded by the Cincinnati Reds to Chicago Cubs in 1995. . . . RHP Jeff Robinson (two-time NAIA All-District 3 honoree in early 1980s left Azusa Pacific CA as school's No. 9 all-time scorer) traded by the Detroit Tigers to Baltimore Orioles in 1991.
13: INF Ray Morehart (Austin College TX hoops letterman in early 1920s) traded by the Chicago White Sox to New York Yankees in 1927.
14: 2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan averaged 5.6 ppg in his final season in 1947-48) purchased from the Washington Senators by New York Giants in 1955.
15: 1B George Altman (appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Tournament with Tennessee State's hoops team) traded by the New York Mets to Chicago Cubs for OF Billy Cowan (co-captain of Utah's 1960 NCAA playoff team) in 1965. . . . INF Ron Campbell (Tennessee Wesleyan hooper) traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1969.
17: RHP Oral Hildebrand (Butler hoops All-American in 1928-29 and 1929-30) traded by the Cleveland Indians to St. Louis Browns in 1937.
18: 1B-LF Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoop scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) purchased from the Detroit Tigers by Pittsburgh Pirates in 1947. . . . RHP Kevin Gryboski (backup hooper for Wilkes PA in 1991-92 and 1992-93) traded by the Seattle Mariners to Atlanta Braves in 2002.
20: OF-1B Beau Bell (two-year hoops letterman for Texas A&M in early 1930s) traded by the Detroit Tigers to Cleveland Indians in 1940. . . . 3B Wally Gilbert (Valparaiso hoops captain in early 1920s) purchased from the Cincinnati Reds by St. Louis Cardinals in 1933. . . . OF Don Lund (Michigan hoops starter in 1943-44 and 1944-45) purchased from the St. Louis Browns by Detroit Tigers in 1949.
22: 1B Donn Clendenon (four-sport letterman with Morehouse GA) traded with Jesus Alou by the Montreal Expos to Houston Astros for Rusty Staub in 1969. Clendenon refused to report to his new team. . . . 3B Jim Tabor (Alabama hoops letterman in 1936-37) purchased from the Boston Red Sox by Philadelphia Phillies in 1946.
23: RHP Steve Renko (averaged 9.9 ppg and 5.8 rpg as Kansas sophomore in 1963-64) traded by the Boston Red Sox to California Angels in 1981.
24: OF Jim Gleeson (NAIA Hall of Famer was all-league hoops pick for Rockhurst MO in early 1930s) purchased from the New York Yankees by Chicago Cubs in 1939.
25: OF Terrell Lowery (two-time All-WCC first-team selection and league-leading scorer for Loyola Marymount in 1990-91 and 1991-92) traded by the Texas Rangers to New York Mets in 1996. . . . C Ed Madjeski (Seton Hall hoops letterman from 1928-29 through 1930-31) purchased from the New York Yankees by New York Giants in 1937. . . . RHP John Stuper (two-time all-conference junior college hooper in mid-1970s for Butler County PA) traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to St. Louis Cardinals in 1979.
26: 1B Tony Lupien (Harvard hoops captain in 1938-39) awarded off waivers from the Chicago White Sox to Detroit Tigers in 1949. 27: LF Hal Lee (Mississippi College hooper in mid-1920s before coaching basketball at Auburn and Louisiana Tech the first half of the 1930s) purchased from the Boston Bees by Jersey City (International) in 1937.
29: OF Carl Reynolds (juco recruit was basketball team MVP in mid-1920s for early SWC member Southwestern TX) traded by the Washington Senators to Minneapolis (American Association) in 1937. . . . C-UTL Billy Sullivan Jr. (Portland hoops letterman in 1927-28) purchased from the Cincinnati Reds by Cleveland Indians in 1936.
30: C-UTL Billy Sullivan Jr. (Portland hoops letterman in 1927-28) traded by the St. Louis Browns to Detroit Tigers in 1940.

OFF-SEASON WHEELING AND DEALING PREVIOUS TWO MONTHS
MLB December Transactions Involving Former College Hoopers
MLB November Transactions Involving Former College Hoopers

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 1 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 1 in football at the professional level (especially in NFL and AFL championship contests following 1966 campaign):

JANUARY 1

  • Houston Oilers TE John Carson (Georgia hoops letterman in 1952 and 1953) had a 13-yard pass reception in 24-16 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in AFL championship contest following 1960 season. Oilers rookie WR Bill Groman (led Heidelberg OH in scoring average as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught a touchdown pass from George Blanda.

  • Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw two 29-yard first-half touchdown passes in a 31-7 win against the Buffalo Bills in AFL championship game following 1966 season on first day of 1967. FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) provided the go-ahead TD catch from Dawson. FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) scored the Bills' only TD with a 69-yard pass from Jack Kemp.

  • Arizona Cardinals TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) had a 37-yard touchdown reception in 44-6 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 2016 season finale.

  • Dallas Cowboys E Pete Gent (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection averaged 17.4 ppg and 8.3 rpg in leading Michigan State in scoring each season from 1961-62 through 1963-64) caught three passes for 28 yards in a 34-27 NFL championship game setback against the Green Bay Packers following 1966 season. Packers WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) had a nine-yard pass reception.

  • Minnesota Vikings RDE James Harris (Temple hooper in 1988-89 under coach John Chaney) had one solo tackle in a 35-18 setback against the Chicago Bears in NFC wild-card game following 1994 season.

  • San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 34-9 divisional playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings following 1988 season.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) had 81-yard punt return for a touchdown in 35-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 2005 regular-season finale on first day of 2006.

  • Baltimore Ravens LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) scored a touchdown on fumble recovery return in 20-16 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 2005 regular-season finale on first day of 2006.

On This Date: January Calendar For Magical Moments in NCAA Hoops History

Louisiana State's Pete Maravich, the NCAA's career scoring leader, still holds the all-time single-game scoring mark by an individual opponent against eight universities (Alabama, Auburn, Duquesne, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Tulane and Vanderbilt). Do you know who holds the record for highest output against the Tigers? Standard was achieved during month of January by Ole Miss' Johnny Neumann, who fired in a school-record 63 points at LSU the season after Maravich's eligibility expired.

This month also features UCLA's single-game rebounding record, a mark not established by either of celebrated centers Lew Alcindor or Bill Walton. Speaking of rebounding, existing single-game standards against a Division I opponent for Lamar and Oral Roberts were set in the same contest in 1972 and USC's single-game mark against a DI foe came from two different players on the same day 22 years apart. In one of the most dominating performances of 20th Century, Rick Barry set Miami FL scoring and rebounding records in the same game. Following is a day-by-day calendar citing memorable moments in January college basketball history:

JANUARY

1 - Hank Luisetti (50 points vs. Duquesne at Cleveland in 1938) set Stanford's single-game scoring record. . . . Seton Hall's school-record 46-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by William & Mary (57-55 in 1954). . . . Penn opposed Yale in 1927 in debut game at the legendary Palestra in Philadelphia. . . . Bailey Howell (34 vs. Louisiana State in 1957) set Mississippi State's single-game rebounding record.
2 - Chris Collier (49 points vs. Butler in 1991) set Georgia State's single-game scoring record. Collier's output is also an all-time high by an Atlantic Sun Conference player. . . . Mississippi State's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Auburn (64-48 in 1960). . . . Morehead State's Steve Hamilton (38 vs. Florida State in 1957) and Murray State's Dick Cunningham (36 vs. MacMurray IL in 1967) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Eventual MLB INF Jack Kubiszyn scored a career-high 47 points for Alabama in a game against Mississippi College in 1957.
3 - Markus Howard (52 points at Providence in 2018) set Marquette's single-game scoring record and tied Big East Conference contest standard. . . . Daishon Smith (42 vs. Little Rock in 2019) set Louisiana-Monroe's single-game scoring standard at NCAA Division I level. . . . Wake Forest snapped North Carolina State's school-record 36-game winning streak (83-78 in 1975). . . . Brigham Young's school-record 53-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Wake Forest (94-87 in 2009). . . . Pacific Coast Conference cellar dweller Oregon upset NCAA Tournament champion-to-be California in 1959. . . . DePaul's Ken Warzynski (28 vs. Harvard in 1970), Long Beach State's Michael Zeno (22 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1983) and Wisconsin's Paul Morrow (30 vs. Purdue in 1953) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
4 - Ball State's Chris Williams (48 points at Akron in overtime in 2003), Lamar's Mike James (52 vs. Louisiana College in 2011), Loyola Marymount's Bo Kimble (54 at St. Joseph's in 1990) and Texas-El Paso's Jim Barnes (51 vs. Western New Mexico in 1964) set school single-game scoring records. Kimble won game in Philly hometown with running three-pointer after crossing half-court on dribble along left sideline. . . . In 2003, Butler's Darnell Archey established an NCAA Division I standard by converting his 74th of 85 consecutive free throws. . . . Illinois' school-record 31-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Iowa (60-59 in 1986). . . . Delaware's Jack Waddington (31 vs. Rutgers in 1956), Middle Tennessee State's Mike Milholland (32 vs. Austin Peay State in 1965), Nebraska's Bill Johnson (26 vs. Iowa State in 1954), Nevada's Pete Padgett (30 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1973) and Valparaiso's Chris Ensminger (24 vs. Northeastern Illinois in 1996) set school single-game rebounding records.
5 - Eastern Washington's Rodney Stuckey (45 points at Northern Arizona in 2006), Fairfield's Curtis Cobb (46 at Manhattan in 2017), Michigan State's Terry Furlow (50 vs. Iowa in 1976) and West Virginia's Hot Rod Hundley (54 vs. Furman in 1957) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Stephen F. Austin State's Scott Dimak (40 at Texas Southern in 1989) set school single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . In 1991, Loyola Marymount's 186-point output is the highest in NCAA history by a team in a single game and Kevin Bradshaw's 72-point outburst for U.S. International CA is the most ever for a player against a major-college opponent. . . . Fairfield's Darren Phillip (25 vs. Marist in 2000), Texas-San Antonio's Lennell Moore (25 vs. Centenary in 1987) and Tulane's Mel Payton (31 vs. Mississippi State in 1951) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Sacramento State's NCAA-record 56-game losing streak away from home (road and neutral sites) ended with a 68-56 success at Loyola of Chicago in 1995.
6 - Drexel's John Rankin (44 points vs. Rider in 1988), Pepperdine's William "Bird" Averitt (57 vs. Nevada-Reno in 1973) and Xavier's Steve Thomas (50 vs. Detroit in 1964) set school single-game scoring records. Averitt's output is also a West Coast Conference record in league competition. . . . Ernie Losch (41 vs. Utah State in 1973) tied Tulane's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . Bob Mortell (24 vs. Virginia Military in 1960) set Virginia's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
7 - UC Riverside's Rickey Porter (40 points at Pacific in 2006), Michigan's Rudy Tomjanovich (48 vs. Indiana in overtime in 1969) and Southwest Texas State's Lynwood Wade (42 vs. Sam Houston State in double overtime in 1993) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . North Carolina hit an NCAA-record 94.1% of its second-half field-goal attempts (16-of-17 vs. Virginia in 1978). . . . Niagara's Gary Bossert set an NCAA single-game record by hitting 11 consecutive three-point field-goal attempts against Siena in 1987. . . . Long Beach State ended UNLV's Big West Conference-record 40-game winning streak (101-94 in 1993), Pacific's school-record 45-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Long Beach State (91-85 in 1973), Tennessee's school-record 37-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Gonzaga (89-79 in overtime) and UNLV's school-record 72-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by New Mexico (102-98 in 1978). . . . Alex "Boo" Ellis (31 vs. Kent State in 1957) set Niagara's single-game rebounding record.
8 - Eddie House (61 points at California in double overtime in 2000) set Arizona State's single-game scoring record and tied Pac-12 Conference standard. . . . Michael Hicks (47 at Cal Poly in overtime in 2001) set Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's single-game scoring mark. . . . Isiaih Mosley (43 vs. Northern Iowa in 2022) set Missouri State's single-game scoring standard at NCAA Division I level. . . . Georgia Tech snapped Kentucky's NCAA-record 129-game homecourt winning streak and SEC-record 51-game winning streak in 1955. . . . Nelson Richardson (26 vs. Manhattan in 1977) set Siena's single-game rebounding record.
9 - Cincinnati sophomore Oscar Robertson (56 points) personally outscored Seton Hall in a 118-54 rout of the Pirates at Madison Square Garden in 1958. . . . Alabama's Jerry Harper (28 vs. Mississippi State in 1956), Texas-Arlington's Albert Culton (24 vs. Northeastern in 1981), Villanova's Howard Porter (30 vs. St. Peter's in 1971) and Virginia Tech's Chris Smith (36 vs. Washington & Lee VA in 1959) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
10 - Connecticut's Bill Corley (51 points vs. New Hampshire in 1968), Massachusetts' Luwane Pipkins (44 vs. La Salle in 2018), John Conforti of St. Francis NY (45 vs. Wagner in 1970), Washington's Bob Houbregs (49 vs. Idaho in 1953) and Winthrop's Melvin Branham (45 at Charleston Southern in 1994) set school single-game scoring records. Pipkins played for Providence two seasons later. . . . Alec Peters (39 at Detroit in 2016) tied Valparaiso's single-game scoring standard at NCAA Division I level. . . . Navy's David Robinson (45 at James Madison in 1987) set CAA scoring record in league competition. . . . Saint Joseph's and Xavier combined to have an NCAA-record eight players foul out in 1976. . . . Connecticut's school-record 31-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Marquette (73-69 in 2007) and Western Kentucky's school-record 67-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Xavier (82-80 in overtime in 1955). . . . Ed Diddle made his Western Kentucky head coaching debut in 1923 with a 103-7 decision over the Adairville Independents en route to a school-record 759 victories. . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach to compile 500 victories the fastest with a 92-59 win over DePaul in 1955 (584 games in 23rd season). . . . Louisiana-Lafayette's Roy Ebron (28 vs. Northwestern State in 1972) and Vanderbilt's Clyde Lee (28 vs. Mississippi in 1966) set school single-game rebounding records.
11 - Don Scaife (43 points at Samford in 1975) set Arkansas State's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Texas Tech's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Colorado (80-78 in 1997). . . . Alcorn State's Larry Smith (21 vs. Mississippi Valley State in 1979), UC Santa Barbara's Eric McArthur (28 vs. New Mexico State in 1990) and Dartmouth's Rudy LaRusso (32 vs. Columbia in 1958) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Bill Clark (23 vs. Oakland in 1973) set Ball State's single-game rebounding record at DI level.
12 - Bucknell's Al Leslie (45 points vs. American in 1980) set the East Coast Conference single-game scoring record. . . . Mike Olliver (50 at Portland State in 1980) set Lamar's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . Iowa State's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Oklahoma State (69-66 in 2002) and Michigan State's school-record 53-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Wisconsin (64-63 in 2002). . . . Marshall's Charlie Slack (43 vs. Morris Harvey WV in 1954), Monmouth's Karl Towns (23 vs. Morgan State in 1985) and Robert Morris' Mike Morton (20 vs. Baltimore in 1980) set school single-game rebounding records.
13 - Boise State's Chandler Hutchison (44 points vs. San Diego State in 2018), Bowling Green's Jim Darrow (52 vs. Toledo in overtime in 1960), Cal Poly's Shanta Cotright (43 vs. George Mason in 1996), Charleston Southern's Dwyane Jackson (43 at Virginia Military in 2007), Kentucky's Jodie Meeks (54 at Tennessee in 2009), Sacramento State's Loren Leath (41 at Northern Colorado in 2009), Southeastern Louisiana's Sam Bowie (39 at Central Florida in 1996), Southeast Missouri State's Daimon Gonner (37 at Tennessee State in double overtime in 2005) and UAB's Andy Kennedy (41 vs. Saint Louis in 1991/subsequently tied) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Leath did his damage coming off the bench. . . . Oklahoma ended Kansas' NCAA-record 35-game winning streak on the road (45-19 in 1928). . . . Marquette's school-record 81-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Notre Dame (71-69 in 1973). . . . Doug Hess (27 vs. Marshall in 1971) tied Toledo's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
14 - Loyola MD's Andre Walker (43 points vs. Lafayette in 2018), Sacred Heart's Quincy McKnight (44 at Bryant in 3OT in 2017), SIU-Edwardsville's Burak Eslik (40 vs. Morehead State in overtime in 2016), Syracuse's Bill Smith (47 vs. Lafayette in 1971) and Virginia Commonwealth's Chris Cheeks (42 vs. Old Dominion in overtime in 1989) set school Division I single-game scoring records. McKnight subsequently transferred to Seton Hall. . . . Damon Stoudamire (45 at Stanford in 1995) set Arizona's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent.
15 - Coppin State's school-record 42-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by North Carolina A&T (76-70 in 1997), Murray State's school-record 47-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Southeast Missouri State (84-78 in 2000) and Virginia's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by North Carolina (101-95 in 1983). . . . Texas-Pan American ended its NCAA-record 64-game road losing streak with a 79-62 triumph at Oral Roberts in 2000. . . . Bob Reiter (27 vs. Kansas State in 1955) set Missouri's single-game rebounding record. . . . . Bob Lazor (23 vs. Penn State in 1955) set Pittsburgh's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
16 - Columbia's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Penn (66-64 in 1952).
17 - New Mexico State's John Williamson (48 points at California in 1972) and UNC Wilmington's Brian Rowsom (39 at East Carolina in 1987) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Virginia Military's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Appalachian State (73-58 in 1979). . . . Steve Stiepler (22 vs. Charleston Southern in 1977) set James Madison's single-game rebounding record.
18 - A weekly ritual began when the Associated Press announced results of its first weekly basketball poll in 1949 (SLU was initial #1). . . . CJ Carter (45 points vs. IUPUI in 2015) set Omaha's single-game scoring record against NCAA DI opponent. . . . Indiana State's Jim Cruse (25 vs. Drake in 1997) and North Texas' Ken Williams (29 vs. Lamar in 1978) set school single-game rebounding records.
19 - UC Davis' Corey Hawkins (40 points at Hawaii in 2013), Charleston Southern's Ben Hinson (43 vs. Edward Waters FL in 1985/subsequently tied) and New Hampshire's Brad Cirino (39 at Maine in four overtimes in 1996/subsequently tied) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Jim Ashmore (45 vs. Mississippi in 1957) set Mississippi State's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Notre Dame came from behind in the closing minutes to end visiting UCLA's NCAA-record 88-game winning streak in 1974. . . . George Mason's Andre Smith set an NCAA single-game record by sinking all 10 of his shots from beyond the three-point arc against James Madison in 2008. . . . Ron deVries (24 vs. Pacific in 1974) set Illinois State's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Chris Street, Iowa's top rebounder with 9.5 per game, died instantly in 1993 in a collision between the car he was driving and a county dumptruck/snowplow.
20 - Austin Peay's James "Fly" Williams (51 points vs. Tennessee Tech in 1973), Fordham's Ken Charles (46 vs. St. Peter's in 1973/tied mark established two seasons earlier), Memphis State's Larry Finch (48 vs. St. Joseph's IN in 1973) and Oklahoma City's Gary Gray (55 at West Texas State in 1967) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Houston ended UCLA's 47-game winning streak (71-69 in Astrodome in 1968), Minnesota's school-record 40-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Nebraska (22-21 in 1905) and West Virginia's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by St. Bonaventure (64-63 in 1983). . . . Visiting Texas-El Paso snapped Memphis' NCAA-record 52-game winning streak in regular-season conference competition (C-USA/72-67 in 2010). . . . Cliff Robinson (28 vs. Portland State in 1978) and David Bluthenthal (28 vs. Arizona State in 2000) set and tied Southern California's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
21 - Howard's Ron Williamson (52 points vs. North Carolina A&T in 2003) and Saint Joseph's Jack Egan (47 at Gettysburg PA in 1961/subsequently tied) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Adrian Oliver (39 vs. Louisiana Tech in 210) set San Jose State's single-game scoring standard against a Division I opponent. . . . Kansas' school-record 69-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Texas (74-63 in 2011) and DePaul's school-record 36-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Dayton (67-63 in 1985). . . . Terry Rutherford (21 vs. Marshall in 1978) set Western Carolina's single-game rebounding record against a Division I opponent.
22 - Lee Campbell (20 vs. Cleveland State in 1990) tied his own Missouri State single-game rebounding record against a Division I opponent.
23 - Eastern Illinois' Jay Taylor (47 points vs. Chicago State in 1989), Middle Tennessee State's Mike Milholland (44 vs. Austin Peay in 1965), Nicholls State's Anatoly Bose (46 at Northwestern State in double overtime in 2010), South Florida's Dominique Jones (46 at Providence in overtime in 2010) and Tennessee State's Anthony Mason (44 at Eastern Kentucky in 1988) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Jacksonville's James Ray (45 vs. South Florida in 1980) set Sun Belt Conference single-game scoring record in league competition. . . . Northeastern's Steve Carney (23 vs. Hartford in 1988) and Ohio University's Howard Joliff (28 vs. Kent State in 1960) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Creighton's Paul Silas (36 vs. Marquette in 1964) became the only player in NCAA DI history to twice grab more than 35 rebounds in a single game. He previously had 38 caroms vs. Centenary on 2-19-62.
24 - Appalachian State's Stan Davis (56 points at Carson-Newman TN in 1974), Chattanooga's Oliver Morton (50 vs. Pikeville KY in 2001), Loyola of New Orleans' Ty Marioneaux (53 vs. Virginia Commonwealth in 1970), North Carolina Central's Connell "C.J." Wilkerson (41 at North Carolina A&T in overtime in 2011), Oakland's Travis Bader (47 vs. IUPUI in 2013) and Texas-Arlington's Steven Barber (43 at Texas-San Antonio in 2002) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . San Diego State's Ben Wardrop set an NCAA record for shortest playing time before disqualification by fouling out in only 1:11 at Colorado State in 2004. . . . Notre Dame's school-record 45-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Connecticut (69-61 in 2009).
25 - Southern's Avery Johnson tied an NCAA single-game record against DI opponent with 22 assists against Texas Southern in 1988. . . . Brigham Young's school-record 44-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Utah (79-75 in 2003). . . . East Carolina's Erroyl Bing (24 vs. South Florida in 2003), Kansas State's David Hall (27 vs. Oklahoma in 1971), Lamar's Steve Wade (27 vs. Oral Roberts in 1972), Oral Roberts' Eddie Woods (30 vs. Lamar in 1972) and Seton Hall's Nick Werkman (32 vs. Boston College in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . The final 36 seconds of Ohio State's 50-44 win at Minnesota in 1972 were not played after a melee ensued following a flagrant foul on Buckeyes center Luke Witte as he attempted a layup. The Gophers, despite a pair of remainder-of-season suspensions, went on to capture the Big Ten Conference championship while OSU finished runner-up.
26 - Gonzaga's Frank Burgess (52 points vs. UC Davis in 1961) and Youngstown State's Tilman Bevely (55 vs. Tennessee Tech in 1987) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Bevely's output also tied Ohio Valley Conference record in league competition. . . . Arizona and Northern Arizona combined for an NCAA-record 130 free-throw attempts in a 1953 contest. . . . Herb Neff (36 vs. Georgia Tech in 1952) set Tennessee's single-game rebounding record.
27 - Georgia Southern's Johnny Mills (44 points vs. Samford in 1973), Indiana's Jimmy Rayl (56 vs. Minnesota in 1962/subsequently tied by him), James Madison's Steve Stiepler (51 vs. Robert Morris in 1979), UNC Greensboro's Trevis Simpson (41 vs. Chattanooga in 2013) and West Texas State's Simmie Hill (42 at Texas Western in 1968) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Visiting New Mexico State overcame a 28-0 deficit to defeat Bradley in 1977. . . . Big Ten Conference perennial cellar dweller Northwestern upset Magic Johnson and NCAA Tournament champion-to-be Michigan State by 18 points in 1979 and Big Eight Conference sixth-place finisher Nebraska upset Danny Manning and NCAA playoff champion-to-be Kansas in 1988. . . . Centenary's Robert Parish (33 vs. Southern Mississippi in 1973) and Florida's Neal Walk (31 vs. Alabama in 1968) set school single-game rebounding records.
28 - Syracuse's Sherman Douglas tied an NCAA single-game record with 22 assists against Providence in 1989. . . . Jim Loscutoff of Oregon (32 vs. Brigham Young in 1955), Maurice Stokes of Saint Francis PA (39 vs. John Carroll OH in 1955) and Willie Naulls of UCLA (28 vs. Arizona State in 1956) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Barney Cable (28 vs. Marquette in 1956) set Bradley's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
29 - Arkansas State's Jeff Clifton (43 points vs. Arkansas-Little Rock in 1994/tied mark), Jacksonville's Ernie Fleming (59 vs. St. Peter's in 1972), Seton Hall's Nick Werkman (52 vs. Scranton PA in 1964), USC Upstate's Deion Holmes (39 vs. Lipscomb in 2OT in 2018/tied), Utah Valley's Ryan Toolson (63 at Chicago State in quadruple overtime in 2009), Vermont's Eddie Benton (54 vs. Drexel in 1994) and Wagner's Terrance Bailey (49 vs. Brooklyn in triple overtime in 1986) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Benton's output is also an America East Conference record in league competition. . . . Big East Conference West Division cellar dweller Rutgers upset Carmelo Anthony and NCAA Tournament champion-to-be Syracuse in 2003. . . . Columbia's Jacob "Jack" Molinas (31 vs. Brown in 1953), North Carolina State's Ronnie Shavlik (35 vs. Villanova in 1955) and Penn State's Jesse Arnelle (27 vs. Temple in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records.
30 - Maryland-Eastern Shore's Tee Trotter (42 points at Howard in overtime in 2003), Mississippi's Johnny Neumann (63 at Louisiana State in 1971), New Orleans' Ledell Eackles (45 at Florida International in 1988), Seattle's Elgin Baylor (60 vs. Portland in 1958), Tennessee Tech's Kevin Murphy (50 vs. SIU-Edwardsville in 2012) and Western Kentucky's Clem Haskins (55 vs. Middle Tennessee State in 1965) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Haskins' output is also an Ohio Valley Conference record in league competition. . . . Rick Barry (51 vs. Oklahoma City in 1965) set Miami's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . William & Mary ended West Virginia's Southern Conference-record 44-game winning streak in 1960. . . . UC Irvine's Kevin Magee (25 vs. Long Beach State in 1982), Miami's Rick Barry (29 vs. Oklahoma City in 1965) and Oklahoma State's Andy Hopson (27 vs. Missouri in 1973) set school single-game rebounding records.
31 - LSU's Pete Maravich, despite having 13 regular-season games remaining in 1970, passed Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson (2,973 points from 1957-58 through 1959-60) with 4:43 left against Mississippi to become the NCAA's career scoring leader. . . . Gerhard "Jerry" Varn (51 points vs. Piedmont GA in 1953) set The Citadel's single-game scoring record. . . . Ty Greene (39 at North Florida in 2015) set USC Upstate's single-game scoring record at DI level. . . . Holy Cross' Jim McCaffrey (46 vs. Iona in 1985) set MAAC scoring record in league competition. . . . Loyola Marymount outgunned U.S. International CA (181-150 in 1989) in the highest-scoring game in major-college history. . . . Manhattan's Bruce Seals established an NCAA single-game record with 27 three-point field-goal attempts (making nine vs. Canisius in 2000). . . . Canisius' Darren Fenn (22 vs. Manhattan in 2000/tied), George Mason's Kenny Sanders (22 vs. American in 1989), Loyola Marymount's Hank Gathers (29 vs. U.S. International CA in 1989), Princeton's Carl Belz (29 vs. Rutgers in 1959) and St. Bonaventure's Bob Lanier (23 vs. Niagara in 1970/tied) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.

