In Memoriam: RIP List of 2022 Deceased Impacting World of NCAA DI Hoops

December 30th, 2022 - 12:54

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

With Auld Lang Syne chords playing in background, the final weekend of calendar year offered another time to say goodbye by acknowledging the passing away in 2022 of a striking number of major-college basketball movers and shakers. All-Americans in necrology category included Charlie Brown (Seattle), Arnie Ferrin (Utah), Don Goldstein (Louisville), Dick Knostman (Kansas State), Bob Lanier (St. Bonaventure), Togo Palazzi (Holy Cross), Mike Pratt (Kentucky), Lennie Rosenbluth (North Carolina), Bill Russell (San Francisco), Danny Schultz (Tennessee), Rollie Seltz (Hamline MN), Gene Shue (Maryland), Paul Silas (Creighton), Caleb Swanigan (Purdue), George Thompson (Marquette), Bernard Toone (Marquette), Bill Uhl Sr. (Dayton) and Freeman Williams (Portland State). Dayton was hit particularly hard in the obituary column as Uhl was joined by Chris Harris, George Janky, Don Lane and Mike Reichert.

A striking number of African-Americans breaking the color barrier at predominantly white major schools died in 2022 - John Crawford (Iowa State), L.M. Ellis (Austin Peay State), Julian Hammond Sr. (Tulsa), Norman Holmes (West Virginia), Julius Pegues (Pittsburgh) and Sam Smith (Louisville). These trailblazers plus former Purdue hoopers/professional football standouts Erich Barnes and Len Dawson are among the following alphabetical list of deceased players and coaches who usually didn't "drop the ball" on the basketball court:

