On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle January 6 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 6 in football at the professional level (especially wide receivers for San Diego Chargers in playoff game following 2007 season):
JANUARY 6
San Diego Chargers WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) had six pass receptions for 121 yards in a 17-6 AFC wild-card playoff win against the Tennessee Titans following 2007 season. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) had five pass receptions for 114 yards - including a 25-yard touchdown from Philip Rivers.
TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) provided the Kansas City Chiefs' lone touchdown with a six-yard pass from Trent Green in 23-8 AFC wild-card playoff setback against the Indianapolis Colts following 2006 season.
New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five hoops games for Florida in 1989-90) had nine pass receptions in a 34-16 NFC divisional-round playoff setback against the Minnesota Vikings following 2000 season.
San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) returned an interception 58 yards for fourth-quarter touchdown in 41-13 NFC divisional-round playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings following 1989 season.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) closed out 2001 regular season with two first-quarter touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia (56 and 60 yards) in a 38-0 win against the New Orleans Saints early in 2002.
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle January 5 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 5 in football at the professional level (especially Antwaan Randle El in wild-card playoff games following 2002 and 2007 seasons):
JANUARY 5
New England Patriots LB Don Blackmon (collected 42 points and 32 rebounds in 12 games for Tulsa in 1977-78) registered two sacks in a 27-20 AFC divisional-round playoff win against the Oakland Raiders following 1985 season.
Boston Patriots DE Larry Eisenhauer (collected 14 points and 18 rebounds in four basketball games for Boston College in 1959-60) recovered a fumble in 51-10 setback against the San Diego Chargers in AFL Championship following 1963 season.
San Diego Chargers DT Ernie Ladd (intended on only playing hoops for Grambling before legendary coach Eddie Robinson got him to play football) had a sack in 51-10 win against the Boston Patriots in AFL championship game following 1963 season. Pats rookie WR Art Graham (collected one point and three rebounds in two basketball games for Boston College in 1961-62) caught two passes for 68 yards.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had nine pass receptions for 177 yards - including two touchdowns from Jeff Garcia (76 and 26 yards) - in a 39-38 wild-card win against the New York Giants following 2002 season. 49ers WR Tai Streets (collected four points and seven rebounds in 13 games for Michigan's NIT titlist in 1997 under coach Steve Fisher) caught game-winning TD pass from Garcia with one minute remaining in fourth quarter.
WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) returned a punt 66 yards for the Pittsburgh Steelers' first touchdown in 36-33 AFC wild-card playoff win against the Cleveland Browns following 2002 season. Five years later, Randle El had a seven-yard TD reception for the Washington Redskins' first score in 35-14 NFC wild-card playoff setback against the Seattle Seahawks following 2007 campaign.
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle January 4 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 4 in football at the professional level (especially the Cleveland Browns in AFC playoffs following 1980 campaign):
JANUARY 4
Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Gene Washington in 27-7 NFL championship game win against the Cleveland Browns following 1969 season.
Cleveland Browns WR Dave Logan (three-time scoring runner-up averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) had two pass receptions for 36 yards in a 14-12 AFC divisional round playoff setback against the Oakland Raiders following 1980 season. Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) caught three passes for 54 yards. Browns WR Reggie Rucker (averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Boston University in 1966-67) caught two passes for 38 yards.
Indianapolis Colts DB David Macklin (collected 13 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists for Penn State in 15 basketball games as freshman in 1996-97) returned two interceptions a total of 52 yards in 41-10 win against the Denver Broncos in wild-card playoff game following 2003 season.
Dallas Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (swingman averaged 8.7 ppg and 6 rpg as Illinois senior in 1966-67) caught three of four touchdown passes by Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) in a 37-7 NFC championship game win against the Los Angeles Rams following 1975 season.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had playoff career-highs of eight pass catches and 110 receiving yards in a 14-10 AFC divisional round playoff setback against the Denver Broncos following 1997 season. Broncos DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) had two sacks.
Fierce Rivalries: Nothing Compares With Intra-State Conference Competition
Was it worth the outlandish outrage? Perhaps Kansas' sanctimonious athletic department shouldn't have been quite so "incensed" by the NCAA's original decision amid corruption probe to suspend scholarly center Silvio De Sousa for two full seasons a couple of years ago. Jayhawks coach Bill "Just Got to Get a Couple of Real Guys" Self's previous bluster he would "fight for Silvio" and "Silvio is the type of student-athlete college athletics needs" rang a mite hollow after stool-wielding De Sousa's thuggish raising of a potential weapon significantly higher than taunting major's anemic scoring average (2.6 ppg) during brawl in disability-seating section at end of game against arch-rival Kansas State. Let's hope dearly-departed De Sousa elevated or fought to keep gpa above 2.6 after moving on following sickening showmanship.
Media personalities failing to comprehend the gravity of De Sousa's actions should be confined to a mentally-challenged section of press area. What's new? It takes a long time to read about Self-less' prominent players who've run afoul of the law since KU captured 2008 NCAA title in midst of an off-the-books sale of nearly $900,000 worth of basketball tickets to brokers over five-year span.
Well, the faces change on rosters, but the intensity of power league intra-state match-ups and zeal for tickets remains when they come to blows in conference play. If in doubt about raw emotions, see video of conclusion of K-State's confrontation at KU. Sans prayerful #NannyPathetic's juvenile pen collection and #Demonrat ceremonial impeachment parade testing jolly Jerry "The White Urkel" Nadler's athletic prowess, regional hoop fans eagerly anticipate the following intra-conference "bragging rights" games (series records are through 2020-21):
| Leader/Opponent | Series Record | Season Started | Series Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama/Auburn | 98-66 | 1924 | Auburn, which defeated Alabama three times in 1998-99 by an average of 29.3 points, won 26 of 30 assignments from 1958 through 1971 before the Crimson Tide won 18 of the next 19. |
| Arizona/Arizona State | 155-85 | 1914 | Arizona won 46 of first 55 meetings to 1937, 17 in a row from 1945 to 1952 and 24 of 25 from 1996 through 2007. |
| Baylor/Texas Christian | 101-85 | 1909 | TCU lost first seven meetings before winning nine in a row. Baylor won 14 straight from 1935 to 1942 and 11 consecutive contests from 2013 through 2017. TCU won 12 successive games from 1981 to 1987. |
| Bradley/Illinois State | 68-64 | 1905 | Ten consecutive contests were decided by fewer than seven points from 1996 through 2000. ISU won 16 of 18 games from 2009 to 2018. |
| California/Stanford | 153-128 | 1912 | Cal won 14 in a row from 1924-25 through 1929-30 and 24 of 25 to 1933-34. Stanford won 10 straight at the turn of the century, including a 51-point triumph in 2000. |
| Duke/North Carolina State | 149-102 | 1912 | Duke won 15 straight from 1941 to 1947 before losing 12 of 13 from 1947 to 1952. N.C. State also won nine consecutive confrontations in the mid-1970s. The Blue Devils won 13 in a row from 1998 through 2002. |
| Duke/Wake Forest | 176-79 | 1906 | Duke won 40 of 42 meetings from 1928 through 1948 with the two setbacks in that span coming by a total of seven points. Wake won eight straight from 1981 to 1984 and nine in a row from 1993 to 1997. The Blue Devils won 18 of 19 tilts between them prior to splitting games in 2019-20. |
| Florida State/Miami (Fla.) | 51-36 | 1951 | FSU won 11 of 12 games from 2006 to 2012. |
| Idaho/Idaho State | 61-51 | 1933 | Idaho won 14 games in a row from 1987-88 to 1993-94. Idaho State won 13 of 15 contests from 1971-72 to 1978-79. |
| Illinois/Northwestern | 140-42 | 1908 | Illini twice won 16 in a row (from 1946-47 through 1954-55 and 1983-84 through 1990-91). Northwestern's best extended stretch was winning eight of 14 contests from 1928 to 1939. |
| Kansas/Kansas State | 201-94 | 1907 | Kansas won 31 games in a row from 1993-94 through 2004-05 in fourth-most frequently played series in Division I. The Wildcats won 25 of 36 contests from 1967-68 through 1982-83. |
| Michigan/Michigan State | 102-85 | 1909 | Michigan won 12 straight from 1921 through 1927, 10 of 11 from 1935 through 1940 and 13 of 15 from 1970 to 1978. MSU defeated the Wolverines three times in 2019 and has won 30 of last 44 outings overall (10 of last 15). |
| Mississippi State/Mississippi | 146-118 | 1914 | Both schools have won more than 65% of their home assignments. MSU won the first nine games in the series, 16 of the first 18 and 15 of 18 from 1955 through 1963. Ole Miss won eight straight in the early 1980s and eight of nine from 2013-14 to 2017-18. |
| Montana/Montana State | 153-148 | 1903 | Second-most frequently played series in Division I. Montana State, which prevailed in 19 of first 21 contests to 1917-18, had winning record in series until dropping 19 of last 20 outings (both games cancelled last year). UM also won 11 in a row from 1938-39 to 1941-42. |
| North Carolina/Duke | 141-114 | 1920 | UNC won 16 straight from 1921 through 1928 and 16 of 17 in the mid-1970s (three-point overtime loss in 1975). The Blue Devils won all three assignments in 1998-99 by an average margin of 18.3 points. The two teams would have split their last 102 match-ups if Heels didn't lose at home in OT two seasons ago. When they met in 2020, it was first time in 60 years that neither school was nationally ranked. |
| North Carolina/North Carolina State | 161-79 | 1913 | Carolina won 16 of 17 contests from 1922 to 1930, 17 of 18 from 1934 to 1942 and 14 of 15 from 1967 to 1972. Roy Williams won 33 of his first 37 assignments against NCSU as coach of the Tar Heels. |
| North Carolina/Wake Forest | 163-67 | 1911 | UNC won 29 of 31 games from 1919 through 1936, 23 of 27 from 1966 through 1975, 23 of 24 from 1982 through 1992, and 12 of last 14 outings. |
| North Carolina State/Wake Forest | 148-106 | 1911 | The Wolfpack won 16 of 19 games from 1928 to 1937, 19 of 22 from 1942 through 1952, 16 of 18 from 1954 through 1959 and 10 of 11 from 1985 to 1990. Wake won nine of first 11 meetings, including a 41-point victory in 1912. |
| Oklahoma/Oklahoma State | 140-102 | 1908 | Oklahoma was victorious in first 11 meetings, 26 of first 28 and 44 of first 53. The Aggies/Cowboys prevailed in 14 of 16 outings from 1940 to 1947. |
| Oregon State/Oregon | 192-165 | 1903 | Most frequently played series in Division I by more than 50 games. The Beavers won 14 of 16 contests from 1954 to 1959, 16 of 17 from 1962 to 1966 and 15 straight from 1980 to 1986. The Ducks won 19 of 20 outings from 1994-95 through 2002-03. |
| Purdue/Indiana | 124-89 | 1901 | Purdue won 50 of first 60 meetings with archrival. IU won 13 in a row from 1949 to 1955 and 25 of 42 from 1973 through 1993. The Boilermakers have prevailed in 12 of last 13 outings. |
| Tennessee/Vanderbilt | 126-75 | 1922 | The Volunteers, who are 72-20 at Knoxville, won 25 of 26 games overall from 1937 to 1950 and 25 of 30 from 1968 through 1982. Vandy's longest winning streak was six in the mid-1950s. The Vols have won 10 of last 11 outings. |
| Texas/Baylor | 163-94 | 1906 | UT won 16 of 17 games from 1914 to 1921, 14 of 15 from 1924 through 1930 and 24 in a row from 1999 to 2009. |
| Texas/Texas Christian | 113-68 | 1915 | Texas won the first 13 meetings, 10 straight from 1945 to 1950, eight in succession from 1977 through 1980, eight in a row from 1988 to 1991 before the SWC disbanded in 1996 and 11 consecutive from 1995 through 2015. TCU's longest winning streak was seven from 1982 through 1985. |
| Texas/Texas Tech | 88-63 | 1940 | Texas posted only one triumph over Texas Tech (75-74) in a 15-game stretch of their series from 1970 through 1976. The Longhorns won 11 straight from 1988 to 1993 and 13 in a row from 1998 to 2003. |
| Texas Tech/Baylor | 80-60 | 1937 | Tech won 10 straight from 1976 to 1980 and 1983 to 1987. |
| Texas Tech/Texas Christian | 85-52 | 1932 | Texas Tech won 12 of 13 from 1960 to 1966 and 19 straight from 1973 through 1981. |
| UCLA/Southern California | 143-113 | 1928 | UCLA's only two defeats in a 38-game stretch from 1964 through 1979 were back-to-back setbacks by a total of three points. USC won 42 in a row from 1932 to 1943, including nine consecutive seasons when the Trojans pulled off 4-0 sweeps. |
| Virginia/Virginia Tech | 95-57 | 1915 | Virginia won 10 of first 11, 15 of 17 from 1931 through 1941 and nine straight from 1978 to 1984. The Hokies twice won nine straight (from 1948 to 1952 and 1959 through 1965). UVA is 40-13 in Charlottesville. |
| Washington/Washington State | 186-107 | 1910 | UW won first seven meetings in the third-most frequently played series in Division I, all-time high 17 straight from 1923 to 1930, 14 of 16 from 1932 to 1936, 28 of 32 from 1952 through 1963, eight straight from 1971 to 1975 and eight straight from 1983 to 1987. WSU won 17 of 26 from 1945 to 1951 and seven in a row from 2006 through 2008. |
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle January 3 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 3 in football at the professional level (especially for San Francisco 49ers in playoff games following 1970, 1981, 1997 and 1998 seasons):
JANUARY 3
Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) had a playoff-career high seven pass receptions in 31-16 divisional-round win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1981.
Baltimore Colts CB Jim Duncan (UMES hooper) returned four kickoffs for 105 yards (26.3 average) in a 27-17 AFC Conference playoff win against the Oakland Raiders following 1970 season.
TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) opened the Arizona Cardinals' scoring by catching a touchdown pass in 27-16 wild-card playoff setback against the Carolina Panthers following 2014 season.
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) had eight pass receptions in a 23-17 wild-card playoff win in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts following 2008 season.
Minnesota Vikings TE Andrew Glover (All-SWAC second-team selection as senior in 1990-91 when leading Grambling with 16.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg while pacing league in field-goal shooting) had three pass receptions for 84 yards in a 38-22 NFC divisional playoff setback against the San Francisco 49ers following 1997 season. 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) rushed for two touchdowns on goal-line plunges.
TE Demetrius Harris (led Milwaukee in FG% and rebounding as senior in 2012-13) contributed the Kansas City Chiefs' final score with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Alex Smith in 23-17 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2015 season finale.
Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in 20-17 wild-card playoff setback against the Tennessee Titans following 2003 season.
St. Louis Rams WR Jordan Kent (part-time starter for Oregon under his father while averaging 3.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg from 2003-04 through 2005-06) had his lone NFL pass reception (five yards against San Francisco 49ers in 2009 regular-season finale).