Memorable Moments in December College Basketball History
Memorable Moments in November College Basketball History

Happy Birthday! January Celebration Dates Regarding A-As & HOF Coaches

A high this month of seven NCAA Division I All-Americans were born on January 7th and 26th. Kansas, Kentucky and Notre Dame contributed the most A-As born in January with five apiece. Marquette (Dwayne Wade and Sam Worthen on 17th) and the Fighting Irish (David Rivers and Dick Rosenthal on 20th) each have two All-Americans born on the same day this month. A-As Don Forman (NYU), Duane Klueh (Indiana State), Jim Line (Kentucky) and Dick McGuire (St. John's) were born 100 years ago in January. Three former Wyoming standouts are among the following All-Americans and Hall of Fame coaches born this month:

JANUARY

1: All-Americans Glen "Big Baby" Davis (born in 1986/Louisiana State), Travis Grant (1950/Kentucky State), George Gregory Jr. (1906/Columbia), Ronnie Lester (1959/Iowa), Mike Mitchell (1956/Auburn) and Waldo Wegner (1913/Iowa State).
2: All-Americans Hal Gensichen (1921/Western Michigan), Luke Harangody (1988/Notre Dame), Kirk Hinrich (1981/Kansas), Chris Thomforde (1947/Princeton) and Michael Young (1961/Houston).
3: All-Americans Jay Edwards (1969/Indiana), Don May (1946/Dayton), Doug McDermott (1992/Creighton) and Jason Sasser (1974/Texas Tech).
4: All-Americans Sidney Green (1961/UNLV) and Bob Morse (1951/Penn).
5: All-Americans Rod Fletcher (1930/Illinois), Ryan Minor (1974/Oklahoma), Rick Mount (1947/Purdue), George Munroe (1922/Dartmouth and Tyler Ulis (1996/Kentucky) plus Hall of Fame coach Luigi "Lou" Carnesecca (1925/St. John's).
6: All-Americans Sean Kilpatrick (1990/Cincinnati), Duane Klueh (1926/Indiana State), Tom Marshall (1931/Western Kentucky) and Dwayne "Pearl" Washington (1964/Syracuse).
7: All-Americans Todd Day (1970/Arkansas), Reece Gaines (1981/Louisville), Jerry Nemer (1912/Southern California), Don Rehfeldt (1927/Wisconsin), Edgar Sonderman (1916/Syracuse), Bill Uhl Sr. (1933/Dayton) and Michael Wright (1980/Arizona).
8: All-Americans Bill Closs (1922/Rice), John "Hook" Dillon (1924/North Carolina), Chris Douglas-Roberts (1987/Memphis), Tre Jones (2000/Duke), Todd Lichti (1967/Stanford) and Calvin Natt (1957/Northeast Louisiana) plus Hall of Fame coach Davey Whitney (1930/Alcorn State).
9: All-Americans Michael Beasley (1989/Kansas State) and James "Scoonie" Penn (1977/Ohio State).
10: All-Americans Paul Birch (1910/Duquesne) and Glenn Robinson Jr. (1973/Purdue) plus Hall of Fame coach Lou Henson (1932/Hardin-Simmons, New Mexico State and Illinois).
11: All-Americans Ernie Andres (1918/Indiana) and Gary Brokaw (1954/Notre Dame).
12: All-Americans Bonzie Colson II (1996/Notre Dame), Michael "Campy" Russell (1952/Michigan) and Dominique Wilkins (1960/Georgia).
13: All-Americans Tom Gola (1933/La Salle), Vernon Hatton (1936/Kentucky) and Alec Kessler (1967/Georgia).
14: All-Americans Meyer "Mike" Bloom (1915/Temple), Aaron Brooks (1985/Oregon), Wayne Hightower (1940/Kansas) and Kenny Sailors (1921/Wyoming).
15: All-Americans Bob Davies (1920/Seton Hall), Ernie DiGregorio (1951/Providence) and Don Kojis (1939/Marquette).
16: All-Americans Don MacLean (1970/UCLA), Greivis Vasquez (1987/Maryland) and Joseph "Jo Jo" White (1946/Kansas).
17: All-Americans Bill Davis (1911/Kentucky), Quamdeen "Ayo" Dosunmu (2000/Illinois), Don Forman (1926/NYU), Dwyane Wade (1982/Marquette), Sam Worthen (1958/Marquette) and Tyler Zeller (1990/North Carolina).
18: All-Americans Isaac "Bud" Stallworth (1950/Kansas) and Jewell Young (1913/Purdue).
19: All-Americans Ron Behagen (1951/Minnesota), Jim Line (1926/Kentucky) and Bill Mlkvy (1931/Temple).
20: All-Americans Ron Harper Sr. (1964/Miami of Ohio), Bailey Howell (1937/Mississippi State), Jason Richardson (1981/Michigan State), David Rivers (1965/Notre Dame), Dick Rosenthal (1930/Notre Dame) and Grady Wallace (1934/South Carolina) plus Hall of Fame coach Norm Stewart (1935/Missouri).
21: All-Americans Roosevelt Bouie (1958/Syracuse), Simpson "Skip" Brown (1955/Wake Forest), Hakeem Olajuwon (1963/Houston), Detlef Schrempf (1963/Washington) and Tom Stith (1939/St. Bonaventure) plus Hall of Fame coaches John Chaney (1932/Temple) and Don Donoher (1932/Dayton).
22: All-Americans Dillon Brooks (1996/Oregon), Quintin Dailey (1961/San Francisco), Greg Oden (1988/Ohio State), Leon Powe (1984/California), Lennie Rosenbluth (1933/North Carolina) and Sam Williams (1945/Iowa).
23: All-American Keita Bates-Diop (1996/Ohio State).
24: All-Americans Fennis Dembo (1966/Wyoming), Kevin Magee (1959/UC Irvine) and Albert "Ab" Nicholas (1931/Wisconsin).
25: All-Americans Da'Sean Butler (1988/West Virginia), Acie Law IV (1985/Texas A&M), Chris Mills (1970/Arizona), Rollie Seltz (1924/Hamline MN), Emilio "Zeke" Sinicola (1929/Niagara) and Walt Wesley (1945/Kansas).
26: All-Americans MarShon Brooks (1989/Providence), Vince Carter (1977/North Carolina), Bill Hapac (1918/Illinois), Tom Henderson (1952/Hawaii), Dick McGuire (1926/St. John's), Kevin Pangos (1993/Gonzaga) and Sylvester "Sly" Williams (1958/Rhode Island) plus Hall of Fame coach Walter "Doc" Meanwell (1884/Wisconsin and Missouri).
27: All-Americans Wesley Cox (1955/Louisville), Russell Lee (1950/Marshall) and Tony Windis (1933/Wyoming).
28: All-Americans Michael Cage (1962/San Diego State), Mark Madsen (1976/Stanford) and Payton Pritchard (1998/Oregon).
29: All-Americans Greg Ballard (1955/Oregon), Vinnie Ernst (1942/Providence) and Stacey King (1967/Oklahoma).
30: All-Americans Ernie Calverley (1924/Rhode Island State), John "Jack" Kerris (1925/Loyola of Chicago), Paul Neumann (1938/Stanford), Rick Robey (1956/Kentucky), Jalen Rose (1973/Michigan) and Mychal Thompson (1955/Minnesota) plus Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo (1955/Michigan State).
31: All-Americans Len Chappell (1941/Wake Forest) and Hal Lear (1935/Temple).

Birthdays in January for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in February for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in March for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in April for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in May for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in June for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in July for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in August for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in September for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in October for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in November for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in December for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 31 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 31 in football at the professional level (especially in 1961 NFL championship game):

DECEMBER 31

  • New York Giants DT Damane Duckett (made 3-of-4 field-goal attempts and grabbed 10 rebounds for East Carolina in nine basketball games in 2001-02) had a career-high four solo tackles in 30-21 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2005.

  • Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) opened game's scoring with a six-yard rushing touchdown in 37-0 playoff win against the New York Giants in 1961 NFL championship contest. Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) had game highs of four pass receptions and 80 receiving yards - including two touchdowns from Bart Starr. Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) caught three passes for 41 yards.

  • Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two touchdown passes in a 26-3 NFC championship game win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972.

  • Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two touchdown passes in a 21-3 NFC wild-card playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000.

  • Detroit Lions WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg for Amherst MA as sophomore in 1971-72) caught three passes for 29 yards in a 24-23 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1983 NFC divisional-round playoff game. Lions TE Ulysses Norris (Georgia hooper in 1975-76) notched one pass reception for five yards.

  • Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught three passes for 58 yards in a 21-3 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2000 AFC wild-card game.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 30 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 30 in football at the professional level (especially by ex-hoopers from Florida schools and for Sunshine State franchises):

DECEMBER 30

  • FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) contributed the Chicago Bears' lone touchdown with a nine-yard rush in 47-7 setback against the New York Giants in 1956 NFL championship game. Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had six catches for team-high 87 receiving yards with squad coached by John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916).

  • Cincinnati Bengals LB James Francis (averaged 3 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Baylor in 1986-87 and 1987-88) returned an interception 17 yards for touchdown in 21-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1990 regular-season finale.

  • Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 30-26 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001. Jaguars WR Micah Ross (Jacksonville's leading scorer, rebounder and FG% shooter as senior in 1997-98) returned four kickoffs.

  • 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 under coach Frank Haith) caught nine passes for 115 yards in a 44-38 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2012.

  • Kansas City Chiefs LB Napoleon Harris (averaged 4.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Northwestern in 1997-98 and 1998-99 under coach Kevin O'Neill) had career-high 13 solo tackles in a 13-10 setback against the New York Jets in 2007 season finale.

  • Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoop games for Clemson in 2010-11) had 12 pass receptions in a 20-3 win against the Jacksonville Jaquars in 2018.

  • New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) caught three second-half touchdown passes in a 31-28 wild-card playoff win against the St. Louis Rams in 2000.

  • Dallas Cowboys DE Too Tall Jones (backup center averaged 1.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Tennessee State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had two sacks in a 27-20 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1978 NFC divisional playoffs. Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had an interception.

  • Jacksonville Jaguars WR Matt Jones (started two of his 11 Arkansas games in 2001-02 when averaging 4.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg and 10 of 17 in 2003-04 when averaging 5 ppg and 4.5 rpg) caught eight passes for 138 yards in a 42-28 setback against the Houston Texans in 2007 regular-season finale.

  • Miami Dolphins RB Terry Kirby (averaged 2.8 ppg for Virginia's NCAA tourney teams in 1989-90 and 1990-91) contributed a rushing touchdown and eight pass receptions in a 37-22 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1995 AFC wild-card game.

  • Minnesota Vikings DT Gary Larsen (ex-Marine played multiple hoops seasons for Concordia MN in early 1960s) had a sack in 27-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1973 NFC Conference championship playoff contest.

  • Jacksonville Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (collected nine points and four rebounds in seven UCLA basketball games in 2002-03 under coach Steve Lavin) posted career highs of seven pass receptions and 103 receiving yards in a 38-20 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2012 season finale.

  • Cleveland Browns WR Greg Little (collected five points and five rebounds in 10 basketball games for North Carolina in 2007-08 under coach Roy Williams) caught a touchdown pass in his second consecutive contest in 2012.

  • Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the New York Giants in 2001. Six years later, McNabb passed for 345 yards in a 17-9 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2007 season finale.

  • St. Louis Rams rookie LB Tommy Polley (played in one basketball game for Florida State in 1996-97 under coach Pat Kennedy) had 11 solo tackles in a 42-17 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 2001.

  • New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) caught five passes for 69 yards in a 16-7 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1962 NFL championship contest.

  • San Francisco 49ers WR Tai Streets (collected four points and seven rebounds in 13 games for Michigan's NIT titlist in 1997 under coach Steve Fisher) had two second-quarter touchdown receptions in a 31-20 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2002 season finale.

  • Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) contributed two solo tackles in a 23-17 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 2000 AFC wild-card playoff game.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 29 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 29 in football at the professional level (especially in 1957 and 1963 championship contests):

DECEMBER 29

  • Baltimore Colts DE Ordell Braase (first-team All-NCC pick for South Dakota in 1952-53 and 1953-54) had three sacks in a 34-0 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1968 NFL championship game.

  • Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg for Southern in 1969-70) contributed a game-high 92 receiving yards - capping off contest's scoring with 37-yard touchdown reception - in 24-17 setback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1979 NFC divisional-round play.

  • George Halas (starting guard for Illinois' Big Ten Conference hoops titlist in 1916-17) coached the Chicago Bears to a 14-10 win against the New York Giants in 1963 NFL championship contest. Bears rookie PK Bob Jencks (collected 3 points and 12 rebounds in five basketball games for Miami of Ohio in 1960-61) kicked both extra points. Giants starting SS Dick Pesonen (two-year Minnesota-Duluth hoops letterman was starting guard in 1959-60) recovered a fumble.

  • Carolina Panthers DE Greg Hardy (Ole Miss backup forward as freshman in 2006-07) had four sacks and five tackles in a 21-20 victory against the Atlanta Falcons in 2013 regular-season finale.

  • Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught seven passes for 146 yards in a 34-31 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002 season finale.

  • Philadelphia Eagles TE Jimmie Johnson (averaged 2.7 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Howard University in 1988-89) caught three passes for 37 yards in a 14-0 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1996 NFC wild-card playoff game.

  • Detroit Lions RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for 34 yards on seven carries and caught one pass for 16 yards in a 59-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1957 NFL championship game. Lions QB Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) threw a 16-yard touchdown pass.

  • San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 38 yards in 21-10 NFC divisional-round playoff win against the New York Giants in 1984.

  • Houston Oilers QB Gifford Nielsen (Brigham Young swingman averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 1973-74 and 1974-75) threw a go-ahead 47-yard touchdown pass to Mike Renfro in 17-14 AFC divisional playoff win against the San Diego Chargers in 1979.

  • TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning with 2:26 remaining in fourth quarter to give the Indianapolis Colts a 20-13 win against Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002 regular-season finale.

In Memoriam: RIP List of 2025 Deceased Impacting World of NCAA DI Hoops

"It is not length of life, but depth of life." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The time for my departure has come. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race: I have kept the faith." - II Timothy 4:6-7

"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln

Gone but not forgotten. With Auld Lang Syne chords playing in the background, the end of the calendar year offers another time to say goodbye by acknowledging the passing away in 2025 of a striking number of major-college basketball movers and shakers. The deceased included an abundance of coaches directing mid-major schools to their initial NCAA tourney appearance - Roger Gaeckler (Hofstra in 1976), Gene Iba (Houston Baptist in 1984), Frank Layden (Niagara in 1970), Kevin Mackey (Cleveland State in 1986), Don Monson (Idaho in 1982), Ernie Nestor (George Mason in 1989) and Bob Reinhart (Georgia State in 1991).

Four different California universities and former Pacific-8 Conference members had All-Americans in necrology category this year among Dick Barnett (Tennessee State), Junior Bridgeman (Louisville), Dave Downey (Illinois), Mike Farmer (San Francisco), David Greenwood (UCLA), Vern Hatton (Kentucky), Allan Hornyak (Ohio State), Barry Kramer (New York University), Stan Love (Oregon), Larry Miller (North Carolina), Lawrence Moten (Syracuse), Johnny O'Brien (Seattle), Gary Phillips (Houston), Rodney Rogers (Wake Forest), John Shumate (Notre Dame), Lenny Wilkens (Providence), Gus Williams (Southern California), Max Williams (Southern Methodist) and Andy Wolfe (California).

Among schools hit particularly hard in the obituary column were:
* Kentucky - All-SEC selections Vern Hatton and Larry Johnson.
* Louisville - all-league picks Junior Bridgeman and Ricky Gallon.
* Saint Louis - coach Ron Ekker and his top recruit with the Billikens (two-time All-Metro Conference guard David Burns).
* San Francisco - Final Four participants Stan Buchanan and Mike Farmer.
* Toledo - captains Bill Drenser (1958), Larry Jones (1962 and 1964) plus Joe Keifer (1965) in eight-year span.
* UCLA - first NCAA tourney team in 1950 under coach John Wooden (Art Alper and Eddie Sheldrake).

These are stark reminders that quality athletes, despite occasionally performing exceptional feats, are not superhuman. They're not immortal. Instead, they're comparable to the remainder of us. They get injured. They shed blood. They age. They get hospitalized for illness. They even die. Sadly, Elden Campbell (Clemson) and Danny Sumner (William & Mary) drowned on seemingly innocuous fishing trips as did transfers Gregg Glenn III (Tulane) and Deng Mayar (Omaha) on swimming excursions. They are among the following alphabetical list of deceased who usually didn't "drop the ball" on the court:

  • Mark Agather, 76, averaged 10.3 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Montana in 1967-68 (Grizzlies' runner-up in rebounding) and 1968-69.
  • Bob Allen, 79, averaged 7.5 ppg and 11.9 rpg for Marshall from 1965-66 through 1967-68, leading the Mid-American Conference in rebounding each of his last two seasons. He was an all-league second-team selection as a junior.
  • Art Alper, 96, averaged 3 ppg for UCLA from 1948-49 through 1950-51 in John Wooden's first three seasons as coach of the Bruins. As a junior, Alper played for their first-ever NCAA tourney team. He started for U.S. Volleyball team the second half of the 1950s (fourth place at 1956 World Championships in Paris and gold medal at 1959 Pan American Games).
  • Ed Anderson, 92, averaged 11.2 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Montana from 1951-52 through 1953-54, finishing runner-up in scoring with the Grizzlies each of his last two seasons. Team MVP and All-MSAC first-team selection as school's top rebounder as senior. Football team MVP in 1954. C hit .276 in the New York Yankees' farm system in three years (1954-57-58). One of his teammates with Peoria (Class B IL-IN-IA League in 1957) was Rod Kanehl, who went on to be a utilityman with the New York Mets.
  • Clyde "The Glide" Austin, 67, averaged 12 ppg, 3 rpg, 4.1 apg and 1.4 spg for North Carolina State from 1976-77 through 1979-80 in Norm Sloan's last four seasons as coach of the Wolfpack. All-ACC second-team selection as a sophomore.
  • Bob Badger, 92, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.4 ppg for Pacific in 1954-55 and 1955-56.
  • Charles Barham Jr., 95, played for Wake Forest in 1949-50 and 1950-51 under coach Murray Greason.
  • Ralph Barkey, 89, compiled a 169-144 coaching record with alma mater UC Santa Barbara in 12 seasons from 1966-67 through 1977-78.
  • Jim Barley, 91, averaged 5.1 ppg for Indiana from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Branch McCracken.
  • Dick Barnett, 88, was a two-time All-American and NAIA Tournament MVP for Tennessee State in 1957-58 and 1958-59 before becoming 5th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Norton Barnhill, 72, averaged 9.4 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Washington State from 1973-74 through 1975-76 under coach George Raveling.
  • James "Ted" Bassett III, 103, was a Yale letterman in 1942-43 before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII.
  • Bob Beckel, 88, averaged 21.1 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Air Force in 1957-58 and 1958-59. Eventual Lieutenant General led the Falcons in scoring both seasons.
  • William "Whitey" Bell, 92, averaged 9.4 ppg and 3 rpg for North Carolina State in 1953-54, 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Everett Case.
  • Major General Richard Beltson, 87, played for Lehigh in 1956-57.
  • Hank Bertelkamp, 94, averaged 8.9 ppg for Tennessee from 1950-51 through 1952-53. He was senior captain as third-leading scorer (14.3 ppg) and rebounder (7.5 rpg) with the Volunteers after finishing runner-up in boards (8.2 rpg) the previous season. His son, Bert, averaged 6.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 3 apg with the Vols from 1976-77 through 1979-80.
  • Don Blakley, 84, played for Oklahoma State in 1960-61 under coach Hank Iba. Blakley also competed as a high jumper with the school's track and field squad.
  • Tom "Red" Booker, 85, averaged 13.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Richmond from 1958-59 through 1960-61. After becoming All-Southern Conference Tournament second-team selection in 1958, Booker led the Spiders in scoring average as a senior with 17.7 ppg. OF hit .240 in the New York Yankees' farm system from 1961 through 1963. In 1962 with Fort Lauderdale (Class D Florida State League), he was a teammate of eventual 15-year MLB OF Roy White.
  • Henry Booth Jr., 87, averaged 1 ppg for Navy in 1960-61 under coach Ben Carnevale.
  • Ken Boyd Sr., 73, averaged 20.6 ppg and 10.9 rpg for Boston University from 1971-72 through 1973-74. All-Yankee Conference first-team selection as a senior when Boyd led league in scoring (21.3 ppg) and finished among top five in rebounding for second year in a row. He also paced the Terriers in scoring as a sophomore with 23.4 ppg.
  • Tommy Boyer, 84, averaged 15.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg while shooting 89.2% from the free-throw line for Arkansas from 1960-61 through 1962-63. Two-time All-Southwest Conference selection led the nation in free-throw shooting as a junior (93.3%) and senior (91.3%).
  • Ron Bradley, 90, averaged 2.5 ppg for Georgia from 1953-54 through 1955-56. He led the Bulldogs' baseball squad in RBI in 1957.
  • Kevin Braswell, 46, averaged 13.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 5.4 apg and 2.7 spg for Georgetown from 1998-99 through 2001-02. Two-time All-Big East Conference selection finished all four seasons among league's top six in assists per game and top five in steals per game.
  • Sheldon "Skip" Brechtel Jr., 73, averaged 3 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Loyola of New Orleans in 1970-71 and 1971-72 in the school's last two seasons at major-college level.
  • James R. Brennan, 97, averaged 1.1 ppg for Niagara in 1947-48 and 1948-49 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Jim Breslin Jr., 82, was a member of St. Bonaventure's 1964 NIT team coached by Larry Weise.
  • Ulysses "Junior" Bridgeman, 71, averaged 15.4 ppg and 7.6 rpg for Louisville from 1972-73 through 1974-75 under coach Denny Crum. All-American as senior when three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection was second-leading scorer and rebounder with Final Four team before becoming 8th pick overall in NBA draft. As a businessman, he owned more than 450 fast-food restaurants (including over 160 Wendy's and 120 Chili'[s franchises). In 2016, Forbes ranked him as the fourth-wealthiest retired athlete in the world behind only Michael Jordan, David Beckham and Arnold Palmer.
  • Dave Brill, 81, averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Kansas from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
  • Bill Broderick, 80, averaged 5 ppg for Loyola of New Orleans in 1964-65.
  • Dale Brooks, 88, averaged 4 ppg for Denver in 1956-57 and 1957-58.
  • Bob Brown, 89, averaged 5.4 ppg and 6.4 rpg for NYU in 1956-57 and 1957-58 in Howard Cann's last two seasons as coach of the Violets.
  • Dion Brown, 57, averaged 12.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 2 apg for Washington from 1988-89 through 1990-91 after transferring from Chaminade (Hawaii). Senior captain and team MVP.
  • Joseph Broz, 84, averaged 4.6 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Navy in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ben Carnevale.
  • Stan Buchanan, 91, averaged 3.9 ppg for San Francisco from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Phil Woolpert. As a senior, Buchanan averaged 5.2 ppg as teammate of Bill Russell and K.C. Jones on NCAA Tournament titlist.
  • Don Buchman, 91, averaged 4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Pacific in 1953-54.
  • Jay Buckley, 83, averaged 10.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Duke from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Vic Bubas. All-ACC second-team selection as a senior when leading Final Four club in rebounding.
  • Charlie Buechlein, 90, averaged 1.1 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1952-53 through 1955-56 under coach Bob Polk.
  • Ned Bumgarner, 73, averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Army in 1971-72 and 1973-74.
  • Joe Buneta, 90, averaged 6.3 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Toledo from 1954-55 through 1956-57. As a junior, he led the Rockets in rebounding with 10.9 rpg.
  • David Burns, 66, was a juco recruit who averaged 19.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.1 spg for St. Louis in 1979-80 and 1980-81. Metro Conference co-Player of the Year as a senior when leading league in scoring (21.4 ppg).
  • Greg Bush, 81, played for DePaul in the early 1960s under coach Ray Meyer.
  • Kenny Byrd, 64, was a juco recruit who averaged 11.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Southern Illinois in 1981-82 and 1982-83. He led the Salukis in scoring both seasons.
  • Bob Camp, 82, averaged 10.7 ppg and 7.6 rpg for West Virginia from 1962-63 through 1964-65 in George King's last three seasons as coach of the Mountaineers. As senior captain, Camp was the leading scorer and rebounder with their NCAA tourney team.
  • Elden Campbell, 57, averaged 15.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.7 bpg and 1.1 spg while shooting 56.2% from the floor for Clemson from 1986-87 through 1989-90. Two-time All-ACC selection ranked among the nation's top 30 in blocked shots all four seasons and ranked 10th in field-goal shooting as a sophomore (62.9%). He died from drowning after a medical emergency while fishing solo in Florida.
  • Charles "Curtiss" Cates, 90, played for Davidson in 1953-54.
  • John Cegalis, 82, averaged 5.4 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Duquesne from 1961-62 through 1963-64. He was among the Dukes' top three rebounders each of his last two seasons.
  • Bill Chamberlain, 75, averaged 12.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 2.5 apg for North Carolina from 1969-70 through 1971-72 under coach Dean Smith. Chamberlain was a member of NCAA Tournament third-place team as a senior.
  • Frank Clark Jr., 75, averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Davidson in 1969-70 in Terry Holland's first season as coach of the Wildcats.
  • Dwayne Collins, 37, averaged 9.9 ppg and 7 rpg for Miami (Fla.) from 2006-07 through 2009-10 under coach Frank Haith, leading the Hurricanes in rebounding three of those seasons.
  • Robert Conibear, 97, averaged 1.5 ppg for Wayne State (Mich.) from 1948-49 through 1951-52 after serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • Jackie "Jack" Conway, 89, played for Wichita in 1953-54 under coach Ralph Miller. He was a football QB affiliated with the CFL in 1956.
  • Jaraan Cornell, 48, averaged 12.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.4 spg while shooting 36.9% from beyond the three-point arc for Purdue from 1996-97 through 1999-00 under coach Gene Keady. All-Big Ten Conference third-team selection as a sophomore and junior.
  • Dick Crews, 89, averaged 3.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Washington from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Tippy Dye. Crews was the Huskies' first African-American player.
  • William Currie, 94, averaged 2 ppg for New Mexico from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
  • Ken Daniel, 92, averaged 12.1 ppg and 11.1 rpg for Richmond from 1952-53 through 1955-56, becoming the Spiders' all-time rebounding leader.
  • Jim Davidson, 75, was a Concord College WV transfer who averaged 16.1 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Marshall from 1966-67 through 1968-69, leading the Thundering Herd's second straight NIT club in field-goal shooting as a junior (47.6%).
  • Kirk Davidson, 53, played for Brigham Young in 1989-90 before transferring to Nevada, where he averaged 5.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 1991-92 and 1992-93.
  • Dave Delaney, 80, averaged 2.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Boston University in 1964-65.
  • John DeVincentis, 91, played for Niagara in the mid-1950s under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Donte "Don" DeVincenzi, 84, averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Saint Mary's in 1964-65, 1965-66 and 1969-70, leading the Gaels in scoring as a junior with 14.7 ppg. He had a distinguished 35-year career with NASA including his last position as Chief of Life Sciences.
  • Dave Downey, 84, averaged 18.9 ppg and 11 rpg for Illinois from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Harry Combes, leading the Illini in scoring and rebounding all three seasons. All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection as a senior when he scored school single-game record of 53 points against Indiana before becoming 30th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Thomas Drabczyk, 88, lettered with Niagara in 1957-58.
  • Bill Drenser, 82, averaged 7.9 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Toledo from 1962-63 through 1964-65. He was senior co-captain.
  • Tommy Duffer, 84, averaged 3.9 ppg and 3 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach John Oldham.
  • Randy Echols averaged 9.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Cal State Los Angeles in 1974-75 in school's final season at major-college level.
  • Ron Ekker, 90, compiled a 101-142 coaching record in nine DI seasons with West Texas State (64-71 in five years from 1973-74 through 1977-78) and St. Louis (37-71 in four years from 1978-79 through 1981-82). WTSU reached the Top 20 in 1975-76 when Maurice Cheeks was the Buffs' point guard.
  • Lee Elia, 87, averaged 13.7 ppg in three basketball games with Delaware in 1957-58 in the Blue Hens' inaugural season at major-college level. Shortstop hit .203 with the Chicago White Sox in 1966 and Chicago Cubs in 1968. He compiled a 238-300 managerial record with the Cubs (1982 and 1983) and Philadelphia Phillies (1987 and 1988).
  • Kenny Elliott, 67, averaged 13.3 ppg and 2.6 rpg while shooting 80.2% from the free-throw line for Eastern Kentucky from 1975-76 through 1978-79. All-Ohio Valley Conference selection as a senior when NCAA Tournament participant (against Tennessee) led the Colonels in free-throw shooting for the third consecutive campaign.
  • Nolen Ellison, 83, averaged 13.9 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Kansas from 1960-61 through 1962-63. Two-time All-Big Eight Conference selection before becoming 29th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Dr. Ray Esquibel, 95, averaged 8 ppg for New Mexico in 1949-50, 1950-51 and 1954-55. After his college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. military, he was the Lobos' leading scorer as a senior with 12.4 ppg.
  • Aaron Etherington, 25, was on Toledo's roster in 2019-20 before transferring to UIndy.
  • Jim Fallon, 94, averaged 4 ppg for Duquesne from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Dudey Moore. As a senior, Fallon scored four points in NIT final when the Dukes defeated Dayton.
  • Don "Mike" Farmer, 88, averaged 10.6 ppg and 8.5 rpg for San Francisco from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Phil Woolpert. Two-time All-WCAC first-team selection was second-leading rebounder and fifth-leading scorer for undefeated 1956 NCAA Tournament titlist before becoming second-leading scorer and rebounder with national third-place team in 1957. All-American as a senior before becoming 3rd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Eartha Faust, 71, was a juco recruit who averaged 9.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for West Virginia in 1973-74 (team runner-up in scoring with 15.6 ppg) and 1974-75.
  • Bob Fedorko, 82, was a juco recruit who averaged 6.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg while shooting 55% from the floor for Tulsa in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
  • Larry Florence, 49, averaged 9.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.8 apg for Nebraska from 1996-97 through 1999-00 in Danny Nee's last four seasons as coach of the Huskers. Participated in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore before becoming leader in scoring (13 ppg) and steals (1.5 spg) as a senior.
  • George Flynn, 88, was a member of Loyola of New Orleans' 1958 NCAA tourney team.
  • Tom Flynn, 91, averaged 2.6 ppg for Iona in 1954-55 under coach Jim McDermott.
  • Dr. John Foker averaged 1.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Harvard in 1958-59. He was a football letterman with the Crimson in 1957 and 1958.
  • Eddie Ford, 81, averaged 3.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Murray State in 1964-65 and 1965-66. He is the father of former Missouri/Kentucky player and long-time DI coach Travis Ford.
  • Wally Fredricks, 90, averaged 4.5 ppg and 6.1 rpg for La Salle from 1954-55 through 1956-57. Member of the Explorers' 1955 NCAA Tournament runner-up tied for team leadership in rebounding as a senior with 8.7 rpg.
  • John Furlong, 86, averaged 2.9 ppg for Cornell from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
  • David "Roger" Gaeckler, 84, averaged 6.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Gettysburg College PA from 1961-62 through 1963-64, leading the Bullets in rebounding as a junior (10.9 rpg). He coached Hofstra to the school's first two NCAA playoff berths in 1976 and 1977, compiling an 84-102 record with the Flying Dutchmen in seven seasons from 1972-73 through 1978-79.
  • Ricky Gallon, 67, averaged 11.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg while shooting 55.2% from the floor for Louisville from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coach Denny Crum. As a freshman, Gallon was in regular rotation for a Final Four squad. As a sophomore, he led the Cardinals in scoring (15.3 ppg), rebounding (7 rpg) and field-goal shooting (59.4%/runner-up in Metro Conference). As a senior, Gallon paced their NCAA tourney team in rebounding (8.2 ppg) and blocked shots (1.5 bpg).
  • Bobby Gaston, 101, was a Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1944. Wingback on football team participating in Sugar Bowl following 1943 season went on to officiate 19 Bowl games.
  • James "Buck" Geary, 98, averaged 5.7 ppg for Wake Forest from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Murray Greason after serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • Dr. John "Hoot" Gibson, 94, averaged 4.4 ppg for Kansas State from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Jack Gardner. Gibson posted a career-high 6.1 ppg with NCAA Tournament runner-up in 1950-51.
  • Oliver Gibson, 53, collected eight points and five rebounds in seven basketball games for Notre Dame in 1990-91 in Digger Phelps' final year as coach of the Fighting Irish. Defensive tackle was was a fourth-round draft choice by the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers in 1995, playing four seasons for them before finishing nine-year career with five campaigns on roster of the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Gregg Glenn III, 22, played briefly for Michigan in 2022-23 under coach Juwan Howard before transferring to Tulane, where Glenn averaged 7.3 ppg and 4 rpg in 2023-24 and 2024-25 under coach Ron Hunter. Florida native drowned while swimming off the coast of Miami with a friend.
  • Bill Glidewell Jr., 92, played for Davidson in 1951-52.
  • E. "Bob" Goebel, 82, averaged 4.7 ppg for Murray State in 1961-62 and 1963-64.
  • Reid Goldsberry, 86, averaged 4.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Utah State in 1958-59, 1961-62 and 1962-63 (missed 1959-60 and 1960-61 seasons while serving Mormon mission in Australia). As a senior, he was a teammate of All-American Wayne Estes with the Aggies' NCAA tourney team coached by Ladell Andersen.
  • Bob Gongleski, 74, averaged 8.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Gettysburg College PA in 1970-71 before transferring to King's College PA.
  • Ken "Zeke" Grabinski, 75, averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Iowa from 1969-70 through 1971-72. He played in NCAA tourney as a sophomore before becoming the Hawkeyes' runner-up in rebounding as a junior with 5.8 rpg.
  • Larkin Gram, 80, played for Niagara in 1962-63 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Frank Grebowski, 86, averaged 4.3 ppg for Duquesne from 1957-58 through 1959-60. As a junior, he was the Dukes' third-leading rebounder with 5.7 rpg.
  • David Greenwood, 68, averaged 14.6 ppg and 8.7 rpg while shooting 54.3% from the floor for UCLA from 1975-76 through 1978-79. Freshman member of Final Four team was a senior All-American before becoming 2nd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • James Griffin, 78, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.7 ppg for Hardin-Simmons in 1968-69.
  • Jerry Grote, 85, averaged 13.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Loyola Marymount from 1959-60 through 1961-62, finishing among the Lions' top two scorers each season including their first NCAA tourney team his junior year. Three-time All-WCAC selection became 30th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Don Haase Sr., 92, averaged 11 ppg and 11.5 rpg for Detroit from 1954-55 through 1957-58 under coach Bob Calihan. Haase led the Titans in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Charles Hagenah, 88, averaged 10.9 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Colgate in 1957-58 and 1958-59 (captain when leading Red Raiders in scoring with 13.4 ppg).
  • Darnel Haney, 88, averaged 12.2 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Utah State in 1960-61 and 1961-62. He was the Aggies' runner-up in scoring (15.7 ppg) and rebounding (10.3 rpg) with their NCAA tourney team in his final season.
  • Clester Harrington, 89, averaged 8.9 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Tulsa from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Clarence Iba. Harrington led the Golden Hurricane in rebounding each of his first two seasons before finishing runner-up as a senior.
  • Jim Hatfield, 81, compiled a 96-122 coaching record in eight seasons with Louisiana-Lafayette (47-35 from 1975-76 through 1977-78), Mississippi State (40-42 from 1978-79 through 1980-81) and Hardin-Simmons (1981-82 and 1982-83). As a player, he averaged 1.1 ppg with East Tennessee State from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Vern Hatton, 89, averaged 15.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Kentucky from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Adolph Rupp. All-American as a senior when leading NCAA Tournament titlist in scoring with 17.1 ppg before becoming 10th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Phillip "Doom" Haynes, 63, averaged 12.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.6 apg for Memphis State from 1980-81 through 1983-84 under coach Dana Kirk. Haynes participated in Sweet 16 of NCAA playoffs each of his last three seasons. He was an All-Metro Conference second-team selection as a senior.
  • Jeff Hazard, 80, averaged 5.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for St. Bonaventure from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coach Larry Weise.
  • Tommy Hemans, 90, averaged 11.7 ppg for Niagara from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Taps Gallagher. As a senior, Hemans led the Purple Eagles in scoring with 18.5 ppg. He finished runner-up in rebounding with them each of his final two seasons with 14.2 rpg and 12.2 rpg, respectively.
  • Cornell Hess, 85, averaged 1.9 ppg for Fordham in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach John Bach.
  • Dave Hilger, 83, averaged 2 ppg for Montana in 1962-63.
  • Doug Hoffman, 88, averaged 9.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Clemson from 1956-57 through 1958-59 in Press Maravich's first three seasons as coach of the Tigers. CF led the Tigers' 1959 College World Series team in triples (five), homers (four) and walks (33).
  • Wynn Hoffman, 84, averaged 2.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Colorado State from 1960-61 through 1963-64 under coach Jim Williams (redshirt in 1962-63).
  • Dave Hollingsworth, 88, averaged 13.1 ppg for Davidson from 1955-56 through 1958-59. He led the Wildcats in rebounding as a sophomore (8.7 rpg) and junior (8.6 rpg) before pacing them in scoring as a senior (18.6 ppg).
  • Allan Hornyak, 74, averaged 22.8 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Ohio State from 1970-71 through 1972-73 under coach Fred Taylor. Two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection led the Buckeyes in scoring each season.
  • Walt Hoye Jr., 88, averaged 6.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Loyola Marymount from 1955-56 through 1957-58, finishing runner-up in scoring with the Lions as a senior with 10.3 ppg.
  • Pete Hugdahl, 82, averaged 8.6 ppg and 3 rpg for Air Force in 1964-65 and 1965-66 under coach Bob Spear.
  • Kim Hughes, 73, averaged 13.6 ppg and 11.2 rpg for Wisconsin from 1971-72 through 1973-74, leading the Badgers in rebounding all three seasons. He also paced them in scoring as a senior.
  • Bob "Pudgy" Hunt, 86, averaged 3.1 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Oregon in 1958-59 before transferring to Gonzaga, where he led the Zags in scoring with 20.3 ppg in 1961-62.
  • Johnny Hunton, 97, played hoops for Maryland in 1948-49. INF in the New York Yankees' farm system for three years from 1952 through 1954. In his first year of Organized Ball with Norfolk (Class B Piedmont League), he was a teammate of eventual 14-year MLB INF-OF Woodie Held under eventual MLB manager Mayo Smith. In his final season in the minors with Binghamton (Class A Eastern League), Hunton's teammates included a couple of World Series participants at least five times apiece - 2B Bobby Richardson and RHP Ralph Terry. Hunton was Liberty's baseball coach when school transitioned to NCAA DI level in 1990s (compiling 175-175-3 record in seven campaigns highlighted by 1993 Big South Conference title).
  • Gene Iba, 84, compiled a 226-202 coaching record in 15 seasons at NCAA DI level with Houston Baptist (128-96 in eight years from 1977-78 through 1984-85) and Baylor (98-106 in seven years from 1985-86 through 1991-92), appearing in NCAA tourney with both schools. He played with Tulsa in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
  • Billy Bob Ingram, 83, was a juco recruit who averaged 3.4 ppg for Auburn in 1962-63 under coach Joel Eaves.
  • Bob Johnson, 83, averaged 2.8 ppg for Massachusetts in 1961-62 before transferring to Fitchburg State MA.
  • Davey Johnson, 82, averaged 1.7 ppg as a Texas A&M sophomore in 1961-62. Four-time All-Star INF hit .261 in with the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago in 13 years from 1965 to 1978. Slugged 43 (N.L. runner-up) of his 136 career homers with the Braves in 1973 after appearing in four World Series with the Orioles (1966-69-70-71). Owns distinction of being the only player to have hit behind both Hank Aaron and Japan's all-time home-run king (Sadaharu Oh). A.L. Manager of the Year in 1977 with the Orioles directed the New York Mets to victory over the O's in 1986 World Series. His 17-year managerial record with the Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals was 1,372-1,071.
  • Larry Johnson, 70, averaged 7.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 2.8 apg for Kentucky from 1973-74 through 1976-77. Member of NCAA Tournament runner-up in 1975 and NIT champion in 1976. All-SEC third-team selection as senior before becoming 24th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Larry Jones, 82, averaged 20.9 ppg and 9 rpg for Toledo from 1960-61 through 1963-64 (missed majority of 1962-63 after suffering fractured wrist in season opener). Two-time all-league selection in Mid-American Conference led the Rockets in scoring average in three campaigns.
  • Bill Juby, 90, averaged 1.9 ppg for Oklahoma City's NCAA tourney teams in 1954-55 and 1955-56.
  • Dan Kaufman, 85, was on roster of Butler's first-ever NCAA tourney team in 1962 coached by Tony Hinkle.
  • Joe Keifer, 91, averaged 12.3 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Toledo from 1954-55 through 1957-58 (redshirt in 1956-57). He was senior captain.
  • Kim Kellenberg, 77, averaged 2.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg for San Francisco in 1966-67 and 1967-68 before transferring to Humboldt State CA.
  • John "Jack" Kelly, 88, averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Villanova from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Alex Severance. As a senior, Kelly was the Wildcats' scoring leader (14.9 ppg). He compiled a 22-40 pitching record in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system in four years from 1958 through 1961. In 1959, lefthander was on same staffs with Columbus/Gastonia (Class A South Atlantic League) and Wilson (Class B Carolina League) as eventual MLB veterans of at least seven years Jack Lamabe, Bob Veale and Dave Wickersham. In Kelly's last two years of Organized Ball with Burlington (Class B IL-IN-IA League) and Asheville (Class A South Atlantic League), he led both teams in defeats on same staffs with eventual nine-year big leaguers Bob Priddy and Tommie Sisk. Kelly was also a Pirates farmhand during same time as fellow hurler Tom Butters, who was the A.D. responsible for hiring and then retaining Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski as Duke's basketball coach during some early difficult campaigns.
  • James "Mike" Kimmins, 77, averaged 1.6 ppg for West Texas State in 1967-68.
  • Al Kindelmann, 77, averaged 6.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Iona from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Jim McDermott. As a junior, Kindelmann was the Gaels' runner-up in rebounding with 9 rpg.
  • Nate Koppel, 89, averaged 3.4 ppg for Boston University in 1957-58 when the Terriers made transition to major-college level.
  • Bob Kordish, 91, averaged 4.5 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Colgate in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
  • Barry Kramer, 82, averaged 22.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg for New York University from 1961-62 through 1963-64, finishing runner-up in nation in scoring average as a junior with 29.3 ppg. As a senior, two-time All-American was runner-up to teammate Happy Hairston in scoring and rebounding with the Violets' NIT semifinalist. Kramer, the eighth overall pick in 1964 NBA draft, twice scored 42 points in Madison Square Garden.
  • Dick Kretch, 96, averaged 3.4 ppg for Miami of Ohio in 1948-49 and 1949-50.
  • Larry Krohn, 92, averaged 2.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Portland in 1953-54. He served in the U.S. Army.
  • Dr. Paul Kudelko, 82, averaged 1.2 ppg for Duquesne in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
  • Pete Kuzma, 68, averaged 7 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Ball State from 1974-75 through 1976-77.
  • Fred Lang, 74, averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Harvard in 1970-71.
  • Billy Lawrence, 81, was a North Carolina transfer who averaged 11.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for St. John's in 1963-64 under coach Joe Lapchick.
  • Bob Lawry, 84, averaged 1.3 ppg for Fordham in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach John Bach.
  • Frank Layden, 93, compiled a 119-97 coaching record with Niagara in eight seasons from 1968-69 through 1975-76. He guided the Purple Eagles to their initial NCAA Tournament appearance in 1970 before participating in NIT in 1972 and 1976.
  • George Leftwich, 84, averaged 10.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Villanova from 1961-62 through 1964-65 (redshirt in 1962-63) in Jack Kraft's first four seasons as coach with the Wildcats. As a sophomore, Leftwich was third-leading scorer (13.2 ppg) with their East Regional finalist.
  • Bob "Snake" LeGrand, 81, compiled a 122-184 coaching record with Texas-Arlington in 11 seasons from 1976-77 through 1986-87. He directed the Mavericks to their first-ever 20-win season and NIT in 1980-81.
  • Larry Lewis, 78, averaged 17.2 ppg and 17.7 rpg for St. Francis (Pa.) from 1966-67 through 1968-69, leading the Red Flash in rebounding all three seasons as one of nation's top nine boardmen (runner-up as senior with 20.6 rpg). In his final season, he scored a school single-game record of 46 points against St. Vincent (Pa.).
  • Bill Librera, 79, averaged 13.6 ppg and 8 rpg for Vermont from 1965-66 through 1967-68. He led the Catamounts in scoring as senior captain and paced them in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Dave Lillevand Jr., 88, averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg for San Francisco from 1956-57 through 1958-59 in Phil Woolpert's final three seasons as coach of the Dons. As a sophomore, Lillevand played in Final Four against Wilt Chamberlain-led Kansas.
  • Bob Long, 83, played for Wichita in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller. Long was a fourth-round selection by the Green Bay Packers in 1964 NFL draft (44th pick overall) who caught 98 passes for 1,539 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Pacers, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Rams in seven years through 1970.
  • Larry Loudis, 88, averaged 5.4 ppg for Syracuse from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