  • Billy Joe Adcock, 94, averaged 14.9 ppg for Vanderbilt as an All-SEC selection each season from 1947-48 through 1949-50 under coach Bob Polk.
  • Ron Allen, 71, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Arizona in 1972-73 and 1973-74 under coach Fred Snowden.
  • Odis Allison Jr., 72, averaged 17.9 ppg and 9.9 rpg for UNLV as an All-WCAC second-team selection in 1969-70 and 1970-71 in the Rebels' first two seasons at the NCAA Division I level.
  • John Arrillaga, 84, averaged 12.3 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Stanford from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Howie Dallmar. All-AAWU first-team selection as a senior.
  • Jim Bagley, 87, played for Ohio State in the mid-1950s.
  • Walter Baker, 91, played for Rice in 1950-51.
  • George Baljevich, 84, played for Saint Mary's in 1959-60.
  • Erich Barnes, 86, played briefly with Purdue in 1955-56. Six-time Pro Bowl defensive back intercepted 45 passes with the Chicago Bears, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns in 14 seasons from 1958 through 1971. Played in six NFL championship games.
  • Jim Barnett, 87, averaged 1.5 ppg and 1.4 rpg for West Virginia in 1955-56 and 1956-57 under coach Fred Schaus.
  • Jim Barr, 97, was Northwestern's senior co-captain in 1949-50 when averaging 4.8 ppg.
  • Tom Barrise, 68, played for Fairleigh Dickinson in 1972-73.
  • Dick Barry, 87, averaged 5 ppg for Iona from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
  • Henry "Hank" Bartnicki, 98, was an All-Yankee Conference first-team selection for Connecticut as a sophomore in 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He averaged 6.9 ppg in 1948-49 and 1949-50 under coach Hugh Greer.
  • Art Bartolozzi Jr., 97, played for Georgetown in 1945-46.
  • Paul Basham, 86, was a member of Louisville's 1956 NIT titlist coached by Peck Hickman.
  • C. "Roger" Bauer, 78, averaged 9 ppg and 3.3 rpg for St. Bonaventure from 1963-64 through 1965-66. He appeared in the NIT as a sophomore.
  • John "Jack" Beardsworth Sr., 95, averaged 2 ppg for Connecticut in 1948-49 under coach Hugh Greer after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • Martell Beeton, 87, averaged 2.4 ppg for Utah State from 1953-54 through 1957-58 (missed 1954-55 and 1955-56 seasons while on Mormon mission).
  • Don Belcher, 89, averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Louisiana State from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Harry Rabenhorst. Belcher was the third-leading scorer and rebounder with the Tigers' 1953 Final Four team.
  • Dick Berghoff, 85, was a seven-footer who averaged a team-high 13.2 rpg for Miami (Fla.) in 1957-58 under coach Bruce Hale.
  • Frank Berrett, 84, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.6 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Brigham Young in 1958-59 and 1959-60 under coach Stan Watts.
  • Sherrell Berrett, 83, averaged 1.6 ppg for Brigham Young in 1958-59 under coach Stan Watts.
  • John Bertolero, 84, led Wyoming's 1958 NCAA Tournament team in rebounding (9.5 rpg) as a sophomore under coach Everett Shelton.
  • Paul Biko, 72, averaged 10.5 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Bucknell from 1970-71 through 1972-73. As a senior, he was runner-up in scoring average with the Bison in Jim Valvano's first season as a major-college head coach.
  • Darryl Bishop, 71, was a football DB walk-on for Kentucky in 1971-72 in legendary coach Adolph Rupp's final season. Bishop played for UK's freshman squad in 1969-70, which was one season before Tom Payne became the school's first African-American varsity player. Bishop was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals in 16th round of 1974 NFL draft.
  • Tom Blackburn, 88, played for Duke in 1954-55 under coach Harold Bradley. Blackburn pitched a no-hitter with the Blue Devils the same year.
  • Bob Boehm, 79, averaged 7.1 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Rhode Island in 1964-65 and 1965-66.
  • Charles "Bill" Bolen, 86, averaged 1.4 ppg for Drake from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
  • Jim Bolla, 70, averaged 3.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Pittsburgh from 1971-72 through 1974-75. He was in regular rotation for the Panthers' 1974 East Regional finalist.
  • Joe Bonner averaged 5.6 ppg and 5.1 rpg for St. Peter's in 1964-65 and 1965-66.
  • Gene Booth, 87, averaged 6.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Dartmouth from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Doggie Julian. Booth was an All-Ivy League second-team selection as a senior after participating in the NCAA playoffs the previous season.
  • Harry Booth, 81, compiled a 44-61 record as St. Joseph's coach in four seasons from 1974-75 through 1977-78. He averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg for three NCAA tourney teams at St. Joe's from 1960 through 1962 under coach Jack Ramsay.
  • Gary Borchard, 81, averaged 14.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Harvard from 1959-60 through 1961-62, leading the Crimson in scoring and rebounding as a junior and senior captain. He was a two-time All-Ivy League second-team selection and team MVP.
  • Fred Bortolussi Jr., 88, averaged 2.9 ppg for Boston College in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
  • Jim Bostick, 75, averaged 1.3 ppg for North Carolina in 1966-67 under coach Dean Smith.
  • Melvin Bowling, 88, was on Alabama's roster in 1952-53.
  • Steve Brooks, 72, was Southland Conference Player of the Year in 1973-74 for Arkansas State in third season he was an all-league selection.
  • Charlie Brown, 86, averaged 14.8 ppg for Indiana in 1955-56 before transferring to Seattle, where he was a two-time All-American while averaging 14.3 ppg and 8.9 rpg in 1957-58 and 1958-59. He was the second-leading scorer and rebounder behind All-American Elgin Baylor for 1958 NCAA Tournament runner-up.
  • Dr. Neil Brayton, 77, averaged 9.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Maryland from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Jamaal Brown, 52, averaged 9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.9 apg and 1.2 spg for Ohio State from 1988-89 through 1991-92. Senior captain with Southeast Regional finalist.
  • Roy Brown, 89, scored four points in his only game with Arizona in 1952-53 under coach Fred Enke.
  • Don Brummer, 85, averaged 4.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Creighton in the mid-1950s as a basketball-baseball teammate of MLB Hall of Famer Bob Gibson. Brummer was an INF who hit .286 in six minor-league seasons from 1958 through 1963 in the farm systems of the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles (.312 at AA level in 1961 and .291 at AAA in 1962).
  • John Bryant, 85, played for Cincinnati in 1958-59 and 1959-60 under coach George Smith.
  • Ron Bushwell, 88, was a St. John's transfer who averaged 10.8 ppg for Connecticut from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Hugh Greer. All-Yankee Conference first-team selection as a senior when finishing runner-up in scoring with the Huskies. Appeared in two different NCAA playoffs.
  • Bill Butterfield, 94, averaged 3.4 ppg for Purdue from 1946-47 through 1949-50.
  • Leland Byrd, 94, averaged 11.5 ppg with West Virginia from 1944-45 through 1947-48 en route to becoming the Mountaineers' first 1,000-point career scorer. They reached the NIT semifinals in 1946 and 1947.
  • Dick Cable, 88, averaged 14.4 ppg for Wisconsin from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Bud Foster, pacing the Badgers in scoring each of his last two years.
  • Dr. Jim Campbell, 86, was a juco recruit who played for Wake Forest in 1954-55 and 1955-56 under coach Murray Greason.
  • John "Bud" Campbell, 92, averaged 2 ppg for Texas Christian from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Buster Brannon.
  • Granville "Bobby" Cannon, 72, averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Maryland-Eastern Shore's 27-2 team participating in 1974 NIT in the Hawks' inaugural season at the NCAA Division I level.
  • Ralph Capasso, 90, averaged 4.8 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Iona in 1953-54.
  • Norm Carmichael, 74, averaged 11.6 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Virginia from 1966-67 through 1968-69. He led the Cavaliers in rebounding as a junior with 12 rpg.
  • Terry Carr, 77, averaged 16 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Maine from 1964-65 through 1966-67. Two-time All-Yankee Conference second-team selection was the Black Bears' top scorer each of his final two seasons.
  • Pete Carril, 92, compiled a 525-273 coaching record with Lehigh (11-12 in 1966-67) and Princeton (514-261 in 29 seasons from 1967-68 through 1995-96). PU's all-time winningest coach led the nation in scoring defense in 14 campaigns and captured the Ivy League's lone NIT championship in 1975. He averaged 11.5 ppg for Lafayette from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
  • Bobby Carroll, 96, averaged 8.4 ppg for West Virginia from 1944-45 through 1947-48. He was captain of one of the Mountaineer teams participating in the NIT his first three seasons.
  • Clayton Carter, 89, averaged 11.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Oklahoma State from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Hank Iba. After competing in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore, Carter was OSU's top scorer each of his last two seasons (including NIT participant as a senior).
  • Kevin Carter, 59, averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.2 rpg with Niagara in 1981-82 before transferring to Loyola (Md.), where he averaged 7.7 ppg and 7.3 rpg from 1983-84 through 1985-86. He led the Greyhounds in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Clay Cary Jr., 94, was a teammate of All-American Ed Macauley for St. Louis' 1948 NIT titlist coached by Eddie Hickey.
  • Jim Cassidy III, 67, played for Lehigh in 1975-76.
  • Chris Cheeks, 54, was a juco recruit who averaged 20.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 3.1 apg for Virginia Commonwealth in 1987-88 and 1988-89. He set VCU DI single-game scoring record with 42 points against Old Dominion. Two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection led league in scoring as senior with 23.8 ppg.
  • Bob "Chimmy" Chmielewski, 80, averaged 3 ppg and 2.8 rpg as a senior for Eddie Hickey-coached Marquette's third-place finisher in 1963 NIT.
  • John Clark, 94, averaged 2.4 ppg for Gettysburg PA in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
  • Dr. Orlo Clark, 81, averaged 4.7 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Cornell from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
  • Kenneth Clements, 84, averaged 1.9 ppg for Providence from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Joe Mullaney. The Friars were an NIT semifinalist during Clements' senior season.
  • Benny Clyde, 70, averaged 13 ppg and 6.9 rpg for Florida State in 1972-73 under coach Hugh Durham before dropped off roster following flagrant-foul ejection from a game (punching opponent). Clyde was NJCAA Tournament MVP in 1971.
  • Dennis Coates, 77, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.2 ppg for Weber State in 1964-65 under coach Dick Motta.
  • Craigg Cody, 60, averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Bucknell from 1980-81 through 1982-83.
  • Fred Cohen, 88, played for Duquesne's 1954 NIT runner-up under coach Dudey Moore before transferring to Temple, where he averaged 8.2 ppg and team-high 9.9 rpg with 1956 NCAA Tournament national third-place team coached by Harry Litwack. Cohen grabbed a playoff-record 34 rebounds in East Regional victory against Connecticut.
  • Ken Cole, 82, averaged 1.7 ppg for East Tennessee State in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
  • Jay Collins, 41, was a juco recruit who averaged 10.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.5 apg and 1.7 spg for Southern Utah in 2001-02 and 2002-03. He led the Thunderbirds in assists and steals his second season.
  • Dr. Nick Colmenares Sr., 82, played for Tennessee in 1959-60.
  • Kraig Conger, 51, averaged 1.6 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Southern California in 1990-91 under coach George Raveling before transferring back to his home state to Colorado State, where he averaged 2.6 ppg and 3.1 rpg in 1992-93 and 1993-94. Conger died after suffering a heart attack while on duty as a veteran law enforcement officer.
  • Ed Contreras, 85, averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Miami (Fla.) from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Bruce Hale. Contreras was also a star 1B who hit .321 with 19 homers and 67 RBI in only 73 career games for the Hurricanes' baseball squad.
  • Charles Conway, 74, played for Providence in the late 1960s under coach Joe Mullaney III.
  • Dr. Jim Cook, 73, was a member of coach Al McGuire's first NCAA Tournament team with Marquette in 1967-68.
  • Wayne Cooper, 65, averaged 14.5 ppg and 10.8 rpg for New Orleans from 1975-76 through 1977-78. Two-time All-Sun Belt Conference first-team selection led UNO in rebounding all three seasons and paced the Privateers in scoring as league MVP his senior year.
  • Fran Corcoran Sr., 88, averaged 5.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Canisius from 1953-54 through 1955-56. In his final two seasons, he played with the Golden Griffins' first two NCAA tourney teams.
  • Steve Courtin, 79, participated in NCAA tourney each of his first two seasons before leading St. Joseph's in scoring with 20.7 ppg as a senior in 1963-64 under coach Dr. Jack Ramsay.
  • Kirk Cowan, 45, averaged 6.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1995-96 through 1998-99 under coaches Jim Larranaga and Dan Dakich. Cowan was the Falcons' top rebounder as a junior.
  • Gardner "Gee" Cowell, 58, played for North Carolina A&T in the mid-1980s under coach Don Corbett.
  • Jimmy Cox, 75, averaged 12.9 ppg and 2.7 rpg for East Carolina from 1965-66 to 1967-68.
  • Bob Crane, 89, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.5 ppg for Utah State in 1956-57.
  • Marshall Crawford Jr., 74, was a juco recruit who averaged 12.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Centenary in 1969-70 and 1970-71.
  • Bryan Crow, 88, was a walk-on member of Hardin-Simmons TX team competing in 1953 NCAA Tournament.
  • Vincent Crutcher, 34, averaged 4.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg as part-time starter for Morehead State in 2006-07 before transferring to Georgetown College KY.
  • William "Paul" Dailey Jr., 82, averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Middle Tennessee State from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
  • Bob Daniels, 86, coached Marshall to a 71-62 record in five seasons from 1972-73 through 1976-77. He averaged 10.4 ppg for Western Kentucky from 1953-54 through 1956-57. Daniels compiled a 12-10 pitching mark in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system in 1958 and 1959.
  • George "Jet" Dargati, 90, played for Connecticut in 1952-53 under coach Hugh Greer before serving in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict and subsequently becoming a Hall of Famer at Willimantic State CT with career scoring average of 24.5 ppg.
  • Marc Davidson, 49, averaged 1.6 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Illinois in 1991-92 and 1992-93 before transferring to Trinity International IL. He was in regular rotation for the Illini's 1993 NCAA tourney team coached by Lou Henson.
  • Len Dawson, 87, played in two basketball games with Purdue in 1956-57. Pro Football Hall of Fame/seven-time All-Pro quarterback completed 2,136 passes for 28,731 yards and 239 touchdowns in 19 seasons from 1957 through 1975 with the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs.
  • Steve Day, 79, averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Bradley from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Chuck Orsborn. Day was a member of two NIT teams with the Braves.
  • Larry DePalma, 92, averaged 5.4 ppg for Providence in 1948-49. He hit .196 as an outfielder in the Boston Braves' farm system in 1950 and 1951.
  • Bob Derderian, 92, averaged 6 ppg for NYU from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Howard Cann.
  • Dick Derrickson, 95, played for Kentucky early in 1944-45 season under coach Adolph Rupp before serving in U.S. Army during WWII, receiving the Purple Heart at the Battle of Okinawa.
  • Dr. John "Jim" DeVos, 89, averaged 1.6 ppg for Wake Forest from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Murray Greason.
  • Dr. Melvin Deweese, 93, averaged 6.1 ppg for Murray State from 1948-49 through 1951-52.
  • Dick Dhabalt, 85, averaged 2 ppg and 2 rpg for Bradley from 1955-56 through 1957-58. He was a member of 1957 NIT titlist coached by Chuck Orsborn.
  • Walt Diggs, 89, played for Washington & Lee VA in 1952-53. He was a prominent pole vaulter in the Southern Conference.
  • Ron Divjak, 82, averaged 2.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Michigan State from 1961-62 through 1964-65 (redshirt in 1963-64).
  • Donny Dodds, 62, averaged 4.8 ppg and team-high 3.6 apg for Temple in 1979-80 before transferring.
  • Steve Dodge, 72, averaged 14.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for William & Mary from 1968-69 through 1970-71. All-Southern Conference second-team selection as a senior.
  • Mike Doherty, 84, averaged 7 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Portland in 1959-60 and 1960-61 after transfer was on football scholarship at Notre Dame.
  • Dale Donaldson, 69, played for Texas A&M in 1973-74 under coach Shelby Metcalf.
  • Ed Donchey, 91, averaged 4.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Denver in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
  • Mike Donohue, 88, averaged 2 ppg and 1.4 rpg for DePaul in 1953-54 and 1954-55 under coach Ray Meyer.
  • Vince Dooley, 90, averaged 6.3 ppg with Auburn in 1951-52. Football team MVP in 1954 Gator Bowl coached Georgia to the 1980 national championship and six SEC titles, compiling a 201-66-10 record as 20 of his clubs appeared in bowl games in 25 seasons from 1964 through 1988.
  • Jacky Dorsey, 67, averaged 23.7 ppg and 10.6 rpg for Georgia in 1974-75 and 1975-76 before becoming 26th pick overall as undergraduate in NBA draft. Two-time All-SEC selection still holds the Bulldogs' career scoring average record.
  • Dan Dougherty, 87, averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg for St. Joseph's from 1954-55 through 1956-57. As a junior, he was member of NIT team in Jack Ramsay's debut season as coach of the Hawks.
  • Steve Douglas, 83, averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Kansas State from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Tex Winter. Douglas appeared in Final Four as a sophomore.
  • Clifford "Par" Downing, 51, was a juco recruit who averaged 12.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.2 apg and 1.2 spg for Columbia in 1991-92 and 1992-93.
  • Denny Doyle, 78, averaged 2.7 ppg for Morehead State in 1962-63. Lefthanded-hitting 2B hit .250 in eight years from 1970 through 1977 with the Philadelphia Phillies, California Angels and Boston Red Sox.
  • Tommy Doyle, 87, averaged 2.1 ppg for Georgetown from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Rich Dreyer, 77, averaged 9.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg for St. Peter's from 1964-65 through 1966-67 when the Peacocks made their transition to NCAA Division I level.
  • Brad Dudek, 58, was a seven-foot center who averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Iowa State in 1983-84 and 1984-85 under coach Johnny Orr.
  • Terry Dunham, 74, played for Tulsa in 1966-67.
  • Dave Dunn, 87, played for Stanford in 1954-55 under coach Howie Dallmar.
  • Don Dunn, 90, averaged 4.1 ppg for Canisius in 1952-53 and 1953-54. He led the team in total rebounds with 155 in 1953-54.
  • Tucker Dunn, 86, played for Georgetown in 1954-55. He subsequently served as a FBI agent and in the U.S. State Department.
  • Dick Dunning, 76, averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Delaware in 1964-65.
  • Rick Duplantis, 72, averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Texas A&M from 1969-70 through 1971-72 under coach Shelby Metcalf.
  • Charles Earls, 56, averaged 3 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Georgia Southern in 1984-85 and 1987-88.
  • Reno Earls, 44, averaged 6 ppg, 2 rpg and 2.2 apg for The Citadel in 1995-96 before transferring to DeKalb GA. He passed away due to health complications and a battle with COVID-19.
  • Don Early, 79, averaged 6.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Missouri from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
  • Wilfred "Fred" Easter Jr., 81, played for Harvard in 1960-61.
  • Jeremy Eaton, 45, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.9 ppg and 4 rpg for Gonzaga in 1996-97 and 1998-99 (redshirt in 1997-98). As a senior, he was second-leading rebounder and third-leading scorer for West Regional finalist.
  • Najeeb Echols, 39, averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Missouri in 2001-02 and 2002-03 before transferring to Illinois State, where he averaged 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 2003-04. As a freshman, he started seven games with Mizzou's West Regional finalist.
  • Kenton Edelin, 60, averaged 3.3 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Virginia's three NCAA tourney teams from 1981-82 through 1983-84 under coach Terry Holland. As a senior, Edelin was top rebounder a Final Four squad the season after national player of the year Ralph Sampson graduated.
  • Walt Edgerly, 77, averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Air Force from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coach Bob Spear.
  • Johnny Egan, 83, averaged 17.9 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Providence from 1958-59 through 1960-61 for three NIT semifinalist teams under coach Joe Mullaney. Egan was the 17th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Rex Ekwall, 87, averaged 13.1 ppg and 10.1 rpg for Nebraska from 1954-55 through 1956-57. Two-time All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection led the Huskers in rebounding all three seasons.
  • L.M. Ellis, 79, averaged 9.3 ppg and 10.5 rpg for Austin Peay State as a junior in 1963-64 plus 6.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg as a senior in 1964-65. He was the first Ohio Valley Conference African-American player after transferring from Drake to his hometown school.
  • Dr. Ron "Buzz" Ellis, 86, averaged 7.1 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Miami (Ohio) from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He grabbed a total of 22 rebounds in two NCAA tourney games (sophomore and senior seasons).
  • Lloyd Elmore, 84, was a hoops letterman for Missouri from 1952-53 through 1954-55. He was also a catcher for the Tigers' 1954 CWS champion as a teammate in both sports of eventual Mizzou basketball coach Norm Stewart.
  • Hal Erickson, 85, averaged 8 ppg and 4 rpg for Montana from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
  • Gary "Tiny" Espenschied, 77, played for Centenary in 1964-65 when teammate Tom Kerwin was one of the nation's top 20 scorers.
  • Gene "Hunk" Estes, 83, averaged 10.1 ppg and 9.7 rpg for Tulsa from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He led the Golden Hurricane in rebounding each of his last two seasons, setting school single-season average standard as senior with 14.3 rpg (three games with at least 23 caroms including school-record 24 vs. Texas Western).
  • Tommy Estes, 87, played for Texas in 1954-55.
  • Randy Evans, 69, averaged 8 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Cornell in 1972-73.
  • Fred Eydt, 93, averaged 8.6 ppg for Cornell from 1949-50 through 1951-52. As a junior, he led the team in rebounding with 14.9 rpg.
  • Robert Farmer, 93, averaged 1.5 ppg for Texas A&M from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
  • Walt Faught, 95, earned a letter with Cincinnati in 1944-45 after serving in U.S. Navy as WWII came to a conclusion.
  • Hans "Tiny" Fedge, 83, averaged 1.5 ppg for Montana State in 1960-61.
  • Arnie Ferrin, 97, averaged 13.7 ppg for Utah from 1943-44 through 1947-48 under coach Vadal Peterson (served in U.S. military during 1945-46). Four-time All-American was Final Four Most Outstanding Player as a freshman.
  • Graham "Lee" Fisher, 75, averaged 12.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg with East Tennessee State from 1965-66 through 1967-68. As a senior, he was runner-up in scoring and rebounding for ETSU's first NCAA tourney team.
  • Bill Fitch, 89, compiled a 43-30 coaching record at major-college level in three seasons with Bowling Green State (18-7 for NCAA tourney team in 1967-68) and Minnesota (25-23 in 1968-69 and 1969-70).
  • Don Flannigan, 91, played for Texas Christian in the mid-1950s after serving in U.S. Marine Corps during Korean Conflict.
  • John Fleming III, 81, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Gettysburg PA in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
  • Jim Forbes, 69, was a two-time All-WAC second-team selection who averaged 10.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg for Texas-El Paso from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach Don Haskins. Forbes led the Miners in rebounding average all three seasons. The 1972 U.S. Olympian died from complications of COVID-19.
  • John Fransen, 86, averaged 5.6 ppg and 2 rpg for Pepperdine in 1955-56.
  • Ron Franz, 76, averaged 9.3 ppg and 6 rpg for Kansas from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coach Ted Owens. Teammate of All-American Jo Jo White on NCAA tourney teams his last two seasons before becoming 33rd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Jack "Swede" Frauson, 86, played for Wake Forest in 1955-56 before transferring to Western Carolina.
  • Norman Frolow, 91, averaged 1.8 ppg for Washington (Mo.) in 1949-50.
  • James "Jed" Frost, 51, averaged 1.7 ppg for Missouri from 1990-91 through 1993-94. He shot and killed his estranged wife and himself inside the Dallas County medical examiner's office.
  • Erik Furseth, 91, averaged 2.7 ppg for Michigan State in 1951-52 and 1952-53 under coach Pete Newell.
  • Dick Gaines, 86, averaged 19.6 ppg and 7.6 rpg for Seton Hall from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Honey Russell. Gaines was team-high scorer all three seasons.
  • Dick Garibaldi, 89, averaged 7.4 ppg for Santa Clara from 1951-52 through 1953-54 and 1956-57 (missed 1954-55 and 1955-56 campaigns serving in U.S. military during Korean Conflict). Participated in Final Four as a freshman before becoming an All-WCAC second-team selection as a senior when leading the Broncos in rebounding with 11.3 rpg. Compiled a 137-77 record as his alma mater's coach in eight seasons from 1962-63 through 1969-70, appearing in NCAA playoffs each of last three years.
  • Peter Gayeska, 74, averaged 9.6 ppg and 7.6 rpg for Massachusetts from 1966-67 through 1968-69. Two-time All-Yankee Conference selection led the Minutemen in rebounding as a senior.
  • Dick Geisler, 94, was a letterman for Idaho from 1947-48 through 1949-50. All-PCC North Division second-team selection as a senior.
  • Bob Gentry Jr., 86, averaged 1.6 ppg for Tennessee in 1955-56 and 1956-57 before incurring a career-ending knee injury.
  • Marcus "Jarod" Gerald, 39, started five games for South Carolina as freshman in 2002-03 under coach Dave Odom.
  • Larry Gibson, 66, averaged 11.9 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Maryland from 1975-76 through 1978-79 under coach Lefty Driesell. Gibson led the Terrapins in rebounding each of his first three seasons before finishing runner-up to Buck Williams as an All-ACC second-team selection his senior year.
  • Louis "Fred" Gieg Jr., 90, averaged 13.2 ppg for Dartmouth from 1950-51 through 1952-53, leading the team in scoring each of his last two seasons. He was an All-EIBL (predecessor to Ivy League) first-team selection as senior captain.
  • Father Lou Gigante, 90, averaged 9.2 ppg for Georgetown from 1951-52 through 1953-54 (senior co-captain). He was runner-up in scoring for the Hoyas' only national postseason tournament team (1953 NIT) in a 26-year span from 1944 through 1969.
  • Earl Gillespie Jr., 80, was a Georgia Tech transfer who averaged a team-high 18.3 ppg as MVP for Christian Brothers College TN in 1964-65.
  • Jackie Gilloon, 65, averaged 9.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 4.9 apg for South Carolina from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coach Frank McGuire. Gilloon led the Gamecocks in assists all four seasons.
  • Ron Glaser, 80, averaged 16.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Marquette from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Eddie Hickey before becoming 38th pick overall in NBA draft. Glaser was runner-up in scoring with NCAA tourney team as a sophomore before leading club in scoring each of his last two seasons.
  • Don Goldstein, 84, averaged 12.8 ppg and 10.7 rpg for Louisville from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Peck Hickman. All-American as senior when he was second-leading scorer and rebounder for fourth-place team in NCAA Tournament before becoming 10th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Nield Gordon, 91, was a juco recruit who averaged 22.5 ppg with Furman in 1951-52 and 1952-53 before two-time All-Southern Conference selection became 17th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Jim Gorsline, 86, averaged 15.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Kent State from 1955-56 through 1957-58. All-Mid-American Conference second-team selection as a junior when he led the Golden Flashes in scoring. OF played briefly in the Detroit Tigers' farm system in 1960.
  • Don Graham, 95, averaged 2.7 ppg for Tennessee in 1947-48 and 1948-49 after serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • Bill Groogan, 86, averaged 3.7 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Texas from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
  • Robert "Ken" Guise, 96, scored a total of 287 points for Cincinnati from 1943-44 through 1945-46.
  • Ed Halberg Jr., 91, was a juco recruit who averaged 11.8 ppg and 9.2 rpg for Oregon in 1952-53 and 1953-54. He was an All-PCC North Division second-team selection as a senior.
  • Gary Hale, 78, averaged 2.3 ppg for North Carolina State from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coaches Everett Case and Press Maravich. Hale participated in the NCAA playoffs as a junior.
  • Bob Hall, 82, averaged 10.9 ppg and 8.7 rpg for St. Francis (Pa.) in 1960-61 and 1961-62. Juco recruit led SFC in rebounding as a senior.
  • Joe B. Hall, 93, compiled a 297-100 record coaching with Kentucky in 13 seasons from 1972-73 through 1984-85, winning 1978 NCAA championship and also reaching Final Four in 1975 and 1984. He played briefly for UK in 1948-49 under coach Adolph Rupp before transferring to Sewanee (Tenn.).
  • Julian Hammond Sr., 79, averaged 12.2 ppg and 7.6 rpg for Tulsa in 1964-65 and 1965-66. Hammond was among three juco recruits becoming the first African-American players for the Golden Hurricane. As a senior, he led the nation in field-goal shooting (65.9%).
  • Chris Harris, 89, averaged 5.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Dayton from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach Tom Blackburn. Harris played for three national postseason tournament teams (1 NCAA/2 NIT).
  • Paul "Tom" Harrold, 89, averaged 6.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Colorado from 1951-52 through 1954-55. As a senior, he was fourth-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for the Buffaloes' only Final Four team (third-place finisher).
  • Ed Haskins, 80, was an All-Big Sky Conference second-team selection for Idaho as a sophomore in 1963-64.
  • Dick Haslam, 81, was a starter for Butler's first-ever NCAA Tournament team in 1962 under coach Tony Hinkle. The Bulldogs won Mideast Regional third-place game.
  • Brooks Henderson, 84, was a NYU transfer who averaged 15.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Florida from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Norm Sloan. Henderson served in U.S. Air Force before becoming two-time All-SEC selection as the Gators' top scorer.
  • Willis "Tuffy" Henderson, 88, played for North Carolina in 1954-55 under coach Frank McGuire.
  • Jim Henry, 84, averaged 17.6 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coaches Bob Polk and Roy Skinner. All-SEC selection each of his last two seasons when leading the Commodores in scoring.
  • Nick Herrmann, 20, was a Cal State Northridge recruit who died after a second cancer fight.
  • Dale Herron, 84, was a juco recruit who averaged 9.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg for Oregon from 1957-58 through 1959-60. As a senior, he was the third-leading rebounder and fourth-leading scorer for the Ducks' NCAA playoff team.
  • Bill Heyer, 78, was a member of St. John's 1965 NIT titlist coached by Joe Lapchick.
  • Joe Heyer, 84, averaged 14.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg for La Salle from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Dudey Moore. Heyer led the Explorers in scoring as a junior.
  • David "Skip" Higley, 77, averaged 7.6 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Florida from 1964-65 through 1966-67. Senior captain was an All-SEC second-team selection.
  • Jalen Hill, 22, averaged 6.5 ppg and 6.4 rpg for UCLA from 2018-19 to 2020-21. Hill went missing while in Costa Rica after retiring from basketball, citing a healthier lifestyle both physically and mentally without the game after battling both anxiety and depression. He sat out 2017-18 campaign after being one of three Bruins players arrested in China on shoplifting charges in the fall.
  • Walter Hirsch, 92, averaged 7.1 ppg for Kentucky from 1947-48 through 1950-51 under coach Adolph Rupp. All-SEC second-team selection as a junior, which was the only one of his four seasons when the Wildcats didn't win the NCAA championship.
  • Al Hmiel, 70, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Cincinnati in 1971-72.
  • Frank Hogan, 85, averaged 4.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Loyola of Chicago from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach George Ireland.
  • Bob Holder, 79, played for Georgetown in 1966-67. He held executive positions in the telecommunications industry with AT&T and spinoff Lucent Communications, where he retired as COO in 2003.
  • Jack Hollis, 67, played briefly for Kansas in 1973-74 and 1974-75 under coach Ted Owens. After transferring to New Mexico to play baseball, Hollis was selected in the 8th round of 1977 MLB draft and compiled a 4-9 pitching record with 6.08 ERA in two years in the Toronto Blue Jays' farm system.
  • Norman Holmes, 80, was among West Virginia's quintet in 1965-66 representing the first African-American players in Southern Conference history. Holmes, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg in three varsity seasons, appearing in 1967 NCAA Tournament East Regional against Princeton.
  • Lyle Houston, 84, averaged 4 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Missouri in 1960-61 and 1961-62.
  • Charles Howard, 88, averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Texas from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
  • Ron Huery, 55, averaged 12 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.6 spg for Arkansas from 1986-87 through 1990-91 (redshirt in 1988-89) under coach Nolan Richardson Jr. All-SWC first-team selection in 1987-88 was the Hogs' top player off the bench with 1990 Final Four team.
  • Ricky Hunt, 69, averaged 3.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Clemson in 1972-73 under coach Tates Locke before transferring to American University, where he averaged 4.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 1974-75 and 1975-76.
  • Willie "Hobo" Jackson, 77, averaged 15 ppg and 11.3 rpg for Morehead State from 1966-67 through 1968-69. He was runner-up in rebounding all three seasons with the Eagles and led them in scoring as a senior.
  • George Janky, 74, averaged 11.1 ppg and 8.3 rpg for Dayton from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Don Donoher. Janky was runner-up in scoring and rebounding for NCAA tourney team as a senior.
  • Ed Jasinski, 92, averaged 8 ppg for Vermont from 1949-50 through 1951-52. As a senior, he was an All-Yankee Conference second-team selection.
  • James Johnson, 39, averaged 1.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 2.5 apg for Western Carolina in 2002-03 and 2003-04.
  • Walter Johnson, 92, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.4 ppg for Mississippi in 1950-51 and 1951-52 under coach Country Graham.
  • John "Jack" Kaiser, 95, averaged 1.3 ppg for the St. John's 1945 NIT championship club coached by Joe Lapchick.
  • Dr. Robert "Rick" Kaminsky, 79, averaged 20 ppg and 8.3 rpg for Yale from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Joe Vancisin. Kaminsky, a three-time All-Ivy League selection (twice first-teamer), was the Bulldogs' top rebounder as a sophomore when they lost in overtime in the NCAA tourney against Final Four-bound Wake Forest despite his team-high 22 points. He led them in scoring each of his last two seasons.
  • Jim Kaplan, 87, averaged 11.7 ppg and 4.6 rpg for William & Mary from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He finished among the Tribe's top three scorers all three seasons.
  • Don Kaull, 77, averaged 4.7 ppg and 3 rpg for Rhode Island from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coach Ernie Calverley. Kaull was an All-Yankee Conference second-team selection as a senior.
  • Dr. Earl Keister Jr., 92, averaged 1.3 ppg for Tennessee in 1948-49.
  • Pat Kelly, 72, averaged 3.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Wake Forest from 1970-71 through 1972-73 under coach Jack McCloskey.
  • George Kernek, 82, averaged 6.7 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Oklahoma in 1959-60 and 1960-61. First baseman hit .259 in 30 games with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965 and 1966.
  • John Key, 82, averaged 10.6 ppg and 5.7 rpg for North Carolina State as a senior in 1962-63 under coach Everett Case.
  • Mike Kielty, 71, averaged 4.2 ppg and 1.9 rpg for St. John's three NIT teams from 1969-70 through 1971-72.
  • Wally Knecht, 74, averaged 5 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Oregon from 1959-60 through 1961-62, appearing in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore.
  • Dick Knostman, 90, averaged 14.6 ppg and 10.5 rpg for Kansas State from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Jack Gardner. All-American and All-Big Seven Conference first-team selection his last two seasons when leading the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding. As a sophomore, he was the Wildcats' fifth-leading scorer with NCAA Tournament runner-up.
  • James Knowles Sr., 91, played for Creighton in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
  • Don Lane, 85, averaged 9.8 ppg for Dayton's three NIT teams from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Tom Blackburn. The Flyers finished as NIT runner-up when Lane was a sophomore and senior.
  • Bob Lanier, 73, averaged 27.6 ppg and 15.7 rpg for St. Bonaventure from 1967-68 through 1969-70. Three-time All-American ranked among the nation's top 11 scorers and 13 rebounders each season. Led the Bonnies in scoring and rebounding all three seasons, powering them to a fourth-place finish in NCAA tourney as a senior before becoming first pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Jim Larkins, 91, played for Georgetown in 1950-51 and 1952-53.
  • Donnie Lasiter, 83, was a juco recruit who averaged 12.9 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Texas in 1959-60 and 1960-61 under coach Harold Bradley. Lasiter earned All-SWC first-team honors as a senior when leading the Longhorns in scoring (14.8 ppg).
  • T. "Wayne" Lawrence Sr., 83, averaged 12 ppg and 8 rpg for Texas A&M from 1957-58 through 1959-60, leading the Aggies in rebounding average each of his last two seasons. He was an All-SWC second-team selection as a senior.