San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions - returning one 20 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown - in 38-24 NFC divisional playoff win against the New York Giants following 1981 season.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught a game-winning 25-yard touchdown pass from Steve Young in 30-27 NFC wild-card playoff win against the Green Bay Packers following 1998 season.
Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned an interception 34 yards in 29-10 NFC wild-card playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys following 2003 season.
San Francisco 49ers TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) caught three passes for 70 yards in a 17-10 NFC championship game setback against the Dallas Cowboys following 1970 season.
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle January 2 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map amid politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 2 in football at the professional level (especially early in 2005 at end of 2004 season):
JANUARY 2
Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught four passes for 146 yards in a 30-23 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2004 season finale early in 2005. Ravens LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) had two sacks and forced two fumbles.
Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 14 passes for 144 yards in a 24-17 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2004 season finale early in 2005.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) opened game's scoring by throwing a 75-yard touchdown pass to Paul Warfield in 21-0 AFC championship playoff win against the Baltimore Colts following 1971 season.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie WR Tony Hargain (averaged 2.3 ppg for Oregon from 1986-87 through 1988-89 under coach Don Monson) caught two passes for 46 yards in a 17-0 setback against the San Diego Chargers in AFC wild-card game following 1992 season.
Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for a 13-yard touchdown in 23-12 NFL championship game win against the Cleveland Browns following 1965 season.
Philadelphia Eagles rookie QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-31 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1999 season finale early in 2000.
Washington Redskins TE Robert Royal (collected 10 points and six rebounds in five LSU basketball games in 2000-01) caught a touchdown pass in his third consecutive contest in 2004 regular-season finale early in 2005.
Miami Dolphins WR Lamar Thomas (collected 16 points and 4 rebounds in four games for Miami FL in 1990-91) caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Dan Marino in the fourth quarter to provide the difference in 24-17 wild-card playoff win against the Buffalo Bills following 1998 season early in 1999.
New York Jets DE Marvin Washington (played in 1985 NCAA Tournament with UTEP under coach Don Haskins before averaging 2.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Idaho under Tim Floyd in 1987-88) had career-high 2 1/2 sacks in a 24-0 setback against the Houston Oilers at end of 1993 regular season.
Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67) punted six times for 270 yards (45.0 average) in a 14-3 NFC championship game win against the San Francisco 49ers following 1971 season early in 1972.
Happy Birthday! January Celebration Dates for A-As and Hall of Fame Coaches
A high this month of seven NCAA Division I All-Americans were born on January 7th and 26th. Kansas, Kentucky and Notre Dame contributed the most A-As born in January with five apiece. Marquette (Dwayne Wade and Sam Worthen on 17th) and the Fighting Irish (David Rivers and Dick Rosenthal on 20th) each have two All-Americans born on the same day this month. All-Americans Bill Closs (Rice) and George Munroe (Dartmouth) both were born 100 years ago this month. Kenny Sailors, who passed away five years before celebrating his 100th birthday this month last year, is one of three former Wyoming A-As born in January. Following are All-Americans and Hall of Fame coaches born this month:
JANUARY
1: All-Americans Glen "Big Baby" Davis (born in 1986/Louisiana State), Travis Grant (1950/Kentucky State), George Gregory Jr. (1906/Columbia), Ronnie Lester (1959/Iowa), Mike Mitchell (1956/Auburn) and Waldo Wegner (1913/Iowa State).
2: All-Americans Hal Gensichen (1921/Western Michigan), Luke Harangody (1988/Notre Dame), Kirk Hinrich (1981/Kansas), Chris Thomforde (1947/Princeton) and Michael Young (1961/Houston).
3: All-Americans Jay Edwards (1969/Indiana), Don May (1946/Dayton), Doug McDermott (1992/Creighton) and Jason Sasser (1974/Texas Tech).
4: All-Americans Sidney Green (1961/UNLV) and Bob Morse (1951/Penn).
5: All-Americans Rod Fletcher (1930/Illinois), Ryan Minor (1974/Oklahoma), Rick Mount (1947/Purdue), George Munroe (1922/Dartmouth and Tyler Ulis (1996/Kentucky) plus Hall of Fame coach Luigi "Lou" Carnesecca (1925/St. John's).
6: All-Americans Sean Kilpatrick (1990/Cincinnati), Duane Klueh (1926/Indiana State), Tom Marshall (1931/Western Kentucky) and Dwayne "Pearl" Washington (1964/Syracuse).
7: All-Americans Todd Day (1970/Arkansas), Reece Gaines (1981/Louisville), Jerry Nemer (1912/Southern California), Don Rehfeldt (1927/Wisconsin), Edgar Sonderman (1916/Syracuse), Bill Uhl Sr. (1933/Dayton) and Michael Wright (1980/Arizona).
8: All-Americans Bill Closs (1922/Rice), John "Hook" Dillon (1924/North Carolina), Chris Douglas-Roberts (1987/Memphis), Tre Jones (2000/Duke), Todd Lichti (1967/Stanford) and Calvin Natt (1957/Northeast Louisiana) plus Hall of Fame coach Davey Whitney (1930/Alcorn State).
9: All-Americans Michael Beasley (1989/Kansas State) and James "Scoonie" Penn (1977/Ohio State).
10: All-Americans Paul Birch (1910/Duquesne) and Glenn Robinson Jr. (1973/Purdue) plus Hall of Fame coach Lou Henson (1932/Hardin-Simmons, New Mexico State and Illinois).
11: All-Americans Ernie Andres (1918/Indiana) and Gary Brokaw (1954/Notre Dame).
12: All-Americans Bonzie Colson II (1996/Notre Dame), Michael "Campy" Russell (1952/Michigan) and Dominique Wilkins (1960/Georgia).
13: All-Americans Tom Gola (1933/La Salle), Vernon Hatton (1936/Kentucky) and Alec Kessler (1967/Georgia).
14: All-Americans Meyer "Mike" Bloom (1915/Temple), Aaron Brooks (1985/Oregon), Wayne Hightower (1940/Kansas) and Kenny Sailors (1921/Wyoming).
15: All-Americans Bob Davies (1920/Seton Hall), Ernie DiGregorio (1951/Providence) and Don Kojis (1939/Marquette).
16: All-Americans Don MacLean (1970/UCLA), Greivis Vasquez (1987/Maryland) and Joseph "Jo Jo" White (1946/Kansas).
17: All-Americans Bill Davis (1911/Kentucky), Quamdeen "Ayo" Dosunmu (2000/Illinois), Don Forman (1926/NYU), Dwyane Wade (1982/Marquette), Sam Worthen (1958/Marquette) and Tyler Zeller (1990/North Carolina).
18: All-Americans Isaac "Bud" Stallworth (1950/Kansas) and Jewell Young (1913/Purdue).
19: All-Americans Ron Behagen (1951/Minnesota), Jim Line (1926/Kentucky) and Bill Mlkvy (1931/Temple).
20: All-Americans Ron Harper Sr. (1964/Miami of Ohio), Bailey Howell (1937/Mississippi State), Jason Richardson (1981/Michigan State), David Rivers (1965/Notre Dame), Dick Rosenthal (1930/Notre Dame) and Grady Wallace (1934/South Carolina) plus Hall of Fame coach Norm Stewart (1935/Missouri).
21: All-Americans Roosevelt Bouie (1958/Syracuse), Simpson "Skip" Brown (1955/Wake Forest), Hakeem Olajuwon (1963/Houston), Detlef Schrempf (1963/Washington) and Tom Stith (1939/St. Bonaventure) plus Hall of Fame coaches John Chaney (1932/Temple) and Don Donoher (1932/Dayton).
22: All-Americans Dillon Brooks (1996/Oregon), Quintin Dailey (1961/San Francisco), Greg Oden (1988/Ohio State), Leon Powe (1984/California), Lennie Rosenbluth (1933/North Carolina) and Sam Williams (1945/Iowa).
23: All-American Keita Bates-Diop (1996/Ohio State).
24: All-Americans Fennis Dembo (1966/Wyoming), Kevin Magee (1959/UC Irvine) and Albert "Ab" Nicholas (1931/Wisconsin).
25: All-Americans Da'Sean Butler (1988/West Virginia), Acie Law IV (1985/Texas A&M), Chris Mills (1970/Arizona), Rollie Seltz (1924/Hamline MN), Emilio "Zeke" Sinicola (1929/Niagara) and Walt Wesley (1945/Kansas).
26: All-Americans MarShon Brooks (1989/Providence), Vince Carter (1977/North Carolina), Bill Hapac (1918/Illinois), Tom Henderson (1952/Hawaii), Dick McGuire (1926/St. John's), Kevin Pangos (1993/Gonzaga) and Sylvester "Sly" Williams (1958/Rhode Island) plus Hall of Fame coach Walter "Doc" Meanwell (1884/Wisconsin and Missouri).
27: All-Americans Wesley Cox (1955/Louisville), Russell Lee (1950/Marshall) and Tony Windis (1933/Wyoming).
28: All-Americans Michael Cage (1962/San Diego State), Mark Madsen (1976/Stanford) and Payton Pritchard (1998/Oregon).
29: All-Americans Greg Ballard (1955/Oregon), Vinnie Ernst (1942/Providence) and Stacey King (1967/Oklahoma).
30: All-Americans Ernie Calverley (1924/Rhode Island State), John "Jack" Kerris (1925/Loyola of Chicago), Paul Neumann (1938/Stanford), Rick Robey (1956/Kentucky), Jalen Rose (1973/Michigan) and Mychal Thompson (1955/Minnesota) plus Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo (1955/Michigan State).
31: All-Americans Len Chappell (1941/Wake Forest) and Hal Lear (1935/Temple).
Birthdays in January for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in February for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in March for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in April for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in May for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in June for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in July for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in August for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in September for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in October for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in November for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in December for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle January 1 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 1 in football at the professional level (especially in NFL and AFL championship contests following 1966 campaign):
JANUARY 1
Houston Oilers TE John Carson (Georgia hoops letterman in 1952 and 1953) had a 13-yard pass reception in 24-16 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in AFL championship contest following 1960 season. Oilers rookie WR Bill Groman (led Heidelberg OH in scoring average as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught a touchdown pass from George Blanda.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw two 29-yard first-half touchdown passes in a 31-7 win against the Buffalo Bills in AFL championship game following 1966 season on first day of 1967. FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) provided the go-ahead TD catch from Dawson. FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) scored the Bills' only TD with a 69-yard pass from Jack Kemp.
Arizona Cardinals TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) had a 37-yard touchdown reception in 44-6 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 2016 season finale.
Dallas Cowboys E Pete Gent (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection averaged 17.4 ppg and 8.3 rpg in leading Michigan State in scoring each season from 1961-62 through 1963-64) caught three passes for 28 yards in a 34-27 NFL championship game setback against the Green Bay Packers following 1966 season. Packers WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) had a nine-yard pass reception.
San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 34-9 divisional playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings following 1988 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) had 81-yard punt return for a touchdown in 35-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 2005 regular-season finale on first day of 2006.
Baltimore Ravens LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) scored a touchdown on fumble recovery return in 20-16 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 2005 regular-season finale on first day of 2006.
On This Date: January Calendar For Notable Games in NCAA Hoops History
Louisiana State's Pete Maravich, the NCAA's career scoring leader, still holds the all-time single-game scoring mark by an individual opponent against eight universities (Alabama, Auburn, Duquesne, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Tulane and Vanderbilt). Do you know who holds the record for highest output against the Tigers? Standard was achieved during month of January by Ole Miss' Johnny Neumann, who fired in a school-record 63 points at LSU the season after Maravich's eligibility expired.
This month also features UCLA's single-game rebounding record, a mark not established by either of celebrated centers Lew Alcindor or Bill Walton. Speaking of rebounding, existing single-game standards against a Division I opponent for Lamar and Oral Roberts were set in the same contest in 1972 and USC's single-game mark against a DI foe came from two different players on the same day 22 years apart. In one of the most dominating performances of 20th Century, Rick Barry set Miami FL scoring and rebounding records in the same game. Following is a day-by-day calendar citing memorable moments in January college basketball history:
JANUARY
1 - Hank Luisetti (50 points vs. Duquesne at Cleveland in 1938) set Stanford's single-game scoring record. . . . Seton Hall's school-record 46-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by William & Mary (57-55 in 1954). . . . Penn opposed Yale in 1927 in debut game at the legendary Palestra in Philadelphia. . . . Bailey Howell (34 vs. Louisiana State in 1957) set Mississippi State's single-game rebounding record.
2 - Chris Collier (49 points vs. Butler in 1991) set Georgia State's single-game scoring record. Collier's output is also an all-time high by an Atlantic Sun Conference player. . . . Mississippi State's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Auburn (64-48 in 1960). . . . Morehead State's Steve Hamilton (38 vs. Florida State in 1957) and Murray State's Dick Cunningham (36 vs. MacMurray IL in 1967) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Eventual MLB INF Jack Kubiszyn scored a career-high 47 points for Alabama in a game against Mississippi College in 1957.
3 - Markus Howard (52 points at Providence in 2018) set Marquette's single-game scoring record and tied Big East Conference contest standard. . . . Daishon Smith (42 vs. Little Rock in 2019) set Louisiana-Monroe's single-game scoring standard at NCAA Division I level. . . . Wake Forest snapped North Carolina State's school-record 36-game winning streak (83-78 in 1975). . . . Brigham Young's school-record 53-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Wake Forest (94-87 in 2009). . . . Pacific Coast Conference cellar dweller Oregon upset NCAA Tournament champion-to-be California in 1959. . . . DePaul's Ken Warzynski (28 vs. Harvard in 1970), Long Beach State's Michael Zeno (22 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1983) and Wisconsin's Paul Morrow (30 vs. Purdue in 1953) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
4 - Ball State's Chris Williams (48 points at Akron in overtime in 2003), Lamar's Mike James (52 vs. Louisiana College in 2011), Loyola Marymount's Bo Kimble (54 at St. Joseph's in 1990) and Texas-El Paso's Jim Barnes (51 vs. Western New Mexico in 1964) set school single-game scoring records. Kimble won game in Philly hometown with running three-pointer after crossing half-court on dribble along left sideline. . . . In 2003, Butler's Darnell Archey established an NCAA Division I standard by converting his 74th of 85 consecutive free throws. . . . Illinois' school-record 31-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Iowa (60-59 in 1986). . . . Delaware's Jack Waddington (31 vs. Rutgers in 1956), Middle Tennessee State's Mike Milholland (32 vs. Austin Peay State in 1965), Nebraska's Bill Johnson (26 vs. Iowa State in 1954), Nevada's Pete Padgett (30 vs. Loyola Marymount in 1973) and Valparaiso's Chris Ensminger (24 vs. Northeastern Illinois in 1996) set school single-game rebounding records.