  • Stan Love, 76, averaged 21.1 ppg and 10.5 rpg for Oregon from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Three-time all-league selection in Pacific-8 Conference led the Ducks in scoring and rebounding each season. Father of UCLA All-American Kevin Love and younger brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love was employed as a caretaker/front man/bodyguard for Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, the Loves' cousin who also perished this year at the age of 82.
  • Boyd Lynch, 77, averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Eastern Kentucky from 1967-68 through 1969-70. As a senior, he was the Colonels' runner-up in scoring (14.8 ppg) and rebounding (11.2 rpg) while leading team in both shooting categories (52.4 FG% and 80.8 FT%).
  • Kevin Mackey, 79, compiled a 142-69 coaching record with Cleveland State in seven seasons from 1983-84 through 1989-90. He guided the Vikings to three consecutive national postseason tournament appearance from 1986 through 1988 (1 NCAA/2 NIT). Mackey recruited Manute Bol to CSU from Sudan and created a birthdate for him in conjunction with local immigration office. But the 7-7 center couldn't speak English well enough and transferred to Bridgeport CT. The Vikings were placed on two years' probation for providing improper financial assistance to Bol and two other African players.
  • Bill Madaus, 85, played for Holy Cross in 1960-61.
  • Nick Mandravelis, 84, averaged 13.2 ppg for New Hampshire from 1960-61 through 1963-64 (redshirt in 1961-62). As a senior, he was the Wildcats' leader in scoring (19.8 ppg) and runner-up in rebounding (8.8 rpg).
  • John Mangan, 88, averaged 7.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Penn in 1956-57 in Jack McCloskey's first season as coach of the Quakers. Mangan played in five U.S. Open tennis tournaments (Forest Hills).
  • Dave Mannen, 87, played for Kent State in the mid-1950s before serving in U.S. military during the Berlin Crisis.
  • Gene Marcy, 91, played for Niagara in 1955-56 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Leon Marlaire, 90, was an Illinois native who averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Alabama from 1952-53 through 1955-56 during Johnny Dee's four seasons as coach of the Crimson Tide. As a sophomore, Marlaire was an All-[SEC](conferences/southeastern-conference0 third-team selection.
  • Peter Marra, 84, was an Indiana football transfer who played hoops with Niagara in 1961-62 under coach Taps Gallagher.
  • Zeke Marshall, 52, averaged 11.3 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Cornell from 1990-91 through 1993-94 under coach Jan van Breda Kolff. Marshall was an All-Ivy League second-team selection each of his last two seasons when finishing runner-up in scoring average with the Big Red.
  • Brian Martin, 62, was a juco recruit who averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Kansas from 1981-82 through 1983-84 under coaches Ted Owens and Larry Brown. Martin participated in the NCAA playoffs as a senior.
  • David Grier "D.G." Martin Jr., 85, averaged 5 ppg for Davidson from 1959-60 through 1961-62. As a senior, he was named top defensive player with the Wildcats' first winning team under coach Lefty Driesell. Democrat narrowly lost two races for Congress from North Carolina in 1984 and 1986.
  • Daryl Mason, 73, averaged 10.6 ppg and 12.3 rpg for Butler from 1971-72 through 1973-74. He led the Bulldogs in rebounding all three seasons.
  • Dick Mast, 90, averaged 14.8 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Northwestern from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He was junior captain when finishing fourth in the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 21 ppg.
  • Virgil "Buddy" Matthews, 95, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.1 ppg for Hardin-Simmons in 1950-51.
  • Deng Mayar, 22, drowned in late summer after transferring to Omaha from North Dakota, where he averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
  • John McDonald, 94, averaged 3.6 ppg for Dartmouth in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
  • Thomas McGrann, 83, averaged 12.5 ppg and 7 rpg for Minnesota from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach John Kundla, leading the Golden Gophers in scoring and rebounding as a sophomore.
  • Harlan "Lefty" Melton, 92, was an All-PCC North Division first-team selection as Idaho's leading scorer with 14.9 ppg in 1954-55.
  • Gene Millard, 90, averaged 6 ppg for Ohio State from 1954-55 through 1956-57, serving as senior captain.
  • Larry Miller, 79, averaged 21.8 ppg and 9.2 rpg for North Carolina from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Dean Smith. Two-time All-American was leading scorer and second-leading rebounder for NCAA Tournament runner-up as senior and national fourth-place finisher as a junior.
  • Oliver Miller, 54, averaged 12.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 apg and 2.5 bpg while shooting 63.6% from the floor for Arkansas from 1988-89 through 1991-92 under Nolan Richardson Jr. As a sophomore, Miller led the Razorbacks' Final Four team in rebounds, blocked shots and field-goal shooting before pacing nation in FG% the next season (70.4) as All-SWC first-team selection. He twice led the SWC in rejections and field-goal percentage before All-SEC third-team choice as a senior became 22nd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Patrick Milmoe, 87, played for William & Mary in 1956-57.
  • Eric Minkin, 74, averaged 9.5 ppg and 7.1 rpg for Davidson from 1969-70 through 1971-72 in Terry Holland's first three seasons as coach of the Wildcats. Minkin was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection each of his last two seasons when finishing as team runner-up in rebounding.
  • Cliff Moller, 78, was a New York City product and juco recruit who averaged 3.1 ppg for Nebraska as a sophomore in 1968-69.
  • Don Monson, 92, compiled a 216-186 coaching record in 14 seasons with Idaho (100-41 in five years from 1978-79 through 1982-83 and Oregon (116-145 in nine years from 1983-84 through 1991-92), participating in six national postseason tournaments (2 NCAA/4 NIT). He averaged 3 ppg for Idaho in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
  • Steve Mortara, 76, averaged 5.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg for San Jose State in 1968-69 and 1969-70.
  • Lawrence Moten III, 53, averaged 19.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.8 spg for Syracuse from 1991-92 through 1994-95 under coach Jim Boeheim. Three-time All-Big East Conference first-team selection and All-American as a senior averaged 23.3 ppg in seven NCAA playoff contests.
  • Tom Mounkhall, 80, averaged 2.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Holy Cross from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Russ Mueller, 83, averaged 6.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Eastern Kentucky from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
  • Malik Murray, 50, played for DePaul from 1992-93 through 1995-96 under coach Joey Meyer.
  • Bill Murtha, 80, was a Loyola of Chicago transfer who averaged 10.9 ppg and 6.7 rpg for George Washington in 1964-65 under coach Bill Reinhart. While home for winter break in Staten Island, Murtha was in a catastrophic auto accident and spent the next nine months in the hospital, curtailing his college basketball career.
  • Dick Myers, 81, was a juco recruit who played for Texas Western's 1966 NCAA Tournament champion coached by Don Haskins.
  • Ernie Nestor, 78, compiled a 135-198 Division I coaching record in 11 seasons with George Mason (68-81 in five years from 1988-89 through 1992-93) and Elon (67-117 in six years from 2003-04 through 2008-09). He guided GMU to NCAA playoffs in his inaugural campaign with the Patriots.
  • Emanuel "Manny" Newsome, 83, averaged 26.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Western Michigan from 1961-62 through 1963-64, finishing among the nation's Top 20 scorers all three seasons. Three-time All-Mid-American Conference first-team selection provided three outbursts of at least 44 points as a senior (against Loyola of Chicago, Michigan State and Toledo).
  • Dean Nims, 93, played for Oklahoma State in 1951-52 under coach Hank Iba before transferring to Iowa State, where Nims averaged 4.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 1953-54.
  • Chester "Chet" Noe Jr., 93, averaged 11.4 ppg for Oregon from 1950-51 through 1952-53. All-PCC selection as a senior when leading league with 14.6 rpg before becoming 15th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Johnny O'Brien, 94, was a two-time All-American who averaged 25.8 ppg for Seattle from 1950-51 through 1952-53. As a senior averaging 32 ppg in three NCAA playoff games, he ranked 3rd in nation in scoring average, 5th in FG% and 6th in FT%. INF-RHP hit .250 and compiled a 1-3 pitching record with the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Braves in six seasons (1953 and 1955 through 1959).
  • Art Obrock, 87, averaged 11.9 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Washington University (Mo.) from 1957-58 through 1959-60 in the Bears' final three seasons at the major-college level. He was runner-up in total points each of his last two years.
  • Elijah Olaniyi, 26, averaged 12.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Stony Brook from 2017-18 through 2019-20 and 2021-22. He transferred to Miami (Fla.) for the 2020-21 campaign, averaging 10.5 ppg and 5.1 rpg under coach Jim Larranaga. America East Conference Rookie of the Year became an all-league selection the next two seasons when finishing 10th in AEC in rebounding average both years.
  • Kyle Owens, 24, averaged 6.5 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Montana from 2019-20 through 2021-22 before transferring to UC Riverside, where he averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.5 rpg in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
  • Jim Painten, 82, averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Massachusetts in 1963-64 and 1964-65 in Johnny Orr's first two seasons as coach of the Minutemen.
  • Tony Parker Sr., 70, averaged 17.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg for Loyola of Chicago from 1973-74 through 1976-77. Father of Hall of Fame playmaker with same name was incredibly consistent, averaging from 17.1 ppg to 17.7 ppg all four seasons while finishing among the Ramblers' top two in scoring average each campaign. Another one of his sons, Pierre, played for them in 2004-05 and 2005-06.
  • Battista "B.J." Pecoraro, 89, was a juco recruit and member of Loyola of New Orleans' 1958 NCAA tourney team.
  • Bill Perusek, 94, averaged 6.1 ppg for John Carroll (Ohio) from 1949-50 through 1951-52. As a senior, he was team runner-up in scoring with 9.8 ppg.
  • Ron Petro, 84, led Manhattan in scoring (21.5 ppg) and rebounding (8.5 rpg) in 1961-62 under coach Ken Norton. Petro coached Marist when the Red Foxes made transition to major-college level, compiling a 40-44 record from 1981-82 through 1983-84.
  • Gary Phillips, 85, averaged 18.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Houston from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Guy Lewis before becoming 8th pick overall in NBA draft. As a senior All-American, Phillips averaged 20.3 ppg in three NCAA playoff games.
  • Larry Phillips, 82, averaged 15 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Rice from 1961-62 through 1963-64. All-SWC second-team selection as a senior was the Owls' runner-up in scoring and rebounding to eventual ABA player Kendall Rhine each season.
  • Walt Piatkowski Jr., 80, averaged 21.6 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1965-66 through 1967-68. Three-time all-league selection in Mid-American Conference while finishing among loop's top three scorers each season.
  • Stan Pivic, 94, averaged 4.8 ppg for Colorado State from 1951-52 through 1953-54. As a senior, he scored a team-high 13 points for the Rams' first-ever NCAA tourney team in a West Regional setback against Idaho State.
  • Walter Poff, 93, averaged 11.2 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Detroit from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Bob Calihan. All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection as a senior when Poff led the Titans in scoring with 16.7 ppg.
  • John "Jack" Powers, 89, averaged 15.4 ppg and 7.5 rpg for Manhattan from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Ken Norton, leading the Jaspers in scoring as a senior. Powers posted game highs of 29 points and 15 rebounds when upsetting top-ranked West Virginia in 1958 NCAA tourney, outscoring and outrebounding All-American Jerry West (10-4). Powers also scored a game-high 26 points in school's first-ever NCAA playoff contest (1956 defeat against Connecticut). He compiled a 142-114 coaching record with his alma mater in 10 seasons from 1968-69 through 1977-78) before becoming executive director of the NIT.
  • Elliott Press, 92, averaged 6.5 ppg for St. Francis (N.Y.) from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Daniel Lynch. Press was the Terriers' runner-up in scoring average as a senior with 10.7 ppg.
  • Ian Progin, 47, was a Rutgers walk-on in 1999-00.
  • Roy Quinn, 87, averaged 8.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg for VMI from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
  • Ed Quinones, 93, averaged 1 ppg for St. Bonaventure from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Jon Rapp, 82, averaged 8 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Regis CO in 1963-64 under coach Joe B. Hall.
  • Charles Rappard, 83, averaged 5.8 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Hardin-Simmons in 1962-63 in Lou Henson's first season as coach of the Cowboys. Two years later, Rappard was their runner-up in rebounding average with 7.1 rpg.
  • Marshall Rauch, 102, played for Duke under coach Eddie Cameron before serving in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. He was founder of one of the largest Christmas ornament manufacturers in the world. His grandson, Julian, kicked field goal with 26 seconds remaining to give Appalachian State a stunning football victory at Michigan in 2007 season opener.
  • George Raveling, 88, averaged 9.8 ppg and 12.1 rpg for Villanova from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Alex Severance, leading the Wildcats in rebounding as a junior and senior. Raveling compiled a 336-292 coaching record in 22 seasons with Washington State (167-136 in 11 years from 1972-73 through 1982-83), Iowa (54-38 in three years from 1983-84 through 1985-86) and Southern California (115-118 in eight years from 1986-87 through 1993-94).
  • Ryan Reid, 38, averaged 5 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Florida State from 2006-07 through 2009-10 under coach Leonard Hamilton, participating in NCAA tourney each of his last two seasons.
  • Bob Reinhart, 87, was a Kentucky Wesleyan transfer who averaged 1.7 ppg for Indiana in 1958-59 and 1959-60 under coach Branch McCracken. Reinhart compiled a 107-148 coaching record with Georgia State in nine seasons from 1985-86 through 1993-94, guiding the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA playoff berth in 1991.
  • Naseby Rhinehart Jr., 88, played for Montana in 1955-56. He was also on the Grizzlies' track and field squad.
  • Carmen Riazzi, 90, averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Dayton from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Tom Blackburn.
  • Michael Ray Richardson, 70, averaged 17.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Montana from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coaches Jud Heathcote and Jim Brandenburg before becoming 4th pick overall in NBA draft. Three-time All-Big Sky Conference first-team selection led the league in scoring as a senior with 24.2 ppg.
  • Bob Risk, 87, averaged 3.1 ppg for SEC member Tulane from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Clifford Wells.
  • Jason Roberts, 52, averaged 9.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.8 spg for Saint Francis (Pa.) from 1992-93 through 1995-96. He led the Red Flash in steals all four seasons.
  • Mike Roberts, 71, averaged 9 ppg for Canisius from 1972-73 through 1974-75. As a junior, Roberts averaged 12.2 ppg when teammate Larry Fogle paced the nation in scoring with 33.4 ppg.
  • Gaylen Rodgers, 90, played for Wichita in 1954-55 under coach Ralph Miller before transferring to McPherson College KS.
  • Rodney Rogers Jr., 54, averaged 19.3 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Wake Forest from 1990-91 through 1992-93 under coach Dave Odom. ACC Freshman of Year became a two-time all-league first-team selection and All-American as a junior before declaring early for NBA draft (ninth pick overall). He averaged 20.7 ppg in six NCAA playoffs while competing in tourney each of his three seasons.
  • Jerry Romney, 96, averaged 6.5 ppg for Brigham Young from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Stan Watts. In Romney's first two seasons, he played for the Cougars' first two NCAA tourney teams. As a senior, he was their runner-up in scoring (10.7 ppg).
  • Gary Ruprich, 83, averaged 1.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Western Michigan in 1960-61 and and [1961-62](seasons/1961-620.
  • John Russell, 83, averaged 12.9 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coaches Bob Polk and Roy Skinner. Russell led the Commodores in scoring as a junior with 15.4 ppg.
  • Bill Ryczaj, 80, averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.2 rpg for West Virginia from 1963-64 through 1965-66. He participated in the NCAA playoffs as a junior.
  • Bob Salankiewicz, 88, averaged 2.7 ppg for Bucknell from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
  • Steve Satir, 80, led Gettysburg College PA in scoring with 16 ppg in 1966-67.
  • Jim Savoini, 91, averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Colorado State in 1953-54 (Rams first-ever NCAA tourney team) and 1954-55.
  • Donald Scharlach, 98, was a U.S. Navy veteran who played for Rice in 1945-46 in Buster Brannon's last season as coach of the Owls.
  • Charlie Schmaus, 81, averaged 19.5 ppg and 10.5 rpg for VMI from 1963-64 through 1965-66. Two-time All-Southern Conference first-team selection ranked 15th in the nation in scoring as a senior with 25.9 ppg (runner-up in league). Coached his alma mater to a 75-90 record in six seasons from 1976-77 through 1981-82, guiding the Keydets to their first NCAA playoff victory in his inaugural campaign as bench boss.
  • Burke Scott, 92, averaged 8.2 ppg for Indiana from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Branch McCracken. As a sophomore, Scott was fourth-leading scorer with NCAA Tournament titlist.
  • Don Seamster, 83, averaged 8.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Hardin-Simmons in 1961-62 and 1962-63 (Lou Henson's first season as coach of the Cowboys).
  • Bill Shanahan Jr., 84, averaged 4.4 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Dartmouth from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Doggie Julian. Shanahan was third-leading rebounder (8.1 rpg) as senior captain. He was COO and President of Colgate-Palmolive for more than four decades.
  • Edward "Ned" Sharpenter, 77, averaged 2.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Dayton from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Don Donoher. As a sophomore, Sharpenter collected eight points and five rebounds in 1967 NCAA Tournament final setback against Lew Alcindor-led UCLA.
  • Chuck Sheaffer, 102, was a member of Washington's first-ever NCAA tourney team in 1943. After having his college career interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII, he was the Huskies' co-captain in 1946-47 in Hec Edmundson's 27th and final season as their coach.
  • Ralph "Cooney" Shearer, 88, scored 11 points for Tennessee Tech in the John Oldham-coached Golden Eagles' first-ever NCAA playoff game (defeat against Notre Dame in 1958).
  • Eddie Sheldrake, 98, was an All-PCC South Division selection as a UCLA senior in 1950-51 when team captain averaged 10.4 ppg under coach John Wooden after serving in U.S. Navy. Sheldrake scored 11 points in the Bruins' first-ever NCAA Tournament game (73-59 setback against Bradley in 1950) before tallying team-high 21 points in 83-62 loss against Brigham Young in Western Regional third-place contest. Restauranteur was largest holder of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Anaheim-based Polly's Pies franchises in the country, operating as many as 15 KFCs and 13 Polly's in Southern California. Co-founded the first Polly's Pies Restaurant in 1968 with his brother.
  • Tanner Shell, 44, averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Arizona State from 1999-00 through 2001-02.
  • Joe Sheridan Sr., 77, played for Niagara in the mid-1960s.
  • Clarence Sherrod, 75, averaged 19.6 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Wisconsin from 1968-69 through 1970-71. All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection each of his last two seasons when leading the Badgers in scoring (among top seven in league).
  • Jake Shoff, 46, averaged 6.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Weber State in 1997-98 and 2000-01 before transferring to Brigham Young, where he averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg with NCAA tourney teams in 2002-03 and 2003-04. His college career was interrupted by serving a Mormon mission in Honduras.
  • John Shumate, 72, averaged 22.6 ppg and 11.6 rpg for Notre Dame in 1972-73 and 1973-74 under coach Digger Phelps before All-American declared for NBA draft as an undergraduate and became fourth pick overall. In 1973-74, he ranked 10th in nation in scoring average (24.2 ppg) and fourth in field-goal shooting (62.7%). Shumate compiled a 78-118 coaching record with Southern Methodist in seven seasons from 1988-89 through 1994-95.
  • Alan Simpson, 93, lettered with Wyoming in 1952-53 by scoring seven points in six games for an NCAA tourney team coached by Everett Shelton. Staunch conservative was a U.S. Senator from the state from 1978 to 1996.
  • Joe Simpson, 93, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.6 ppg for Hardin-Simmons in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
  • Fred Slaveski, 86, averaged 1.4 ppg for St. Joseph's in 1957-58 under coach Jack Ramsay.
  • Ed Slevin, 88, played for San Francisco in 1958-59 under coach Phil Woolpert.
  • Bill Smith, 89, averaged 8.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Muhlenberg PA in 1954-55.
  • Bob Dudley Smith Sr., 95, averaged 7.7 ppg for Vanderbilt from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Bob Polk. Smith was an All-SEC Tournament second-team selection as a junior.
  • Don Smith, 83, compiled an 84-83 record with New Orleans in six seasons from 1979-80 through 1984-85 after the Privateers moved up to NCAA Division I level in the mid-1970s.
  • Don R. Smith, 83, averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Dayton from 1961-62 through 1963-64 in Tom Blackburn's final three seasons as coach of the Flyers.
  • John Smith, 85, averaged 4.6 ppg for Siena in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
  • Kevin Smith Sr., 60, averaged 5.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Minnesota from 1983-84 to 1985-86. As a junior, his career was disrupted by a sexual assault case involving him and two teammates although all were acquitted.
  • Bruce Springate, 87, averaged 7.4 ppg for Eastern Kentucky from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Paul McBrayer. Springate appeared in 1959 NCAA playoffs against Louisville before finishing runner-up with the Colonels in scoring as a senior (11.7 ppg).
  • John Stafford Jr., 87, averaged 1.7 ppg for Davidson in 1957-58.
  • Maurice Stevens, 87, averaged 1 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Oregon State in 1963-64 and 1964-65 after serving in U.S. Navy.
  • Joe Stiltner, 66, played for North Carolina State in 1977-78 under coach Norm Sloan.
  • Charles Stockton, 82, played for New Mexico State in 1962-63.
  • John "Jack" Storer III, 97, played for Penn State's hoops squad in 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He was a member of school's football team participating in Cotton Bowl following 1947 campaign.
  • Charles Stroughter, 82, averaged 4.7 ppg and 6 rpg for Portland from 1965-66 through 1967-68 after serving hitch in U.S. Army. East St. Louis native was runner-up in rebounding average with the Pilots each of his first two seasons.
  • Danny Sumner, 37, averaged 9.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for William & Mary from 2006-07 through 2009-10, finishing runner-up in scoring and rebounding with the Tribe as a junior before helping school reach its second-ever national postseason tournament appearance (NIT) as a senior. He and his six-year-old son drowned on a fishing trip.
  • Dr. Tom Sutherland, 77, averaged 5.3 ppg and 2 rpg for Loyola of New Orleans in 1966-67 and 1967-68.
  • Joe Sutter, 74, was a two-time All-Southern Conference first-team selection who averaged 15.8 ppg and 7.5 rpg for Davidson in 1970-71 (Wildcats' leading scorer and rebounder) and 1971-72 under coach Terry Holland.
  • Ed Swails, 66, averaged 3.8 ppg for Howard University in 1981-82 under coach A.B. Williamson.
  • Alasdair "Al" Swanson, 90, averaged 10.7 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Navy from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Ben Carnevale. Leading scorer (11.9 ppg) as senior captain. Football RB-P rushed 40 times for 150 yards and one TD while catching seven passes for 68 yards in 1956 and 1957.
  • Ed Szczerba Sr., 81, averaged 3.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Delaware from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Paul Tagliabue, 84, averaged 11.4 ppg and 9 rpg for Georgetown from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He led the Hoyas in rebounding as a sophomore and junior. NFL commissioner from October 1989 to July 2006.
  • Lionel Taylor, 89, averaged 16 ppg for New Mexico Highlands, leading team in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 ppg in 1956-57. First player in pro football history to catch 100 passes in a season holds the AFL record for most pass receptions in a career with 587 as wide receiver with the Denver Broncos (1960 through 1966) and Houston Oilers (1967 and 1968). Three-time Pro Bowl selection led the AFL in pass receptions five times (1960-61-62-63-65).
  • Oliver "Ollie" Taylor, 78, was a juco recruit who averaged 22 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 3.3 apg for Houston in 1968-69 and 1969-70 under coach Guy Lewis. Taylor led the Cougars in scoring both seasons, tallying 26 points in two of three NCAA playoff contests as a senior.
  • Lamont "Tip Dog" Thornton, 58, was a juco recruit who averaged 3.7 ppg and 3.7 apg for New Orleans in 1987-88 and 1988-89 (team-high 5.1 apg in Tim Floyd's first season as coach of the Privateers). Harlem legend was stabbed to death by his son.
  • Billy Tindall, 79, averaged 17.3 ppg, 11.3 rpg and 2.1 apg for Massachusetts from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coaches Johnny Orr and Jack Leaman. Three-time All-Yankee Conference selection led the Minutemen in scoring each of his last two seasons and paced them in rebounding as a sophomore and senior.
  • Bill "Squirrel" Tipton, 84, averaged 16.9 ppg and 4 rpg for East Tennessee State in 1965-66.
  • Elmer Tolson, 95, averaged 14.9 ppg for Eastern Kentucky in 1951-52 and 1952-53 under coach Paul McBrayer. All-OVC selection was the top scorer (17.7 ppg) and runner-up in rebounding (8.8 rpg) with the Colonels' first-ever NCAA tourney team in 1953.
  • Steve Toyloy, 37, was a juco recruit who averaged 3.6 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Cincinnati in 2008-09 and 2009-10 under coach Mick Cronin.
  • Larry Trunk Sr., 86, averaged 12.4 ppg for Loyola of New Orleans from 1958-59 through 1960-61. In an abbreviated senior season, Trunk led the Wolfpack in scoring average (18 ppg) and was runner-up in rebounding average (9.3 rpg). He also paced team in scoring as a junior.
  • William "Milam" Turner Jr., 90, averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Washington & Lee VA in 1953-54.
  • LeRoy Walker, 81, was a juco recruit who averaged 17.7 ppg and 7.3 rpg for Utah State in 1963-64 and 1964-65 under coach Ladell Andersen.
  • Graylin Warner, 62, averaged 14.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 2.2 apg while shooting 53.6% from the floor for Louisiana-Lafayette from 1980-81 through 1983-84. All-Southland Conference second-team selection as a sophomore and team-leading scorer as junior for pair of NCAA playoff participants.
  • Larry Weatherford, 76, averaged 14.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg while shooting 84% from the free-throw line for Purdue from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach George King. Member of NCAA Tournament runner-up as a sophomore before pacing the Boilermakers in scoring and assists as a senior.
  • James "Norman" Weaver, 79, was a Kentucky transfer who averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Western Kentucky from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach John Oldham. Weaver appeared in the NCAA Tournament as a junior.
  • Jim Whalen Sr., 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Colorado State in 1959-60 under coach Jim Williams.
  • Jon Wickizer, 51, averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Utah State from 1992-93 through 1995-96.
  • Randy Wiel, 74, averaged 1.3 ppg for North Carolina from 1975-76 through 1978-79 under coach Dean Smith. Wiel compiled a 116-140 coaching record in nine seasons with UNC Asheville (32-50 in three years from 1993-94 through 1995-96) and Middle Tennessee (84-90 in six years from 1996-97 through 2001-02).
  • Kenny Wiens, 75, was a juco recruit who averaged 14.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Cornell in 1969-70 and 1970-71 (team-high 17.3 ppg).
  • Leonard "Lenny" Wilkens, 88, averaged 14.9 ppg for Providence from 1957-58 through 1959-60. All-American as a senior when he was NIT's MVP before becoming first-round selection in NBA draft.
  • Clarence "Max" Williams, 86, averaged 12.9 ppg and 4 rpg for Southern Methodist from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Doc Hayes. Three-time All-SWC selection was an All-American as a senior.
  • Culbert Williams, 86, played for New Mexico State in 1958-59.
  • Gus Williams, 71, averaged 16 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 4.4 apg for Southern California from 1972-73 through 1974-75. NCAA consensus second-team All-American as a senior when leading the Pac-8 Conference in assists per game (5.4 apg) and finishing league runner-up in scoring average (21.2 ppg).
  • Quayson Williams, 28, averaged 7.4 ppg and 2.4 rpg for The Citadel from 2015-16 through 2018-19. As a freshman, he tied for the Bulldogs' lead in three-pointers made with 65.
  • Rich Wilson, 72, played for Bucknell in 1972-73.
  • Jackie Winders, 89, averaged 1.2 ppg for Murray State in 1957-58 before transferring to Austin Peay State after serving stint in U.S. Army.
  • Efrem Winters, 61, averaged 11.5 ppg and 6.6 rpg for Illinois from 1982-83 through 1985-86 under coach Lou Henson. Winters led the Illini's 1984 Mideast Regional finalist in scoring (14.7 ppg).
  • Hal Wissel, 86, compiled a 122-195 coaching record in 12 seasons with three different DI schools - Lafayette (43-59 in four years from 1967-68 through 1970-71), Fordham (57-74 in five years from 1971-72 through 1975-76) and UNC Charlotte (22-62 in three years from 1982-83 through 1984-85).
  • Rich Witkowski, 80, played for DePaul from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Ray Meyer.
  • Andy Wolfe, 99, was a three-time All-PCC South Division selection who averaged 11.5 ppg for California from 1945-46 through 1947-48. Leading scorer for 1946 fourth-place team in NCAA Tournament became an All-American as a senior.
  • Cameron Woodall, 26, averaged 8.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Grambling State in 2020-21 before transferring to Tougaloo College MS. He died in an ATV accident.
  • Bob Wright, 85, averaged 2.3 ppg and 2 rpg for Detroit from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Bob Calihan. RHP compiled a 1-6 record in the Detroit Tigers' farm system in 1962. A fellow hurler with Jamestown (Class D NY-Penn League) was eventual 13-year MLB veteran Jim Rooker.
  • Art Yancy averaged 5.7 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Oklahoma City from 1966-67 through 1969-70 under coach Abe Lemons.
  • Gerald Yentes, 87, averaged 3.7 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Morehead State from 1956-57 through 1958-59.
  • Lawrence Young Jr., 95, played for Southern Methodist in the early 1950s under coach Doc Hayes.
  • Bill Zepplin was a juco recruit who averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Virginia Commonwealth in the Rams' inaugural season at NCAA DI level in 1973-74.
  • Adrian Zuber, 77, played for Bowling Green State in 1967-68 under coach Bill Fitch.