  • Darius Lee, 21, averaged 13.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2 apg and 1.7 spg for Houston Baptist in 2020-21 and 2021-22. All-Southland Conference second-team selection as a senior when leading HBU in scoring and rebounding. Juco recruit scored DI high 52 points in 2021-22 in quadruple overtime game vs. McNeese State.
  • Greg Lee, 70, averaged 5.8 ppg and 1.5 rpg for UCLA from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach John Wooden. All-American Bill Walton's teammate was among the top seven scorers for NCAA tourney titlists as sophomore and junior.
  • Greg Leggett, 53, averaged 11.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Bucknell from 1986-87 through 1989-90. All-ECC first-team selection as a senior.
  • Bobby Lewis, 104, was a prominent player for NYU from 1937-38 through 1939-40 under coach Howard Cann. As a sophomore, Lewis started for the Violets in the inaugural national postseason tournament (NIT).
  • Bill Lienhard, 92, averaged 6 ppg for Kansas from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Phog Allen before playing with six KU teammates on 1952 gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic team.
  • C. "Ron" Livingston, 90, averaged 10.9 ppg and 2.7 rpg for UCLA from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach John Wooden. Livingston was an All-PCC South Division first-team selection as a senior. Standout tennis player (NCAA doubles champion in 1954) led the Bruins in scoring in two seasons, including as a sophomore when they participated in the NCAA tourney.
  • Earl Long, 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 3.3 ppg for Louisiana State in 1958-59.
  • Glen Long, 84, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Kansas State from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Tex Winter, appearing in Final Four as a sophomore.
  • Paul Lyons, 85, averaged 8 ppg for Boston College from 1955-56 through 1957-58, starting for the Eagles' first-ever NCAA playoff team as a senior.
  • Mike Macaluso, 71, averaged 15.9 ppg and 8.7 rpg for Canisius from 1970-71 through 1972-73. He led the Golden Griffins in scoring all three seasons.
  • Eric Magdanz, 81, averaged 15.5 ppg and 7 rpg for Minnesota from 1960-61 through 1962-63. Magdanz, who set a school single-game scoring record with 42 points (subsequently tied), was an All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection each of his last two seasons when leading the Gophers in point production.
  • Ernest MacFadgen, 95, averaged 5.8 ppg for Connecticut's first NCAA tourney team in 1950-51 under coach Hugh Greer.
  • Glen Mankowski, 83, averaged 8.4 ppg and 4.6 rpg for St. Louis from 1958-59 through 1960-61. As a senior, he was an All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection and team co-MVP with NIT runner-up.
  • Cyrus Mann Jr., 66, averaged 10.7 ppg and 7 rpg for Illinois State as a freshman in 1974-75 before selected by the Boston Celtics as hardship case in NBA draft. Mann died from COVID-19 at a hospital in his hometown of Detroit.
  • Paul "Fritz" Margerum, 90, averaged 5.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Xavier from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Clem Massey, 85, averaged 4.8 ppg for Marquette in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
  • Norm McCool, 94, averaged 3.9 ppg for Purdue in 1945-46.
  • Alton McCullough, 61, averaged 9.6 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Temple from 1978-79 through 1981-82. He led the Owls in rebounding as a sophomore and junior and participated in three national postseason tourneys (1 NCAA/2 NIT).
  • Wally McCurdy, 95, averaged 1.4 ppg for St. John's in 1944-45 under coach Joe Lapchick before transferring to Harvard, where he played in 1947-48 and 1948-49.
  • Tom McDevitt, 87, played for Xavier in 1957-58.
  • Johnny Meagher Jr., 95, was a letterman for Auburn in 1944-45. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Gerald "Jerry" Mercer, 69, averaged 6.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Texas A&M from 1972-73 through 1974-75 under coach Shelby Metcalf. As a junior, Mercer was the Aggies' runner-up in rebounding with 8.5 rpg. His final college contest was in the NCAA playoffs.
  • Bill Middendorf, 84, played for Xavier from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
  • Brad Millard, 45, averaged 9.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 2.3 bpg while shooting 52.7% from the floor for Saint Mary's from 1995-96 through 1999-00. The 7-3 Millard, an All-West Coast Conference selection nicknamed "Big Continent," held his own against national player of year Tim Duncan in 1997 NCAA Tournament loss against Wake Forest.
  • Bill Miller, 87, was a Villanova transfer who averaged 13.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Virginia from 1954-55 through 1956-57. He was senior captain with the Cavaliers.
  • Eddie "Red" Miller, 75, averaged 9.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Mississippi in 1966-67 and 1967-68 before his career was curtailed by an elbow injury.
  • Nate Miller Jr., 34, averaged 2 ppg and 2.3 rpg for UNC Wilmington in 2005-06 before transferring to Bowling Green State, where he averaged 13.7 ppg and 7.1 rpg from 2006-07 through 2008-09. All-MAC first-team selection as a senior.
  • Terry "Ken" Montgomery, 64, spent his freshman season with North Carolina State in 1977-78 under coach Norm Sloan before transferring to Texas, where Montgomery averaged 8.3 ppg and 2.1 rpg from 1979-80 through 1981-82 under coach Abe Lemons.
  • Jeff Moore, 56, averaged 13.1 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Auburn's four NCAA tourney teams from 1984-85 through 1987-88. All-SEC second-team selection as a junior when he led the Tigers in scoring and rebounding.
  • Kenneth "Dale" Moore, 84, averaged 16 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Eastern Kentucky from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Paul McBrayer. All-Ohio Valley Conference selection each of his last two seasons when leading the Colonels in rebounding. As a senior, he was top scorer for an NCAA tourney team.
  • Merrill Morgan, 84, averaged 2.4 ppg for Duke from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coaches Harold Bradley and Vic Bubas.
  • Read Morgan, 91, averaged 2.4 ppg for Kentucky (career-high eight points vs. Tulane) in 1949-50 and 1950-51 under coach Adolph Rupp. Morgan went on to become an actor in wide variety of vigorous roles (including cavalry sergeant Hapgood Tasker noted for eye patch on Henry Fonda TV-western series The Deputy).
  • Rick Murray, 83, averaged 5.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Wisconsin from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
  • Bill "Bones" Murren Jr., 87, served in U.S. Army before juco recruit averaged 7.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Texas Tech in 1962-63 and 1963-64.
  • Gethro Muscadin, 22, played for Kansas in 2020-21 under coach Bill Self before transferring to New Mexico, where Haitian averaged 9.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.6 bpg in 2021-22 under coach Richard Pitino.
  • Phil Nelson, 34, averaged 4.7 ppg and 2 rpg for Washington in 2006-07 under coach Lorenzo Romar before transferring to Portland State, where he averaged 10.4 ppg and 3.5 rpg from 2008-09 (fourth-leading scorer and rebounder for NCAA tourney team) through 2010-11.
  • Coniel Norman, 68, was a two-time All-WAC first-team selection who averaged 23.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Arizona in 1972-73 and 1973-74, finishing runner-up in league scoring both seasons, before becoming 37th pick overall in NBA draft as an undergraduate.
  • John Norris, 92, averaged 3.6 ppg for Georgetown in 1949-50 before transferring to Maine, where he averaged team-high 15.8 ppg in 1951-52 and 23.2 ppg in 1952-53 as an All-Yankee Conference selection both seasons.
  • Ricky Norton, 61, averaged 4.5 ppg and 1.6 apg for Arkansas from 1980-81 through 1983-84 under coach Eddie Sutton. All four teams appeared in the NCAA playoffs.
  • Tom O'Dea, 82, averaged 2.8 ppg for Georgetown from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
  • Charles "Bud" O'Donnell, 79, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Georgetown from 1961-62 through 1963-64.
  • Ademola Okulaja, 46, averaged 9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.4 apg and 1.3 spg for North Carolina from 1995-96 through 1998-99. Starting forward for back-to-back Final Four teams (1997 and 1998) before becoming an All-ACC first-team selection as a senior. Born in Nigeria, Okulaja's family moved to Germany when he was a toddler prior to graduating high school in West Berlin.
  • Amos Olatayo Jr., 30, averaged 4.3 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Stephen F. Austin in 2010-11 before attending a juco and then enrolling at Louisiana-Monroe, where he averaged 14.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 1.2 spg in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
  • Ellis Olmstead, 87, averaged 8.3 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Texas from 1954-55 through 1956-57, leading the Longhorns in rebounding each of his first two seasons.
  • Louis Orr, 64, averaged 12.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 2.2 apg for Syracuse from 1976-77 through 1979-80 under coach Jim Boeheim. All-league first-team selection in Big East Conference's inaugural campaign was the Orange's leading rebounder as a senior before becoming 29th pick overall in NBA draft. He compiled a 201-201 coaching record in 13 seasons with Siena (20-11 in 2000-01), Seton Hall (80-69 in five years from 2001-02 through 2005-06) and Bowling Green State (101-121 in seven years from 2007-08 through 2013-14).
  • Lonnie Ostrom, 80, averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Wisconsin from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
  • Togo Palazzi, 90, averaged 20.4 ppg and 13.6 rpg for Holy Cross from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Buster Sheary. Two-time All-American was NIT Most Valuable Player as a senior. In each of his last two seasons, he ranked among the nation's top 14 scorers and top 28 rebounders.
  • Orlando "Pancho" Palesse, 98, averaged 7.6 ppg as Marquette's co-captain in 1945-46 before quitting team midway through the following season. He served as a co-pilot flying 23 bombing missions in a B17 Flying Fortress over Europe during WWII.
  • John Parker, 74, was a Detroit teammate of All-American Spencer Haywood in 1968-69.
  • Major Parker, 44, averaged 4.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Florida from 1997-98 through 2000-01 under coach Billy Donovan. Parker was an occasional starter for the Gators' 2000 NCAA Tournament runner-up.
  • Worthington "Worthy" Patterson Jr., 91, averaged 11.5 ppg for Connecticut from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Hugh Greer. Two-time All-Yankee Conference first-team selection participated in NCAA playoffs as a senior.
  • Tom Patty Jr., 80, averaged 10.4 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Texas Tech from 1960-61 through 1963-64 (redshirt in 1961-62). Third-leading rebounder and fifth-leading scorer for 1961 NCAA tourney team.
  • Dr. Ray Pavy Jr., 80, averaged 2.5 ppg for Indiana in 1960-61 under coach Branch McCracken.
  • Adreian Payne, 31, averaged 8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1 bpg for Michigan State from 2010-11 through 2013-14 under coach Tom Izzo. All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection each of his last two seasons before becoming 15th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Dr. Owen Peck, 97, was an All-Big Six Conference second-team selection for Kansas in 1945-46. He averaged 4.7 ppg from 1944-45 through 1946-47.
  • Julius Pegues, 86, averaged 13.6 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Pittsburgh from 1955-56 through 1957-58, finishing runner-up with the Panthers in scoring (17.6 ppg) as a senior behind All-American Don Hennon. Pegues, the school's first African-American varsity hooper, scored a game-high 31 points in an 82-77 loss to Miami of Ohio as a senior in 1958 NCAA Tournament.
  • Brent Petrus, 46, averaged 2.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Cincinnati in 1997-98 under coach Bob Huggins. Competed three years as backup quarterback with the Bearcats before catching 10 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown as a tight end his senior season for school's first bowl team in 46 campaigns. Played one season as QB with the New York Dragons of the Arena Football League (threw three TD passes and rushed for two more).
  • D'Vonne Pickett Jr., 31, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.2 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.4 apg and 1.1 spg for Seattle in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
  • Joe Pietropola Sr., 79, played for Tennessee in 1964-65 under coach Ray Mears.
  • Dave Plunkett, 87, averaged 11.4 ppg and 9.3 rpg for Cincinnati from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach George Smith before becoming 42nd pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Rev. Bob Poole Sr., 90, averaged 2.4 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Furman in 1953-54. He played in game that season when All-American teammate Frank Selvy scored NCAA-record 100 points against Newberry SC en route to nation-leading scoring average of 41.7 ppg.
  • Dan Potopsky Sr., 88, averaged 17.8 ppg and 9.2 rpg for Kent State from 1953-54 through 1955-56. Two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection led the Golden Flashes in scoring and rebounding as a sophomore and junior.
  • Joe Powell, 87, averaged 3.9 ppg for Kansas State from 1953-54 through 1955-56 in Tex Winter's first three seasons as coach of the Wildcats. Powell participated in the NCAA playoffs as a senior.
  • Mike Pratt, 73, averaged 16.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg and 3.5 apg for Kentucky from 1967-68 through 1969-70. Two-time All-SEC selection was an All-American his senior season.
  • Mike Preaseau Sr., 86, averaged 5.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg for San Francisco from 1955-56 through 1958-59 under coach Phil Woolpert (redshirt in 1957-58). He was a regular for the Dons' 1956 NCAA titlist before leading the CBA in free-throw shooting the next season (80.9%).
  • Rich Pulliam, 82, was an Illinois native who averaged 4.1 ppg for Missouri in 1958-59.
  • John Rambo, 78, played for Utah State in 1962-63 before transferring home and becoming an All-CCAA first-team selection with Long Beach State in 1963-64 and 1964-65. Bronze-medal winner in the high jump in 1964 Tokyo Olympics with a jump of 7-1, which was two inches under his career best mark. NCAA high-jump champion in 1964 before winning the AAU indoor high jump championships in 1967 and 1969.
  • Horace "Gene" Ransom II, 65, averaged 14.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 4.5 apg for California from 1975-76 through 1977-78. Two-time All-Pacific-8 Conference second-team selection led the Bears in assists all three seasons. Ransom scored 36 points in a five-overtime win against Oregon on 2/10/77. He was shot dead in a suspected road rage incident.
  • Billy Joe Ratliff, 56, played for West Virginia in 1985-86 under coach Gale Catlett before transferring to Concord WV.
  • Roy Reardon, 92, averaged 11.7 ppg for St. Francis (N.Y.) from 1948-49 through 1950-51.
  • Mike Reichert, 61, averaged 4.8 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Dayton from 1979-80 through 1982-83 under coach Don Donoher.
  • Doug Rex, 73, averaged 18.4 ppg and 10.6 rpg in leading UC Santa Barbara in scoring and rebounding each season from 1968-69 through 1970-71. He was a two-time All-PCAA first-team selection.
  • Jim Rhead Jr., 83, averaged 9.4 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Utah's three NCAA Tournament teams from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Jack Gardner. As a senior earning All-Mountain States Conference first-team acclaim, Rhead was runner-up to All-American teammate Billy McGill in scoring and rebounding with the Utes' Final Four squad. Rhead reached double figures in rebounding in five different NCAA playoff games, including 20 boards against Loyola Marymount.
  • Kendall Rhine Sr., 79, averaged 20.5 ppg and 13.2 rpg for Rice from 1961-62 through 1963-64. He still holds school career record for rebounding average. Three-time All-SWC selection led league in rebounding all three seasons and paced loop in scoring as a senior. Finished among the nation's top 28 scorers and 25 rebounders all three campaigns.
  • John Risley III, 84, averaged 2.2 ppg for Connecticut from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Hugh Greer. Risley was a pitcher for the Huskies' 1959 CWS participant before compiling a 9-6 record and 3.98 ERA with two shutouts in the Cleveland Indians' farm system at Class C level in 1960.
  • Jim Ritchie, 84, averaged 8.6 ppg and 6.1 rpg for West Virginia from 1958-59 through 1960-61. As a sophomore, he was the fifth-leading scorer and rebounder for NCAA Tournament runner-up before becoming runner-up in rebounding with the Mountaineers each of his last two seasons.
  • Belton Rivers Jr., 38, averaged 8.1 ppg, 2 rpg and 1.9 apg for East Carolina in 2002-03 and 2003-04 before transferring to Tennessee Tech, where he averaged 14.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.1 spg in 2005-06 and 2006-07. Rivers was an All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team selection as a senior.
  • Tyrie "Ty" Robbins, 93, averaged 1.3 ppg for Indiana from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Branch McCracken.
  • Garvin Roberson, 70, averaged 3.9 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Illinois in 1971-72 and 1972-73. As a wide receiver, he led the Illini in pass receptions all three years from 1971 through 1973, finishing career with 84 catches for 1,357 yards and 10 touchdowns.
  • Joe Roberts, 86, averaged 8.6 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Ohio State from 1957-58 through 1959-60. As a senior, Roberts was the third-leading rebounder and fifth-leading scorer for NCAA titlist.
  • Roy Roberts Sr., 82, averaged 7.3 ppg and 7.7 rpg for Kentucky from 1959-60 through 1962-63 (redshirt in 1960-61) under coach Adolph Rupp. Roberts was second-leading rebounder for UK's 1962 Mideast Regional runner-up.
  • Eric Robertson, 28, averaged 6.4 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Chattanooga from 2012-13 through 2015-16.
  • Dr. Robert "Jackie" Robinson, 94, was an All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor from 1945-46 through 1947-48. He was a member of the 1948 U.S. Olympic team.
  • Matt Roggenburk, 54, averaged 7.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2.5 apg for Creighton from 1986-87 through 1989-90. He participated in the NCAA tourney as a junior.
  • Lee Rose, 85, compiled a 228-105 coaching record in 11 major-college seasons with UNC Charlotte (72-18 in three years from 1975-76 through 1977-78), Purdue (50-18 in two years in 1978-79 and 1979-80) and South Florida (106-69 in six years from 1980-81 through 1985-86). Guided UNCC (1977) and Purdue (1980) to NCAA Tournament Final Four the next season after directing respective schools to NIT final.
  • Lennie Rosenbluth, 89, averaged 26.9 ppg and 10.4 rpg for North Carolina from 1954-55 through 1956-57. All-American as junior and senior when finishing among the nation's top seven point producers. Leading scorer and second-leading rebounder for 1957 NCAA titlist before becoming sixth pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Les Rothman, 95, was a three-year letterman for LIU in the mid-1940s, leading the Blackbirds in scoring in 1944-45. He hit .210 as a 1B in the New York Yankees' farm system in 1945.
  • Jerry Roy, 82, averaged 1.2 ppg for Tex Winter-coached Kansas State's 1961 NCAA Tournament team before transferring to Marshall, where Roy averaged 5.3 ppg in 1962-63.
  • Paul Ruffner, 73, was a juco recruit who averaged 16.3 ppg and 9.7 rpg for Brigham Young in 1968-69 (All-WAC second-team selection) and 1969-70 under coach Stan Watts. Ruffner led the Cougars in rebounding both seasons before becoming 28th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Bill Russell, 88, averaged 20.7 ppg and 20.3 rpg with San Francisco from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Phil Woolpert. Two-time All-American is one of six players in NCAA history to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds per game in his career. Ranked among the nation's top seven rebounders all three seasons. Leading scorer and rebounder for NCAA Tournament champions in 1955 and 1956 was Final Four Most Outstanding Player as a junior before grabbing a F4-record 50 rebounds in two games as senior and becoming third pick overall in NBA draft.
  • George "Frank" Russell Jr., 92, averaged 2.9 ppg for Furman in 1950-51 under coach Lyles Alley.
  • Bob Salen, 98, averaged 8.2 ppg for Creighton in 1942-43 and 1946-47 before transferring to Denver, where he averaged 4.6 ppg in 1948-49. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • James "Booney" Salters, 64, averaged 9.5 ppg for Penn from 1977-78 through 1979-80. Starting guard for the Quakers' 1979 Final Four squad as a junior before becoming team captain/MVP/leading scorer (14.6 ppg) the next year.
  • Ronnie Salyer, 86, averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Furman in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Lyles Alley.
  • Chuck Sanders, 83, averaged 7.1 ppg and 6.6 rpg for William & Mary from 1956-57 through 1959-60. He led the Southern Conference in field-goal shooting as a senior (51.3%) and was team runner-up in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Rob Sanders, 40, averaged 7.7 ppg, 4 rpg and 1.3 spg for Providence from from 2001-02 through 2003-04.
  • Paul Scheer, 90, averaged 11.9 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Wichita from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Ralph Miller, finishing among the Shockers' top two in scoring average all three seasons. Scheer was an All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection as a senior with their first national postseason tournament team (1954 NIT), leading the league in free-throw accuracy (81.3%).
  • Dr. Harold Schneider, 98, scored a total of 482 points for Cincinnati from 1942-43 through 1944-45. He paced the Bearcats in scoring all three seasons.
  • Mark Schoone, 47, was a Dutch native who played for Wake Forest in 1993-94 under coach Dave Odom before transferring to St. Bonaventure, where he averaged 2.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 1995-96 and 1996-97 under coach Jim Baron.
  • Ted Schreiber, 84, scored 11 points in five games with St. John's in 1957-58 under coach Joe Lapchick. INF hit .160 in 39 games with the New York Mets in 1963, making history on September 18 of that year in final game at the Polo Grounds by hitting into a double play as a pinch hitter in bottom of the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies for final two outs at the famed stadium.
  • James Schuldt, 92, averaged 1.2 ppg for Illinois from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Harry Combes.
  • Mike Schuler, 81, compiled a 43-139 coaching record in seven major-college seasons with VMI (13-63 in three years from 1969-70 through 1971-72) and Rice (30-76 in four years from 1977-78 through 1980-81).
  • Danny Schultz, 79, was a juco recruit who averaged 17.2 ppg and 2.2 rpg as two-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee in 1962-63 and 1963-64. All-American as a senior ranked among the nation's top five free-throw shooters both seasons.
  • Reuben "Rube" Schulz Jr., 88, averaged 10.8 ppg and 7 rpg for Marquette from 1951-52 through 1954-55. Senior co-captain was runner-up in scoring and rebounding for MU's first NCAA tourney team.
  • Bill Schyman Jr., 92, averaged 9.3 ppg for DePaul from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Ray Meyer. Schyman, the first deaf person drafted by the NBA, participated in NCAA Tournament as a senior.
  • George Sella Jr., 93, was a three-time All-Ivy League selection (twice first-teamer) who averaged 10.1 ppg for Princeton from 1947-48 through 1949-50. He also played football and was picked by the Chicago Bears as a DB in 26th round of 1950 NFL draft.
  • Rollie Seltz, 98, was an All-American for Hamline MN as senior in 1945-46 when averaging 17.6 ppg.
  • Gerald "Jerry" Shipley, 92, averaged 3.1 ppg for Cincinnati in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
  • Aaron Short, 29, was a juco recruit who averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Pacific in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
  • Gene Shue, 90, averaged 18.6 ppg for Maryland from 1951-52 through 1953-54. All-American as junior and senior when ranking among nation's top 30 in scoring and top 24 in field-goal percentage both seasons.
  • Kelly Shy, 66, averaged 1.3 ppg for Alabama from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coach C.M. Newton.
  • Kenny Sidwell, 86, averaged 17.2 ppg for Tennessee Tech from 1954-55 through 1957-58 when school made transition to major-college status. Three-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection and team captain led TTU in scoring three seasons (including senior year when Golden Eagles made their first NCAA DI Tournament appearance). He coached his alma mater to a 66-57 record in five seasons from 1964-65 through 1968-69.
  • Paul Silas, 79, was a three-time All-American who averaged 20.5 ppg and 21.6 rpg for Creighton from 1961-62 through 1963-64 before becoming 12th pick overall in NBA draft. The Bluejays' top scorer and rebounder all three seasons is one of six major-college players to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds in his career. NCAA record-holder for most rebounds paced the nation in caroms as a junior, finished third as a sophomore and was runner-up as senior. He is the only major-college player ever to twice grab more than 35 rebounds in a single game.
  • Willie Sims, 64, averaged 7.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Louisiana State from 1977-78 through 1980-81 under coach Dale Brown. As a senior, Sims was sixth man on the Tigers' Final Four team.
  • Al Smith, 75, was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection who averaged 17.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 3.2 apg for Bradley in 1966-67, 1967-68 and 1970-71. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot after shooting his live-in girlfriend. His college career was interrupted two seasons serving in U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
  • Sam Smith, 78, averaged 9.3 ppg and team-high 11 rpg as part of Louisville's first trio of African-American players in 1963-64 before transferring to Kentucky Wesleyan. He was 28th pick overall in 1967 NBA draft.
  • Lanny Sommese averaged 1.3 ppg for Florida in 1962-63 and 1963-64 under coach Norm Sloan. Design legend became the head of Penn State's graphic design program for more than 45 years.
  • John Stephens, 87, scored 203 points for Missouri from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
  • Dennis Stewart, 75, averaged 17.2 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Michigan from 1966-67 through 1968-69. He was runner-up to All-American Rudy Tomjanovich in scoring and rebounding with the Wolverines as a junior and senior.
  • Dr. Bill Storz, 91, averaged 1.4 ppg for Georgetown from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
  • Don Stroot, 93, was an All-Big Seven Conference second-team selection for Missouri in 1949-50 when averaging 9 ppg.
  • Tommy Suitts, 74, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.3 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Alabama in 1967-68 and 1968-69. He compiled an 89-157 coaching record in nine DI seasons with Rice (63-99 in six years from 1981-82 through 1986-87) and Chicago State (26-58 in three years from 1987-88 through 1989-90).
  • Jim Sutton, 79, played for Indiana from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Branch McCracken.
  • Caleb Swanigan, 25, averaged 14.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg and 2.4 apg for Purdue in 2015-16 and 2016-17 under coach Matt Painter. NCAA consensus first-team All-American and Big Ten Conference Player of Year before becoming 26th pick overall in NBA draft as an undergraduate.
  • John "Jack" Swantz, 99, averaged 2.1 ppg for Purdue in 1941-42 and 1942-43 under coach Piggy Lambert.
  • Dylan Talley, 32, averaged 11.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.1 apg for Binghamton in 2009-10 before transferring to Nebraska, where he averaged 11.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.2 apg in 2011-12 and 2012-13.
  • Billy Tapp, 78, averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Texas Tech from 1964-65 through 1966-67. He was the Red Raiders' runner-up in scoring average as a senior.
  • Willie Taylor, 42, averaged 3.3 ppg for Georgetown in 1998-99 in final season for coach John Thompson Jr. before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth, where two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association selection averaged 15.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg from 2000-01 through 2002-03.
  • Bill Telasky, 85, averaged 13.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg for George Washington from 1955-56 through 1958-59. He was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection as a senior.
  • George Thompson, 74, averaged 20.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Marquette from 1966-67 through 1968-69. Thompson was an All-American as a senior for the second of coach Al McGuire's NCAA tourney teams.
  • Herb Thompson, 91, averaged 9.3 ppg for Iowa from 1950-51 through 1952-53. He was team MVP as a senior.
  • Robert "Bobby" Thompson, 71, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.6 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Baylor in 1970-71 and 1971-72.
  • Roger Thompson, 94, averaged 6.6 ppg for Furman from 1949-50 through 1951-52 after serving in U.S. Navy. As a junior, he was runner-up in scoring with 11.3 ppg.
  • Bernard Toone, 65, averaged 9.3 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Marquette from 1975-76 through 1978-79. All-American as a senior after being in regular rotation as sophomore with NCAA titlist coached by Al McGuire.
  • Jesse "Snuff" JR Traylor, 72, averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Oral Roberts from 1970-71 through 1972-73 when the Titans transitioned to NCAA DI level.
  • Nick Trifunovich, 76, averaged 7.3 ppg for North Carolina State in 1966-67 and 1967-68 under coach Norm Sloan.
  • Peter Trow, 69, averaged 8.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Massachusetts from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach Jack Leaman. Trow was a varsity teammate of eventual power-conference coaches Al Skinner and Rick Pitino.
  • Dr. Bill Tucker, 89, averaged 1.4 ppg for Wake Forest in 1955-56 and 1956-57 under coach Murray Greason after serving in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict.
  • Bobby Turner, 65, averaged 10.5 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Louisville's three NCAA tourney teams from 1976-77 through 1978-79 under coach Denny Crum.
  • Clyde Turner, 70, was a juco recruit from Illinois who averaged 18.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg with Minnesota in 1971-72 and 1972-73 under coach Bill Musselman. Turner was an All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection in 1972 as the leading scorer for the Gophers' first-ever NCAA playoff team.
  • Bill Uhl Sr., 89, was an Ohio State transfer who averaged 18.5 ppg and 14.6 rpg for three Dayton NIT teams (including back-to-back runner-ups) from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Tom Blackburn. Senior All-American led the Flyers in scoring and rebounding all three seasons.
  • Steve Vandenberg, 75, averaged 8.4 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Duke from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Vic Bubas. As a junior, Vandenberg was runner-up in rebounding for the Blue Devils' NIT team.
  • Dick Versace, 81, compiled a 156-88 coaching record with Bradley in eight seasons from 1978-79 through 1985-86, winning 1980 NIT championship. National coach of the year by USBWA in his final season with the Braves. Versace got his start in college coaching by tagging along with his high school standout Leathra Scott and becoming an assistant under Bob Polk at St. Louis, where Scott was runner-up in scoring and leader in assists as a freshman in 1973-74.
  • Gene Visscher, 81, compiled a 74-74 record in six major-college seasons with Weber State (58-38 in four years from 1971-72 to 1974-75) and Northern Arizona (16-36 in two years in 1981-82 and 1982-83). Visscher averaged 19.7 ppg and 12.8 rpg for Weber State in 1964-65 and 1965-66 as an All-Big Sky Conference first-team selection under coach Dick Motta.
  • Bob Ward, 76, averaged 10.2 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Georgetown in 1964-65 and 1965-66 before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of major.
  • Reggie Warford, 67, averaged 4.1 ppg and 1.5 apg for Kentucky from 1972-73 through 1975-76 under coach Joe B. Hall.
  • Geronimo Warner, 21, played for Jackson State in 2019-20.
  • Conny Warren Jr., 71, averaged 10.7 ppg and 9.7 rpg for Xavier from 1970-71 through 1972-73, leading the Musketeers in rebounding average all three seasons and in scoring as a senior with 15 ppg.
  • Stan Washington, 78, averaged 18 ppg and 10.5 rpg for Michigan State from 1963-64 through 1965-66. Three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was the Spartans' top rebounder all three seasons and leading scorer each of last two campaigns.
  • Jerome "Jerry" Wasson, 83, played for Gonzaga in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
  • Ronny Watts, 79, averaged 13.4 ppg and 10.4 rpg for Wake Forest from 1962-63 through 1964-65. All-ACC second-team selection as a senior led the Demon Deacons in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Jerry Waugh, 95, scored 574 points for Kansas from 1947-48 through 1950-51 under coach Phog Allen. Senior captain Waugh was among the Jayhawks' top four in scoring average all four seasons.
  • Bill Weaver, 67, averaged 9.6 ppg for Eastern Michigan from 1975-76 through 1977-78. He led EMU in scoring and assists and Mid-American Conference in free-throw accuracy (82.6%) as a junior in 1976-77.
  • Elnardo Webster, 74, was a juco recruit who averaged 24.5 ppg and 14.1 rpg for St. Peter's in 1967-68 and 1968-69. Ranking among the nation's top 27 scorers both seasons, he remains the Peacocks' career scoring and rebounding average leader.
  • Bob Welmer, 94, played for Tulane in 1947-48 under coach Clifford Wells before transferring to Cincinnati, where Welmer averaged 3.4 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
  • Roger Wendel Sr., 84, averaged 14.4 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Tulsa from 1955-56 through 1958-59 under coach Clarence Iba. Wendel was an All-Missouri Valley Conference selection each of his last two seasons when he led the Golden Hurricane in scoring.
  • Adam West was a juco recruit who averaged 10.1 ppg and team-high 8.2 rpg for Baylor in 1971-72.
  • Ishan White, 21, was a juco recruit who attended New Mexico State in fall of 2021 but never played a game for the Aggies upon being "medically disqualified."
  • George Wigton, 93, played for Ohio State in 1954-55. He coached Connecticut in the 1963 NCAA playoffs after replacing Hugh Greer in mid-season when Greer died from a massive heart attack.
  • James "Larry" Willey, 84, averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Cincinnati from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach George Smith.
  • Bob Williams, 87, averaged 6.8 ppg and 9 rpg for Florida State in the Seminoles' first campaign at the major-college level in 1956-57.
  • Freeman Williams, 65, was a two-time All-American who averaged 30.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Portland State from 1974-75 through 1977-78. Second major-college players in NCAA history to crack the 3,000-point plateau led nation in scoring as junior and senior after finishing runner-up as sophomore. He was eighth pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Gerry Williams, 81, averaged 15.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Butler in 1961-62 and 1962-63 under coach Tony Hinkle. He led the Bulldogs in scoring in games against Kentucky and Western Kentucky with their first-ever NCAA Tournament team in 1962 Mideast Regional.
  • Joe Williams, 88, compiled a 363-253 coaching record in 22 seasons with Jacksonville (92-61 in six years from 1964-65 through 1969-70), Furman (142-87 in eight years from 1970-71 through 1977-78) and Florida State (129-105 in eight years from 1978-79 through 1985-86). He guided Artis Gilmore-led JU to 1970 NCAA Tournament runner-up finish.
  • Richard "Theryl" Willis, 85, averaged 9 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Richmond from 1955-56 through 1958-59 (redshirt in 1957-58). All-Southern Conference second-team selection as a senior when leading the Spiders in scoring and rebounding.
  • Larry Wofford, 81, averaged 8 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Arkansas from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
  • Charley Wolf, 96, played for Notre Dame in 1946-47. He was a 1B-OF in farm systems of the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Senators for seven years from 1947 through 1953.
  • Larry Womack, 76, averaged 1.5 ppg for South Carolina in 1965-66 and 1966-67 under coach Frank McGuire. Womack compiled a 3-4 pitching record and 3.21 ERA as New York Yankees' farmhand in 1968.
  • John "Jack" Wood, 86, averaged 1.9 ppg for Georgetown in 1956-57.
  • Larry Worsley, 79, averaged 8.4 ppg and 4.4 rpg for North Carolina State from 1963-64 through 1965-66. He was named 1965 ACC Tournament MVP after scoring 30 points in championship contest.
  • Jimmy Wright, 63, averaged 12.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 1.1 bpg for Rhode Island from 1977-78 through 1980-81 including three national postseason tournament teams. He led URI in scoring and rebounding as a junior (All-ECAC North selection) and as senior (All-EAA first-team choice) after finishing team runner-up in both categories to All-American Sly Williams as sophomore.
  • Larry Yarbray, 51, averaged 7.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.6 apg and 1.7 spg for Coppin State from 1988-89 through 1991-92 under coach Fang Mitchell. Yarbray led MEAC in assists as a freshman and sophomore (all-league second-team selection for school's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance).
  • Wayne Yates, 84, compiled a 141-141 coaching record in 10 seasons with Memphis State (93-49 in five years from 1974-75 through 1978-79) and Northwestern Louisiana (48-92 in five years from 1980-81 through 1984-85). All-Border Conference second-team selection averaged 13.4 ppg with New Mexico State in 1957-58 before transferring to Memphis, where he averaged 11.8 ppg and 9.9 rpg in 1959-60 and 1960-61 (team highs of 17.5 ppg and 14.4 rpg prior to becoming fifth pick overall in NBA draft).
  • Tom Young, 89, compiled a 524-328 coaching record in 31 seasons with Catholic DC (134-88 in nine years from 1958-59 through 1966-67), American University (61-37 in four years from 1969-70 through 1972-73), Rutgers (239-116 in 12 years from 1973-74 through 1984-85) and Old Dominion (90-87 in six years from 1985-86 through 1990-91). Rutgers' all-time winningest coach was UPI national COY in 1975-76 when directing the Scarlet Knights to a fourth-place finish in NCAA playoffs after entering the Final Four undefeated. He averaged 8 ppg for Maryland from 1952-53 through 1957-58 (college career interrupted for three seasons from 1954-55 through 1956-57 while serving in U.S. Army).
  • Fritz Ziegler Jr., 74, averaged 7.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Saint Louis from 1967-68 through 1969-70. As a junior, he was the Billikens' runner-up in rebounding (6.7 rpg) and third in scoring (10.8 ppg).