5 - Eastern Washington's Rodney Stuckey (45 points at Northern Arizona in 2006), Fairfield's Curtis Cobb (46 at Manhattan in 2017), Michigan State's Terry Furlow (50 vs. Iowa in 1976) and West Virginia's Hot Rod Hundley (54 vs. Furman in 1957) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Stephen F. Austin State's Scott Dimak (40 at Texas Southern in 1989) set school single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . In 1991, Loyola Marymount's 186-point output is the highest in NCAA history by a team in a single game and Kevin Bradshaw's 72-point outburst for U.S. International CA is the most ever for a player against a major-college opponent. . . . Fairfield's Darren Phillip (25 vs. Marist in 2000), Texas-San Antonio's Lennell Moore (25 vs. Centenary in 1987) and Tulane's Mel Payton (31 vs. Mississippi State in 1951) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Sacramento State's NCAA-record 56-game losing streak away from home (road and neutral sites) ended with a 68-56 success at Loyola of Chicago in 1995.
6 - Drexel's John Rankin (44 points vs. Rider in 1988), Pepperdine's William "Bird" Averitt (57 vs. Nevada-Reno in 1973) and Xavier's Steve Thomas (50 vs. Detroit in 1964) set school single-game scoring records. Averitt's output is also a West Coast Conference record in league competition. . . . Ernie Losch (41 vs. Utah State in 1973) tied Tulane's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . Bob Mortell (24 vs. Virginia Military in 1960) set Virginia's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
7 - UC Riverside's Rickey Porter (40 points at Pacific in 2006), Michigan's Rudy Tomjanovich (48 vs. Indiana in overtime in 1969) and Southwest Texas State's Lynwood Wade (42 vs. Sam Houston State in double overtime in 1993) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . North Carolina hit an NCAA-record 94.1% of its second-half field-goal attempts (16-of-17 vs. Virginia in 1978). . . . Niagara's Gary Bossert set an NCAA single-game record by hitting 11 consecutive three-point field-goal attempts against Siena in 1987. . . . Long Beach State ended UNLV's Big West Conference-record 40-game winning streak (101-94 in 1993), Pacific's school-record 45-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Long Beach State (91-85 in 1973), Tennessee's school-record 37-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Gonzaga (89-79 in overtime) and UNLV's school-record 72-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by New Mexico (102-98 in 1978). . . . Alex "Boo" Ellis (31 vs. Kent State in 1957) set Niagara's single-game rebounding record.
8 - Eddie House (61 points at California in double overtime in 2000) set Arizona State's single-game scoring record and tied Pac-12 Conference standard. . . . Michael Hicks (47 at Cal Poly in overtime in 2001) set Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's single-game scoring mark. . . . Isiaih Mosley (43 vs. Northern Iowa in 2022) set Missouri State's single-game scoring standard at NCAA Division I level. . . . Georgia Tech snapped Kentucky's NCAA-record 129-game homecourt winning streak and SEC-record 51-game winning streak in 1955. . . . Nelson Richardson (26 vs. Manhattan in 1977) set Siena's single-game rebounding record.
9 - Cincinnati sophomore Oscar Robertson (56 points) personally outscored Seton Hall in a 118-54 rout of the Pirates at Madison Square Garden in 1958. . . . Alabama's Jerry Harper (28 vs. Mississippi State in 1956), Texas-Arlington's Albert Culton (24 vs. Northeastern in 1981), Villanova's Howard Porter (30 vs. St. Peter's in 1971) and Virginia Tech's Chris Smith (36 vs. Washington & Lee VA in 1959) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
10 - Connecticut's Bill Corley (51 points vs. New Hampshire in 1968), Massachusetts' Luwane Pipkins (44 vs. La Salle in 2018), John Conforti of St. Francis NY (45 vs. Wagner in 1970), Washington's Bob Houbregs (49 vs. Idaho in 1953) and Winthrop's Melvin Branham (45 at Charleston Southern in 1994) set school single-game scoring records. Pipkins played for Providence two seasons later. . . . Alec Peters (39 at Detroit in 2016) tied Valparaiso's single-game scoring standard at NCAA Division I level. . . . Navy's David Robinson (45 at James Madison in 1987) set CAA scoring record in league competition. . . . Saint Joseph's and Xavier combined to have an NCAA-record eight players foul out in 1976. . . . Connecticut's school-record 31-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Marquette (73-69 in 2007) and Western Kentucky's school-record 67-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Xavier (82-80 in overtime in 1955). . . . Ed Diddle made his Western Kentucky head coaching debut in 1923 with a 103-7 decision over the Adairville Independents en route to a school-record 759 victories. . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach to compile 500 victories the fastest with a 92-59 win over DePaul in 1955 (584 games in 23rd season). . . . Louisiana-Lafayette's Roy Ebron (28 vs. Northwestern State in 1972) and Vanderbilt's Clyde Lee (28 vs. Mississippi in 1966) set school single-game rebounding records.
11 - Don Scaife (43 points at Samford in 1975) set Arkansas State's Division I single-game scoring record. . . . Texas Tech's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Colorado (80-78 in 1997). . . . Alcorn State's Larry Smith (21 vs. Mississippi Valley State in 1979), UC Santa Barbara's Eric McArthur (28 vs. New Mexico State in 1990) and Dartmouth's Rudy LaRusso (32 vs. Columbia in 1958) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Bill Clark (23 vs. Oakland in 1973) set Ball State's single-game rebounding record at DI level.
12 - Bucknell's Al Leslie (45 points vs. American in 1980) set the East Coast Conference single-game scoring record. . . . Mike Olliver (50 at Portland State in 1980) set Lamar's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . Iowa State's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Oklahoma State (69-66 in 2002) and Michigan State's school-record 53-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Wisconsin (64-63 in 2002). . . . Marshall's Charlie Slack (43 vs. Morris Harvey WV in 1954), Monmouth's Karl Towns (23 vs. Morgan State in 1985) and Robert Morris' Mike Morton (20 vs. Baltimore in 1980) set school single-game rebounding records.
13 - Boise State's Chandler Hutchison (44 points vs. San Diego State in 2018), Bowling Green's Jim Darrow (52 vs. Toledo in overtime in 1960), Cal Poly's Shanta Cotright (43 vs. George Mason in 1996), Charleston Southern's Dwyane Jackson (43 at Virginia Military in 2007), Kentucky's Jodie Meeks (54 at Tennessee in 2009), Sacramento State's Loren Leath (41 at Northern Colorado in 2009), Southeastern Louisiana's Sam Bowie (39 at Central Florida in 1996), Southeast Missouri State's Daimon Gonner (37 at Tennessee State in double overtime in 2005) and UAB's Andy Kennedy (41 vs. Saint Louis in 1991/subsequently tied) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Leath did his damage coming off the bench. . . . Oklahoma ended Kansas' NCAA-record 35-game winning streak on the road (45-19 in 1928). . . . Marquette's school-record 81-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Notre Dame (71-69 in 1973). . . . Doug Hess (27 vs. Marshall in 1971) tied Toledo's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
14 - Loyola MD's Andre Walker (43 points vs. Lafayette in 2018), Sacred Heart's Quincy McKnight (44 at Bryant in 3OT in 2017), SIU-Edwardsville's Burak Eslik (40 vs. Morehead State in overtime in 2016), Syracuse's Bill Smith (47 vs. Lafayette in 1971) and Virginia Commonwealth's Chris Cheeks (42 vs. Old Dominion in overtime in 1989) set school Division I single-game scoring records. McKnight subsequently transferred to Seton Hall. . . . Damon Stoudamire (45 at Stanford in 1995) set Arizona's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent.
15 - Coppin State's school-record 42-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by North Carolina A&T (76-70 in 1997), Murray State's school-record 47-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Southeast Missouri State (84-78 in 2000) and Virginia's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by North Carolina (101-95 in 1983). . . . Texas-Pan American ended its NCAA-record 64-game road losing streak with a 79-62 triumph at Oral Roberts in 2000. . . . Bob Reiter (27 vs. Kansas State in 1955) set Missouri's single-game rebounding record. . . . . Bob Lazor (23 vs. Penn State in 1955) set Pittsburgh's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
16 - Columbia's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Penn (66-64 in 1952).
17 - New Mexico State's John Williamson (48 points at California in 1972) and UNC Wilmington's Brian Rowsom (39 at East Carolina in 1987) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Virginia Military's school-record 35-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Appalachian State (73-58 in 1979). . . . Steve Stiepler (22 vs. Charleston Southern in 1977) set James Madison's single-game rebounding record.
18 - A weekly ritual began when the Associated Press announced results of its first weekly basketball poll in 1949 (SLU was initial #1). . . . CJ Carter (45 points vs. IUPUI in 2015) set Omaha's single-game scoring record against NCAA DI opponent. . . . Indiana State's Jim Cruse (25 vs. Drake in 1997) and North Texas' Ken Williams (29 vs. Lamar in 1978) set school single-game rebounding records.
19 - UC Davis' Corey Hawkins (40 points at Hawaii in 2013), Charleston Southern's Ben Hinson (43 vs. Edward Waters FL in 1985/subsequently tied) and New Hampshire's Brad Cirino (39 at Maine in four overtimes in 1996/subsequently tied) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Jim Ashmore (45 vs. Mississippi in 1957) set Mississippi State's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Notre Dame came from behind in the closing minutes to end visiting UCLA's NCAA-record 88-game winning streak in 1974. . . . George Mason's Andre Smith set an NCAA single-game record by sinking all 10 of his shots from beyond the three-point arc against James Madison in 2008. . . . Ron deVries (24 vs. Pacific in 1974) set Illinois State's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Chris Street, Iowa's top rebounder with 9.5 per game, died instantly in 1993 in a collision between the car he was driving and a county dumptruck/snowplow.
20 - Austin Peay's James "Fly" Williams (51 points vs. Tennessee Tech in 1973), Fordham's Ken Charles (46 vs. St. Peter's in 1973/tied mark established two seasons earlier), Memphis State's Larry Finch (48 vs. St. Joseph's IN in 1973) and Oklahoma City's Gary Gray (55 at West Texas State in 1967) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Houston ended UCLA's 47-game winning streak (71-69 in Astrodome in 1968), Minnesota's school-record 40-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Nebraska (22-21 in 1905) and West Virginia's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by St. Bonaventure (64-63 in 1983). . . . Visiting Texas-El Paso snapped Memphis' NCAA-record 52-game winning streak in regular-season conference competition (C-USA/72-67 in 2010). . . . Cliff Robinson (28 vs. Portland State in 1978) and David Bluthenthal (28 vs. Arizona State in 2000) set and tied Southern California's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
21 - Howard's Ron Williamson (52 points vs. North Carolina A&T in 2003) and Saint Joseph's Jack Egan (47 at Gettysburg PA in 1961/subsequently tied) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Adrian Oliver (39 vs. Louisiana Tech in 210) set San Jose State's single-game scoring standard against a Division I opponent. . . . Kansas' school-record 69-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Texas (74-63 in 2011) and DePaul's school-record 36-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Dayton (67-63 in 1985). . . . Terry Rutherford (21 vs. Marshall in 1978) set Western Carolina's single-game rebounding record against a Division I opponent.
22 - Lee Campbell (20 vs. Cleveland State in 1990) tied his own Missouri State single-game rebounding record against a Division I opponent.
23 - Eastern Illinois' Jay Taylor (47 points vs. Chicago State in 1989), Middle Tennessee State's Mike Milholland (44 vs. Austin Peay in 1965), Nicholls State's Anatoly Bose (46 at Northwestern State in double overtime in 2010), South Florida's Dominique Jones (46 at Providence in overtime in 2010) and Tennessee State's Anthony Mason (44 at Eastern Kentucky in 1988) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Jacksonville's James Ray (45 vs. South Florida in 1980) set Sun Belt Conference single-game scoring record in league competition. . . . Northeastern's Steve Carney (23 vs. Hartford in 1988) and Ohio University's Howard Joliff (28 vs. Kent State in 1960) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Creighton's Paul Silas (36 vs. Marquette in 1964) became the only player in NCAA DI history to twice grab more than 35 rebounds in a single game. He previously had 38 caroms vs. Centenary on 2-19-62.
24 - Appalachian State's Stan Davis (56 points at Carson-Newman TN in 1974), Chattanooga's Oliver Morton (50 vs. Pikeville KY in 2001), Loyola of New Orleans' Ty Marioneaux (53 vs. Virginia Commonwealth in 1970), North Carolina Central's Connell "C.J." Wilkerson (41 at North Carolina A&T in overtime in 2011), Oakland's Travis Bader (47 vs. IUPUI in 2013) and Texas-Arlington's Steven Barber (43 at Texas-San Antonio in 2002) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . San Diego State's Ben Wardrop set an NCAA record for shortest playing time before disqualification by fouling out in only 1:11 at Colorado State in 2004. . . . Notre Dame's school-record 45-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Connecticut (69-61 in 2009).
25 - Southern's Avery Johnson tied an NCAA single-game record against DI opponent with 22 assists against Texas Southern in 1988. . . . Brigham Young's school-record 44-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Utah (79-75 in 2003). . . . East Carolina's Erroyl Bing (24 vs. South Florida in 2003), Kansas State's David Hall (27 vs. Oklahoma in 1971), Lamar's Steve Wade (27 vs. Oral Roberts in 1972), Oral Roberts' Eddie Woods (30 vs. Lamar in 1972) and Seton Hall's Nick Werkman (32 vs. Boston College in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . The final 36 seconds of Ohio State's 50-44 win at Minnesota in 1972 were not played after a melee ensued following a flagrant foul on Buckeyes center Luke Witte as he attempted a layup. The Gophers, despite a pair of remainder-of-season suspensions, went on to capture the Big Ten Conference championship while OSU finished runner-up.
26 - Gonzaga's Frank Burgess (52 points vs. UC Davis in 1961) and Youngstown State's Tilman Bevely (55 vs. Tennessee Tech in 1987) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Bevely's output also tied Ohio Valley Conference record in league competition. . . . Arizona and Northern Arizona combined for an NCAA-record 130 free-throw attempts in a 1953 contest. . . . Herb Neff (36 vs. Georgia Tech in 1952) set Tennessee's single-game rebounding record.
27 - Georgia Southern's Johnny Mills (44 points vs. Samford in 1973), Indiana's Jimmy Rayl (56 vs. Minnesota in 1962/subsequently tied by him), James Madison's Steve Stiepler (51 vs. Robert Morris in 1979), UNC Greensboro's Trevis Simpson (41 vs. Chattanooga in 2013) and West Texas State's Simmie Hill (42 at Texas Western in 1968) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Visiting New Mexico State overcame a 28-0 deficit to defeat Bradley in 1977. . . . Big Ten Conference perennial cellar dweller Northwestern upset Magic Johnson and NCAA Tournament champion-to-be Michigan State by 18 points in 1979 and Big Eight Conference sixth-place finisher Nebraska upset Danny Manning and NCAA playoff champion-to-be Kansas in 1988. . . . Centenary's Robert Parish (33 vs. Southern Mississippi in 1973) and Florida's Neal Walk (31 vs. Alabama in 1968) set school single-game rebounding records.
28 - Syracuse's Sherman Douglas tied an NCAA single-game record with 22 assists against Providence in 1989. . . . Jim Loscutoff of Oregon (32 vs. Brigham Young in 1955), Maurice Stokes of Saint Francis PA (39 vs. John Carroll OH in 1955) and Willie Naulls of UCLA (28 vs. Arizona State in 1956) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Barney Cable (28 vs. Marquette in 1956) set Bradley's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent.