NECROLOGY AND NOTABLE OBIT ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS 13 YEARS
2024 - couple of Top Ten players in NCAA history (UCLA's Bill Walton and West Virginia's Jerry West) passed away along with Hall of Fame coaches Lou Carnesecca, Don Donoher and Lefty Driesell while Western Kentucky lost All-Americans Tom Marshall and Bobby Rascoe, New Mexico lost conference players of the year Greg Brown and Ruben Douglas and a pair of 1950-51 All-Americans from Philly schools perished (Penn's Ernie Beck and Temple's Bill Mlkvy)
2023 - deceased ex-college hoopers included eventual vital NFL championship game/Super Bowl participants Jim Brown, Bud Grant and Joe Kapp; two prominent Penn State players from 1950s with last name of Edwards; Colorado State twins Floyd and Lloyd Kerr (both selected by Phoenix Suns in third round of 1969 NBA draft); former Big 12 Conference first-team selections Ryan Minor (Oklahoma) and Dedric Willoughby (Iowa State) at only 49 years of age, plus inordinate number of all-league selections from old Yankee Conference
2022 - deceased included striking number of African-Americans breaking color barrier at predominantly white major universities while Dayton was hit particularly hard in obituary column by losing five notable players who participated in national postseason tournament competition
2021 - former all-conference selections from five different Pac-12 members perished as did two former Murray State coaches registering more than 100 victories for the Racers (Ron Greene and Cal Luther), striking number of players with last name of Clark plus two backup frontcourters for UCLA's first NCAA titlist in 1964 (Doug McIntosh and Kim Stewart)
2020 - Connecticut had at least 15 former players bid adieu while Brigham Young was also particularly hard hit with four former all-conference players passing away; celebrated coaches who perished included Lou Henson (797 wins), Lute Olson (779), Eddie Sutton (802), John Thompson Jr. (596) and Billy Tubbs (609) - combining for 14 Final Four appearances and more than 3,600 Division I victories
2019 - brothers Jim and Leo Power - Boston College players in the mid-1950s - both passed away along with a pair of Ole Miss All-Americans (Joe Gibbon and Johnny Neumann) plus striking number of players with last name of Cox
2018 - in a version of "Louisiana Perish," Louisiana-Lafayette had three former hoopers 45 or younger die, Louisiana State active player Wayde Sims was murdered, highly-regarded small-college Pelican State coach Billy Allgood died while brothers Gary and Roy Stoll - Indiana products who combined to start for SEC member Tulane much of the 1950s - both passed away
2017 - striking number of deceased ex-college hoopers were versatile athletes who went on to play at least eight seasons at MLB level (Bob Cerv, Gene Conley, Dick Gernert, Jerry Kindall, Don Lock, Sam Mele and Gene Michael) plus brothers Roman Jones and Steve "Snapper" Jones - both of whom played for Oregon in first half of 1960s - died in same week while brothers Jim Burst (Washington MO) and Don Burst (St. Louis) perished a little over two months apart
2016 - deceased included Iowa All-Americans John Johnson and Murray Wier, pair of national Top 20 scorers for Jacksonville (Ernie Fleming and Rex Morgan), novelist Pat Conroy (The Citadel), heart surgeon Denton Cooley (Texas), New Orleans columnist Peter Finney Sr. (Loyola NO) plus Rear admiral Ned Hogan (Navy)
2015 - deceased included members of legendary UCLA coach John Wooden's first and final NCAA tourney teams - John Matulich in 1950 and Dave Meyers in 1975 - plus a pair of Illinois All-Americans (George BonSalle and Dave Scholz)
2014 - MLB Hall of Fame outfielder Tony Gwynn Sr. (San Diego State playmaker), two St. Joseph's players with last name of Carney and Tarzan actor (UCLA's Denny Miller) were among the deceased
2013 - two Vermont players among top 16 selections in 1947 BAA Draft died (Larry Killick and Bob Jake) while Ivy League brothers George Hauptfuhrer Jr. (Harvard after transferring from Louisville) and Bob Hauptfuhrer (Princeton) perished nine days apart during first half of August
2012 - Cincinnati All-American Jack Twyman and his brother (Duquesne's Ned Twyman) died within a two-month span and five former Kentucky regulars under legendary coach Adolph Rupp passed away