NECROLOGY FROM PREVIOUS TEN YEARS

2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 30 NFL Gridiron

December 30th, 2022 - 12:31

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 players from Florida schools):

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) 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.

  • 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.

Ex-College Hoopers For Football Playoff National Championship Participants

December 30th, 2022 - 12:26

In an era of specialization, two-way athletes are becoming a dying breed. In the "good old days," a striking number of athletes participated in both college basketball and football. Amid this multi-sport mosaic, sports history buffs might want to know football players who also played hoops for the following four participants in this year's College Football Playoff National Championship:

GEORGIA

FB-BKB Player Summary of Football Career Summary of Basketball Career
Joe Bennett Four-year starter at T and captain of football team in 1923. Three-year basketball letterman from 1922 through 1924.
Larry Brown TE played eight games with the Tennessee Titans in 1999. First-team All-SEC selection in 1998 when he caught 31 passes, including one for 68 yards. Football teammate of Champ Bailey and Hines Ward managed three pass receptions in the 1998 Peach Bowl against Virginia. The 6-5, 250-pound F averaged 6.3 ppg and 4.2 rpg as an occasional starter for the Bulldogs' 1998 NIT team. The previous year, he averaged 4.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg while shooting a team-high 60.3% from the floor for their 24-9 NCAA playoff squad coached by Tubby Smith. He scored the winning basket with three seconds remaining in Georgia's 1997 SEC Tournament quarterfinal victory over Arkansas after supplying 18 points in an earlier game against league regular-season champion South Carolina. Played against eventual NCAA runner-up Syracuse in a West Regional semifinal overtime game.
John Carson E caught 173 passes for 2,591 yards and 15 touchdowns with the Washington Redskins and Houston Oilers in seven years from 1954 through 1960. He was a 15th-round draft choice by Cleveland in 1953 after leading the SEC in receiving in back-to-back seasons. The 6-3, 200-pounder was a basketball letterman for the Bulldogs in 1951-52 and 1952-53 (7.4 ppg in eight games). He was Georgia's first four-letter winner (also baseball and golf).
Terrence Edwards Set SEC career standard with 3,093 yards receiving by catching a school-record 204 passes (including 30 for touchdowns). Brother of former Bulldogs All-American TB Robert Edwards signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2003 and caught one pass in six games. Collected 26 points and 14 rebounds in 14 basketball games the second half of the 1998-99 season as a freshman.
Bobby Etter PK made 26 field goals and converted 50-of-52 extra points for the Atlanta Falcons in 1968 and 1969 (Pro Bowl selection) before playing for the WFL's Memphis Southmen in the mid-1970s. SEC's leading scorer in 1966 with 57 points and team leader with 46 in 1965 under coach Vince Dooley. Returned a low snap for decisive five-yard TD run in 14-7 win against ninth-ranked Florida in 1964. The next year, he kicked three vital FGs in a memorable 15-7 win at Michigan between pair of Top 10 teams. Collected 10 points and five rebounds in total of 11 basketball games in 1964-65 and 1965-66. College professor became a national champion bridge player.
Tony Flanagan First African-American QB for the Bulldogs in the mid-1970s. Averaged more than 10 ppg each of the first three seasons of his basketball career that lasted from 1974-75 through 1977-78.
Fred Gibson Fourth-round NFL draft choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005 joined the Miami Dolphins in 2006 and St. Louis Rams in 2007. Returned a kickoff for 91 yards and a touchdown against Clemson the first time he touched the ball as a college sophomore and was the second-leading receiver the next season (43 catches for 758 yards and four TDs) with 2002 team that compiled the Bulldogs' first 13-win season, first SEC title in 20 years, a Sugar Bowl victory over Florida State and a final national ranking of #3 (highest since 1980). As a freshman FL, he became the first Georgia player ever to have four consecutive 100-yard games in receiving. Caught two first-quarter TD passes against Purdue in a 34-27 overtime victory in First Capital One Bowl following the 2003 campaign. Instrumental in helping GA post three straight seasons of 10 or more victories, three consecutive bowl victories and three national top six rankings in a row. Received All-SEC first-team honors as a senior when he hauled in career-high 49 receptions. The 6-4, 200-pounder averaged 4.9 ppg in 18 basketball contests in 2001-02 before appearing in four games the next year. He scored 13 points at Florida, including six in the final 51 seconds. Gibson played in two NCAA playoff games. He played in the NBA Developmental League in 2008 and 2009.
Gene Lorendo WR caught 22 passes for 440 yards and one touchdown in 1948 for Orange Bowl-bound team. Chosen in 11th round by the Green Bay Packers in 1950 NFL draft. Scored 71 points for basketball squad in 1947-48 before playing briefly the next season.
Tony "Zippy" Morocco Led the Bulldogs in receiving in 1950 when he was Co-MVP in the Presidential Cup bowl game in College Park, Md. Paced them in scoring with six touchdowns in 1951 catching passes from Zeke Bratkowski. Team leader in punt and kickoff returns each year had a 90-yard punt return against Furman. Played in North-South Shrine game before becoming the Philadelphia Eagles' 29th-round draft choice in 1952. Three-year letterman was basketball captain in 1952-53 when earning All-SEC first-team acclaim (23.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg). Scored a career-high 38 points against Tennessee before being selected by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1953 NBA draft.
Quentin Moses DE had 91 solo tackles and 25 sacks with GA football squads posting a 40-12 record from 2003 through 2006, three straight seasons of 10 or more wins, three bowl victories and three consecutive national Top 10 finishes. All-SEC first-team selection as senior was picked by the Oakland Raiders in third round of 2007 NFL draft. Highest-drafted player that year not to earn spot on opening-day roster also played OLB in the league with Miami Dolphins from 2007 through 2010. The 6-5 Moses played in three basketball games for the Bulldogs in 2002-03 under coach Jim Harrick.
Ulysses Norris TE for seven seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions (1979 through 1983) and Buffalo Bills (1984 and 1985). The 6-4, 230-pounder was a fourth-round draft choice. Best pro season was his final one with the Lions in 1983 when he caught 26 passes for 291 yards and seven touchdowns. He had six TD receptions with the Bulldogs from 1976 through 1978. Hit 8-of-14 field-goal attempts and grabbed 31 rebounds in nine games for the Bulldogs in 1975-76.
Jay Rome TE caught 38 passes for 398 yards and three touchdowns with the Bulldogs from 2012 through 2015. The Pittsburgh Steelers waived rookie undrafted free agent from IR with injury settlement. The 6-6, 255-pounder collected three points and seven rebounds in seven basketball games as a freshman in 2011-12.
Vernon "Catfish" Smith Member of College Football Hall of Fame was a consensus All-American end as a senior in 1931. Scored all of Georgia's points and was a standout on defense in a shocking 15-0 upset of Yale in his sophomore season. Three-year basketball letterman was senior captain and starting C on Bulldogs team that defeated Duke in the semifinals and North Carolina in the final to win the 1932 Southern Conference Tournament. Named to second five on the all-tourney team.