29 - Arkansas State's Jeff Clifton (43 points vs. Arkansas-Little Rock in 1994/tied mark), Jacksonville's Ernie Fleming (59 vs. St. Peter's in 1972), Seton Hall's Nick Werkman (52 vs. Scranton PA in 1964), USC Upstate's Deion Holmes (39 vs. Lipscomb in 2OT in 2018/tied), Utah Valley's Ryan Toolson (63 at Chicago State in quadruple overtime in 2009), Vermont's Eddie Benton (54 vs. Drexel in 1994) and Wagner's Terrance Bailey (49 vs. Brooklyn in triple overtime in 1986) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Benton's output is also an America East Conference record in league competition. . . . Big East Conference West Division cellar dweller Rutgers upset Carmelo Anthony and NCAA Tournament champion-to-be Syracuse in 2003. . . . Columbia's Jacob "Jack" Molinas (31 vs. Brown in 1953), North Carolina State's Ronnie Shavlik (35 vs. Villanova in 1955) and Penn State's Jesse Arnelle (27 vs. Temple in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records.
30 - Maryland-Eastern Shore's Tee Trotter (42 points at Howard in overtime in 2003), Mississippi's Johnny Neumann (63 at Louisiana State in 1971), New Orleans' Ledell Eackles (45 at Florida International in 1988), Seattle's Elgin Baylor (60 vs. Portland in 1958), Tennessee Tech's Kevin Murphy (50 vs. SIU-Edwardsville in 2012) and Western Kentucky's Clem Haskins (55 vs. Middle Tennessee State in 1965) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Haskins' output is also an Ohio Valley Conference record in league competition. . . . Rick Barry (51 vs. Oklahoma City in 1965) set Miami's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . William & Mary ended West Virginia's Southern Conference-record 44-game winning streak in 1960. . . . UC Irvine's Kevin Magee (25 vs. Long Beach State in 1982), Miami's Rick Barry (29 vs. Oklahoma City in 1965) and Oklahoma State's Andy Hopson (27 vs. Missouri in 1973) set school single-game rebounding records.
31 - LSU's Pete Maravich, despite having 13 regular-season games remaining in 1970, passed Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson (2,973 points from 1957-58 through 1959-60) with 4:43 left against Mississippi to become the NCAA's career scoring leader. . . . Gerhard "Jerry" Varn (51 points vs. Piedmont GA in 1953) set The Citadel's single-game scoring record. . . . Ty Greene (39 at North Florida in 2015) set USC Upstate's single-game scoring record at DI level. . . . Holy Cross' Jim McCaffrey (46 vs. Iona in 1985) set MAAC scoring record in league competition. . . . Loyola Marymount outgunned U.S. International CA (181-150 in 1989) in the highest-scoring game in major-college history. . . . Manhattan's Bruce Seals established an NCAA single-game record with 27 three-point field-goal attempts (making nine vs. Canisius in 2000). . . . Canisius' Darren Fenn (22 vs. Manhattan in 2000/tied), George Mason's Kenny Sanders (22 vs. American in 1989), Loyola Marymount's Hank Gathers (29 vs. U.S. International CA in 1989), Princeton's Carl Belz (29 vs. Rutgers in 1959) and St. Bonaventure's Bob Lanier (23 vs. Niagara in 1970/tied) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
Memorable Moments in December College Basketball History
Memorable Moments in November College Basketball History
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 31 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 31 in football at the professional level (especially in 1961 championship game):
DECEMBER 31
Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) opened game's scoring with a six-yard rushing touchdown in 37-0 playoff win against the New York Giants in 1961 NFL championship contest. Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) had game highs of four pass receptions and 80 receiving yards - including two touchdowns from Bart Starr. Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) caught three passes for 41 yards.
Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two touchdown passes in a 26-3 NFC championship game win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1972.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two touchdown passes in a 21-3 NFC wild-card playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000.
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 30 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 30 in football at the professional level (especially by 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.
In Memoriam: RIP List of 2021 Deceased Impacting World of NCAA DI Hoops
"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 2021 of a striking number of major-college basketball movers and shakers. All-Americans in necrology category included Cliff Anderson (St. Joseph's), Elgin Baylor (Seattle, Chuck Darling (Iowa), Ralph Davis Jr. (Cincinnati), Bob Ferry (St. Louis), Ed Gayda (Washington State), Jimmy Hagan (Tennessee Tech), Forrest "Fordy" Hamilton (Southwest Missouri), Jerry Harkness (Loyola of Chicago), Don Kojis (Marquette, Bob "Slick" Leonard (Indiana) and Paul Westphal (Southern California). Westphal is among former all-conference selections from five different Pac-12 members who perished in 2021. Two former Murray State coaches winning more than 100 victories for the Racers - Ron Greene and Cal Luther - are among the following alphabetical list of deceased who usually didn't drop the ball on the court:
- Stan Albeck, 89, compiled a 90-106 NCAA DI coaching record in seven seasons with Denver (15-35 in 1968-69 and 1969-70) and Bradley (75-71 in five years from 1986-87 through 1990-91).
- Burwell "Bucky" Allen Jr., 85, averaged 10.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Duke from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Harold Bradley. Allen was an All-ACC second-team selection as a senior.
- Cliff Anderson, 76, led St. Joseph's in scoring and rebounding all three seasons from 1964-65 through 1966-67 while averaging 20.6 ppg and 14.6 rpg. All-American as a senior when ranking eighth in the nation in scoring with 26.5 ppg before becoming 35th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Bruce Applegate, 83, averaged 10.9 ppg and 5 rpg for Miami (Fla.) from 1958-59 through 1960-61. As a junior, he was fourth-leading scorer and rebounder with the Hurricanes' first NCAA tourney team.
- Jerry Armstrong, 76, led Don Haskins-coached Texas Western's iconic 1966 NCAA Tournament champion in free-throw percentage (87.5%; 21-of-24) as a senior. Armstrong averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg in three seasons.
- John Arndt, 93, averaged a team-high 15.7 ppg in Loyola Marymount's inaugural season at the major-college level in 1949-50. He compiled a 91-90 coaching record with his alma mater in seven seasons from 1961-62 through 1967-68.
- Fletcher Arritt, 79, averaged 2.7 ppg for Virginia from 1961-62 through 1963-64.
- Ed Ashnault, 86, compiled an 81-90 coaching record in seven major-college seasons with Colgate (65-59 in five years from 1967-68 through 1971-72) and William & Mary (16-31 in 1972-73 and 1973-74).
- Jerry Bachich, 84, averaged 6.6 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Santa Clara from 1956-57 through 1959-60 (redshirt in 1958-59). He led the Broncos in rebounding in 1957-58.
- Bill Baird averaged 18.1 ppg while leading Rhode Island in scoring all three seasons from 1950-51 through 1952-53. He was a two-time All-Yankee Conference first-team selection.
- C. "Duane" Baker, 84, played for Ohio University in 1955-56. Pitcher set OU's single-season record for ERA (0.52).
- Lyle Bakken, 82, averaged 5.3 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Washington from 1959-60 through 1961-62 before rupturing his Achilles.
- Ron Bane, 88, averaged 8.4 ppg and 3 rpg for UCLA from 1951-52 through 1954-55 under coach John Wooden. Bane scored 13 points in his first NCAA playoff game as a freshman.
- Bob Barton, 77, averaged 2.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg for American University in 1964-65 as school was making transition to major-college status.
- Willie Bascus, 72, averaged 7.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Montana from 1969-70 through 1971-72.
- Boyd Batts, 68, averaged 13.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Hawaii in 1973-74 before transferring to UNLV, where he averaged 10.5 ppg and 6.1 rpg in 1974-75 and 1975-76 for coach Jerry Tarkanian's first two NCAA tourney teams with the Rebels.
- Dale Baum, 57, averaged 4.5 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Weber State from 1982-83 through 1986-87 (redshirt in 1984-85). He participated in NCAA playoffs as a freshman under coach Neil McCarthy.
- Bill Baxter, 87, was a Campbellsville KY transfer who averaged 7 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Eastern Kentucky in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
- Joe Baxter, 64, was a juco recruit who averaged 5.8 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Texas Tech in 1977-78 and 1978-79 under coach Gerald Myers.
- Elgin Baylor, 86, averaged 31.2 ppg and 19.8 rpg as All-American with Seattle in 1956-57 and 1957-58. He led the nation in rebounding his first DI season before finishing third the next year while ranking among top three scorers each campaign. Final Four Most Outstanding in 1958 for national runner-up.
- Steve Beatty, 60, averaged 2.6 ppg for Pittsburgh from 1980-81 through 1983-84. He participated in the NCAA playoffs each of his first two seasons.
- Bing Bennett, 88, played for Mississippi State in 1954-55. He compiled an 8-5 pitching record in the Detroit Tigers' farm system in 1955.
- Dave Bennett, 57, averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Evansville in 1981-82 and 1982-83 before transferring to Kentucky Wesleyan.
- Bob Benson, 83, averaged 2.7 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Clemson from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Press Maravich. Owner of the Carolina Lightnin' (American Soccer League) and Charlotte Heat (World Team Tennis).
- R.L. Benson, 89, was a Fresno State and juco transfer who averaged 3 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Utah in 1956-57 under coach Jack Gardner.
- Harley Beyers, 93, was an Illinois State transfer who played for Northern Colorado in 1949-50.
- Cameron Biedscheid, 27, averaged 6.2 ppg as Notre Dame freshman in 2012-13 under coach Mike Brey before transferring to Missouri (dismissed from squad), Jacksonville State (6 ppg in brief stint in 2015-16), LSU-Shreveport and Harris-Stowe in hometown of St. Louis.
- John Biever, 89, averaged 8.6 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Northwestern from 1951-52 through 1953-54, leading the Wildcats in rebounding average each of his last two seasons. Senior hoops captain also played football with the Wildcats as a wide receiver.
- Bill Bigley Jr. played for Seattle in the mid-1950s.
- Karl Binns Sr., 69, was a juco recruit who averaged a team-high 6.5 rpg as Georgia Tech's first African-American player in 1971-72 before transferring to Morris Brown GA.
- Ron Birt averaged 7.1 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Kent State from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
- Leon Black, 89, averaged 4.1 ppg for Texas from 1950-51 through 1952-53 before compiling a 106-121 coaching record with his alma mater in nine seasons from 1967-68 through 1975-76. Abe Lemons' predecessor guided them to two NCAA tourneys in a three-year span (1972 and 1974).
- Eldred "Ellie" Blackwell, 89, averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Baylor in 1952-53 and 1953-54 under coach Bill Henderson.
- Ed Blair Jr., 85, was a Notre Dame football transfer who averaged 20 ppg for Western Michigan from 1956-57 through 1958-59. All-Mid-American Conference first-team selection each of his last two seasons when pacing WMU in scoring and rebounding.
- Paul Blanchard, 90, played for Cornell in the early 1950s.
- Martell Bland, 49, averaged 4.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.6 apg for Saint Mary's from 1990-91 through 1993-94.
- Charles "Danny" Blevins, 89, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Wyoming's 1952 NCAA tourney team coached by Everett Shelton.
- Fred Block, 83, played for Cornell in 1957-58.
- Gene "Buzz" Bogash, 80, was a juco recruit who averaged 11.2 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Drake in 1963-64 and 1964-65 under coach Maury John. Bogash was runner-up with the Bulldogs both seasons.
- Jim Bolla, 70, averaged 3.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Pittsburgh from 1971-72 through 1974-75. As a junior, he was starter with East Regional finalist.
- Frank "Doug" Bolstorff, 90, averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Minnesota from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Ozzie Cowles.
- Dr. Jeff Boothe, 67, was a juco recruit who averaged 2.1 ppg for Texas in 1974-75 and 1975-76.
- Larry Bornschlegl, 77, averaged 2.4 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Nebraska in 1962-63 and 1963-64. He was also a three-year letterman with the Huskers in baseball.
- Orville Bose, 83, averaged 13.4 ppg and 6 rpg for Butler from 1957-58 through 1960-61 under coach Tony Hinkle. After being a member of NIT teams his first two seasons, Bose was runner-up in scoring and rebounding with the Bulldogs each of his last two campaigns.
- Henry "Hank" Bowers III, 84, averaged 3 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Wake Forest from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
- Zachary Boyages, 90, averaged 4.1 ppg for Dartmouth in 1950-51 and 1951-52 under coach Doggie Julian.
- Tom "T.C." Boykin averaged 2.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Dayton in 1958-59 under coach Tom Blackburn.
- Joe Boylan, 82, played for Lafayette in 1959-60. He compiled a 2-25 record as coach of Loyola (Md.) in 1992-93.
- Jim Brady, 88, played for Villanova in 1952-53 under coach Alex Severence.
- Dick Braucher, 74, averaged 10.1 ppg and 5 rpg for North Carolina State from 1966-67 through 1968-69 in Norm Sloan's first three seasons as coach of the Wolfpack.
- Manny Breland, 87, averaged 8.5 ppg for Syracuse from 1953-54 through 1956-57. First African-American athlete offered a SU basketball scholarship missed 1955-56 campaign after diagnosed with tuberculosis while attending ROTC summer camp. As a senior, he was in regular rotation for school's initial NCAA playoff participant.
- John Brewer, 85, averaged 3.8 ppg and 3 rpg for Kentucky's three NCAA tourney teams from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Adolph Rupp.
- Jimmy Broadway, 75, averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Wake Forest from 1965-66 through 1967-68.
- Jim Brockman, 78, averaged 7.3 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Southern Methodist from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Doc Hayes. Brockman was runner-up with the Mustangs in scoring as a senior with 13.3 ppg.
- Chris Brooks, 54, averaged 13.7 ppg and 6.2 rpg while shooting 60.2% from the floor for West Virginia from 1987-88 through 1990-91 under coach Gale Catlett. Two-time All-Atlantic 10 Conference selection led the Mountaineers in scoring and rebounding as a senior.
- Charles "Bud" Brotebeck, 90, was an All-MAC second-team selection in 1951-52 as Western Michigan's third-leading scorer with 11 ppg. In the same calendar year, he appeared in College World Series before SS hit .208 while playing two seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system (1953 and 1955).
- Marlon Brumfield, 37, averaged 2.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for DePaul from 2002-03 through 2005-06. He was runner-up in rebounding for the Blue Demons' 2005 NIT team with 6.4 rpg.
- Jim Buchanan, 90, averaged 11.9 ppg for Nebraska from 1949-50 through 1951-52. All-Big Seven Conference first-team selection as a senior when leading the Huskers in scoring.
- Dick Bunt, 91, averaged 12.5 ppg for NYU from 1949-50 through 1951-52 before becoming 27th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Charles Burch Sr., 94, lettered for Georgia in 1944-45 before serving in U.S. Navy.
- Bill Burwell, 80, averaged 15.3 ppg and 9.6 rpg for Illinois from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Harry Combes. Burwell was the Illini's runner-up in rebounding each of his last two seasons, participating in NCAA tourney as a senior.