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 28 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 28 in football at the professional level (especially in 1947 and 1952 championship contests plus two of Hall of Famer Dan Marino's receivers in 1997 AFC wild-card game):

DECEMBER 28

  • Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-28 playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1975.

  • Philadelphia Eagles E Neill Armstrong (played one game under legendary Oklahoma A&M coach Hank Iba in 1944) caught two passes for 16 yards, E Dick Humbert (three-year starter captained Richmond as senior in 1940-41 when averaging 7.4 ppg) caught two passes for 30 yards and HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) caught three passes for 37 yards in a 28-21 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1947 NFL championship game. Cardinals E Billy Dewell (three-time All-SWC first-team pick for Southern Methodist in late 1930s) caught a team-long 38-yard pass from Paul Christman.

  • Cleveland Browns rookie E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) had a game-high 53 receiving yards in 17-7 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1952 NFL championship contest. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) opened game's scoring with a two-yard rushing touchdown. Lions HB Doak Walker (Southern Methodist hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) had a team-high 97 rushing yards featuring 67-yard TD.

  • Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught nine passes for 153 yards in a 23-21 win against the New York Jets in 2003 season finale.

  • Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught a 93-yard touchdown pass from Daryle Lamonica in 26-8 setback against the Boston Patriots in 1963 AFL Eastern Division playoff contest.

  • Weeb Ewbank (hoops letterman for Miami OH in 1926-27 and 1927-28) coached the Baltimore Colts to a 23-17 overtime victory against the New York Giants in 1958 NFL championship game.

  • Tennessee Titans TE Erron Kinney (averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg in six basketball games for Florida in 1996-97 under coach Billy Donovan) recovered a fumble for touchdown in 33-13 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 season finale. He scored a TD in each of the team's last three outings.

  • Oakland Raiders DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 35 yards in 10-6 wild-card playoff setback against the Kansas City Chiefs following 1991 season.

  • Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 44-6 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2008 season finale.

  • Miami Dolphins RB Jerris McPhail (starting point guard for Mount Olive NC with 11 ppg in early 1990s) had game-high five pass receptions from Dan Marino in a 17-3 setback against the New England Patriots in 1997 AFC wild-card playoff contest. Teammate WR Lamar Thomas (collected 16 points and 4 rebounds in four games for Miami FL in 1990-91 under coach Leonard Hamilton) contributed game-high 62 receiving yards on three catches and Dolphins RDE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) chipped in with two solo tackles.

  • WR Nate Poole (sank all four free-throw attempts in two basketball games for Marshall in 1997-98) caught 28-yard touchdown pass from QB Josh McCown with no time remaining to give the Arizona Cardinals an 18-17 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2003 regular-season finale.

  • Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) got the Atlanta Falcons on scoreboard with a 24-yard touchdown reception in 27-20 NFC wild-card playoff win against the New Orleans Saints in 1991.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 27 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 27 in football at the professional level (especially by three individuals from Texas universities for Detroit Lions in 1953 championship contest):

DECEMBER 27

  • Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught four passes for 54 yards in a 17-16 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1953 NFL championship contest. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw a 33-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Lions HB Doak Walker (Southern Methodist hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) opened game's scoring with a rushing TD.

  • Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 114 yards on 27 carries in 1964 NFL championship game (27-0 against Baltimore Colts). It was Brown's lone playoff win.

  • Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg for Southern in 1969-70) contributed a game-long 28-yard pass reception and 15-yard touchdown catch from Ron Jaworski in 27-21 setback against the New York Giants in 1981 NFC wild-card playoff contest.

  • Weeb Ewbank (hoops letterman for Miami OH in 1926-27 and 1927-28) coached the Baltimore Colts to a 31-16 victory against the New York Giants in 1959 NFL championship game. Colts DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had two interceptions - returning one 42 yards for a touchdown.

  • Chicago Bears TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught two touchdown passes in 41-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020.

  • Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two touchdown passes in a 21-14 divisional round playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1970.

  • Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two touchdown passes from Joe Flacco for second straight week in 2009.

  • Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-7 win against the Washington Redskins in 2003. Six years later, McNabb passed for 322 yards and three TDs in a 30-27 win against the Denver Broncos in 2009.

  • San Francisco 49ers DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a punt 72 yards for touchdown in 38-19 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1998 season finale.

  • New York Giants CB Jason Sehorn (averaged 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg for Shasta Community College CA in 1990-91) had four solo tackles and returned an interception 36 yards in 23-22 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1997 wild-card playoff game.

  • Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from John Elway in 42-17 AFC wild-card playoff win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1997. Jaguars rookie TE Damon Jones (averaged 3.9 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Southern Illinois in 1995-96 under coach Rich Herrin) delivered a 37-yard pass reception from Mark Brunell. The next year, Smith had nine pass receptions for 158 yards in a 28-21 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 1998 regular-season finale.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 26 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 26 in football at the professional level (especially in 1943 and 1954 championship games plus emphasis on ex-college hoopers with the Bears and Browns):

DECEMBER 26

  • Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 41-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1943 championship contest. Bears E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Sid Luckman. Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) co-coached the Bears. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 30 yards on seven carries and returned two punts for 17 yards.

  • Rookie FB Bill Bowman (fouled out with four points in only basketball game with William & Mary in 1953-54) scored the Detroit Lions' only touchdown (five-yard rush) in a 56-10 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1954 NFL championship game. Bowman also had a 50-yard run from scrimmage in the contest. Browns DE Len Ford (center for Morgan State's CIAA hoops titlist in 1944) returned two interceptions a total of 45 yards. Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught an eight-yard TD pass and 45-yard reception from Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43). Graham threw three first-half TD passes and rushed for three TDs. The next year, Graham threw two TD passes (50 and 35 yards) and rushed for two TDs while Ford had another INT in a 38-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1955 NFL title tilt.

  • A fourth-quarter touchdown reception by TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) carried the Kansas City Chiefs to a 31-24 win against the Oakland Raiders in 1998 season finale.

  • TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starting forward averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg with Miami FL from 2005-06 through 2008-09 under coach Frank Haith) caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Nick Foles with one minute remaining to help lift the Chicago Bears to a 25-24 success against the Seattle Seahawks in 2021.

  • RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) opened the Green Bay Packers' scoring with a rushing touchdown in 13-10 conference championship playoff win against the Baltimore Colts in 1965.

  • QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 471 yards - including 33-yarder for touchdown in overtime - to propel the Washington Redskins to a 26-20 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1999.

  • New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) totaled 175 yards in rushing (94 on 16 carries) and pass receiving (81 on eight catches) in a 16-14 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1993.

  • Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) had five pass receptions for 115 yards in a 24-23 setback against the Denver Broncos in 2010.

  • Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two touchdown passes in a 24-20 playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1971 playoff divisional round.

  • Cleveland Browns RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) rushed for two touchdowns in a 29-28 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1999 season finale.

  • Chicago Bears TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) had two pass receptions for 25 yards in a 37-7 divisional round playoff setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1977.

  • San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 83 yards for fourth-quarter touchdown in 26-13 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1982.

  • Baltimore Colts TE Tom Mitchell (averaged 6.1 ppg and 9.4 rpg in 10 basketball games for Bucknell in 1963-64) caught five passes for 73 yards in a 20-3 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1971 NFL playoff divisional round.

  • Houston Texans LB Antwan Peek (made one field goal and grabbed five rebounds in six basketball games for Cincinnati in 2000-01 under coach Bob Huggins) returned a recovered fumble 66 yards for touchdown in 21-0 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004.

  • Buffalo Bills FL Bo Roberson (Cornell's leading rebounder and runner-up in scoring in 1955-56) caught three passes for a game-high 33 receiving yards in 23-0 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1965 AFL Championship.

  • Minnesota Vikings TE Joe Senser (two-time NCAA Division I leader in FG% averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg while shooting 66.2% from floor in four-year career for West Chester State PA) caught 10 passes in a 42-14 setback against the New York Jets in 1982.

  • Cincinnati Bengals WR David Verser (played five basketball games for Kansas in 1977-78 under coach Ted Owens) caught a 56-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 24-10 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 1982.

  • San Francisco 49ers TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught a touchdown pass from John Brodie in 24-20 divisional round playoff win against the Washington Redskins in 1971.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 25 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthem and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 research you can tackle regarding former NCAA Tournament hoopers Tony Gonzalez and Brad Johnson who made a name for themselves on December 25 in football at the professional level:

DECEMBER 25

  • Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 11 of his league-high 102 passes - including two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 31-30 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2004.

  • Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 30-23 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 2005.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 24 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 24 in football at the professional level (especially in 1950 NFL championship contest and 1961 AFL title tilt plus ex-college hoopers with the Chargers):

DECEMBER 24

  • Buffalo Bills WR Don Beebe (Aurora College IL junior varsity hooper in 1983-84) caught eight passes for 111 yards in a 10-9 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1994 regular-season finale.

  • Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg for Southern in 1969-70) caught five passes - opening game's scoring with 13-yard touchdown reception from Ron Jaworski - in 14-13 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in 1978 NFC wild-card playoff contest.

  • Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-10 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2005.

  • Atlanta Falcons LB Marcus Cotton (converted one free throw with Southern California in 1986-87 under coach George Raveling) contributed two sacks for the second time in last three games of 1989 season.

  • Los Angeles Rams rookie RB Glenn Davis (Army hooper in 1944-45 and 1945-46) opened 1950 NFL championship game's scoring with an 82-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in 30-28 setback against the Cleveland Browns. Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) completed 22-of-33 passes for 298 yards and four TDs while chipping with 99 rushing yards.

  • Oakland Raiders TE Rickey Dudley (averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as senior in 1994-95 when leading Ohio State in rebounding and finishing third in scoring) caught two touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 52-9 win against the Carolina Panthers in 2000.

  • Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) returned an interception 60 yards for touchdown in a 50-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1967 Eastern Conference playoff game.

  • San Diego Chargers SS Rodney Harrison (averaged 7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3 apg and 1.6 spg for Western Illinois in 1992-93) intercepted two passes - returning one 63 yards for touchdown - in a 34-21 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000.

  • San Diego Chargers rookie WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 20-7 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 2006.

  • Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned an interception 61 yards for touchdown in 23-20 win against the Detroit Lions in 2000.

  • Seattle Seahawks TE Pete Metzelaars (averaged 19.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Wabash IN while setting NCAA Division III field-goal shooting records for single season as senior in 1981-82 and career) had a five-yard touchdown reception in 31-7 wild-card playoff win against the Denver Broncos in 1983.

  • Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 24-20 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2005.

  • Baltimore Colts WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg as sophomore forward for Amherst MA in 1971-72) had two pass receptions for 45 yards from Bert Jones in a 37-31 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1977 AFC divisional-round playoff game.

  • Houston Oilers RCB Greg Stemrick (played in two basketball games for Colorado State in 1973-74) intercepted a pass in 17-9 win against the Miami Dolphins in 1978 AFC wild-card game.

  • 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 in 1987-88 under Tim Floyd) had an interception in 24-10 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1994 season finale.

  • San Diego Chargers rookie DB Bud Whitehead (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 15 games for Florida State in 1959-60) had two interceptions in a 10-3 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1961 AFL championship contest. Chargers rookie HB Bo Roberson (Cornell's leading rebounder and runner-up in scoring in 1955-56) registered a team-high 37 yards rushing.

Holiday Wish List: Christmas Stocking Stuffers Plus Gifts For NCAA Hoopdom

Christmas week is the most wonderful time of year despite leftist lunacy and overpaid Dr. Fraudci previously infecting holiday season with his #Dimorat deity drivel. Yes, holiday festivities can go Grinch-inspired awry between Christmas and New Year's Eve akin to Pocahontas Warren (a/k/a Cherokee asset) mandating everyone use her "stolen" recipe in Pow Wow Chow. In ghosts of Christmas' past, just ask top-ranked Virginia, which lost at tiny Chaminade in 1982, and NCAA champion-to-be Michigan, which bowed to Alaska-Anchorage on a neutral court in 1988.

Amid some bone-chilling cold celebrations as liberals such as roof-top dancing bartender AOC and Dummy Crockett with intellectual depth of a kiddie pool want us to cower in corner because of coal-bearing global warming while freezing our butts off, a Christmas holiday week absolutely can not go by without the time-honored tradition of making a list and checking it twice. For instance, many observers are thankful national health-care costs for eye and ear care were dramatically decreased for your years from looking at and listening to Melania and Ivanka rather than #ShrillaryRotten and self-righteous Chelsea despite occasional myopic musings from prayerful #NannyPathetic after regaining the House gavel. The college basketball wish list, a stocking stuffer distinguishing between the naughty and nice, doesn't change much from the previous month at Thanksgiving or next week among New Year Resolutions. Opting out from responding to apology demands, some of them may fall in the Christmas Miracle petition category but following is a healthy serving of food-for-thought wishes presented to college hoop observers:

  • Wish peace and comfort to family and friends of striking number of former All-American players and prominent coaches who passed away this year.

  • Wish deserving mid-major players earn All-American acclaim this season and majority of Final Four participants are mid-majors because power conferences have never encountered such widespread mediocrity.

  • Wish ex-college hoopers continued success as prominent NFL tight ends.

  • Wish special seasons for standout seniors because they didn't abandon college hoops early and give the sport at least some modicum of veteran leadership.

  • Wish proper acclaim for pristine playmakers who show again and again that "pass" is not a dirty four-letter word amid the obsession with individualistic one-on-one moves by self-absorbed one-and-done scholars.

  • Wish many highlights for entertaining little big men (players 5-10 or shorter) who inspire us with their self-confidence and mental toughness in the Land of the Giants.

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

  • Wish patience for the numerous promising first-year coaches assuming control of programs this season. They need to remember the fortitude exhibited by many of the biggest names in coaching who rebounded from embarrassing defeats in their first season as a head coach. An active luminary who lost multiple games to non-Division I colleges in his initial campaign before ascending to stardom as the all-time winningest coach is Duke's Mike Krzyzewski (lost to SUNY-Buffalo, Scranton and King's College in 1975-76 while coaching Army).

  • Wish Division I schools will soon find their bearings amid the chaotic restructuring of conferences forsaking tradition although the quest for mega-leagues could be delusional because they're vying for nonexistent television revenue.

  • Wish more accuracy for recruiting services incapable of discerning multiple recent national player of the year honorees should have been ranked higher. Ditto to announcers who infect the sport by spreading this virus without ever seeing any of the players enough to properly evaluate them.

  • Wish marquee coaches wouldn't serve up assistants as sacrificial lambs resembling Grinch when the heat of an investigation of their program intensifies. This practice really got out of hand when the FBI was involved, leading to myopic mentors promoting postseason tournament bans to try to influence NCAA enforcement as sentencing got closer and closer.

  • Wish prominent programs would reduce, if not eliminate, academic exceptions. Of course, the quality of play will diminish by emphasizing textbook student-athletes but it's not as if half of the non-league games on TV aren't mismatches, anyway.

  • Wish wisdom for anyone who incessantly castigates the majority of undergraduates declaring early for the NBA draft. Before accepting the party line that many of the players are making monumental mistakes by forgoing their remaining college eligibility, remember that more than half of the NBA's All-Pro selections in the last quarter century or so left college early or never attended a university.

  • Wish a heart for any school not promptly granting a recruit seeking to enroll elsewhere a release from its letter-of-intent when he wants to attend another institution for legitimate reasons.

  • Wish jaws wired shut for "Me Generation" showmen and "trippers" who've failed to comprehend their respective teams don't benefit on the court from a trash-talking Harlem Globetrotter routine.

  • Wish self-absorbed players will finally see the light and spend less time getting tattoos and practicing macho dunks and more on team beneficial free throws. It all hinges on dedication. There is a reason they're supposed to be "free" throws instead of Shaq-like "foul" shots.

  • Wish high-profile coaches would show more allegiance rather than taking off for greener pastures despite having multiple years remaining on their contract. Also wish said pacts didn't include bonus for graduation ratio or GPA insofar as many coaches become Sgt. "I Know Nothing" Schultz whenever academic anemia issues surface.

  • Wish network analysts would refrain from serving as apologists for the coaching community. When their familiar spiels echo throughout hoopdom, they become nothing more than the big mouths that bore.

  • Wish marquee schools will vow to stop forsaking entertaining non-conference games with natural rivals while scheduling a half-dozen or more meaningless "rout-a-matics" at home. Aren't two or three gimmes enough?

  • Wish a generous dose of ethics to defrauding coaches who manipulate junior colleges and high schools into giving phony grades. Ditto coaches who steer prize high school prospects to third parties toying with standardized test results.

  • Wish authenticity for those "fatherly-advice" coaches who don't mandate that any player with pro potential take multiple financial literacy courses. Did they notice in recent years that products from Alabama, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, Kentucky and Syracuse filed for bankruptcy after combining for more than half a billion dollars in salaries over their NBA careers? What kind of classes are taken in college anyway if a staggering 60% of NBA players file for bankruptcy five years after retirement? There's personal responsibility, but shouldn't the universities they attended feel some sort of culpability? And don't you wish most agents would become extinct if such a high percentage of pros end up with holes in their pockets?

  • Wish overzealous fans will stop flogging freshmen for not living up to their high school press clippings right away. The impatient onlookers need to get a grip on themselves.

  • Wish many of the excessive number of small schools with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, thinking they can compete at the Division I level, would return to DII, DIII or NAIA. There are far too many examples of dreamy-eyed small schools such as Chicago State believing that competing with the big boys will get them national recognition, make big bucks from the NCAA Tournament and put the institutions on the map. They don't know how unrealistic that goal is until most of the hyphenated and directional schools barnstorm the country during their non-conference schedules in college basketball versions of Bataan Death Marches.

  • Wish lapdog-lazy media outhustled by Louisville Escort Queen, creepy porn lawyer #Avenaughty and Duke student newspaper would display more energy exhibiting enterprising analysis. Why do almost all of the principal college basketball websites "progressively" look and read virtually the same? It's a byproduct of predictably pathetic press needing a jolt of adversarial reporting in toy department (sports) as well as dimwits such as former CNN know-nothing nabob Fredo Cuomo, the most distrusted snake among #MessMedia at most distrusted name in news (including anal legal analyst and his pet snake colleagues can Zoom in on).

  • Wish coaches would "shut up and sing" rather than weigh in with opinions on restroom access, let alone POTUS pap criticism offered principally to appease their player pipeline of 90%-plus leftists exhibiting actual discrimination by voting one way.

  • Wish ESPN, failing to acknowledge significant reduction in subscribers stems from #KneelWithJemele liberalism being a mental disorder, would cease becoming BSPN by giving politically-correct forums to insufferable leftist lunatics such as Howard Bryant and "experts" who either lie to NCAA investigators as a coach, drop their pants for locker-room motivation, get fired for intoxication, participate as agent in funneling funds to regal recruit, can't quite figure out Dell Curry's sons could also be All-Americans (while instead recruiting multiple thugs) and practice reprehensible race-baiting with the intellectually-bankrupt "Uncle Tom" bomb. If not, Extra Sensitive Pious Network needs yet another new Skipper for sinking ship.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 23 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and league funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 23 in football at the professional level (especially Wake Forest's Bill Hull going from Final Four to AFL championship game in same year in 1962 and ex-college hoopers with the Rams):

DECEMBER 23

  • Neill Armstrong (played one game under legendary Oklahoma A&M coach Hank Iba in 1944) coached the Chicago Bears to a 27-17 wild-card playoff game setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1979. Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski, finishing contest with game highs of six receptions and 111 receiving yards.