MICHIGAN

FB-BKB Player Summary of Football Career Summary of Basketball Career
Pete "Bump" Elliott Executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame earned All-American honors as a QB for the Wolverines' 1948 national champion. Big Ten Conference MVP led Michigan to a 49-0 victory over USC in the 1948 Rose Bowl. Former head coach at Nebraska (4-6 record in 1956), California (10-21 from 1957 through 1959) and Illinois (1960 through 1966) led Cal and the Illini to Rose Bowl berths. A four-year starter as a 6-0, 190-pound guard on Michigan teams from 1945-46 through 1948-49. Captain of squad as a sophomore and member of Big Ten championship team in 1947-48. First-team all-conference choice as a junior and second-team selection as a senior. Second-team pick on Helms All-American team in 1947-48 when he scored a team-high 15 points in Michigan's first NCAA Tournament victory, a 66-49 decision over Columbia in the Eastern Regional third-place game. Excerpt from school guide: "At times his defensive work was almost uncanny as he held high-scoring opposition practically scoreless in several games. Outstanding at recovering rebounds."
Kelvin Grady Slot receiver had a brother, Kevin, who was a running back for the Wolverines. On October 17, 2009, they became the first pair of brothers to score a touchdown in the same game for Michigan as far as could be determined by the school's record books. The next year, Kelvin had a career-long 43-yard reception and career-long 15-yard rush against Massachusetts en route to catching 17 passes for 211 yards. Kelvin started as a 5-9 point guard most of his freshman season in 2007-08 before his minutes were drastically reduced as a sophomore the next campaign when the Wolverines reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years.
Tom Harmon Two-time consensus All-American HB won Heisman Trophy in 1940. First pick overall in the 1941 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. Rushed for 542 yards and five touchdowns, including an 84-yard jaunt, in two seasons (1946 and 1947) with the Los Angeles Rams following World War II military service. Averaged 7.6 ppg as a sophomore in 1938-39 and led the Wolverines in scoring in five contests. Posted 2.5-point average the next year as a junior. Michigan coach Bennie Oosterbaan said Harmon "had a great fake and cut, a great shot, and aggressiveness."
Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch Member of College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame. First-round draft choice by Cleveland in 1945 (5th pick overall). Played HB, DB back and OE end as a pro with the Chicago Rockets of the All-America Football Conference from 1946 through 1948 and Los Angeles Rams of the NFL from 1949 through 1957. Caught 387 passes and scored 66 touchdowns as a pro. Played in four NFL championship games. Held the Rams' team record for most touchdown receptions for almost 40 years until it was broken by Isaac Bruce in 2001. Starting C for the Wolverines' basketball team in 1944 while undergoing military training there. Sketch in Michigan guide: "Naval transfer from Wisconsin was a big aid, chiefly through his flaming competitive spirit."
Paul Jokisch Split end caught 55 passes for 1,037 yards and six touchdowns from 1984 through 1986. He had a pass reception in both the 1986 Fiesta Bowl and 1987 Rose Bowl. Fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 1987 NFL draft. Forward averaged 3.9 ppg and 1.7 rpg in 1982-83 and 1983-84 under coach Bill Frieder.
Ron Kramer OE for 10 seasons (1957 and 1959 through 1967) with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. First-round draft choice caught 229 passes for 3,272 yards and 16 touchdowns in the NFL. Pro Bowl selection in 1963. Had 53 receptions for 880 yards and eight TDs with the Wolverines, including a career-best 70-yarder against UCLA as a senior in 1956. The 6-3, 220-pound F-C led the Wolverines in scoring as a sophomore (16 ppg) and junior (20.4) before finishing second on the team as senior (14.5). Three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection (second-team pick as a sophomore and junior and first-team choice as a senior) was named Michigan's team MVP all three seasons. Kramer was a second-team All-American selection by Converse and third-team pick by the National Association of Basketball Coaches as a senior captain in 1956-57. Selected in the fifth-round of the 1957 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. Excerpt from school guide: "Can leap and battle as well as shoot, and he's an inspirational type player who picks up his teammates when he's in there."
Bennie Oosterbaan Member of College Football Hall of Fame coached Michigan's football team to a 63-33-4 record in 11 seasons (1948 through 1958). His first team finished with a 9-0 record and was voted national champion in the AP poll. He won Big Ten Conference titles in 1948, 1949 and 1950. In 1943, the Helms Athletic Foundation named him to its 10-man All-American basketball teams it selected for the 1926-27 and 1927-28 seasons. Finished third in Western Conference (forerunner of Big Ten) scoring in 1926-27 (9.3 points per game) and led the league as a senior the next year (10.8 ppg).
Fred Petoskey All-American E for Michigan's 1932 national championship football team. Averaged 3.2 ppg as a starting G for the Wolverines' basketball squad in 1932-33 and 1933-34.
Gary Prahst WR caught 41 passes for 588 yards and three touchdowns while rushing once for 31 yards from 1956 through 1958, leading the Wolverines in receiving each of his last two seasons. Fourth-round selection by the Cleveland Browns in 1959 NFL draft (37th pick overall). Missed his only field-goal attempt in three basketball games in 1956-57.
Dick Rifenburg E for back-to-back undefeated national champions in 1947 and 1948. Seventh-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1948 NFL draft caught 10 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown with the Detroit Lions in 1950. Led Big Ten Conference in pass receptions as an All-American senior in 1948. Held UM single-season touchdown reception record (eight) for more than 30 years until broken by Anthony Carter in 1980. Scored nine points in five basketball games in 1948-49.
Jim Skala Reserve E for UM in 1949 (caught one pass for 31 yards) and 1950 (two receptions for 33 yards before beating favored Cal in Rose Bowl). The 6-3 Skala averaged 8.1 ppg for the Wolverines from 1949-50 through 1951-52. Captain, leading scorer/rebounder and MVP as senior. Compiled a 43-86 coaching record for Eastern Michigan in six seasons from 1954-55 through 1959-60.
Tai Streets WR was sixth-round selection in 1999 NFL draft before catching 196 passes for 2,268 yards and 14 touchdowns with the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions in six years through 2004. Managed at least four receptions for at least 50 yards in all three of his NFL playoff games. Leader in pass receptions for the Wolverines in 1996 and 1998. Second-leading receiver for 1997 national champion when he had two TD receptions of more than 50 yards from Brian Griese in 21-16 Rose Bowl win against Washington State. Caught 131 passes for 2,016 yards and 17 TDs for UM from 1995 through 1998 (including six catches for 192 yards - one for 76 yards from Tom Brady - at Minnesota his senior season). Collected four points and seven rebounds in 13 games for NIT titlist in 1996-97 under coach Steve Fisher. Allegedly paid the father of Brian Bowen Sr. $5,000 cash in a misdeed cited during 2019 federal trial investigating nationwide corruption in NCAA hoops.
Irvin "Whiz" Wisniewski E caught 21 passes for 256 yards from 1947 through 1949, including runner-up with 11 receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown as a senior. Member of 10-0 national championship team as a sophomore. Compiled a 2-6 mark as Hillsdale (Mich.) football coach in 1951. Averaged 1.6 ppg for the Wolverines from 1947-48 through 1949-50. Scored two points in UM's first NCAA playoff win (66-49 against Columbia in 1948 Eastern Regional third-place game). Posted a 111-154 record (.419) as Delaware's coach for 12 seasons from 1954-55 through 1965-66 when the Blue Hens made transition to NCAA Division I level.

OHIO STATE

FB-BKB Player Summary of Football Career Summary of Basketball Career
Sam Busich E caught six passes for 57 yards and one touchdown with Boston in 1936 before catching 13 passes for 136 yards the next year with the Cleveland Rams. The 6-3, 185-pounder was a basketball letterman in 1935 and 1936 with the Buckeyes.
Harold "Cookie" Cunningham OE played three years of professional football with Cleveland (1927), Chicago Bears (1929) and Staten Island (1931). Three-year basketball letterman in the mid-1920s. The 6-3, 210-pounder played for Columbus (NBL) in 1937-38.
Rickey Dudley TE was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round (9th pick overall) of the 1996 NFL draft. Scored 29 touchdowns in five seasons with the Raiders before hooking on with the Cleveland Browns in 2001 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. Caught a TD pass for the Bucs in the playoffs following the 2002 campaign. Played two seasons of football for the Buckeyes, catching nine passes for 106 yards and two TDs as a junior in 1994 and 37 passes for 575 yards and seven TDs as a senior in 1995. Offensive MVP in the 1996 Florida Citrus Bowl. In four seasons as a 6-7, 240-pound forward for Ohio State's basketball team, he started 47 of 100 games. Dudley averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as a senior in 1994-95 when he led the Buckeyes in rebounding and finished third in scoring. In 1992, he collected three points and five rebounds in a 78-55 victory over Connecticut in the second round for the Buckeyes' Southeast Regional runner-up.
Jack Dugger Consensus All-American E on the 1944 OSU football team that finished second behind Army in the final AP poll. Second-round NFL draft choice by Pittsburgh in 1945. Played pro football with three different franchises from 1946 through 1949. Three-year letterman in basketball was a 6-4, 205-pound starting forward for the Buckeyes' Final Four teams in 1944 and 1945. Played briefly for Syracuse in the NBL in 1946-47.
Tony Eisenhard Played first four seasons as DE (starting four Big Ten games in 1997 en route to 18 tackles) before switching to TE as senior in 1999 and playing on special teams. The 6-7 Eisenhard averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.1 rpg over seven of the Buckeyes' last eight basketball games in 1996-97.
Wes Fesler Member of College Football Hall of Fame was consensus All-American end in 1928, 1929 and 1930. Three-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection was named to Grantland Rice's all-time All-American team in 1939. Coach at Pittsburgh (1946), Ohio State (1947 through 1950) and Minnesota (1951 through 1953). He was Woody Hayes' predecessor with the Buckeyes, guiding them to a 17-14 victory over California in the 1950 Rose Bowl. The 6-0, 185-pounder was a second-team All-Big Ten basketball selection as a sophomore and a first-team choice as a senior when he was an NCAA All-American. He also played three years of minor league baseball.
Dick "Sonnie" Fisher HB was on Big Ten Conference titlist in 1939 and became an all-league second-team choice in 1941 in first OSU season under coach Paul Brown. Fisher was a 17th-round choice by the Detroit Lions in 1942 NFL draft. All-Big Ten first-team selection as a hoops forward in 1940-41.
Charles "Chic" Harley HB passed for three touchdowns with the Chicago Staleys in 1921. The 5-8, 165-pounder was a basketball letterman in 1920 with the Buckeyes.
William "Dave" Leggett QB was Rose Bowl MVP for undefeated 1954 team under coach Woody Hayes. Selected in seventh round by Chicago Cardinals in 1955 NFL draft. QB-DB played in four games for them in 1955. Averaged 1.7 ppg in 19 basketball games from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
John Lumpkin Two-year starting TE caught four touchdown passes as a senior in 1998. The previous season, he scored the Buckeyes' lone touchdown (50-yard pass reception) in the Sugar Bowl against Florida State. The 6-7, 250-pounder collected 92 points and 120 rebounds in two seasons in the mid-1990s.
Jim McDonald B rushed 25 times for 80 yards and caught seven passes for 112 yards with the Detroit Lions in 1938 and 1939. First-round choice by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1938 NFL draft (2nd pick overall). Coached Tennessee to a 5-5 record in 1963. The 6-1, 190-pounder was a three-year basketball letterman with the Buckeyes, serving as their captain as a senior.
Andy Nemecek Lineman with the Columbus Tigers for three years from 1923 through 1925. The 6-4, 215-pounder was a three-year basketball letterman with the Buckeyes.
Art Schlichter QB was a first-round draft choice of the Baltimore Colts in 1982 (4th pick overall), but had only three touchdown passes in three years before his career was curtailed by gambling-related problems. He wound up in a couple dozen different jails and prisons. Finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1979 after leading OSU to the brink of a national title. OSU's career (7,547) and single game (458 vs. Florida State as senior) leader in passing yards was instrumental in the offensive diversification of Buckeye football after the program previously was known as "three yards and a cloud of dust" under coach Woody Hayes. Lost three straight bowl games (Gator, Rose and Fiesta) before throwing his 49th and 50th college career TD passes in a 31-28 Liberty Bowl win over Navy. Scored 18 points in 11 basketball games for the Buckeyes in 1978-79 and 1980-81. The 6-2, 210-pounder converted all six of his free-throw attempts.
Don Scott Two-time All-American as left HB in single-wing formation offense, essentially making him the Buckeyes' primary ball handler (quarterback). Scott completed 58% of his passes (48-of-93) for 991 yards and 11 touchdowns. He rushed for 657 yards on 74 carries. As a sophomore, Scott was a tackle on offensive and defensive lines while also punting and kicking extra points. He was the ninth overall selection in 1941 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears but chose to volunteer to fight in Europe during WWII (died in fall of 1943 when bomber he piloted crashed in England while in training). Made a free throw for NCAA Tournament runner-up in inaugural national championship contest in 1939.
Ron Sepic Selected by the Washington Redskins in 12th round of 1967 NFL draft as an E (two spots behind fellow Big Ten hooper Preston Pearson of Illinois). The 6-4 Sepic averaged 15.4 ppg and 7.5 rpg from 1964-65 through 1966-67, ranking among the Buckeyes' top three in scoring and rebounding each season.
Bob Shaw E was 10th-round choice by the Cleveland Rams in 1944. Caught 81 passes for 1,569 yards for 20 touchdowns with the LA Rams in 1946 and 1949 and Chicago Cardinals in 1950. Pro Bowler in 1950 when he became the first player to catch five touchdowns in a single game and led the NFL in receiving TDs with 12 for the Cardinals. All-American on OSU's 1942 national titlist. CFL coach of the year in 1976. The 6-4 Shaw was a hoops starter in 1942 and 1943.

TEXAS CHRISTIAN

FB-BKB Player Summary of Football Career Summary of Basketball Career
Sammy Baugh Member of College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame is considered by many as the finest QB in history. Consensus All-American in 1936. Passed for 21,886 yards and 186 touchdowns in 16 years (1937 through 1952) with the Washington Redskins. First-round pick led the NFL in passing five times, in punting five times and in pass interceptions once. Five-time All-Pro participant held almost all of the NFL's passing records when he retired. His 44-yard gallop was the longest run from scrimmage in a 3-2 victory over LSU in the 1936 Sugar Bowl before helping the Horned Frogs defeat Marquette, 16-6, in the 1937 Cotton Bowl. Three-year letterman in basketball at TCU was an honorable mention selection on the All-Southwest Conference team as a senior in 1936-37.
Lester "Mike" Brumbelow Captain and MVP of TCU's undefeated 1929 team winning the school's first SWC championship. UTEP football coach (1950-56). Two-year hoops letterman was alma mater's basketball coach from 1937-38 through 1940-41.
Norm Cox B played for the AAFC's Chicago franchise in 1946 and 1947. The 6-2, 210-pounder was a starting F with TCU's basketball squad in 1945.
Adolph "Ad" Dietzel Two-year letterman in the early 1930s. The 6-6 C was a Helms Foundation All-American in 1932 and Murray Service first-team All-American the previous year.
Darrell Lester Center-linebacker played for the Green Bay Packers in 1937 and 1938 after being their fifth-round draft choice in 1936. The 6-3, 220-pounder was a starting C for TCU's basketball squad in 1934 (SWC champion) and 1935.
Mickey McCarty Fourth-round draft choice by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1968 (90th pick overall) played in three games for the Super Bowl champion the next year as a tight end. The 6-5, 255-pounder averaged 15.4 ppg and 10.7 rpg from 1965-66 through 1967-68. Two-time All-SWC first-team selection left the Horned Frogs as the third-leading scorer in school history. He was also selected in the major league baseball draft.
Wallace Myers Football letterman for TCU from 1931 through 1933. The 6-1 guard was a Helms Foundation All-American in 1934.
Blanard Spearman All-SWC selection 1931 and 1932 when he led the Frogs in rushing yards and scoring. Hoops letterman in 1931.
Wendall Sumner Member of 1932 SWC championship team. Two-time All-SWC selection in basketball in the early 1930s.
Jim Swink Unanimous All-American selection as a HB in 1955 when he led the nation's major-college players with an average of 8.2 yards per carry (1,284 yards in 157 carries) while sparking TCU to a 9-1 record. College Football Hall of Famer finished second in Heisman Trophy voting while pacing the nation in scoring with 125 points. Second-round draft choice by the NFL's Chicago Bears in 1957 (25th pick overall) played in five games for the AFL's Dallas Texans in 1960. The 6-1, 180-pounder averaged 5.8 ppg in 12 basketball contests in 1955-56. Excerpt from school media guide: "Very quick, deceptive and likes to drive to the bucket."
Will Walls E caught 35 passes for 596 yards and four touchdowns with the New York Giants in six years from 1937 to 1943. Football letterman at TCU from 1934 through 1936. Football/basketball teammate of legendary quarterback Sammy Baugh received one pass from him for 25 yards in 1936 Sugar Bowl. The 6-4, 210-pounder was a starting F with TCU's basketball squad for three years from 1935 through 1937.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 29 NFL Gridiron

December 29th, 2022 - 13:36

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.

  • 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 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 (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 38 yards in 21-10 divisional playoff win against the New York Giants in 1984.

  • Houston Oilers QB Gifford Nielsen (BYU swingman averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 1973-74 and 1974-75) threw a go-ahead 47-yard touchdown pass to Mike Renfro in 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.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 28 NFL Gridiron

December 28th, 2022 - 11:41

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):

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 five pass receptions in a 17-3 setback against the New England Patriots in 1997 AFC wild-card playoff game.

  • 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.

Twin Peaks: Arkansas & SIU-Edwardsville Boast Sets of Terrific Twin Towers

December 28th, 2022 - 11:26

Four seasons ago, twins Caleb and Cody Martin propelled Nevada to a national ranking by combining for more than 33 ppg after transferring from North Carolina State. Caleb became Mountain West Conference player and newcomer of the year while Cody was named league defensive player of the year before making colossal contributions in Nevada setting an NCAA playoff-record comeback (erasing 22-point second-half deficit against Cincinnati). This campaign, Arkansas (Makhi and Makhel Mitchell) and SIU-Edwardsville (Lamar and Shamar Wright) each have a set of impactful twins.

The Martins are among following Top 15 most influential sets of twins at the same school: 1. Van Arsdale (Indiana); 2. O'Brien (Seattle); 3. Lopez (Stanford); 4. Morris (Kansas); 5. Collins (Stanford); 6. Graham (UCF/Oklahoma State); 7. Martin (North Carolina State/Nevada); 8. Hughes (Wisconsin); 9. Holmes (VMI); 10. Hayes (Western Carolina/Georgia); 11. Williams (VMI); 12. Kerr (Colorado State); 13. Stanley (Texas A&M); 14. Nelson (Duquesne); 15. Harrison (Kentucky).