- Dr. Ken Caldwell Sr., 89, was a starter for Memphis State's first two NCAA playoff teams in 1955 and 1956. He was runner-up in scoring (16 ppg) for the Tigers' initial playoff participant.
- Tom Callahan, 66, averaged 6.8 ppg for Baylor in 1975-76 and 1976-77.
- Jerry Calvert Sr., 85, averaged 11.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Kentucky from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Adolph Rupp. As a junior and senior, Calvert was among the Wildcats' top four scorers for back-to-back NCAA playoff teams.
- Tim Campbell, 80, averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Oregon State from 1959-60 through 1962-63 under coach Slats Gill (redshirt in 1960-61). The Beavers reached the Final Four in Campbell's senior season.
- Brian Camper averaged 4.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.8 apg with Arizona State in 1989-90 and 1990-91 under coach Bill Frieder before transferring home to Long Beach State, where he averaged 7.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.6 apg and 1.2 spg in 1992-93 and 1993-94.
- Bill Carey, 91, averaged 1.7 ppg for Michigan State in 1950-51 in Pete Newell's first season as coach of the Spartans. Brother of Bob Carey was an 18th-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers as a wide receiver in 1952 NFL draft after competing in Blue-Gray Classic.
- George "Buddy" Carlisle, 70, played for Baylor in 1972-73. He was the older brother of Billy Carlisle, who also played for the Bears and died at the age of 51 in 2006.
- Joe Carroll, 88, averaged 5.4 ppg for Georgetown in 1952-53 and 1953-54. College football referee for more than 25 years was an official at QB Doug Flutie's famous 1984 last-second victory pass with Boston College against Miami.
- Phil Carter, 69, compiled a 68-122 NCAA Division I coaching record in total of seven seasons with Baptist (34-46 in three years from 1980-81 through 1982-83 for school now known as Charleston Southern) and Central Florida (34-76 in four years from 1985-86 through 1988-89). He was a teammate of All-American Artis Gilmore for Jacksonville's NCAA tourney team in 1970-71.
- Benny Carver, 82, averaged 4.7 ppg and 2 rpg for Texas-El Paso in 1959-60.
- Ralph Carver, 92, averaged 3.7 ppg for Stanford in 1948-49 and 1949-50 as a teammate of All-American George Yardley under coach Everett Dean.
- Tony Casinelli, 90, played for Villanova in the early 1950s under coach Alex Severance.
- Sam Champi, 76, played in four basketball games for Army as a sophomore in 1963-64 after competing as a plebe the previous year under coach Bob Knight. Champi was an end who caught 49 passes for 645 yards and four touchdowns in his college football career (including winning TD in upset over Roger Staubach-led Midshipmen in 1964) before selection to 1965 North-South Shrine game.
- John Chaney, 89, compiled a 516-253 coaching record with Temple in 24 years from 1982-83 through 2005-06. The Owls' all-time winningest mentor and two-time national coach of the year directed them to third-place finish in 2002 NIT.
- Jack Chapman, 82, averaged 6.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Creighton from 1957-58 through 1959-60.
- Russell Chapman, 67, was a juco recruit who averaged 10.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg for West Virginia in 1975-76 and 1976-77.
- Steve Chapman, 76, averaged 2.8 ppg and 1.4 rpg for St. Joseph's from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Jack Ramsay, playing in NCAA tourney as a junior and senior.
- Claude "Gene" Chatham Jr., 81, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Mississippi State from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Babe McCarthy.
- Eddie Childress, 60, averaged 10.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Morehead State from 1979-80 through 1983-84 (redshirt in 1981-82). He played in the NCAA tourney each of his last two seasons, scoring a team-high 20 points as a senior in preliminary-round victory over North Carolina A&T.
- Jim Christensen, 68, was a William & Mary transfer who played for Bradley in 1973-74.
- Dr. Gunnar Christiansen, 88, played for Stanford in 1953-54.
- Dr. Marvin Christie, 90, played for Indiana in 1949-50 under coach Branch McCracken.
- Billy "Gerald" Clark, 81, was a juco recruit who played for Tulsa in 1960-61.
- Eddie Clark, 79, averaged 1.7 ppg for Florida in 1961-62 under coach Norm Sloan.
- Lyman Clark, 95, was a member of Utah's Vadal Peterson-coached 1947 NIT titlist team defeating Kentucky in championship game. Clark was a QB with the Utes' football squad in 1943 before serving in U.S. Air Force during WWII.
- Ray Clark, 80, averaged 6.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coaches Bob Polk and Roy Skinner.
- Roosevelt Clark Jr., 74, averaged 2.9 ppg and 3 rpg for Western Michigan from 1966-67 through 1969-70 (redshirt in 1967-68). He caught a touchdown pass as a wide receiver for WMU's football squad in 1967.
- Terrence Clarke, 19, averaged 9.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Kentucky in 2020-21 before declaring early for the NBA draft despite competing in only eight contests. He died in a car crash in Northridge, Calif., when running a red light "at a very high rate of speed," colliding with another auto and hitting street light pole before ultimately a block wall. Clarke, driving a 2021 Hyundai Genesis, was not properly wearing his seat belt.
- Joe Colao Sr., 90, played for Lafayette in 1950-51.
- Bruce Coldren, 67, averaged 5.2 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Oregon from 1972-73 through 1975-76. He was an original "Kamikaze Kid" under coach Dick Harter.
- Ron Coleman, 76, averaged 17.7 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Missouri from 1964-65 through 1966-67. All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection each of his last two seasons when he was the Tigers' leading scorer. Coleman coached St. Louis to a 7-20 record in 1977-78.
- Eddie Collins, 56, averaged 5.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg for UAB from 1984-85 through 1987-88 under coach Gene Bartow. Collins was an All-Sun Belt Conference second-team selection as a junior when leading the Blazers' NCAA tourney team in rebounding and blocked shots.
- Ronnie Collins, 79, averaged 17 ppg and 7.7 rpg for South Carolina from 1961-62 through 1963-64. Collins was an All-ACC first-team selection as a senior while averaging team-high 23.7 ppg. He paced the Gamecocks in rebounding as a junior after leading the league in free-throw marksmanship as a sophomore (88.4%).
- John Connors, 85, averaged 8.8 ppg and 7.6 rpg for St. Bonaventure from 1955-56 through 1957-58. As a junior and senior, he was the top rebounder for NIT semifinalists.
- Bill Corcoran, 91, played for Brown in 1950-51 and 1951-52.
- Harold Corizzi, 93, averaged 13.1 ppg for Rutgers from 1949-50 through 1951-52 after serving in U.S. Army during WWII. He led the Scarlet Knights in rebounding each of his last two seasons, averaging 15.8 rpg in that span.
- Richie Cornwall, 74, averaged 11 ppg and 3 rpg for Syracuse from 1965-66 through 1967-68. His school career record for free-throw accuracy (86.1%) stood for nearly 40 years until broken by Gerry McNamara.
- Othella "Jay" Cox, 94, averaged 5.5 ppg in 1948-49 and 7.7 ppg in 1950-51 for Hardin-Simmons TX after serving in U.S. military during WWII.
- Mercade "Mac" Cramer Jr., 88, averaged 2.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Navy from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Ben Carnevale. As a senior, Cramer played in the NCAA tourney.
- George Crandall, 97, averaged 1.1 ppg for Oregon State in 1949-50 under coach Slats Gill after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Roy Critser, 83, averaged 2 ppg for Oregon State in 1957-58 and 1958-59 under coach Slats Gill.
- John Crnokrak, 81, was a Wyoming transfer who averaged 3.7 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Loyola of Chicago from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach George Ireland.
- Fred Crowell, 79, played for Idaho from 1961-62 through 1963-64.
- Al Cummins, 95, averaged 1.9 ppg for Kentucky's NCAA Tournament champion in 1947-48 under coach Adolph Rupp after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. Cummins hit .253 as 2B in St. Louis Cardinals' farm system in 1951 and 1952 at Class B level.
- John "Jack" Curry Sr., 89, was a LIU transfer who averaged 9.9 ppg for Siena from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
- Tommy Curtis, 69, averaged 5.7 ppg and 1.8 rpg for UCLA from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach John Wooden. The Bruins were NCAA titlists each of Curtis' first two seasons.
- Bill Dalton, 88, scored a total of 303 points for Baylor from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Bill Henderson. As a junior, Dalton was the Bears' fourth-leading scorer with 7.3 ppg.
- Sid Dambrot, 90, averaged 3.3 ppg for Duquesne from 1951-52 through 1953-54. The Dukes finished all three seasons among the nation's top nine in AP poll while reaching NIT semifinals (also competed in NCAA playoffs as sophomore). He is the father of school's current coach (Keith Dambrot).
- Albert "Bert" Daniels Jr., 87, averaged 2.6 ppg for Maine in 1954-55.
- Chuck Darling, 91, averaged 17.4 ppg for Iowa from 1949-50 through 1951-52. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection led the Hawkeyes in scoring and rebounding each of his last two seasons. NCAA unanimous All-American as a senior before becoming 9th pick overall in NBA draft (did not play in league). Member of 1956 U.S. Olympic team.
- Darren Davenport, 55, was a Northern Kentucky transfer who averaged 7.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.9 apg for Alcorn State in 1986-87 and 1987-88. He had three sons play at NCAA DI level - Jeremiah (Cincinnati), Josh (Winthrop) and Michael (St. Bonaventure).
- Jim Davidson, 75, averaged 16.1 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Marshall from 1966-67 through 1968-69. Concord WV transfer was among the Thundering Herd's top three scorers and rebounders all three seasons (first two appearing in NIT).
- William "Buddy" Davidson, 87, averaged 3.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Furman in 1958-59 under coach Lyles Alley.
- Bob Davis, 93, compiled a 70-61 coaching record with Auburn in five seasons from 1973-74 through 1977-78.
- Ralph Davis Jr., 82, was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection who averaged 12.4 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Cincinnati from 1957-58 through 1959-60. All-American as a senior was second-leading scorer for the Bearcats' national third-place teams each of his last two seasons.
- Ralph Davis, 49, averaged 10.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Texas-El Paso from 1990-91 through 1993-94 under coach Don Haskins. Davis led the Miners in rebounding as a junior.
- Rex Davis, 82, played for Virginia in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
- Bruce Dayhuff, 66, appeared in NCAA playoff game against Pittsburgh for 1974 NCAA titlist North Carolina State coached by Norman Sloan before transferring back home to Tri-State IN (now known as Trine).
- Charles Deaton Jr., 84, played for Louisville in 1956-57 under coach Peck Hickman.
- Benny Dees, 86, compiled a 197-144 coaching record in 12 seasons with Virginia Commonwealth (25-21 in 1968-69 and 1969-70), New Orleans (42-16 in 1985-86 and 1986-87), Wyoming (104-77 in six years from 1987-88 through 1992-93) and Western Carolina (26-30 in 1993-94 and 1994-95). Dees directed UNO and Wyoming to back-to-back 26-win seasons and NCAA playoff appearances in 1987 and 1988. He played for Wyoming in the late 1950s under coach Everett Shelton.
- Ed DeGroat, 84, averaged 6.6 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Fordham from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach John Bach, making back-to-back NIT appearances.
- Vincent Del Negro, 85, was a juco recruit who averaged 5.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Kentucky in 1960-61 (career-high of 13 points vs. Notre Dame) under coach Adolph Rupp before leaving UK during spring semester. Del Negro's son, Vinny, was a starting guard with North Carolina State in the late 1980s under coach Jim Valvano before playing 12 seasons and coaching five years in the NBA.
- John DeVasto, 71, averaged 1.5 ppg for St. John's from 1968-69 through 1970-71.
- Don "Porter" DeWitt, 84, played for Tulsa in the late 1950s.
- Bill Dexter, 88, was on Creighton's roster in the early 1950s prior to serving in a MASH unit during Korean Conflict.
- Dr. Nicholas "Chuck" Diakon, 71, played for Muhlenberg PA in 1968-69.
- Joe Diblin, 103, was a two-year letterman for Bucknell in the late 1930s before serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
- Jim Dix, 77, averaged 1.5 ppg for St. Louis' NIT team in 1964-65 under coach John Benington. Dix was a lefthanded OF-1B who hit .257 as farmhand with the New York Mets and Montreal Expos in six years from 1965 to 1971.
- Richard Dixon, 80, averaged 5.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Idaho State from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
- Dick Dohrmann, 65, averaged 1.1 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Stanford from 1974-75 through 1977-78.
- Robbie Dosty, 62, averaged 10 ppg and 5 rpg for Arizona from 1977-78 through 1980-81 (did not play in 1978-79). Juco recruit led the Wildcats in rebounding as a senior.
- Steve Dougherty averaged 2.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Furman from 1970-71 through 1972-73 under coach Joe Williams. Dougherty was a member of the Paladins' first two NCAA playoff teams.
- Bobby Doutaz Jr., 78, averaged 5.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Louisville's 1963-64 NCAA playoff team coached by Peck Hickman.
- David "Barry" Dowd, 85, compiled a 40-46 coaching record with East Tennessee State in three seasons from 1982-83 through 1984-85. He averaged 2.8 ppg for Texas from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
- Dr. Thomas "Wayne" Downey, 86, played for Yale in 1954-55 under coach Howard Hobson.
- Ben Dreith, 96, averaged 7.1 ppg for Northern Colorado in 1949-50. Longtime NFL referee officiated in three Super Bowls and eight championship games.
- Bob Dube, 87, averaged 1.8 ppg for three Connecticut clubs competing in national postseason competition (2 NCAA/1 NIT) from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Hugh Greer.
- Dick Duckett, 87, averaged 11.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg for St. John's from 1952-53 through 1956-57, leading the team in scoring as a sophomore before his college career was interrupted by a stint in the U.S. Army. He reached the NCAA and NIT finals his first two seasons before senior captain under coach Joe Lapchick became ninth pick overall in NBA draft.
- Demetrius "Mechie" Dudley, 51, averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.4 rpg for St. Peter's in 1988-89 and 1989-90 before transferring to Hofstra, where he averaged 22.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.1 spg in 1991-92 and 1992-93, leading the Pride in scoring both seasons (tallying 44 points in single game against Central Connecticut State). As a junior, Dudley was an East Coast Conference first-team selection under coach Butch van Breda Kolff.
- Hassan Duncombe, 52, averaged 12.9 ppg and 6.2 rpg for Penn from 1987-88 through 1989-90. All-Ivy League first-team selection as a senior when he scored career-high 44 points against Navy en route to averaging a team-high 19.1 ppg. Duncombe led the Quakers in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
- Jack Durkin, 83, played for St. John's in the late 1950s under coach Joe Lapchick.
- Marv Dutt, 81, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Arizona in 1959-60 and 1960-61 under coach Fred Enke. Dutt, a righthanded pitcher, compiled a 63-37 record in the Houston Colt .45s/Astros farm system in six years from 1961 through 1966 before posting a 10-7 mark as Kansas City Athletics' farmhand in 1967.
- Gilbert "Charlie" Earle, 71, averaged 1.2 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Richmond in 1969-70.