  • Oakland Raiders WR Ronald Curry (averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3 apg for North Carolina in 1998-99 and 2000-01) caught 11 passes in a 20-9 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006. It was Curry's third consecutive contest with at least eight receptions.

  • Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had an interception for third consecutive contest and chipped in with 10 tackles in 27-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012.

  • Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes for 137 yards in a 25-20 setback against the Detroit Lions in 2007.

  • Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two touchdown passes in a 34-16 divisional playoff win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1973.

  • Los Angeles Rams rookie Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) had a game-saving tackle in a 24-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1951 NFL championship contest. Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) caught four passes for 66 yards.

  • Dallas Cowboys DB Manny Hendrix (All-WAC second-team selection for Utah as senior in 1985-86 averaged 12.1 ppg and team-high 5.1 apg as sophomore) had an interception in 17-3 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1990.

  • Dallas Texans rookie DE Bill Hull (forward for Wake Forest squad finishing third in 1962 NCAA Tournament averaged 6.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg in two varsity seasons) returned an interception 23 yards to help set up game-winning field goal in overtime in 20-17 win against the Houston Oilers in 1962 AFL championship game.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three touchdown passes in a 48-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2001.

  • Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games for Texas-El Paso in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) rushed for 154 yards and two second-half touchdowns (including 56-yarder) in 23-10 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2019.

  • Los Angeles Rams TE James McDonald (four-year Southern California letterman in early 1980s averaged 8.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg as senior forward) caught two passes for 18 yards in a 16-13 wild-card playoff game setback against the New York Giants in 1984.

  • New York Jets RB Elijah McGuire (collected 10 points and 13 rebounds in 16 basketball games for Louisiana-Lafayette in 2015-16) scored two touchdowns (rush to open game's scoring and third-quarter, 20-yard pass reception) in 44-38 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 2018.

  • Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-23 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2007.

  • Chicago Bears DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 28-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2012.

  • New York Giants CB Jason Sehorn (averaged 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg for Shasta Community College CA in 1990-91) returned a kickoff 38 yards for touchdown in 28-25 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2000 regular-season finale.

  • Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 30-28 divisional playoff win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1972. The next year, Staubach threw two TD passes - including 83-yarder to Drew Pearson - in a 27-16 divisional playoff win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1973.

  • San Diego Chargers WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) returned a punt 55 yards for touchdown in 24-21 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990.

Chaminade Stunned Top-Ranked Virginia Cavs Second Day Before Christmas

Two days before Christmas marks the 42nd anniversary of a "David vs. Goliath" game hailed as one of biggest upsets in college basketball history when national player of the year Ralph Sampson and Virginia got coal in their stocking by losing at Chaminade, 77-72, in Hawaii in 1982-83. The contest triggered one of the greatest achievements in small-college history as Chaminade went on to defeat an NCAA Division I school winning at least one NCAA playoff game in three consecutive campaigns. Following is a chronological list of victories by small schools over major universities going on to win at least one NCAA playoff game that season:

Small College NCAA Playoff Team (Record) Score
Georgetown College (KY) Louisville (19-12 in 1958-59) 84-78
St. Mary's (TX) Houston (25-5 in 1969-70) 76-66
Chaminade (Hawaii) Virginia (29-5 in 1982-83) 77-72
Chaminade (Hawaii) Louisville (24-11 in 1983-84) 83-72
Chaminade (Hawaii) Southern Methodist (23-10 in 1984-85) 71-70
Alaska-Anchorage Michigan (30-7 in 1988-89) 70-66
UC Riverside Iowa (23-10 in 1988-89) 110-92
Alaska-Anchorage Wake Forest (21-12 in 1993-94) 70-68
American-Puerto Rico Arkansas (24-9 in 1997-98) 64-59
Bethel (IN) Valparaiso (23-10 in 1997-98) 85-75
Elizabeth City State (NC) Norfolk State (26-10 in 2011-12) 69-57

NOTES: Michigan '89 became NCAA champion and Louisville '59 reached the Final Four. . . . UC Riverside subsequently moved up to the NCAA Division I level in 2000-01.

Virginia's Terry Holland was among many of the biggest names in college coaching history recovering from embarrassing defeats certainly not cited on their otherwise mostly-regal resumes. For instance, there are numerous mentors who captured NCAA championships despite losing to a small school at some point during their careers - Phog Allen (lost to Emporia State), Jim Calhoun (American International, Assumption, Brandeis, Bridgeport, Florida Southern, Merrimack, St. Anselm, Stonehill and Tufts), John Calipari (Florida Tech and Lowell), Denny Crum (Chaminade), Scott Drew (BYU-Hawaii), Jim Harrick (Abilene Christian), Don Haskins (Louisiana College), Hank Iba (Abilene Christian and Westminster), George Ireland (Regis), Doggie Julian (Amherst, Colby, St. Anselm, St. Michael's, Springfield, Tampa and Williams), Mike Krzyzewski (King's, Scranton and SUNY-Buffalo), Rollie Massimino (New Orleans and Philadelphia Textile), Al McGuire (Evansville and Washington MO), Rick Pitino (Adelphi), Nolan Richardson Jr. (American-Puerto Rico), Norman Sloan (Presbyterian), John Thompson Jr. (Assumption, Gannon, Randolph-Macon and Roanoke) and Jim Valvano (Armstrong State, Bloomsburg, Gannon, Tampa and Wilkes).

Kansas' Bill Self lost 18 consecutive contests bridging the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons with Oral Roberts but at least he didn't lose a decision to a non-Division I institution. Last season, Green Bay coach Doug Gottlieb received a generous dose of humble pie by losing to Michigan Tech. If he learns how to coach while maintaining radio gig, he may join the following alphabetical list "retracing steps" of prominent coaches losing games to non-Division I colleges during their major-college careers:

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 22 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurred politicized multiple anthems and league funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 22 in football at the professional level (especially in 1968 playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Colts plus multiple ex-college hoopers in playoff games with the Chiefs and 49ers):

DECEMBER 22

  • Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw four touchdown passes - including 82-yarder to Frank Jackson - in a 48-0 AFL win against the New York Jets in 1963 season finale.

  • Carolina Panthers DE Greg Hardy (Ole Miss backup forward as freshman in 2006-07) had three sacks in a 17-13 victory against the New Orleans Saints in 2013.

  • Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-14 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1968 NFL playoff divisional round. Vikings DT Gary Larsen (ex-Marine played multiple hoops seasons for Concordia MN in early 1960s) had a sack. Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught three passes for 92 yards - including a 49-yard TD from Earl Morrall - and Colts WR Tom Mitchell (averaged 6.1 ppg and 9.4 rpg in 10 basketball games for Bucknell in 1963-64) opened game's scoring with a TD catch.

  • Jacksonville Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (collected nine points and four rebounds in seven UCLA basketball games in 2002-03 under coach Steve Lavin) caught a touchdown pass in his fourth consecutive contest in 2013.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers E Cy McClairen (two-time all-league selection scored 36 points for Bethune-Cookman in 1953 SIAC Tournament championship game) opened game's scoring with a 48-yard touchdown pass reception from Morrall in 27-2 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1957 season finale.

  • San Francisco 49ers rookie E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) opened game's scoring by catching a 34-yard touchdown pass from Y.A. Tittle in 31-27 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1957 Western Conference playoff tiebreaker. 49ers E Billy Wilson (averaged 3.3 ppg as senior letterman for San Jose State in 1950-51) caught a 12-yard TD pass from Tittle.

  • New York Yankees TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) completed 8-of-18 passes in a 14-9 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1946 NFL championship game.

  • Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught 10 passes for 247 yards - including four touchdowns from Tom Flores - in a 52-49 AFL win against the Houston Oilers in 1963 season finale.

  • Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M after school's glory years with Zelmo Beaty) had four pass receptions for 117 yards in a 41-6 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1968 AFL Western Division playoffs.

  • Atlanta Falcons LB Kenny Tippins (made one basket and grabbed six rebounds in three hoops games with Middle Tennessee State in 1989-90) returned an interception 35 yards in 31-27 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1991 season finale.

  • Brad Van Pelt (averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Michigan State in 1970-71 and 1971-72) was starting LOLB for the Oakland Raiders in a 13-7 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 1984 AFC wild-card game.

Radford Involved Last Two Times Transfer Set Single-Game Scoring Records

You win some; you lose some. Virginia-based Radford was involved the last two times a transfer from another Division I institution set an existing school single-game scoring record with more than 50 points. Eerily, both transfers averaged 3.8 ppg in two campaigns with their original DI outpost. This season, North Carolina State transfer Dennis Parker Jr. became the fourth player to establish an existing DI scoring mark (53 points for Radford vs. Coppin State) after averaging fewer than four points per game with another university. Six years ago, Radford transfer Christian Lutete set UMass-Lowell's standard with 51 vs. Long Island.

Parker and Lutete joined Illinois-connected record holders Scott Haffner (65 points for Evansville vs. Dayton after averaging 1.7 ppg with Illinois) and Von McDade (50 for Milwaukee vs. Illinois after averaging 3.6 ppg with Oklahoma State) as transfers erupting in games after assembling anemic scoring averages elsewhere of fewer than four points per game. Another player from Virginia nearly joining this group was Bob McCurdy, who tallied 53 points for Richmond vs. Appalachian State in 1974-75 after averaging a modest 4.2 ppg with Virginia in 1971-72.

Following is a chronological list of transfers setting a university single-game scoring record at DI level with 50 or more points after previously playing for another major college:

Transfer School Single-Game Scoring Record Original DI Pitstop (Scoring Average)
Larry Fogle Canisius 55 points vs. St. Peter's on 2-9-74 Southwestern Louisiana 73 (14.8 ppg)
Bob McCurdy Richmond 53 vs. Appalachian State on 2-26-75 Virginia 72 (4.2 ppg)
Marshall Rogers Pan American 58 vs. Texas Lutheran on 2-16-76 Kansas 73 (7.7 ppg)
Scott Haffner Evansville 65 vs. Dayton on 2-18-89 Illinois 85 (1.7 ppg)
Greg "Bo" Kimble Loyola Marymount 54 vs. St. Joseph's on 1-4-90 Southern California 86 (12.1 ppg)
Von McDade Milwaukee 50 vs. Illinois on 12-3-90 Oklahoma State 89 (3.6 ppg)
Kevin Bradshaw U.S. International* 72 vs. Loyola Marymount on 1-5-91 Bethune-Cookman 84-85 (15.9)
Christian Lutete UMass-Lowell 51 vs. Long Island on 11-8-19 Radford 16-17 (3.8 ppg)
Dennis Parker Jr. Radford 53 vs. Coppin State on 12-14-25 North Carolina State 24-25 (3.8 ppg)

*USIU subsequently de-emphasized its program.

NOTE: Transfers Elgin Baylor (60 points for Seattle vs. Portland on 1-30-58/College of Idaho 55) and Frank Burgess (52 for Gonzaga vs. UC Davis on 1-26-61/Arkansas-Pine Bluff) set school single-game scoring records but began their college careers with small four-year colleges. UAPB moved up to DI level in 1998-99.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 21 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and league funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 21 in football at the professional level (especially in 1941 championship contest with an emphasis on the Bears):

DECEMBER 21

  • Cleveland Browns DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) had an interception in 31-20 Eastern Conference playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1968.

  • Chicago Bears QB Young Bussey (Louisiana State hoops letterman in late 1930s) completed his lone pass in 1941 NFL championship game for eight yards in a 37-9 win against the New York Giants. George Halas (starting guard for Illinois' Big Ten Conference titlist in 1916-17) coached the Bears. TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) passed for 73 yards and chipped in with a Giants-high 52 rushing yards. Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) rushed for 13 yards on four carries. Bears E Dick Plasman (Vanderbilt two-year starting center named to 1936 All-SEC Tournament second five) had a game-high 48 receiving yards on two catches.

  • Los Angeles Rams rookie E Bob Carey (forward-center averaged 8.8 ppg in three-year Michigan State career in early 1950s) had three pass receptions for 30 yards in 31-21 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1952 tiebreaker playoff game. Rams S Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) returned an interception 20 yards. Lions HB Doak Walker (Southern Methodist hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) threw a 24-yard touchdown pass and had two receptions for 75 yards.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers TB Johnny Clement (Southern Methodist hoops letterman in 1940) had a team-high 59 rushing yards in a 21-0 divisional playoff setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) had team-high 32 receiving yards and B Charlie Seabright (West Virginia hoops letterman in 1938-39 and 1939-40) returned a punt 12 yards. Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) returned a punt 79 yards for touchdown.

  • Dallas Cowboys PK Billy Cundiff (played in nine basketball contests with Drake in 1999-00 and 2000-01) converted all four of his field-goal attempts in a 19-3 win against the New York Giants in 2003.

  • San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 41-24 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008.

  • Dallas Cowboys rookie WR Percy Howard (All-Ohio Valley Conference selection averaged 12.4 ppg and 7.3 rpg for Austin Peay State from 1972-73 through 1974-75) returned two kickoffs for a total of 51 yards in 31-21 win against the New York Jets in 1975.

  • Chicago Bears rookie TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) caught three touchdown passes in a 42-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1975 season finale.

  • Philadelphia Eagles DB Joe Lavender (averaged 13.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for San Diego State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown in 26-3 win against the Washington Redskins in 1975 season finale. Five years later as a member of the Redskins, Lavender had two interceptions in 31-7 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980 season finale.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Codey McElroy (walk-on played in four basketball games for Oklahoma State in 2015-16 under coach Travis Ford) caught a 30-yard pass from QB Jameis Winston in 23-20 setback against the Houston Texans in 2019.

  • Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) had an interception in 56-7 AFL divisional playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1969.

  • New York Giants CB Jason Sehorn (averaged 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg for Shasta Community College CA in 1990-91) returned a Drew Bledsoe interception for touchdown in 23-22 setback against the New England Patriots in 1996 regular-season finale. It was the fourth game of the last five of campaign where Sehorn registered an INT.

  • Minnesota Vikings rookie TE Joe Senser (two-time NCAA Division I leader in FG% averaged 11.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg while shooting 66.2% from floor in four-year career for West Chester State PA) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Tommy Kramer in a 20-16 setback against the Houston Oilers in 1980 season finale.

  • Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from John Elway in a 38-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1997.

  • Houston Oilers CB Greg Stemrick (played in two basketball games for Colorado State in 1973-74) was credited with an interception in his third consecutive contest in 1980 season finale.

  • Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 20-3 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2003.

  • Miami Dolphins WR Lamar Thomas (collected 16 points and 4 rebounds in four games for Miami FL in 1990-91) had six pass receptions for 136 yards - including three touchdowns from QB Dan Marino - in a 31-21 win against the Denver Broncos in 1998. Thomas had multiple catches in all but one of 15 regular-season games.

  • Detroit Lions SS Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two Texas-El Paso games in 1967-68 under Don Haskins) returned two punts for 47 yards in a 24-13 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1975 season finale.

  • TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from John Brodie in fourth quarter to power the San Francisco 49ers to 14-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1969 season finale.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling December 20 NFL Gridiron

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized anthems and league funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in 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 December 20 in football at the professional level (especially in 2009 plus Eagles QBs from current ACC members and Chargers receivers catching multiple touchdown passes):

DECEMBER 20

  • Carolina Panthers rookie TE Luther Broughton (forward scored five points in five games for Furman in 1994-95) contributed go-ahead touchdown with a 68-yard reception in fourth quarter of 20-13 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1998.

  • Chicago Bears QB Jack Concannon (grabbed one rebound in one Boston College basketball contest in 1961-62) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-3 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1970 season finale.

  • QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw a 19-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give the Kansas City Chiefs a 13-6 AFL divisional playoff win against the New York Jets in 1969.

  • San Francisco 49ers WR Bruce Ellington (South Carolina's leading scorer as freshman point guard with 12.8 ppg in 2010-11 before averaging 11.1 ppg as sophomore) scored two touchdowns - one receiving/one rushing - in a 38-35 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2014. Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two second-half TD passes from Philip Rivers.

  • New York Giants DB Percy Ellsworth (appeared in all four of Virginia's NCAA tourney contests for 1995 Midwest Regional finalist) had two interceptions - including one for 43-yard touchdown - in a 28-7 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998.

  • Tennessee Titans WR Justin Gage (averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Missouri from 1999-00 through 2001-02) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Vince Young in a 27-24 win against the Miami Dolphins in 2009.

  • Minnesota Vikings TE Andrew Glover (All-SWAC second-team selection as senior in 1990-91 when leading Grambling with 16.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg while pacing league in field-goal shooting) caught two touchdown passes from Randall Cunningham in a 50-10 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1998.

  • Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two first-quarter touchdown passes from Joe Flacco in a 31-7 win against the Chicago Bears in 2009.

  • San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 27-24 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 346 yards and four touchdowns in a 30-28 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2003.

  • Phoenix Cardinals RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 146 yards in a 16-13 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1992.

  • Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 306 yards in a 27-13 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2009.

  • Houston Oilers QB Gifford Nielsen (BYU swingman averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 1973-74 and 1974-75) passed for a career-high 377 yards - including three touchdowns to Dave Casper - in 21-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1981 season finale.

  • Kansas City Chiefs WR Stan Rome (All-ACC second-team choice as Clemson junior averaged from 10.4 to 15.3 ppg while hitting 53% of FGAs from 1974-75 through 1977-78) scored game's lone touchdown with a 15-yard pass reception in 10-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1981 season finale.

  • Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 30-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970 season finale.

  • Minnesota Vikings DB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two UTEP games in 1967-68 under coach Don Haskins) returned a kickoff 66 yards in 37-7 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1970 regular-season finale.

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