The Arkansas and SIUE twin-tower duos could be bound to crack the following chronological list of nation's 40-plus most outstanding sets of twins who played together at least one season on the same team:

  • George and Francis Coakley were members of Clemson's 1939 Southern Conference Tournament championship team. It is the Tigers' only league tourney title.
  • Howie and Lenny Rader competed for LIU in 1941-42. Howie was a starter but served in the U.S. Army the next year. Each of them went on to play multiple seasons in the NBL.
  • Clifford and Beauford Minx combined for 10.9 ppg for Missouri's 1944 NCAA Tournament team.
  • Forwards John and Rupe Ricksen combined to average 9.7 ppg for California in 1950-51, 15.9 ppg in 1951-52 and 18.4 ppg in 1952-53. The Bears won at least 16 games each of their seasons together. They were co-captains as seniors when Cal captured the PCC South Division title and John earned first-team all-conference status.
  • Bantam-sized Johnny and Eddie O'Brien were the top two scorers for Seattle (26-3 record) when it reached the 1953 NCAA Tournament in the Chieftains' first season at the major-college level. They also were infielders for the Pittsburgh Pirates the same year. Johnny O'Brien, a 5-8 unanimous first-team All-American who played center on offense, is the only player to score more than 40 points in his first NCAA Tournament game (42 in an 88-77 victory against Idaho State). Eddie contributed 21 in the same playoff contest.
  • Bob (8.6 ppg in 63 games) and Bill (7.5 ppg in 40 games) Gaines played together for Furman from 1954-55 through 1956-57. Each of them averaged 10.3 ppg as a senior.
  • Don and Pat Stanley combined for 17.3 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 1959-60 and 24.8 ppg and 11.7 rpg in 1960-61 for Texas A&M. They earlier played at Kilgore when it won a national J.C. title.
  • Don and Doug Clemetson combined for 9.5 ppg with Stanford in 1960-61 and 11 ppg in 1961-62. The 16-6 Cardinal finished AAWU runner-up to UCLA, which wound up at the 1962 Final Four.
  • El and Mel Edmonds combined for 17.3 ppg and 6.9 rpg with Ole Miss from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
  • Tom and Dick Van Arsdale ranked sixth and seventh on Indiana's list of all-time leading scorers when they graduated in 1965. They were among the nation's top 60 point producers as juniors in 1963-64 and combined for 76 points in a 108-102 neutral court victory against Notre Dame. The Hoosiers went 19-5 their senior campaign. They each played 12 seasons in the NBA, where they both scored more than 14,200 points.
  • Lloyd and Floyd Kerr were swingmen who combined to average 25.3 ppg and 10.7 rpg for Colorado State from 1966-67 through 1968-69. Brothers Kerr each scored more than 10 points in all three NCAA playoff games when the Rams reached the Midwest Regional final their senior season (17-7 record) before becoming NBA third-round draft choices.
  • Barry and Garry Nelson combined for 21.7 ppg and 16.9 rpg for Duquesne teams compiling a 59-16 record from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Garry led the team in field-goal percentage all three seasons and in rebounding as a sophomore and junior.
  • In 1974, seniors Kim and Kerry Hughes carried Wisconsin to its only winning record in Big Ten Conference competition (8-6; 16-8 overall) in a 34-year span from 1963 through 1996. Kim was the Badgers' top rebounder as a sophomore. The 6-11 identical twins combined for 27 ppg and 22 rpg in their junior season and 26 ppg and 20.3 rpg in their final year. Kerry had 21 points and Kim contributed 20 in a home game versus Northwestern their senior year.
  • Billy and Bobby Martin excelled for UNC-Wilmington in 1976-77 and 1977-78 after transferring from junior college. Bobby and Billy still rank among the school's all-time leaders in assists.
  • Harvey and Horace Grant combined for 16.4 ppg and 11.1 rpg as sophomores for Clemson's 16-13 NIT team in 1984-85. Harvey transferred after the season to a junior college before enrolling at Oklahoma. Each of them had long NBA careers.
  • Wichita State's Dwayne and Dwight Praylow combined for 16.3 ppg in 1987-88 (20-10 record) and 20.1 ppg and 8.8 rpg in 1988-89 (19-11 record).
  • Victor and Vincent Lee played for Northeast Louisiana from 1986-87 through 1988-89. Their best season was 1988-89 when they were juniors (9.1 ppg and 4.7 rpg).
  • Terry and Perry Dozier combined for 9.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg with South Carolina from 1986-87 through 1988-89.
  • Damon and Ramon Williams combined for 28.9 ppg in their four-year VMI careers from 1986-87 through 1989-90. They were All-Southern Conference Tournament first-team selections as sophomores in 1988. Ramon was an all-league first-team pick as a junior and Damon achieved the feat as a senior. They rank among the school's all-time top scorers.
  • Carl and Charles Thomas were among the top 40 scorers in Eastern Michigan history when they finished their careers following the 1990-91 campaign. They combined to average 16.9 ppg and 7.2 rpg in college before making brief stints in the NBA.
  • Sean and Shawn Wightman played together with Western Michigan for three years (1990-91 through 1992-93) after transferring from Illinois State. They combined for 17.9 ppg as juniors. Sean was the nation's top three-point marksman as a junior and led the Mid-American Conference in free-throw shooting as a senior.
  • Joe and Jon Ross played together with Notre Dame from 1990-91 through 1993-94. They combined for more than eight rebounds per game their last two seasons.
  • Sammie and Simeon Haley combined for 12.5 ppg and 8.8 rpg with Missouri's NCAA Tournament team in 1994-95 (20-9 record) and 14.6 ppg and 9.2 rpg for an NIT team in 1995-96 (18-15 record) after transferring from junior college.
  • Jim and David Jackson combined for 7.7 ppg and 3.6 rpg with Virginia Tech's NCAA Tournament team in 1995-96 (23-6 record) and 13.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg in 1996-97 (15-16).
  • Bill and Bob Jenkins combined for 14.9 ppg and 12.5 rpg with Valparaiso's NCAA playoff Sweet 16 team in 1997-98 (23-10 record).
  • Stanford's Jarron and Jason Collins combined for 19.3 ppg and 12.6 rpg in 1999-2000 before powering the Cardinal to a 31-3 record in 2000-01 with 27.3 ppg and 14.5 rpg.
  • Jarvis and Jonas Hayes combined for 25.1 ppg as freshmen with Western Carolina in 1999-2000. They transferred to Georgia after Jarvis led the Southern Conference in scoring with 17.1 ppg. With the Bulldogs, the twins teamed for 25.8 ppg and 10.3 rpg in 2001-02 and 25 ppg and 8.8 rpg in 2002-03.
  • Joey and Stevie Graham combined for 25.3 ppg and 9.5 rpg as sophomores with Central Florida in 2001-02 before transferring to Oklahoma State. They collaborated for 15.2 ppg and 6.6 rpg in 2003-04 and 24.2 ppg and 9.4 rpg in 2004-05 for two OSU NCAA playoff teams.
  • Errick and Derrick Craven combined for 17.6 ppg and 7.5 rpg with Southern California in 2002-03, 17.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg in 2003-04 and 10.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 2004-05.
  • Reginald and Richard Delk collaborated for 14.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg with Mississippi State in 2005-06 and 2006-07 before they each transferred to different Southern universities.
  • Yale swingmen Caleb and Nick Holmes combined for 12.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.2 apg from 2004-05 through 2007-08.
  • Travis and Chavis Holmes combined for 18.7 ppg with VMI in 2005-06, 34.2 ppg in 2006-07 and 34 ppg in 2007-08. They colloborated for 57 points in a 156-95 victory against Virginia Intermont in 2006-07 when they each ranked among the nation's top five in steals (placed 1-2 in the Big South Conference). Finished 1-2 nationally in thefts their senior season.
  • Centers Brook and Robin Lopez combined for 20.2 ppg, 11.5 rpg and 4.1 bpg with Stanford as freshmen in 2006-07 and 29.4 ppg, 13.8 rpg and 4.4 bpg as sophomores in 2007-08 before they both left school early and became NBA first-round draft choices.
  • La Salle's Jerrell and Terrell Williams combined for 12.3 ppg and 8.5 rpg from 2007-08 to 2009-10.
  • Charles and Philip Tabet combined for 7.2 ppg and 3 rpg with South Alabama in 2008-09 before falling off to 2.8 ppg with 4.5 rpg in 2009-10.
  • Philadelphia natives Markieff and Marcus Morris combined for 12 ppg and 9.2 rpg with Kansas in 2008-09, 19.5 ppg and 11.4 rpg in 2009-10 and 30.8 ppg and 15.9 rpg as All-Big 12 Conference selections in 2010-11 before they both left school early and became NBA first-round draft choices. Marcus was KU's leading scorer (17.2) and Markieff its leading rebounder (8.3) for the Jayhawks' 2011 Big 12 champion.
  • David and Travis Wear combined for 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg as freshmen for North Carolina in 2009-10 before transferring to UCLA, where they collaborated for 18 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 2012-13 and 13.8 ppg and 7 rpg in 2013-14.
  • Charlie (freshman RS in 2009-10) and Colin Reddick combined for 7.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg with Furman in 2010-11, 14.8 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 2011-12 and 22.1 ppg and 11.5 rpg in 2012-13.
  • Aaron and Andrew Harrison combined for 24.6 ppg as freshmen in 2013-14 and 20.3 ppg as sophomores on a couple of Kentucky Final Four squads.
  • Marcus and Michael Weathers combined for 26.4 ppg and 10.2 rpg with Miami OH in 2016-17 before transferring to different schools.
  • Jacob and Kalob Ledoux combined for 19.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg for McNeese State in 2016-17 and 2017-18 before transferring.
  • Kalib and Keylan Boone combined for 12 ppg and 7 rpg for Oklahoma State from 2019-20 through 2021-22 before Keylan transferred to Pacific.
  • Keegan and Kris Murray combined for 23 ppg and 11 rpg for Iowa in 2020-21 and 2021-22 before Keegan declared early for the NBA draft.

NOTE: Triplets Kameron (Brown)/Kendall/Kyle Chones started college in 2003-04. Kendall and Kyle combined for 14.7 ppg and 8 rpg with Colgate in that initial season and from 2005-06 through 2007-08.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 27 NFL Gridiron

December 27th, 2022 - 11:09

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.

  • 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) 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. Jacksonville 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.

My Two Sons: DI Coaches Boasting Pair of Offspring on Roster at Same Time

December 26th, 2022 - 12:11

Big Ten Conference first-division contenders Iowa (McCafferys/although Patrick took leave of absence for anxiety reasons in early January) and Michigan (Howards) each have two sons playing for their father. If Jace Howard elevates his game near level of his sibling (Jett), they could challenge Syracuse's Buddy and Jimmy Boeheim and Oral Roberts' Jeff and Mark Acres as the highest-scoring brother tandem playing together under their father. Following is an alphabetical list of such family connections:

School (Record Together) Father/Coach Pair of Player Sons Summary of Careers
Oral Roberts (47-34) Dick Acres F Jeff Acres/C Mark Acres Dick coached his sons from mid-season of 1982-83 campaign through 1984-85. Jeff, who missed 1982-83 season because of a knee injury, averaged 12.1 ppg and 6.5 rpg from 1980-81 through 1984-85. Mark, a three-time All-Midwestern City Conference first-team selection, averaged 18.5 ppg and 9.6 rpg and shot 56.4% from the floor from 1981-82 through 1984-85. Mark was a two-time Midwestern City MVP who led the Titans in scoring and rebounding all four seasons. ORU participated in 1984 NCAA Tournament.
UCLA (50-23) Steve Alford G Bryce Alford/G Kory Alford Bryce, an honorable mention selection on All-Pac-12 Conference team as a sophomore, averaged 11.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 3.8 apg in his first two seasons with the Bruins in 2013-14 and 2014-15 while Kory played sparingly, collecting 8 points and 5 rebounds in 23 games.
Syracuse (16-17) Jim Boeheim G Jackson "Buddy" Boeheim/F Jimmy Boeheim Buddy averaged team-high 19.2 ppg in 2021-22 while Cornell graduate transfer Jimmy chipped in with 13.7 ppg.
Akron (23-36) Dan Hipsher F Andy Hipsher/G Bryan Hipsher Andy, named to MAC All-Freshman team (8 ppg and 4 rpg), led the Zips in scoring as a sophomore in 2000-01 (14.2 ppg in six games) before receiving medical hardship after undergoing back surgery. He led them in rebounding as a sophomore in 2001-02 (6.3 rpg with 12.6 ppg) and as a junior in 2002-03 (5.8 rpg with 9.5 ppg) before finishing his career in 2003-04 (6.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg). Bryan averaged 2.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 1.6 apg as a freshman in 2001-02 before playing sparingly in 2003-04.
Michigan (7-4 at Christmas) Juwan Howard F Jace Howard/F Jett Howard Jett was averaging 15.6 ppg while Jace, who played sparingly last season, contributed 1.8 ppg.
Iowa (48-19 previous two years before going 8-4 at Christmas this season) Fran McCaffery G Connor McCaffery/F Patrick McCaffery Connor was team runner-up in assists in 2020-21 with 3.6 apg before losing his starting spot last year. Patrick, sidelined by thyroid cancer in 2019-20, averaged 5.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 2020-21 before becoming a starter last season and becoming runner-up in scoring average thus far this campaign (14.3 ppg).
Northwestern State (36-57) Mike McConathy G Logan McConathy/G Michael McConathy Logan averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.4 apg from 2007-08 through 2010-11. Led the Demons by shooting 87.5% from the free-throw line as a senior when his brother no longer was on squad. Michael averaged 5 ppg and 3.2 apg while shooting 80.1% from the free-throw line from 2006-07 through 2009-10.
SE Missouri State (15-16) Dickey Nutt G Logan Nutt/G Lucas Nutt Logan, a transfer from Ole Miss, scored 19 points in 19 games as a senior in 2011-12. Lucas averaged 7.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 3.3 apg from 2009-10 (granted medical redshirt as freshman because of broken foot) through 2011-12. Led team in assists and free-throw shooting in 2010-11 before Logan arrived.
Portland (17-47) Terry Porter G Franklin Porter/G Malcolm Porter Franklin, a transfer from Saint Mary's, averaged 7.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.9 apg in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Malcolm, a redshirt in 2016-17, averaged 5.5 ppg and 1.6 rpg and 1.3 apg in two years with brother before averaging 9.5 ppg in 2019-20.
Brigham Young (44-20) Roger Reid G Randy Reid/G Robbie Reid Randy (11.8 ppg) and Robbie (6.8 ppg) combined for 18.6 ppg for the Cougars' 22-10 NIT participant in 1994. They collaborated for 18.7 ppg the next season for an NCAA playoff team also compiling a 22-10 mark. Robbie went on to play for Michigan in 1997-98 and 1998-99.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 26 NFL Gridiron

December 26th, 2022 - 11:49

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):

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.

  • 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.

Centre Court: UK and UL Both Sustained Most-Lopsided Loss vs. Small School

December 26th, 2022 - 11:46

It's no New Year's Eve secret that Greek philosopher Rick Pitino directed both Kentucky and Louisville to NCAA Tournament championships. Although their much-anticipated matchup was cancelled last season due to COVID considerations, they can't cancel another fact in their respective histories. Here is a UK/UL connection hoop secret ESPN's best researcher doesn't know: Centre College in Danville, Ky., boasts a distinction possibly rendering effervescent Dickie V speechless insofar as the Colonels blew up both Death Stars - UK (87-17 in 1909-10) and UL (61-7 in 1919-20) - by more than 50 points, handing each perennial power the most lopsided defeat in their vaunted history. The Cardinals lost five consecutive contests against Centre from 1939 to 1941 after the Wildcats dropped six straight decisions against Centre from 1918 to 1921.

If you need bar-bet winning information, additional major universities succumbing by staggering record-setting margins in the Dinosaur Age against obscure opponents include Bradley (bowed to Millikin), Cincinnati (Circleville), Connecticut (Wesleyan), Duke (Washington & Lee), Massachusetts (Williams), Memphis (Elks Club), North Carolina (Lynchburg YMCA Elks), Oklahoma State (Southwestern KS), Pittsburgh (Westminster), Rhode Island (Amherst), USC (L.A. Athletic Club) and Wichita State (Ottawa).

The "Final Five" DI schools reaching the NCAA playoff national semifinals at some point in their careers to win at least 20 games in a major-college season when suffering their most-lopsided setback include Indiana (1993-94), Louisiana State (1969-70), St. John's (1951-52), Texas-El Paso (2000-01) and UCLA (1996-97). Kentucky was the opponent when Florida, Georgia, St. John's, Temple, Tennessee, Tennessee-Martin, Tulsa and Vanderbilt were saddled with their worst reversals.

IU's 106-56 loss against Minnesota in 1993-94 came only two years after the Big Ten Conference rivals reversed roles when the Hoosiers handed the Gophers their most-lopsided setback in history (96-50). In 1997-98, Missouri rebounded from the Tigers' most-lopsided reversal in school history (111-56 at Kansas State in Big 12 Conference opener) to defeat the Wildcats in their return engagement (89-59 at Mizzou in regular-season finale) for an incredible 85-point turnaround in margin.

Dr. James Naismith founded the game of basketball but he apparently didn't boast any "inside" information gaining a competitive edge. In fact, Naismith is the only one of Kansas' first nine full-season head coaches to compile a career losing record (55-60 in nine campaigns from 1898-99 through 1906-07). One of the defeats was by an all-time high 40 points against Nebraska.

Naismith is among the following coaches, including a striking number of luminaries (such as Harold Anderson, Gene Bartow, Ben Carnevale, Gale Catlett, Chick Davies, Bill Foster, Marv Harshman, Doggie Julian, Bob Knight, Guy Lewis, Rick Majerus, Phil Martelli, Frank McGuire, Shelby Metcalf, Lute Olson, Johnny Orr, Vadal Peterson, Digger Phelps, Honey Russell and Norm Stewart) wrestling with status incurring the most-lopsided smack-down in history for an NCAA Division I university (info unavailable for some DI schools listed alphabetically below):