- Mark Eaton, 64, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for UCLA in 1980-81 and 1981-82.
- Thomas "Scott" Eaton, 77, averaged 6 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Oregon State from 1963-64 through 1965-66, appearing in two NCAA tourneys. Defensive back intercepted 11 passes in five years for the New York Giants after being their eighth-round selection in 1967. In a unique twist, Eaton and his son, Tracey (1988), were the 187th pick in their respective NFL drafts.
- Greg Ebben, 50, was a juco recruit who played for Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1991-92 before transferring to MidAmerica Nazarene KS.
- Ted Ecker, 82, averaged 3.7 ppg for Iowa State in 1958-59 and 1959-60 before transferring to North Park IL.
- Terry Eckert, 83, averaged 5.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Lehigh from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Tony Packer.
- Glean Eddy, 39, averaged 4.4 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Colorado from 2002-03 through 2005-06. He appeared in NCAA playoffs as a freshman before twice participating in the NIT.
- David Edwards Sr., 70, led Virginia Commonwealth with 5.8 apg in 1973-74 in the Rams' inaugural season at NCAA DI level.
- Dick "Boo" Ellis, 77, was a juco recruit who averaged 12.4 ppg and 7.1 rpg for New Mexico in 1963-64 and 1964-65 (All-WAC first-team selection).
- Barry Elson, 80, averaged 8.4 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Dartmouth from 1960-61 through 1962-63. He was senior captain.
- Larry Emrick, 81, was a Purdue transfer who played for Miami (Ohio) in 1962-63.
- Joe "Smokey" Ensley, 83, played for Kansas' 1957 NCAA Tournament runner-up.
- Rick Erickson, 73, averaged 9.8 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Washington State from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Marv Harshman. As an All-Pac-8 Conference first-team selection his senior season, Erickson led the Cougars with 3.6 apg.
- Dave Evans, 81, averaged 9.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Bucknell in 1959-60.
- John "Haywood" Evans Jr., 80, averaged 7.3 ppg for Davidson from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Lefty Driesell.
- Dick Fagliano, 78, averaged 6.3 ppg and 1.8 rpg for St. Mary's from 1962-63 through 1964-65 after transferring from Notre Dame.
- Bill Faine, 59, averaged 10.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1980-81 through 1983-84, leading the Falcons in rebounding as a junior.
- Pat Farace, 88, averaged 5.4 ppg for St. Francis (Pa.) from 1950-51 through 1953-54. Senior captain of NIT team spearheaded by eventual All-American Maurice Stokes.
- Eddie Farrell, 81, averaged 4.4 ppg and 1.1 rpg for George Washington from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
- Dr. Constantine "Con" Fecher Jr., 92, played for Dayton in 1946-47.
- Bob Ferry, 84, averaged 14.1 ppg and 8.9 rpg for St. Louis from 1956-57 through 1958-59. The Billikens' last All-American as a senior for their NIT team was seventh pick overall in NBA draft.
- Jody Finney, 68, averaged 13.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Ohio State from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Fred Taylor. As a sophomore, Finney was the fifth-leading scorer with the Buckeyes' national third-place team. He led them in free-throw percentage each of his last two seasons.
- Ron Fisher, 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 1.2 ppg for Oklahoma State from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Hank Iba.
- Henry "Jack" Flanegan, 84, averaged 12.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Bucknell from 1956-57 through 1958-59.
- Bruce Fleming Sr., 81, averaged 2.6 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Temple in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Harry Litwack.
- Dom Flora, 86, averaged 21.2 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Washington & Lee from 1954-55 through 1957-58. Three-time All-Southern Conference selection was league Player of the Year as senior (between West Virginia's NCAA first-team All-Americans Hot Rod Hundley and Jerry West) before becoming 32nd pick in NBA draft.
- Mack Follmer, 90, averaged 2.5 ppg for Illinois from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Harry Combes.
- Ray Foos, 92, played for Xavier in 1949-50.
- Gerald "Jed" Foster, 69, averaged 4.4 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Illinois from 1970-71 through 1972-73.
- Bill Fox Jr., 70, averaged 1.1 ppg for La Salle from 1970-71 through 1972-73 under coach Paul Westhead. Fox was senior co-captain.
- Gene Fox, 86, was a member of Bradley's 1957 NIT championship club coached by Chuck Orsborn.
- Jim Francis, 85, averaged 14.9 ppg and 13.5 rpg for Dartmouth from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Doggie Julian. Francis averaged 19.3 ppg in three NCAA playoff games in 1956. Three-time All-Ivy League selection led the Big Green in scoring and rebounding all three seasons while ranking among the nation's top 17 players in FG% each campaign.
- Oscar Frayer, 23, averaged 8 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Grand Canyon from 2016-17 through 2020-21 (redshirt in 2019-20). He died in a car crash in California three days after starting in the Antelopes' first NCAA Tournament appearance.
- James "Jadie" Frazier, 81, averaged 10.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Louisville from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Peck Hickman. Frazier started as a sophomore in NCAA playoffs before becoming the Cardinals' runner-up in scoring as junior with 13.9 ppg.
- Dave French, 90, averaged 1.3 ppg for St. Louis' NIT team in 1950-51 under coach Eddie Hickey before transferring home to Loyola of Chicago, where he averaged 4.5 ppg and 1.5 rpg in 1952-53 under coach George Ireland.
- Bob Freshley, 91, averaged 2.1 ppg for Louisiana State from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Harry Rabenhorst. As a junior, Freshley was on the Tigers' first-ever NCAA tourney team that went on to advance to 1953 Final Four.
- Bob Fronk, 62, averaged 9 ppg and 3.2 apg for Washington from 1977-78 through 1980-81 under coach Marv Harshman. Fronk's 25-footer at the buzzer in 1980 propelled the Huskies to their first win over UCLA at Pauley Pavilion. He led UW in assists and FT% as a senior.
- Al Fruhwirth, 67, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Cal State Fullerton in 1974-75 and 1975-76.
- Walt Fuller, 56, averaged 10 ppg and 3 rpg for Drexel from 1982-83 through 1985-86. As a senior, he finished third in scoring and assists with the school's first NCAA tourney team.
- Arnie Gaarde, 86, averaged 3.6 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Iowa State from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
- John Gales Sr., 82, averaged 10.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Wichita from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Ralph Miller.
- Keith Galli, 90, averaged 10 ppg for Vermont in 1949-50 and 1950-51 as an All-Yankee Conference selection both seasons.
- Eddie Galvin, 88, averaged 18.9 ppg for Loyola New Orleans from 1951-52 through 1954-55. He participated in 1954 NCAA playoffs before averaging 16.7 rpg as a senior.
- Dave Garbacz, 67, played for Canisius in 1972-73.
- Harold "Deke" Garner, 89, averaged 4.3 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Connecticut from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach Hugh Greer.
- John Gaspar, 69, played for Villanova in the early 1970s under coach Jack Kraft.
- Orval "Bill" Gastineau, 78, averaged 2.2 ppg and 2 rpg for Idaho State in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
- Sid Gates, 88, played for Wichita in 1951-52 and 1952-53 under coach Ralph Miller.
- Ed Gayda, 94, averaged 9.1 ppg for Washington State from 1946-47 through 1949-50. Three-time All-PCC North Division selection was All-American as a senior before becoming 16th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Jack Gentry Sr., 97, was co-captain and Wake Forest's top scorer with 12.5 ppg in 1947-48 under coach Murray Greason. Gentry's college career was interrupted by a stint in U.S. Army during WWII.
- Jim Gerhardt, 92, averaged 6.3 ppg for Rice from 1948-49 through 1950-51, finishing runner-up in team scoring as a senior with 12.3 ppg. He placed 11th in the triple jump in 1952 Olympics in Helsinki after a second-place finish in U.S. Trials.
- Bob Giardina Sr., 86, played for St. Francis (Pa.) in 1953-54 before transferring to University of Detroit to play football.
- Dr. James Gilbertson, 79, averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Minnesota in 1961-62 and 1962-63 under coach John Kundla.
- Peter "Macaroni" Gilcud, 67, averaged 5.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Minnesota in 1973-74 and 1974-75. Bahamian was a juco recruit.
- Don Ginsberg, 88, played for Seattle in 1951-52.
- Lou Goetz, 73, compiled a 38-44 coaching record with Richmond in three seasons from 1978-79 through 1980-81. He averaged 6.2 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Rutgers from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Bill Foster.
- Artie Goldberg, 90, was leading rebounder (6.2 rpg) and runner-up in scoring (9.8 ppg) for Duquesne's 1950-51 team under coach Dudey Moore sandwiched between NIT semifinalists.
- Grant Gondrezick Sr., 57, averaged 9.1 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.1 apg for Pepperdine from 1981-82 through 1985-86 under coach Jim Harrick (redshirt in 1984-85).
- Steve Goulding, 79, averaged 7 ppg and 6.6 rpg for Yale from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Joe Vancisin. Goulding appeared in NCAA Tournament East Regional as a junior (lost in overtime against Final Four-bound Wake Forest).
- Louis Graboyes scored a total of 197 points for Temple from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
- Hardy Graham Sr., 74, averaged 2 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Mississippi in 1961-62 and 1962-63.
- Wilson Graham Jr., 78, averaged 9 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Kent State from 1963-64 through 1965-66. He was an All-Mid-American Conference second-team selection as a junior.
- Chuck Granby, 81, was a member of Bradley's NIT finalists in 1959 (runner-up) and 1960 (champion).
- Jerry Graves, 82, averaged 16.8 ppg and 9.6 rpg for Mississippi State from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Babe McCarthy. All-SEC selection each of his last two seasons when co-captain led the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding. Graves, 11th pick overall in NBA draft, was banned from league for his involvement in point-shaving scandal.
- Ray Graves, 83, averaged 11.9 ppg and 9.4 rpg for The Citadel from 1956-57 through 1959-60 under coach Norm Sloan (redshirt in 1957-58).
- Jerry Greenberg, 86, averaged 3.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 1956 NCAA playoff team fielded by Wayne State MI.
- Darrell Greene, 76, averaged 3.8 ppg for Colorado State's NCAA playoff teams in 1964-65 and 1965-66 under coach Jim Williams. Greene died due to complications from Covid-19.
- Ron Greene, 82, compiled a 337-258 coaching record in 22 seasons with Loyola New Orleans (23-24 in 1966-67 and 1967-68), New Orleans (146-65 from 1969-70 through 1976-77), Mississippi State (18-9 in 1977-78), Murray State (119-78 from 1978-79 through 1984-85) and Indiana State (31-82 from 1985-86 through 1988-89).
- Stewart Greenleaf, 81, averaged 4.1 ppg and 4 rpg for Penn from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Jack McCloskey.
- Bob Gremp, 89, averaged 4.3 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Harvard in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
- Bernie Griesinger, 89, averaged 6.3 ppg and 3 rpg for Miami of Ohio from 1950-51 through 1952-53. As a senior, he was a member of the school's first NCAA tourney team.
- Kevin Grodzki, 66, played for St. Francis (Pa.) in 1974-75.
- Jimmy Hagan, 83, averaged 21.1 ppg and 15.2 rpg for Tennessee Tech from 1957-58 through 1959-60. As a junior, two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection was an All-American when finishing among the nation's leaders in scoring average (28.8 ppg), free-throw shooting (82.8%) and rebound percentage (18.2 rpg).
- Nelson Haggerty, 47, averaged 5.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 7.1 apg for Baylor from 1991-92 through 1994-95. The Bears' all-time leader in assists paced the country in scoring feeds with 10.1 apg as senior after finishing eighth as sophomore and 10th as junior.
- Jim Hahn, 64, averaged 9.6 ppg and 5.7 apg for Ball State from 1975-76 through 1978-79. He led the Cardinals in assists all four seasons.
- John Hale, 82, played for Vanderbilt in 1958-59 under coach Roy Skinner.
- Shaler Halimon, 76, averaged 25.2 ppg and 10.2 rpg for Utah State in 1966-67 and 1967-68 under coach Ladell Andersen. Juco recruit ranked among the nation's top 18 scorers both seasons. He was 14th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Charlie Hall III, 81, averaged 7 ppg and 7.7 rpg for Indiana from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Branch McCracken. Hall grabbed a career-high 16 boards in game against Louisville and was the Hoosiers' top rebounder as senior captain with 10.3 rpg.
- Forrest "Fordy" Hamilton, 91, averaged 1.3 ppg for Missouri in 1950-51 before transferring to Southwest Missouri State, where he became an All-American.
- Norm Hankins, 98, led nation in scoring in 1947-48 with 22.5 ppg for Lawrence Tech MI.
- Ron Hanna Sr., 89, averaged 5.6 ppg for The Citadel in 1955-56 before his induction into the U.S. Army.
- Rollen Hans Jr., 90, was a juco recruit for Long Island University in the early 1950s before entering the U.S. Navy.
- Joe Hardgrove, 87, averaged 4.4 ppg for Texas A&M in 1952-53 and 1953-54. Lefthander compiled a 10-13 pitching record in New York Giants' farm system in 1955 and 1956.
- Jerry Harkness, 81, averaged 21.6 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Loyola of Chicago from 1960-61 through 1962-63. Consensus first-team All-American as a senior when he was leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for NCAA Tournament champion.
- Lee Harman, 84, averaged 8.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Oregon State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Slats Gill. All-PCC first-team selection as senior captain averaging team-high 15.6 ppg. Went on to become one of Hollywood's leading makeup artists triggered by a relationship with Barbara Streisand.
- Benjamin "Wayne" Harpold, 93, played for North Carolina in 1950-51.
- Jim "Bubbles" Harris Jr., 72, was a juco recruit who averaged 15.1 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Indiana in 1969-70 (team-high 18.1 ppg) and 1970-71.
- Randy Harris, 77, averaged 4.8 ppg and 3 rpg for Idaho State in 1962-63.
- Robert Harris, 64, averaged 6.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Denver in 1974-75 and 1976-77.
- Dr. Charles Harrison Jr., 86, averaged 8.4 ppg and 10.2 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1952-53 through 1955-56 under coach Bob Polk, leading the Commodores in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
- John "Yazu" Hart, 77, averaged 2.4 ppg for La Salle in 1962-63 and 1963-64.
- John T. Hart Jr., 86, played for Georgia in 1957-58.
- Don Hartsfield, 85, averaged 4.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Georgia from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
- R. Sterling Harwell, 83, averaged 1.5 ppg for Yale in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Joe Vancisin.
- Mike Hastings, 76, averaged 1.7 ppg for St. Louis from 1964-65 through 1966-67.
- Merrill Hatfield, 89, was an Ohio State senior starter in 1952-53. He averaged 5.4 ppg in his three-year career.
- Frederick "Bill" Haubrich, 93, was a Dartmouth transfer who became an All-Yankee Conference second-team selection as a sophomore with New Hampshire in 1948-49. He coached his alma mater to a 20-49 record in three seasons from 1966-67 through 1968-69.
- Joel Haynes, 78, was on Ohio State's roster in 1963-64 under coach Fred Taylor.