Losing DI School Season Record Coach Victorious Opponent Result Margin
Air Force 1965-66 14-12 Bob Spear Utah 108-57 51
Alabama 1997-98 15-16 David Hobbs Auburn 94-40 54
Alabama State 1996-97 8-21 Rob Spivery Minnesota 114-34 80
American 1964-65 4-19 Jimmy Williams Syracuse 127-67 60
Appalachian State 1972-73 6-20 Press Maravich North Carolina State 130-53 77
Arizona 1955-56 11-15 Fred Enke Utah 119-45 74
Arizona State 1955-56 10-16 Bill Kajikawa Texas Tech 113-63 50
Arkansas 1973-74 10-16 Lanny Van Eman Mississippi 117-66 51
Army 1913-14 5-7 Joseph Stilwell Union 81-13 68
Auburn 1912-13 6-9 Mike Donahue Georgia 92-12 80
Austin Peay 1981-82 6-20 Ron Bargatze Clemson 102-53 49
Ball State 1946-47 9-8 Pete Phillips Notre Dame 80-31 49
Ball State 1987-88 14-14 Rick Majerus Purdue 96-47 49
Baylor 1944-45 0-17 Van Sweet Arkansas 94-28 66
Bethune-Cookman 1991-92 4-25 Jack "Cy" McClairen Arkansas 128-46 82
Boston College 1955-56 6-18 Don Martin Marshall 130-69 61
Boston University 1905-06 2-4 unavailable Wesleyan CT 74-7 67
Bowling Green 1954-55 6-16 Harold Anderson Dayton 109-38 71
Bradley 1913-14 10-10 Fred Brown Millikin IL 62-10 52
Brigham Young 1996-97 1-25 Roger Reid Washington 95-44 51
Brown 1988-89 7-19 Mike Cingiser Kansas 115-45 70
Butler 1954-55 10-14 Tony Hinkle Illinois 88-34 54
California 1999-00 18-15 Ben Braun Stanford 101-50 51
UC Irvine 1975-76 14-12 Tim Tift UNLV 129-57 72
UC Santa Barbara 1966-67 10-16 Ralph Barkey UCLA 119-75 44
UC Santa Barbara 1976-77 8-18 Ralph Barkey UNLV 113-69 44
Cal State Fullerton 1964-65 1-25 Alex Omalev U.S. International 91-32 59
Campbell 1997-98 10-17 Billy Lee Florida International 96-43 53
Centenary 1987-88 13-15 Tommy Canterbury Oklahoma 152-84 68
Central Connecticut State 1995-96 13-15 Mark Adams Connecticut 116-46 70
Central Michigan 1911-12 2-5 Harry Helmer Michigan State 72-10 62
Cincinnati 1901-02 5-4 Henry S. Pratt Circleville OH 84-13 71
Clemson 1954-55 2-21 Banks McFadden Duke 115-54 61
Colorado 1951-52 8-16 Horace "Bebe" Lee Kansas State 92-40 52
Connecticut 1905-06 6-3 unofficial Wesleyan CT 86-12 74
Creighton 1948-49 9-14 Duce Belford Illinois 96-30 66
Dartmouth 1966-67 7-17 Alvin "Doggie" Julian Princeton 116-42 74
Davidson 1908-09 1-3 J.W. Rhea Georgia 100-12 88
Dayton 1994-95 7-20 Oliver Purnell Cincinnati 116-63 53
DePaul 2010-11 7-24 Oliver Purnell Syracuse 107-59 48
Detroit 2015-16 16-15 Ray McCallum Vanderbilt 102-52 50
Drake 1998-99 10-17 Kurt Kanaskie Indiana 102-46 56
Duke 1912-13 11-8 J.E. Brinn Washington & Lee VA 90-15 75
Duquesne 1937-38 6-11 Charles "Chick" Davies Stanford 92-27 65
East Carolina 1963-64 9-15 Wendell Carr Davidson 105-45 60
East Tennessee State 1996-97 7-20 Ed DeChellis Davidson 97-47 50
East Tennessee State 2007-08 19-13 Murry Bartow Syracuse 125-75 50
Eastern Illinois 2001-02 15-16 Rick Samuels Oklahoma 109-50 59
Eastern Michigan 1957-58 1-20 James Skala Southern Illinois 128-60 68
Evansville 1960-61 11-16 Arad McCutchan Utah 132-77 55
Fairfield 2014-15 7-24 Sydney Johnson Duke 109-59 50
Florida 1947-48 15-10 Sam McAllister Kentucky 87-31 56
Florida A&M 1992-93 10-18 Willie Booker Oklahoma 146-65 81
Florida Atlantic 2000-01 7-24 Sidney Green Florida 100-42 58
Florida International 1989-90 7-21 Rich Walker Ball State 105-50 55
Florida State 1957-58 9-16 J.K. "Bud" Kennedy West Virginia 103-51 52
Fordham 1908-09 17-12 Chris Mahoney Williams MA 77-12 65
George Mason 1970-71 9-17 John Linn Randolph-Macon VA 118-36 82
George Washington 1961-62 9-15 Bill Reinhart West Virginia 120-68 52
Georgetown 1912-13 11-5 James Colliflower Navy 67-18 49
Georgia 1955-56 3-21 Harbin Lawson Kentucky 143-66 77
Georgia State 1994-95 11-17 Carter Wilson Memphis State 124-52 72
Georgia Tech 1908-09 1-6 John Heisman Georgia 78-9 69
Gonzaga 1945-46 6-14 Gordon White Montana 103-34 69
Grambling State 1999-00 1-30 Larry Wright Louisiana State 112-37 75
Harvard 1989-90 12-14 Peter Roby Duke 130-54 76
Hawaii 1965-66 0-18 Ephraim "Red" Rocha Washington 111-52 59
Hofstra 1944-45 8-13 Jack Smith USMMA 66-15 51
Holy Cross 1901-02 4-5 Fred Powers Dartmouth 78-27 51
Houston 1975-76 17-11 Guy Lewis Arkansas 92-47 45
Howard 2000-01 10-18 Frankie Allen Memphis 112-42 70
Idaho 1976-77 5-21 Jim Jarvis UNLV 135-78 57
Idaho State 1992-93 10-18 Herb Williams Oklahoma 112-59 53
Illinois 1973-74 5-18 Harv Schmidt Indiana 107-67 40
Illinois State 1958-59 24-4 James Collie Tennessee State 131-74 57
Indiana 1993-94 21-9 Bob Knight Minnesota 106-56 50
Indiana State 1910-11 2-8 John P. Kimmel Purdue 112-6 106
Iona 1967-68 13-9 Jim McDermott Duquesne 100-47 53
Iowa 1974-75 10-16 Lute Olson Indiana 102-49 53
Iowa State 1989-90 10-18 Johnny Orr Indiana 115-66 49
Jacksonville 2017-18 15-18 Tony Jasick North Carolina State 116-64 52
James Madison 2005-06 5-23 Dean Keener Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 93-52 41
Kansas 1899-00 3-4 Dr. James Naismith Nebraska 48-8 40
Kansas State 1945-46 4-20 Fritz Knorr Marshall 88-42 46
Kentucky 1909-10 4-8 R.E. Spahr/E.R. Sweetland Centre KY 87-17 70
Lafayette 1994-95 2-25 John Leone Connecticut 110-48 62
Lamar 1963-64 19-6 Jack Martin St. Louis 113-63 50
La Salle 2015-16 9-22 John Giannini Miami (Fla.) 95-49 46
Lehigh 1901-02 9-5 J.W. Pollard Bucknell 68-3 65
Long Beach State 1990-91 11-17 Seth Greenberg UNLV 114-63 51
Long Island 1998-99 10-17 Ray Martin Florida 119-61 58
Louisiana-Monroe 1997-98 13-16 Mike Vining Xavier 118-61 57
Louisiana State 1969-70 22-10 Press Maravich UCLA 133-84 49
Louisiana Tech 1974-75 12-13 Emmett Hendricks Tulane 88-40 48
Louisville 1919-20 6-5 Tuley Brucker Centre KY 61-7 54
Loyola of Chicago 1916-17 1-3 unavailable Whiting Owls 91-21 70
Loyola Marymount 1990-91 16-15 Jay Hillock Oklahoma 172-112 60
Maine 1973-74 13-10 Tom "Skip" Chappelle Massachusetts 108-38 70
Manhattan 1985-86 2-26 Thomas Sullivan North Carolina 129-45 84
Marquette 2004-05 19-12 Tom Crean Louisville 99-52 47
Marshall 1913-14 2-6 Boyd Chambers Cincinnati Church of Christ 68-10 58
Maryland 1943-44 4-14 H. Burton Shipley Army 85-22 63
Massachusetts 1907-08 4-11 unofficial Williams MA 60-3 57
Memphis 1927-28 10-11 Zach Curlin Elks Club 79-30 49
Miami (Fla.) 1969-70 9-17 Ron Godfrey UCLA 127-69 58
Miami (Ohio) 1948-49 8-13 Blue Foster Cincinnati 94-36 58
Michigan 1999-00 15-14 Brian Ellerbe Michigan State 114-63 51
Michigan State 1974-75 17-9 Gus Ganakas Indiana 107-55 52
Middle Tennessee State 1954-55 11-16 Charles Greer Morehead State 123-68 55
Milwaukee 1962-63 4-17 Russ Rebholz Loyola of Chicago 107-47 60
Minnesota 1991-92 16-16 Clem Haskins Indiana 96-50 46
Mississippi 1913-14 8-7 B.Y. Walton Mississippi State 84-18 66
Mississippi State 1992-93 13-16 Richard Williams Arkansas 115-58 57
Missouri 1997-98 17-15 Norm Stewart Kansas State 111-56 55
Missouri State 1980-81 9-21 Bob Cleeland Puget Sound WA 103-50 53
Morehead State 1992-93 6-21 Dick Fick Michigan State 121-53 68
Murray State 1960-61 13-10 Cal Luther St. Bonaventure 92-39 53
Navy 1963-64 10-12 Ben Carnevale Duke 121-65 56
Nebraska 1957-58 10-13 Jerry Bush Kansas 102-46 56
Nevada 1990-91 17-14 Len Stevens UNLV 131-81 50
New Mexico 1954-55 7-17 Woody Clements UCLA 106-41 65
New Orleans 2013-14 11-15 Mark Slessinger Michigan State 101-48 53
NYU 1912-13 1-11 James Dale Navy 74-13 61
Niagara 1996-97 11-17 Jack Armstrong Kansas 134-73 61
Nicholls State 2002-03 3-25 Ricky Blanton Texas Tech 107-35 72
North Carolina 1914-15 6-10 Charles Doak Lynchburg YMCA Elks 63-20 43
UNC Asheville 1997-98 19-9 Eddie Biedenbach Maryland 110-52 58
North Carolina A&T 1976-77 3-24 Warren Reynolds North Carolina State 107-46 61
North Carolina State 1920-21 6-14 Richard Crozier North Carolina 62-10 52
UNC Wilmington 1996-97 16-14 Jerry Wainwright Villanova 87-38 49
North Texas 1998-99 4-22 Vic Trilli Maryland 132-57 75
Northern Arizona 1991-92 7-20 Harold Merritt Louisiana State 159-86 73
Northern Illinois 1966-67 8-12 Tom Jorgensen Bradley 117-66 51
Northern Iowa 1906-07 5-4 R.F. Seymour Iowa 73-16 57
Northwestern 1986-87 7-21 Bill E. Foster Duke 106-55 51
Northwestern State 2000-01 19-13 Mike McConathy Arkansas 115-47 68
Notre Dame 1971-72 6-20 Digger Phelps Indiana 94-29 65
Ohio 1902-03 TBD unavailable Ohio State 88-2 86
Ohio State 1955-56 16-6 Floyd Stahl Illinois 111-64 47
Oklahoma 1916-17 13-8 Bennie Owen Oklahoma A&M 58-11 47
Oklahoma State 1919-20 1-12 James Pixlee Southwestern KS 53-9 44
Oral Roberts 1992-93 5-22 Ken Trickey Kansas 140-72 68
Oregon 1921-22 7-24 George Bohler Washington 76-15 61
Oregon State 1996-97 7-20 Eddie Payne Arizona 99-48 51
Oregon State 2009-10 14-18 Craig Robinson Seattle 99-48 51
Pacific 1952-53 2-20 Van Sweet California 87-30 57
Penn 1987-88 10-16 Tom Schneider UCLA 98-49 49
Penn State 1985-86 12-17 Bruce Parkhill Navy 103-50 53
Pepperdine 1965-66 2-24 Robert "Duck" Dowell Iowa 111-50 61
Pittsburgh 1905-06 2-9 Benjamin Printz Westminster PA 106-13 93
Portland 1966-67 10-16 Al Negratti UCLA 122-57 65
Portland State 1964-65 8-18 Loyal "Sharkey" Nelson Montana State 97-43 54
Prairie View 1995-96 4-23 Elwood Plummer Tulsa 141-50 91
Princeton 1908-09 8-13 Harry Shorter Penn 55-10 45
Providence 1954-55 9-12 Vin Cuddy Holy Cross 101-47 54
Purdue 1947-48 11-9 Mel Taube Illinois 98-54 44
Rhode Island 1916-17 2-6 Jim Baldwin Amherst MA 65-5 60
Rice 1971-72 6-20 Don Knodel North Carolina 127-69 58
Rider 1989-90 10-18 Kevin Bannon Minnesota 116-48 68
Robert Morris 1996-97 4-23 Jim Boone Arizona 118-54 64
Rutgers 1906-07 0-3 Frank Gorton Lehigh 88-23 65
St. Francis (N.Y.) 1993-94 1-26 Ron Ganulin Providence 108-48 60
St. John's 1951-52 25-6 Frank McGuire Kentucky 81-40 41
St. John's 2015-16 8-24 Chris Mullin Creighton 100-59 41
St. John's 2016-17 14-19 Chris Mullin Villanova 108-67 41
Saint Joseph's 2014-15 13-18 Phil Martelli Gonzaga 94-42 52
Saint Louis 1945-46 13-11 John Flanigan Oklahoma A&M 86-33 53
Saint Mary's 2000-01 2-27 Dave Bollwinkel Arizona 101-41 60
Saint Peter's 1941-42 5-11 Morgan Sweetman St. Francis (N.Y.) 85-29 56
Sam Houston State 1991-92 2-25 Jerry Hopkins Lamar 126-57 69
Samford 1957-58 7-17 Virgil Ledbetter Alabama 105-44 61
San Diego State 1998-99 4-22 Fred Trenkle Utah 86-38 48
San Jose State 1970-71 2-24 Danny Glines New Mexico State 114-55 59
Santa Clara 2001-02 13-15 Dick Davey Ohio State 88-41 47
Seton Hall 1957-58 7-19 John "Honey" Russell Cincinnati 118-54 64
Siena 1987-88 23-6 Mike Deane Syracuse 123-72 51
South Alabama 1994-95 9-18 Ronnie Arrow Southern Utah 140-72 68
South Carolina 1929-30 6-10 A.W. "Rock" Norman Furman 70-11 59
South Florida 1987-88 6-22 Bobby Paschal Syracuse 111-65 46
Southeastern Louisiana 1998-99 6-20 John Lyles Auburn 114-60 54
Southern California 1913-14 5-7 unavailable L.A. Athletic Club 77-14 63
Southern Illinois 2016-17 17-16 Barry Hinson Wichita State 87-45 42
Southern Methodist 1980-81 7-20 Dave Bliss Arkansas 92-50 42
Southern Mississippi 2001-02 10-17 James Green Cincinnati 89-37 52
Southern Utah 1988-89 10-18 Neil Roberts Oklahoma 132-64 68
Stanford 1975-76 11-16 Dick DiBiaso UCLA 120-74 46
Stetson 2018-19 7-24 Corey Williams Duke 113-49 64
Syracuse 1961-62 8-13 Fred Lewis NYU 122-59 63
Temple 1946-47 8-12 Josh Cody Kentucky 68-29 39
Tennessee 1992-93 13-17 Wade Houston Kentucky 101-40 61
Tennessee-Martin 1994-95 7-20 Cal Luther Kentucky 124-50 74
Tennessee Tech 1962-63 16-8 John Oldham Loyola of Chicago 111-42 69
Texas 1971-72 19-9 Leon Black UCLA 115-65 50
Texas A&M 1971-72 16-10 Shelby Metcalf UCLA 117-53 64
Texas-Arlington 1993-94 7-22 Eddie McCarter Iowa State 119-55 64
Texas Christian 1977-78 4-22 Tim Somerville Clemson 125-62 63
Texas-El Paso 2000-01 23-9 Jason Rabedeaux Fresno State 108-56 52
Texas-San Antonio 2015-16 5-27 Brooks Thompson Texas 116-50 66
Texas Southern 1993-94 19-11 Robert Moreland Arkansas 129-63 66
Texas State 1918-19 TBD unavailable Texas 89-6 83
Texas Tech 2007-08 16-15 Pat Knight Kansas 109-51 58
Toledo 1932-33 3-13 Dave Connelly Ohio State 64-10 54
Tulane 2000-01 9-21 Shawn Finney Cincinnati 105-57 48
Tulsa 1947-48 7-16 John Garrison Kentucky 72-18 54
UAB 1990-91 18-13 Gene Bartow UNLV 109-68 41
UCF 1988-89 7-20 Phil Carter Florida State 133-79 54
UCLA 1996-97 24-8 Steve Lavin Stanford 109-61 48
UNLV 1970-71 16-10 John Bayer Houston 130-73 57
U.S. International 1989-90 12-16 Gary Zarecky Oklahoma 173-101 72
Utah 2011-12 6-25 Larry Krystkowiak Oregon 94-48 46
Utah State 1909-10 3-7 Clayton Teetzel Utah 69-15 54
Utah State 1925-26 13-5 Lowell Romney Southern California 82-28 54
Valparaiso 1967-68 11-15 Gene Bartow Houston 158-81 77
Vanderbilt 1946-47 7-8 Norm Cooper Kentucky 98-29 69
Villanova 1921-22 11-4 Michael Saxe Army 58-11 47
Virginia 1964-65 7-18 Bill Gibson Duke 136-72 64
Virginia Commonwealth 1976-77 13-13 Dana Kirk Auburn 109-59 50
Virginia Tech 1952-53 4-19 Gerald "Red" Laird Marshall 113-57 56
Wagner 1998-99 9-18 Tim Capstraw Connecticut 111-46 65
Wake Forest 1913-14 10-7 J.R. Crozier Virginia 80-16 64
Washington 1988-89 12-16 Andy Russo Arizona 116-61 55
Washington State 1964-65 9-17 Marv Harshman UCLA 93-41 52
Washington State 2004-05 12-16 Dick Bennett Oklahoma State 81-29 52
Weber State 1988-89 17-11 Denny Huston Akron 92-50 42
West Virginia 1978-79 16-12 Gale Catlett Louisville 106-60 46
Western Carolina 1998-99 8-21 Phil Hopkins Maryland 113-46 67
Western Kentucky 1990-91 14-14 Ralph Willard Georgia 124-65 59
Western Michigan 1988-89 12-16 Vern Payne Michigan 107-60 47
Wichita State 1912-13 1-11 E.V. Long Ottawa KS 80-8 72
William & Mary 1918-19 3-6 V.M. Geddy Roanoke VA 87-6 81
Wisconsin 1975-76 10-16 John Powless Indiana 114-61 53
Wisconsin 1985-86 12-16 Steve Yoder Iowa 101-48 53
Wright State 1976-77 11-16 Marcus Jackson Cincinnati 120-52 68
Wyoming 1910-11 1-4 Harold Dean Colorado 65-12 53
Xavier 1966-67 13-13 Don Ruberg Kansas 100-52 48
Yale 1976-77 6-20 Ray Carazo Clemson 104-50 54
Youngstown State 1941-42 9-12 Dom Rosselli Toledo 88-32 56

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle Christmas Day NFL Gridiron

December 21st, 2022 - 11:23

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 college basketball players 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: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 24 NFL Gridiron

December 21st, 2022 - 11:21

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):

DECEMBER 24

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

  • 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 in a 37-31 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1977 divisional playoff 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.

Holiday Wish List: Christmas Gifts & Stocking Stuffers for NCAA DI Hoopdom

December 21st, 2022 - 11:17

Christmas weekend is the most wonderful time of year despite leftist lunacy from Plagiarist Bidumb/Cacklin' Kamala administration and overpaid Dr. Fraudci infecting holiday season with their #Dimorat 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 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 fans understand how good the Big East Conference first division is after league upheaval several years ago. Despite what Bill Walton might spout about the conference of champions, the Big East cellar dwellers are superior to almost all teams in the Pac 12.

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

  • Wish the best for the Ivy League and Patriot League, which seem like the last bastions replete with textbook student-athletes. Despite no competition this season stemming from COVID pandemic, four Ivy League institutions - Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth and Harvard - can still hold their heads high despite each of them posting all-time losing records.

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

  • Wish 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: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 23 NFL Gridiron

December 21st, 2022 - 11:13

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):

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 game setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1979. Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two touchdown passes.

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

  • Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher (started two games for St. Francis PA as freshman in 1993-94 before transferring to John Carroll OH) had an interception for 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 Shocked Top-Ranked Virginia Cavs Second Day Before Christmas

December 21st, 2022 - 11:10

Two days before Christmas is the 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), 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, Bruce Weber joined the following alphabetical list "retracing steps" of prominent coaches losing games to non-Division I colleges during their major-college careers:

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

December 21st, 2022 - 11:07

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):

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.

The Cage Crusades: Gonzaga Zags Far From First Postseason Jesuit Jewel

December 21st, 2022 - 11:03

In 2016-17, NCAA playoff runner-up Gonzaga became one of only five different Jesuit schools a total of seven times reaching the NCAA Tournament Final Four since 1990 (joining Georgetown 07/Marquette 03/Loyola of Chicago 18/Villanova 09-16-18). The Zags duplicated their second-place finish last season.

The first year both the NCAA Tournament and NIT finals had Jesuit school representation was 1943. In a 33-year span ending in 1975 (first season NCAA playoff field expanded to at least 32 entrants), only five years (1946-50-57-64-66) emerged when neither the NCAA nor NIT had a Jesuit institution participate in their championship contests.

The "Catholic League" dominated national postseason competition in 1955 when all four title-tilt participants were linked to the largest Christian church. Are we in midst of another "J-school" revival? Dayton, Gonzaga and Villanova were legitimate Final Four contenders the last several seasons. Following is a list of championship game appearances for Jesuit schools in aforementioned 33-year span from mid-1940s to mid-1970s:

Year NCAA Tourney Final NIT Final
1943 Georgetown St. John's
1944 DePaul/St. John's
1945 DePaul
1946 No Jesuit school participants in NCAA or NIT final
1947 Holy Cross
1948 St. Louis
1949 Loyola of Chicago/San Francisco
1950 No Jesuit school participants in NCAA or NIT final
1951 Dayton
1952 St. John's Dayton
1953 St. John's/Seton Hall
1954 La Salle Duquesne/Holy Cross
1955 La Salle/San Francisco Dayton/Duquesne
1956 San Francisco Dayton
1957 No Jesuit school participants in NCAA or NIT final
1958 Seattle Dayton/Xavier
1959 St. John's
1960 Providence
1961 Providence/St. Louis
1962 Dayton/St. John's
1963 Loyola of Chicago Canisius/Providence
1964 No Jesuit school participants in NCAA or NIT final
1965 Villanova
1966 No Jesuit school participants in NCAA or NIT final
1967 Dayton Marquette
1968 Dayton
1969 Boston College
1970 Marquette/St. John's
1971 Villanova
1972 Niagara
1973 Notre Dame
1974 Marquette
1975 Providence

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

December 21st, 2022 - 10:20

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):

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. Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) returned a punt 79 yards for touchdown.

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

  • Chicago Bears rookie TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) caught three touchdown passes in a 42-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1975 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: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 20 NFL Gridiron

December 20th, 2022 - 11:57

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):

DECEMBER 20

  • Carolina Panthers rookie TE Luther Broughton (forward scored five points in five games for Furman in 1994-95) scored 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.

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

December 19th, 2022 - 8:37

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 19 in football at the professional level (especially in 2010):

DECEMBER 19

  • Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned an interception 26 yards for touchdown in a 22-9 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1971.