- Don Hays, 94, scored 123 points for Iowa from 1947-48 through 1949-50 after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Dr. Art Hellwig Jr., 87, averaged 11.1 ppg for Rhode Island from 1951-52 through 1954-55. As a senior, two-time All-Yankee Conference second-team selection led URI in scoring average with 17.2 ppg.
- Howard Hemphill Jr., 77, averaged 2.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Mississippi State in 1963-64 and 1964-65 under coach Babe McCarthy.
- Charles Henke, 81, averaged 18.1 ppg and 9.8 rpg for Missouri from 1958-59 through 1960-61. All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection as junior and senior when leading the Tigers in scoring and rebounding.
- Jack Hess averaged 7 ppg for Arkansas in 1949-50 and 1950-51.
- Dick Heylmun, 89, averaged 13.2 ppg and 10.6 rpg for Penn from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Howie Dallmar. He was the third player in Quakers history to score more than 1,000 career points. Runner-up in scoring for their first NCAA playoff squad in 1953 before earning All-EIBL/predecessor to Ivy League first-team acclaim as senior captain.
- Lew Hill, 55, compiled a 67-77 coaching record with Texas-Rio Grande Valley in five seasons from 2016-17 to midway through 2020-21. Juco recruit averaged 11.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.5 spg for Wichita State in 1985-86 and 1987-88. All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection as a senior.
- Lloyd Hinchey, 77, averaged 7.4 ppg for Holy Cross in 1963-64 and 1964-65 under coach Frank Oftring.
- George Hipple, 92, averaged 2.4 ppg for Yale in 1949-50 under coach Howard Hobson.
- Dr. Larry Hofmann, 78, averaged 7.8 rpg for St. Joseph's from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Dr. Jack Ramsay. Grabbed 31 rebounds in game against St. Peter's as sophomore and 29 in contest against Xavier as senior when he led Hawks with 10.9 rpg. Retrieved game-high 19 missed shots in 1962 East Regional third-place game and game-high 11 caroms in 1963 East Regional semifinal.
- Barney Holland, 89, averaged 7.9 ppg for Oregon from 1951-52 through 1953-54. All-PCC North Division first-team selection as a senior. Quarterback earned football letters in 1952 and 1953.
- James "Newt" Holloway, 76, played for Georgia Tech in 1964-65 and 1966-67.
- Dr. Don Holt, 78, averaged 1.5 ppg for Texas Christian from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
- Wallace "Wayne" Hopkins, 78, played for North Texas State in 1962-63. He had three brothers (Ballard, Fred and Herman) also play for the Mean Green.
- Tom Horne, 78, averaged 14.8 ppg and 7.3 rpg for New Hampshire from 1963-64 through 1965-66. Third player in school history to surpass 1,000-point barrier led the Wildcats in scoring each of his last two seasons.
- Bill Howard, 81, was a juco recruit who played for Houston's 1961 NCAA tourney team coached by Guy Lewis.
- Eddie Hrivnak, 96, was Baldwin-Wallace's leading scorer with 13.8 ppg in 1947-48 after transferring from Mt. Union OH.
- Tony Hubbard, 66, averaged 4.4 ppg and 4 rpg for Xavier from 1973-74 through 1976-77.
- Dr. Thomas Huber, 85, played for Purdue in the mid-1950s.
- Harold Hudgens, 81, averaged 15 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Texas Tech from 1958-59 through 1961-62 (sat out 1959-60). All-SWC first-team selection each of his last two seasons.
- Walt Hudson, 83, averaged 7.1 ppg and 4.4 rpg for South Carolina from 1957-58 through 1959-60. He played there with his identical twin brother (Asbury).
- Charlie Huggins, 87, played four games for West Virginia in 1951-52 before transferring to Alderson-Broaddus WV. He is the father of WVU coach Bob Huggins.
- Jim Hulsebus, 87, played for Drake in the mid-1950s.
- Allan Hurst, 86, played for Kansas in the mid-1950s under coach Phog Allen.
- Colonel Dick Husemann, 77, averaged 2 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Air Force in 1962-63 and 1963-64 under coach Bob Spear.
- Joe Hutmacher, 90, averaged 4.1 ppg for Loyola of Chicago from 1949-50 through 1951-52.
- Tony Ingle, 68, compiled a 63-139 NCAA DI coaching record with Brigham Young (0-19 as interim in 1996-97) and Kennesaw State (63-120 in school's first six years at DI level from 2005-06 through 2010-11). Ingle died from COVID-19.
- Omari Isreal, 36, averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Notre Dame in 2004-05 under coach Mike Brey before transferring to Loyola (Md.), where he averaged 8.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 2006-07 and 2007-08.
- Jasper Johnson, 38, averaged 12.8 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Southern Mississippi from 2002-03 to 2004-05 before transferring to Delta State MS.
- Paul Johnson, 89, averaged 2.9 ppg for Stanford from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
- Wilbur Johnston, 96, played for Ohio State's 1946 NCAA playoff team after serving as navigator on B-24 bomber during WWII.
- Harry Jones, 82, played for North Carolina in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coaches Frank McGuire and Dean Smith.
- Herb Jones, 51, averaged 17.1 ppg and 7.4 rpg for Cincinnati in 1990-91 and 1991-92 under coach Bob Huggins. As a senior, juco recruit was leading scorer and rebounder for the Bearcats' Final Four team.
- Keith Jones, 58, averaged 16.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.4 spg for Stanford from 1980-81 through 1983-84. He was an all-league selection in Pacific-10 Conference each of his last two seasons.
- Ben Jordan, 22, played two games for Kentucky in 2019-20 under coach John Calipari as a walk-on from the baseball squad after the Wildcats faced a shortage of players. The 6-9 Jordan was a righthanded pitcher in 2019 after redshirting his freshman season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
- Thomas "Jerry" Jordan, 87, played for Baylor in the mid-1950s under coach Bill Henderson. Jordan scored a total of 203 points in 1953-54 and 1954-55.
- Bob Joseph, 85, averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Manhattan from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
- Howard Keene, 78, averaged 7.8 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Louisiana State in 1961-62 and 1962-63 (third-leading scorer and rebounder) before serving in U.S. Army during Vietnam War. He eventually returned to home state and averaged 6.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg with Southern Illinois in 1967-68 under coach Jack Hartman.
- John C. Keller Sr., 81, played for Texas A&M in 1959-60.
- John Kelly, 65, played for Rutgers in late 1970s under coach Tom Young.
- Jim Kerwin, 81, averaged 22.2 ppg and 6 rpg for Tulane from 1960-61 through 1962-63. Three-time All-SEC selection finished among the league's top three and nation's top 51 scorers each year. He coached Western Illinois to a 134-175 record in 11 seasons from 1992-93 through 2002-03.
- Arlan "Bud" King, 90, played for Kentucky in 1949-50 under coach Adolph Rupp before transferring to Hanover College IN.
- Jeff Klein, 63, averaged 1.8 ppg for Virginia from 1977-78 through 1980-81 under coach Terry Holland.
- Kelly Knight, 59, averaged 10.5 ppg and 6 rpg while shooting 56% from the floor for Kansas from 1979-80 through 1983-84 (redshirt in 1980-81) under coaches Ted Owens and Larry Brown. Knight led the Jayhawks in rebounding as a junior and senior.
- Don Kojis, 82, averaged 18.6 ppg and 15.1 rpg for Marquette from 1958-59 through 1960-61. Finished among nation's top nine rebounders each of his last two seasons. School's all-time rebounding leader was an All-American as senior before becoming 21st pick overall in NBA draft.
- Bob Kolf Jr., 91, averaged 6.7 ppg for Southern California from 1948-49 through 1950-51. He was senior co-captain.
- Elmer "Tom" Kolle, 84, lettered with Texas A&M in 1956-57.
- Hal Korovin, 96, played for CCNY in the mid-1940s.
- Bill Kraft, 76, averaged 2.3 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Notre Dame in 1963-64 before transferring to Illinois.
- John "Joe" Ladd, 85, averaged 2.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Wake Forest in 1956-57 under coach Murray Greason before transferring to Lenoir-Rhyne NC.
- John LaMarca, 90, played for St. John's in 1954-55. He served in U.S. military during the Korean Conflict.
- Dr. Jim Langenkamp, 73, played for Marquette in 1966-67 and 1967-68 under coach Al McGuire.
- Bruce Larson, 94, compiled a 137-148 coaching record with his alma mater (Arizona) in 11 seasons from 1961-62 through 1971-72. He averaged 2.1 ppg for the Wildcats in 1948-49 and 1949-50.
- Rex Leach, 84, averaged 12.8 ppg and 9.8 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1956-57 through 1959-60 (redshirt in 1957-58) under coach Harold Anderson. Leach, an All-Mid-American Conference second-team selection as a sophomore when leading the Falcons in scoring, paced them in rebounding all of his three seasons. He grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds against Marquette in the school's first-ever NCAA playoff contest in 1959.
- Bob "Slick" Leonard, 88, averaged 15.5 ppg for Indiana from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Branch McCracken. Leonard, a two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection, was an NCAA consensus second-team All-American as a senior after being second-leading scorer with 1953 NCAA titlist. He was 10th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Emmett Lewis, 64, averaged 16.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.8 apg for Colorado from 1975-76 through 1978-79. Two-time All-Big Eight Conference selection led the Buffaloes in scoring average all four seasons.
- Jim Lewis, 90, played for Alabama in 1955-56 and 1956-57 after serving in U.S. Air Force.
- Paul Likins, 87, averaged 5.5 ppg and 8.4 rpg for North Carolina from 1951-52 through 1954-55. He led the Tar Heels in rebounding as a junior after finishing runner-up in category each of his first two seasons.
- W. "Pete" Lind, 95, led Connecticut in scoring in 1948-49 before becoming an All-Yankee Conference first-team selection the next season. He averaged 9.1 ppg those two years under coach Hugh Greer.
- Gene Littles, 78, compiled a 36-15 coaching record with North Carolina A&T in 1977-78 and 1978-79.
- Dr. Jan Loudermilk, 80, averaged 15.7 ppg and 8.8 rpg for SMU from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Doc Hayes. Loudermilk was an All-SWC first-team selection his last two seasons when leading the Mustangs in rebounding. He also paced the league in scoring as a senior (20.9 ppg).
- John Lundell, 85, averaged 2 ppg for Oregon in 1955-56 and 1956-57. He went on to serve as mayor of his hometown (The Dalles).
- Gary Lusk, 72, was a Southern Illinois native who averaged 7.2 ppg for Iowa from 1969-70 through 1971-72. His nephew, former Missouri State coach Paul Lusk Jr., also played for the Hawkeyes before suffering a severe broken leg and transferring to Southern Illinois.
- Cal Luther, 93, compiled a 313-317 DI coaching record in 25 seasons with Ohio Valley Conference members Murray State (241-154 in 16 years from 1958-59 through 1973-74) and UT Martin (72-163 in nine years from 1990-91 through 1998-99).
- Dennis Lynch Sr. averaged 13.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Yale from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Joe Vancisin. Lynch was an All-Ivy League second-team selection each of his last two seasons after participating in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore.
- Joe Mack, 83, played for Marquette in the late 1950s.
- Tom Mahaffey, 80, averaged 9.6 ppg and 8.5 rpg for Clemson from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Press Maravich. Mahaffey led the Tigers in rebounding as a junior (11.3 rpg) before playing with his brother (Donnie) as a senior.
- Keith Mahaney, 88, averaged 22.6 ppg as a two-time Yankee Conference second-team selection for Maine in 1953-54 and 1956-57. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
- Jim Maher, 91, averaged 3.5 ppg for Ohio State in 1950-51 before transferring to Toledo, where he averaged 7.5 ppg in 1952-53 and 1953-54. As a senior, Maher was the fourth-leading scorer with the Rockets' first NCAA tourney team.
- Mark Maher Jr., 87, played for Xavier in the mid-1950s.
- John "Dub" Malaise Jr., 76, averaged 20.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Texas Tech from 1963-64 through 1965-66. Three-time All-SWC first-team selection was league's co-MVP as a junior. The Red Raiders' top point producer each of his last two seasons still holds school single-game scoring record with 50 points against Texas.
- Hugh Manhart, 89, averaged 2.3 ppg for Creighton in 1954-55.
- Ed Maracich, 92, was Loyola of Chicago's third-leading scorer with 12.4 ppg in 1951-52 under coach George Ireland.
- Ken Martin, 84, averaged 4 ppg and 5.6 rpg (fourth on team) for Louisiana State in 1955-56 under coach Harry Rabenhorst.
- Tom Masters, 74, averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Miami (Fla.) from 1966-67 through 1968-69.
- Bill Maxwell, 87, averaged 9.3 ppg and team-high 8.9 rpg for Utah in 1953-54 under coach Jack Gardner.
- Frank McCabe, 93, was Marquette's leading scorer in 1948-49 with 12.7 ppg. Averaged 3 ppg for U.S. gold-medal winning squad in 1952 Olympics at Helsinki.
- Charles "Buddy" McCampbell, 84, averaged 9.5 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Harold Anderson. Two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection led the Falcons in rebounding as a junior before serving as senior co-captain for their first NCAA tourney participant.
- Neil McCarthy, 81, compiled a 448-221 coaching record in 22 seasons with Weber State (200-98 in 10 years from 1975-76 through 1984-85) and New Mexico State (248-123 in 12 years from 1985-86 through 1996-97). Coached four Big Sky Conference Tournament champions (1978-79-80-83) and two Big West Conference Tournament titlists (1992 and 1994).
- Bill "Bear" McClain, 89, played for Memphis State's first NCAA Tournament team in 1955.
- Joe McDaniel, 75, averaged 2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Alabama from 1965-66 through 1967-68.
- Leo McDonald, 88, averaged 5 ppg for Arkansas from 1952-53 through 1954-55.
- Lou McGee Jr., 90, averaged 4 ppg for Georgia in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
- Doug McIntosh, 76, averaged 6.4 ppg and 5.7 rpg for UCLA from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach John Wooden, playing for NCAA championship clubs each of his first two seasons.
- Haiishen McIntyre, 27, averaged 3.8 ppg and 2.2 apg for High Point from 2012-13 through 2015-16. He was shot after an argument during a pickup game.
- Steve McKean, 77, averaged 7.4 ppg and 2.7 rpg for San Jose State from 1967-68 through 1969-70.
- Pat McKenzie, 81, averaged 6.9 ppg and 6.7 rpg for Kansas State from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Tex Winter. McKenzie was the Wildcats' leading rebounder as a senior when earning All-Big Eight Conference first-team honors.
- Stan McKenzie, 76, averaged 15.6 ppg and 8.5 rpg for NYU from 1963-64 through 1965-66. He was the Violets' leading scorer as a junior and top rebounder as senior.
- Pete McManamon, 80, averaged 7.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Creighton from 1960-61 through 1962-63. He appeared in NCAA playoffs as a junior.
- D. "Weldon" Minchew, 93, lettered for Texas Tech in 1944-45. He served in U.S. Army during WWII.
- Richard Mitchell, 82, averaged 5.2 ppg and 2 rpg for Purdue from 1958-59 through 1960-61.