  • E Billy Dewell (three-time All-SWC first-team pick for SMU in late 1930s) and E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) each had one of the Chicago Cardinals' three pass receptions in a 7-0 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1948 NFL championship game. Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) rushed for 67 yards on 16 carries.

  • New Orleans Saints rookie TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 30-24 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2010.

  • Kansas City Chiefs rookie WR Tony Hargain (averaged 2.3 ppg for Oregon from 1986-87 through 1988-89 under coach Don Monson) posted career highs of six pass receptions and 76 receiving yards in a 35-21 setback against the New York Giants in 1992.

  • Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught nine passes - including two touchdowns - in a 48-3 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2005. Ravens LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) scored a TD on 35-yard fumble recovery return.

  • Oakland Raiders TE Teyo Johnson (part-time starting forward for Stanford averaged 4.9 ppg and 3 rpg in 2000-01 and 2001-02) opened the game's scoring with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Kerry Collins in 40-35 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2004.

  • 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 145 yards on 20 carries in a 24-16 win against the Carolina Panthers in 2020.

  • Jacksonville Jaguars TE Damon Jones (averaged 3.9 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Southern Illinois in 1995-96 under coach Rich Herrin) opened game's scoring with a touchdown reception from Mark Brunell in 24-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1999.

  • Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) had a career-high seven pass receptions in 31-17 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2010.

  • Miami Dolphins rookie RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had nine pass receptions for 148 yards in a 47-34 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1993.

  • Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 14-10 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1954.

  • Green Bay Packers TE Rich McGeorge (all-league hooper for Elon averaged 13.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg while making 59% of his field-goal attempts) had a career-high five pass receptions in 27-6 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1971.

  • Cleveland Browns rookie HB Ara Parseghian (Miami of Ohio hooper in 1946-47 and 1947-48) rushed for 14 yards on four carries in a 49-7 win against the Buffalo Bills in 1948 AAFC championship game.

  • Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) rushed 13 times for 43 yards and caught six passes for 41 yards in a 14-12 playoff setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1976.

  • Cleveland Browns TE Robert Royal (collected 10 points and six rebounds in five LSU basketball games in 2000-01) opened game's scoring with a 20-yard touchdown reception from Colt McCoy in 19-17 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010.

  • Washington Redskins CB Lonnie Sanders (averaged 10.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg as Michigan State forward in 1961-62) closed out 1965 campaign with an interception in his second straight game.

  • Philadelphia Eagles rookie WR Troy Smith (played four basketball games for East Carolina in 1996-97) tore ligament in his leg making only pro reception - 14 yards from QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) - in a 24-9 win against the New England Patriots in 1999.

  • New York Jets DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) recorded a safety in 22-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010.

  • Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) caught a touchdown pass in each of last three AFL games of his rookie season in 1965.

  • E Will Walls (starting forward with Texas Christian for three years from 1935 through 1937) had one of the New York Giants' four pass receptions in a 28-0 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1943 NFL championship game.

  • Minnesota Vikings CB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two Texas-El Paso games in 1967-68 under Don Haskins) had a league-high 89-yard interception return in 27-10 win against the Chicago Bears in 1971 regular-season finale.

  • San Diego Chargers DB Bud Whitehead (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 15 games for Florida State in 1959-60) had two interceptions in a 24-14 AFL win against the Oakland Raiders in 1965.

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

December 18th, 2022 - 13:49

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 18 in football at the professional level:

DECEMBER 18

  • St. Louis Cardinals DE Bubba Baker (averaged 4.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg as forward-center for Colorado State from 1974-75 through 1977-78) posted three sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1983 season finale.

  • Washington Redskins TE Jean Fugett (leading scorer and rebounder for Amherst MA as junior in 1970-71) had four pass receptions for 61 yards in a 35-20 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1976 divisional round playoff game. Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) passed for 298 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

  • Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two first-half touchdown passes in a 35-19 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1999.

  • Cleveland Browns rookie 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 career-long 76-yard touchdown pass in 20-17 setback against the Arizona Cardinals in 2011. Little finished game with five receptions for 131 yards.

  • Boston Patriots rookie SE Oscar Lofton (collected 31 points and 30 rebounds in 12 games for Southeastern Louisiana in 1958-59) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes (37 and 39 yards) in a 37-21 AFL setback against the Houston Oilers in 1960 season finale.

  • Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned a fumble recovery 60 yards for touchdown in 34-31 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2004.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) had five pass receptions for 149 yards in a 33-30 win against the New York Giants in 2004.

  • Green Bay Packers CB Quinten Rollins (led Miami OH in steals all four seasons from 2010-11 through 2013-14 including Mid-American Conference as senior) had a career-high eight tackles in 30-27 win against the Chicago Bears in 2016.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers LB Bill Saul (averaged 6.1 ppg for Penn State in 1959-60) returned an interception eight yards in 57-33 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1966 season finale.

  • Miami Dolphins rookie QB John Stofa (averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Buffalo in 1961-62) passed for 307 yards and four touchdowns in a 29-28 AFL win against the Houston Oilers in 1966 season finale.

  • Indianapolis Colts TE Erik Swoope (averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Miami FL from 2010-11 through 2013-14) caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Luck in 34-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2016.

  • Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks in a 24-20 win against the New York Jets in 2005.

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

December 17th, 2022 - 12:29

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 17 in football at the professional level (especially in 1933 championship contest and 1967):

DECEMBER 17

  • New York Giants E Red Badgro (first-five All-Pacific Coast Conference pick as forward in 1926-27 when named USC's MVP) had a 29-yard pass reception for a touchdown in a 23-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in the 1933 NFL championship game. Giants B Dale Burnett (two-time all-conference hooper for Emporia State KS) had game highs with five catches for 94 receiving yards. Bears B Keith Molesworth (three-year hoops letterman for Monmouth IL in late 1920s) completed 2-of-5 passes for 24 yards, rushed once for five yards, returned three punts for 33 yards and punted 10 times for a 39.8-yard average. Giants rookie B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) had a team-high 40 rushing yards and returned one kickoff 36 yards. Bears rookie B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) rushed for a game-high 73 yards.

  • Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three first-half touchdown passes to Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) in a 38-24 AFL win against the Denver Broncos in 1967 season finale.

  • Chicago Bears rookie TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught eight passes for 102 yards - including two touchdowns - in a 52-35 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1961 season finale. Vikings DB Dick Pesonen (two-year Minnesota-Duluth hoops letterman was starting guard in 1959-60) returned five kickoffs for 133 yards. Vikings WR Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) caught three TD passes from Fran Tarkenton. Reichow had a total of seven TD pass receptions in the last five games of season.

  • Denver Broncos TE Wesley Duke (averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Mercer from 2001-02 through 2004-05) caught a touchdown pass from Jake Plummer in 28-17 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2005. Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught 11 passes for 137 yards.

  • Los Angeles Rams TE Derrick Faison (collected 30 points and 30 rebounds in six basketball games for Howard University in 1989-90) caught an eight-yard touchdown pass from QB Jim Everett in 26-10 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1990.

  • Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) scored two second-quarter touchdowns - one rushing and one receiving - in a 14-7 win against the New York Giants in 1944 NFL championship contest. Giants LB Mel Hein (Washington State hoops letterman in 1930) had an interception.

  • Miami Dolphins rookie QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three first-half touchdown passes in a 41-32 AFL win against the Boston Patriots in 1967.

  • Houston Oilers WR Bill Groman (led Heidelberg OH in scoring average as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught two touchdown passes from George Blanda in a 47-16 AFL win against the Oakland Raiders in 1961 season finale.

  • Minnesota Vikings LB Napoleon Harris (averaged 4.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Northwestern in 1997-98 and 1998-99 under coach Kevin O'Neill) nabbed his third interception in an eight-game span as active player in 2006.

  • New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) had eight pass receptions for 156 yards in a 34-21 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2001.

  • Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 45-21 win against the New England Patriots in 1972 season finale. Patriots QB Brian Dowling (averaged 2.6 ppg for Yale in 1967-68) threw a 28-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter.

  • New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) opened game's scoring with an 80-yard touchdown pass to Danny Abramowicz in 30-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1967 season finale. Ten years later as member of the Redskins, Kilmer threw two first-quarter TD passes in a 17-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1977 season finale.

  • Washington Redskins DL Anthony Lanier II (averaged 1.2 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Alabama A&M in 2011-12 and 2012-13) had two sacks in a 20-15 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2017.

  • Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) completed 15-of-29 passes but threw three interceptions in a 24-14 conference tiebreaker setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1950.

  • Carolina Panthers TE Chris Manhertz (Canisius' leading rebounder from 2011-12 through 2013-14) caught his first career touchdown on a trick-play 50-yard pass from RB Christian McCaffrey to open game's scoring in 12-9 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2018.

  • New York Giants rookie WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) had a pass reception for 19 yards in 8-3 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1950 conference tiebreaker game. Browns rookie B Dom Moselle (leading hoops scorer for Wisconsin-Superior in 1947-48 and 1948-49) returned two kickoffs for 55 yards. Giants DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) had an interception.

  • New York Jets TE Keith Neubert (scored in all five NIT games for Nebraska's third-place finisher in 1987 when averaging 4.9 ppg and 3 rpg while shooting 50.4% from floor) caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in 38-14 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1989.

  • San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught 20 passes for 283 yards in a 17-0 win against the Chicago Bears in 2000.

  • Chicago Bears rookie K Mac Percival (three-year hoops letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked three field goals in a 23-14 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1967 season finale.

  • Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 182 yards on 22 carries in a 48-16 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1978. Pruitt closed out the campaign with at least 113 yards rushing in his last three contests.

  • Buffalo Bills TE Robert Royal (collected 10 points and six rebounds in five LSU basketball games in 2000-01) opened game's scoring in a 21-0 win against the Miami Dolphins by catching touchdown pass in his third consecutive contest in 2006.

  • Miami Dolphins TE Dion Sims (played one basketball game with Michigan State under coach Tom Izzo in 2009-10) caught two touchdown passes in a 34-13 win against the New York Jets in 2016.

  • Oakland Raiders OT Chad Slaughter (averaged 4.3 ppg and team-high 5.9 rpg in 1998-99 for Alcorn State's NCAA playoff team coached by Davey Whitney) started his fourth consecutive contest in 2006.

  • Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-24 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1967 season finale. Five years later with the New York Giants, Snead threw two second-quarter TD passes in a 23-3 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972 season finale.

  • Houston Oilers CB Greg Stemrick (played in two basketball games for Colorado State in 1973-74) returned an interception 38 yards in a 45-24 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 1978.

  • St. Louis Cardinals rookie WR Dave Stief (hoop teammate of Portland State All-American Freeman Williams in 1977-78) had career highs of nine pass receptions for 183 yards in a 42-21 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1978.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 16 NFL Gridiron

December 15th, 2022 - 19:27

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 16 in football at the professional level (especially in 1973):

DECEMBER 16

  • Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) threw three touchdown passes for third time in last four games of 1973 campaign.

  • San Francisco 49ers RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) scored go-ahead touchdown in fourth quarter with a 67-yard punt return in 30-17 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1956 season finale.

  • Washington Redskins B Steve Bagarus (Notre Dame hooper in early 1940s) had a 38-yard pass reception for the game's first touchdown in a 15-14 setback against the Cleveland Rams in 1945 NFL championship contest. E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) scored the Rams' first TD with a 37-yard pass reception from Bob Waterfield en route to game highs of nine catches and 125 receiving yards. Rams E Steve Pritko (Villanova two-year hoops letterman) caught two passes for 17 yards.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers DB Tony Dungy (roommate of Flip Saunders averaged 2.6 ppg for Minnesota in 1973-74 under coach Bill Musselman) intercepted a pass in second consecutive contest in 1978.

  • Carolina Panthers DE Greg Hardy (Ole Miss backup forward as freshman in 2006-07) had two sacks and five tackles in a 31-7 victory against the San Diego Chargers in 2012.

  • Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting hoops center for Michigan hoops in 1944) had three of his league-high 17 touchdown receptions in a 42-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1951 season finale.

  • San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught three touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 34-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2010.

  • St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 386 yards - including 77-yard touchdown reception to Sonny Randle (scoreless in seven basketball games in Virginia's third season in ACC in 1955-56) - in a 45-35 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1962 season finale.

  • Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw four touchdown passes - three to Larry Brown - in a 38-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973 season finale.

  • Green Bay Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) opened the game's scoring with a 45-yard touchdown catch in 20-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1962 season finale.

  • Baltimore Colts TE Tom Mitchell (averaged 6.1 ppg and 9.4 rpg in 10 basketball games for Bucknell in 1963-64) provided a fourth-quarter, go-ahead touchdown reception in 18-13 win against the New England Patriots in 1973 regular-season finale.

  • San Francisco 49ers E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) caught two touchdown passes from John Brodie in a 27-24 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1961 season finale.

  • Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Tony Romo in a 38-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2006.

  • Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) had five pass receptions for 108 yards in a 35-34 win against the Washington Redskins in 1979 season finale. Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) passed for 336 yards and three TDs. Six years earlier, Staubach completed 14-of-19 passes - including three touchdowns - in a 30-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973 season finale.

  • New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned a punt 74 yards for touchdown in 27-17 win against the New York Yanks in 1951 season finale.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 15 NFL Gridiron

December 15th, 2022 - 10:57

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 15 in football at the professional level (especially in 1935 championship contest and 1963):

DECEMBER 15

  • Miami Dolphins LB Larry Ball (played eight hoop games for Louisville as sophomore in 1968-69 before persuaded by coach Lee Corso to concentrate on football) had an interception in 34-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1973. Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw four touchdown passes to Paul Warfield.

  • Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught seven passes for 138 yards in a 23-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2002. Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had three sacks.

  • Detroit Lions TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference hoops choice for Colorado College in late 1920s) rushed seven times for a game-high 80 yards - including 40-yard touchdown - in 26-7 win against the New York Giants in 1935 NFL championship contest. TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw a 42-yard pass for the Giants' lone touchdown. Giants rookie E Tod Goodwin (West Virginia hoops letterman in 1933) had two pass receptions for 26 yards. Giants B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries and returned one kickoff for 30 yards.

  • Chicago Bears QB Jack Concannon (grabbed one rebound in one Boston College basketball contest in 1961-62) threw two touchdown passes in a 28-27 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1968 season finale.

  • Cincinnati Bengals LB James Francis (averaged 3 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Baylor in 1986-87 and 1987-88) had two interceptions - returning one 42 yards for a touchdown - in 21-13 win against the Houston Texans in 1996.

  • A fourth-quarter touchdown reception by rookie E Dale Gentry (averaged 5.3 ppg for Washington State's 1941 NCAA Tournament runner-up) propelled the Los Angeles Dons to 17-17 AAFC tie against the Chicago Rockets in 1946.

  • New Orleans Saints WR Eugene Goodlow (scored 38 points in 19 games for Kansas State in 1977-78 and 1978-79) caught five passes for 135 yards - including 76-yard touchdown from Bobby Hebert - in a 31-19 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1985.

  • Dallas Cowboys DB Manny Hendrix (All-WAC second-team selection for Utah as senior in 1985-86 averaged 12.1 ppg and team-high 5.1 apg as sophomore) recorded a safety in 25-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1991.

  • Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan hoops in 1944) caught two touchdown passes from Norm Van Brocklin in a 37-21 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1957.

  • Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoop games for Clemson in 2010-11) had 10 pass receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns from DeShaun Watson in a 29-22 win against the New York Jets in 2018.

  • St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 299 yards - including two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 28-24 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1963.

  • 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 two third-quarter touchdowns in a 21-13 win against the Chicago Bears in 2019.

  • New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 24-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 season finale.

  • Frankfort Yellow Jackets B Ken Mercer (three-year letterman as Simpson IA forward) rushed for three touchdowns in a 19-0 win against the Chicago Bears in 1928.

  • Baltimore Colts RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) had two pass reception touchdowns - including 61-yarder from Earl Morrall - in a 28-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1968 regular-season finale.

  • New York Giants E Buster Poole (three-year Arkansas letterman was senior captain in 1936-37) caught four passes for 40 yards in a 24-14 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1946 NFL championship game.

  • Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two of his AFL-high 16 touchdown passes in a 35-31 AFL win against the Denver Broncos in 1963. Broncos TE Gene Prebola (Boston University hooper in 1957-58) had four pass receptions for 106 yards. Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 10 of his AFL-leading 78 pass receptions.

  • New England Patriots TE-LB John Tanner (JC recruit averaged 3.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Tennessee Tech in 1968-69) played on offense, defense and special teams in a 34-27 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1974 finale.

  • Washington Redskins rookie QB Harry Theofiledes (averaged 9.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Waynesburg PA in 1964-65 and 1965-66) threw a 39-yard touchdown pass in 14-3 win against the Detroit Lions in 1968 season finale.

  • Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught 12 passes for 150 yards in a 37-34 setback against the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.

Few Make Their Mark in Player Development Remotely Close to Zags' Coach

December 14th, 2022 - 13:05

Has there ever been a coach with consistent track record for dramatic player development anywhere close to matching Gonzaga's Mark Few? The Zags, capturing outright or sharing 21 of the previous 22 WCC regular-season championships, catapulted to #1 in national polls each of the previous two years due largely to significant increases in scoring average from previous season for their top point producers. Vastly-improved Julian Strawther is on the following alphabetical list of many Few pupils starting with All-American Dan Dickau at the turn of the century who blossomed under him after redshirt season or undistinguished freshman campaign:

  • Joel Ayayi - freshman RS in 2017-18 and 1.7 ppg in 2018-19 to 10.6 ppg in 2019-20 and 12 ppg as All-WCC first-team selection in 2020-21
  • Casey Calvary - 3.7 ppg and 2.7 rpg as freshman in 1997-98 (when Few was Zags assistant) to All-WCC selection with 19.1 ppg and 6.5 rpg in 2000-01
  • Dan Dickau - 4 ppg as Washington freshman/sophomore in 1997-98 and 1998-99 to transfer becoming NCAA consensus first-team All-American in 2001-02 with 21 ppg
  • Sam Dower - freshman RS in 2009-10 to All-WCC selection with 14.4 ppg and 7.2 rpg in 2013-14
  • Rui Hachimura - 2.6 ppg as freshman in 2016-17 to NCAA consensus first-team All-American with 19.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg in 2018-19
  • Josh Heytvelt - 3.4 ppg and 2 rpg as freshman in 2005-06 to All-WCC selection with 14.9 ppg and 6.5 rpg in 2008-09
  • Korey Kispert - 8 ppg as freshman in 2018-19 to All-WCC first-team selection with 13.9 ppg in 2019-20 and 18.6 as NCAA consensus first-team All-American in 2020-21
  • Zach Norvell Jr. - freshman RS in 2016-17 to All-WCC selection with 14.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3.1 apg in 2018-19
  • Kelly Olynyk - 3.8 ppg as freshman in 2009-10 and RS season in 2011-12 to NCAA unanimous first-team All-American with 17.8 ppg and 7.3 rpg as junior in 2012-13
  • Jeremy Pargo - 2.7 ppg as freshman in 2005-06 to All-WCC selection with 12.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 4.6 apg in 2006-07
  • Filip Petrusev - 6.5 ppg as freshman in 2018-19 to WCC Player of the Year with 17.5 ppg in 2019-20
  • Derek Raivio - 3.1 ppg and 1 apg as freshman in 2003-04 to All-WCC selection with 13 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.8 apg and 1.6 spg in 2004-05
  • Robert Sacre - 2.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg as freshman in 2007-08 to All-WCC selection in 2010-11 with 12.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 1.9 bpg
  • Julian Strawther - 3.4 ppg as freshman in 2020-21 to 11.8 ppg in 2021-22 to 13.2 ppg early in 2022-23
  • Killian Tillie - 4.2 ppg as freshman in 2016-17 to All-WCC second-team selection with 12.9 ppg the next season
  • Drew Timme - 9.8 ppg as freshman in 2019-20 to 19 ppg as NCAA consensus second-team All-American in 2020-21, 18.4 ppg in 2021-22 to 20.5 ppg early in 2022-23
  • Kyle Wiltjer - 5 ppg and 1.8 rpg as Kentucky freshman in 2011-12 to transfer becoming NCAA consensus second-team All-American in 2015-16 with 20.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg

Pages

Subscribe to Front page feed