- Eric Mobley, 51, averaged 10.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 2.1 bpg while shooting 55.7% from the floor for Pittsburgh from 1991-92 through 1993-94 under coach Paul Evans. Juco recruit was an All-Big East Conference third-team selection as a senior.
- Mike Mole, 80, averaged 12.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Massachusetts from 1959-60 through 1961-62, earning All-Yankee Conference second-team honors each of his last two seasons.
- Charles "Eddie" Moncrief, 85, averaged 1.9 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Clemson from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
- Cecil Morgan Jr., 89, averaged 3.6 ppg for Texas from 1950-51 through 1952-53.
- Eli Morgan, 84, averaged 4.4 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Oregon in 1956-57.
- Lewis "Lou" Mott, 84, averaged 12.2 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Marshall from 1958-59 through 1960-61.
- Glen Mueller, 70, averaged 4.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg with Cornell from 1969-70 through 1971-72. Lacrosse team captain as senior collected 55 goals and 42 assists in 62 career games, contributing at least 30 points in each campaign (1971 squad won sport's inaugural NCAA DI championship).
- Gordon Mulava, 74, averaged 1.3 ppg for Temple from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Harry Litwack.
- Lou Murgo, 88, was Brown's top scorer in 1952-53 and 1953-54. Murgo was an All-EIBL (predecessor to Ivy League) first-team selection his final campaign. He hit .262 with 25 homers as a SS in the Baltimore Orioles' farm system in two seasons (1954 and 1957).
- Dick Nagy, 78, averaged 11.3 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Hardin-Simmons from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coaches Lou Henson and Paul Lambert. His son, Scott Nagy, coached South Dakota State and Wright State.
- Alan Nass, 80, averaged 7.7 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Georgia Tech from 1960-61 through 1962-63. He led the Yellow Jackets in rebounding as a sophomore and junior before becoming senior captain.
- Harold "Dick" Neal, 85, averaged 7.1 ppg for Indiana from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Branch McCracken. Neal was an All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as a senior when finishing runner-up in scoring and rebounding average with the Hoosiers.
- Cecil "Gene" Neff Jr., 88, played for Kentucky in 1951-52 under coach Adolph Rupp before leaving school and hitting .272 as an OF in the Detroit Tigers' farm system for four years in mid-1950s.
- Greg Nelson, 71, averaged 12.1 ppg and 6.8 rpg for Jacksonville from 1968-69 through 1970-71. He was the Dolphins' second-leading scorer and rebounder as a sophomore before being in regular rotation with NCAA runner-up as a junior.
- Frank Nimmo, 85, averaged 11.8 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Cincinnati from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach George Smith. Senior captain was 39th pick overall in NBA draft.
- Bill Noonan, 80, averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Notre Dame from 1958-59 through 1960-61.
- Jay Norman, 87, averaged 11.5 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Temple from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Harry Litwack. Norman was the school's top two rebounders with Final Four teams as a sophomore and senior. He was the first player in the Owls' history to collect more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his career.
- Howie Nourse, 82, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Ohio State from 1957-58 through 1959-60. As a senior, he was backup center to All-American Jerry Lucas with the Buckeyes' NCAA national champion.
- Dick Nunneley, 89, averaged 16.2 ppg for Tulsa from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Clarence Iba. Nunneley was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection who led the Golden Hurricane in scoring all three seasons.
- John Oosterbaan Jr., 79, was a Hope College MI transfer who averaged 10.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Michigan in 1961-62 (runner-up in scoring with 14.7 ppg) and 1962-63 under coach Dave Strack.
- Jack Owens, 92, played for Georgia Tech in 1948-49.
- Dick Parfitt, 90, compiled a 194-178 coaching record with Central Michigan in 14 seasons seasons from 1971-72 through 1984-85. CMU, which made transition to NCAA DI level in 1973-74, appeared in the NCAA playoffs in 1975 and 1977.
- Jimmy Parker III, 87, was a juco recruit who averaged 5.4 ppg for Georgia in 1952-53 and 1953-54.
- Vernon Paul, 76, averaged 12.1 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Texas Tech from 1965-66 through 1967-68. Two-time All-SWC selection led the Red Raiders in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
- Steve Pavela Jr., 98, played for Notre Dame in 1942-43 before serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
- Eddie Payne, 69, compiled a 242-333 coaching record in 19 NCAA DI seasons with East Carolina (56-58 in four years from 1991-92 through 1994-95), Oregon State (52-88 in five years from 1995-96 through 1999-00) and USC Upstate (227-241 in 15 years from 2002-03 through 2016-17; made transition to DI in 2007-08).
- Larry Pedicord, 89, averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Dayton from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Tom Blackburn.
- Charles "Don" Petersen Sr., 80, averaged 12.1 ppg and 12.2 rpg for Rutgers from 1960-61 through 1962-63, leading the Scarlet Knights in rebounding his last two seasons and in scoring as a senior. He hit .193 as a 1B in the Milwaukee Braves' farm system in 1963 and 1964.
- Bob Petroski, 70, averaged 3.3 ppg for Xavier in 1970-71 and 1971-72.
- Jim Phelan, 92, compiled an 830-524 coaching record with Mount St. Mary's in 49 years from 1954-55 through 2002-03. School made transition to NCAA DI level in 1988-89. He averaged 9.7 ppg for La Salle from 1948-49 through 1950-51.
- John "Jack" Phelan, 95, was DePaul's second-leading scorer with 8 ppg in 1948-49 under coach Ray Meyer.
- Levi Phillips, 69, averaged 12.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 4.3 apg for West Virginia from 1970-71 through 1973-74 (redshirt in 1972-73). First player to score a basket at WVU Coliseum led the Mountaineers in assists as a senior.
- David Pierce, 84, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.5 ppg for Baylor from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Bill Henderson. As a senior, Pierce was runner-up in scoring for the Bears.
- Dr. Charles Pinnell, 92, averaged 5.9 ppg for Texas Tech in 1949-50 as the Red Raiders made transition to major-college status.
- Asbury "Barry" Porter, 91, averaged 2.3 ppg for UCLA from 1950-51 through 1952-53 under coach John Wooden, participating in NCAA playoffs as a junior.
- George "Sonny" Poss, 83, averaged 7 ppg and 6.7 rpg for Georgia from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He led the Bulldogs in rebounding as a senior.
- John Powless, 88, compiled an 88-108 coaching record with Wisconsin in eight seasons from 1968-69 through 1975-76. Michigan transfer averaged 6.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Murray State from 1953-54 through 1956-57.
- Don Preston, 84, played for Tennessee in 1956-57.
- Ryan Preston, 24, averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Rhode Island in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Juco recruit died of injuries incurred in a car crash in Bahrain, where he was playing professionally.
- Bob Priddy, 91, was a Cameron OK transfer who became an All-Border Conference first-team selection with New Mexico A&M in 1951-52.
- Tony Prince, 69, averaged 5.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg for St. John's from 1970-71 through 1972-73.
- Tim Pugh, 75, averaged 1.6 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Creighton in 1964-65 and 1965-66.
- Bobby Puryear, 85, averaged 6.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Texas in 1957-58 and 1958-59 (led SWC in free-throw shooting with 89.6%).
- Jim Puthoff, 84, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Xavier from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He was a member of 1958 NIT titlist.
- Wayne Radford, 64, averaged 8.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Indiana from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coach Bob Knight. He was a key reserve on IU's undefeated 1976 national championship team before becoming an All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as a senior.
- Ron Rainey, 85, averaged 11.8 ppg for Penn State from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach John Egli, leading the Nittany Lions in scoring each of his last two seasons. Rainey, an OF with PSU's 1957 CWS runner-up, coached eventual Wisconsin mentor Bo Ryan in high school.
- Chuck Rask, 83, averaged 11.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Oregon from 1957-58 through 1959-60. As a senior, he was runner-up in scoring with the Ducks' West Regional finalist.
- Michael Reaves, 54, averaged 2.6 ppg for Iowa from 1984-85 through 1987-88.
- George "Bogie" Redmon, 77, averaged 9.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Illinois from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Harry Combes.
- Wes Reed, 48, was a juco recruit who played for UNLV in 1994-95 and 1995-96. He passed away from complications of COVID-19.
- Valentine "Val" Reid, 77, averaged 2.9 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Syracuse in 1964-65 and 1965-66. Teammate of All-American Dave Bing.
- Ray Reins, 82, averaged 2 ppg and 1.1 rpg for Oklahoma State from 1958-59 through 1961-62 under coach Hank Iba (redshirt in 1959-60).
- Ronnie Retton Sr., 84, averaged 3.6 ppg for West Virginia from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Fred Schaus. Senior teammate of All-American Jerry West with NCAA tourney runner-up. Father of gold-medal winning Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton was a SS who hit .272 in New York Yankees' farm system in six seasons from 1959 through 1964.
- Dave Reynolds, 80, averaged 4.9 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Boston College from 1960-61 through 1962-63.
- Tom Richards, 66, was a four-year starter who averaged 8.6 ppg and 3 apg for Pittsburgh from 1972-73 through 1975-76.
- Shavar Richardson, 32, averaged 8.5 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Florida Atlantic from 2008-09 through 2011-12. Brooklyn native scored a career-high 31 points against Troy as a sophomore.
- Xavier Roberson, 31, averaged 4 ppg for Texas Christian in 2009-10 under coach Jim Christian before transferring to South Alabama, where Roberson averaged 12.1 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 2011-12 and 2012-13 under coach Ronnie Arrow. Houston rapper was gunned down in the middle of a street at about 3:45 a.m.
- Jerry Robertson, 83, averaged 4.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Duke from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He was senior captain under coach Harold Bradley. Robertson's eventual wife, Jeanne, was named Miss North Carolina in 1963 and went on to be accorded Miss Congeniality in that year's Miss America competition.
- Bill Robinzine, 77, averaged 9.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Hardin-Simmons TX in 1964-65 and 1965-66 under coach Lou Henson.
- Bruce Rodwan, 74, averaged 14.9 ppg and 12.1 rpg for Detroit from 1965-66 through 1967-68. Rodwan finished among the Titans' top two rebounder all three seasons.
- Bernard "Ben" Roesch, 92, averaged 1.8 ppg for Rutgers in 1948-49 and 1950-51.
- Lou Roethal, 83, averaged 8.3 ppg and 9.6 rpg for St. John's from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Joe Lapchick. Roethal led the school in rebounding as a junior and was runner-up in boards with NIT titlist as a senior.
- Phil Rollins, 87, averaged 12.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Louisville from 1952-53 through 1955-56 under coach Peck Hickman. As a senior, Rollins had second-highest scoring average for NIT titlist before becoming 16th pick in NBA draft.
- Donald "Dee" Rowe, 91, compiled a 120-88 coaching record with Connecticut in eight seasons from 1969-70 through 1976-77. UConn appeared in the 1976 NCAA playoffs. He was the first New England major-college coach to field starting lineup comprised of five African-Americans (late in 1973-74 campaign at Rutgers).
- Dr. Lynn Rowe, 86, averaged 6.7 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Brigham Young from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Stan Watts. As a senior, Rowe was runner-up in rebounding (7.4 rpg) with the Cougars' NCAA tourney team.
- Frank Russell, 72, averaged 15.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Detroit from 1969-70 through 1971-72. He led the Titans in scoring as a sophomore and junior. Frank joined a pair of brothers - Campy (Michigan) and Walker D. (Houston/Western Michigan) - as NBA players.
- Eddie Ryan, 92, averaged 1.4 ppg in 1945-46 and 1.3 ppg in 1947-48 for Boston College.
- Adam Saeed, 22, was a juco recruit who averaged 4 ppg and 2.1 rpg for Savannah State in 2018-19.
- Floyd Sagely, 89, averaged 5.9 ppg for Arkansas from 1951-52 through 1953-54. Defensive back was a sixth-round NFL draft choice by the San Francisco 49ers in 1954 before intercepting a pass with the Chicago Cardinals in 1957. As a senior, he led the Razorbacks in receiving (30 catches for 542 yards and three touchdowns).
- Walt Sahm, 78, averaged 15.8 ppg and 16.9 rpg for Notre Dame from 1962-63 through 1964-65. Sahm ranked among the nation's top seven rebounders all three seasons. Participant in NCAA playoffs as a sophomore and senior died due to complications from COVID-19.
- Steve Salisbury, 78, played for Duke in 1961-62 under coach Vic Bubas.
- Dick Sanders, 90, averaged 3.6 ppg for Wichita in 1950-51 and 1951-52. INF-OF hit .263 with 82 homers and 364 RBI in farm systems of the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers in six seasons (1953 and 1956 through 1960).
- Bane Sarrett, 76, averaged 11.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Western Kentucky in 1963-64 in Ed Diddle's final season as coach before transferring to Furman, where Sarrett averaged 15.3 ppg and 7.4 rpg in 1964-65 and 1965-66 under coach Lyles Alley. Sarrett was the Paladins' runner-up in scoring and rebounding as a senior.
- Marvin Satterfield, 90, averaged 7.4 ppg for Georgia in 1953-54 as senior captain. He was also a member of the Bulldogs' back-to-back SEC baseball champions his final two years.
- Norm Schmotzer, 81, averaged 1.9 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Dayton in 1959-60 under coach Tom Blackburn.
- Spence Schnaitter, 88, averaged 10.6 ppg and 8.3 rpg for Yale from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Howard Hobson. Two-time All-EIBL second-team selection led the Bulldogs in scoring as a senior.
- John Schroeder III, 76, averaged 11.4 ppg and 12.2 rpg for Ohio University from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coach Jim Snyder, finishing third in Mid-American Conference in rebounding all three seasons. Schroeder competed in NCAA tourney as a sophomore.
- F. "Bill" Schulz, 86, averaged 5.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Northwestern in 1955-56 and 1956-57. He led the Wildcats in rebounding his first season with 9.5 rpg.
- Carroll Scroggin, 88, averaged 6.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Arkansas from 1952-53 through 1954-55.
- Don Sebastian, 87, averaged 6.3 ppg for Louisiana State from 1952-53 through 1955-56 under coach Harry Rabenhorst. As a freshman, Sebastian was teammate of All-American Bob Pettit with the Tigers' Final Four team.
- Harold Sergent was a three-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection who averaged 23.3 ppg and 4.6 rpg while leading Morehead State in scoring each season from 1962-63 through 1964-65. OVC player of the year as a sophomore when pacing league in scoring for the first of two times. He scored 52 points in a single game against Middle Tennessee State as a senior.
- Charlie Shaffer Jr., 79, averaged 11.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for North Carolina from 1961-62 through 1963-64 in Dean Smith's first three seasons as head coach. Shaffer was runner-up in rebounding average each year.
- Bruce "Murph" Shapiro, 83, averaged 3.4 ppg for Miami's NCAA tourney team in 1959-60.
- Brian "Puddy" Sheehan, 81, averaged 16.2 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Georgetown from 1958-59 through 1960-61, leading the Hoyas in scoring all three seasons. He was team MVP each of his last two years.
- George Shupe, 74, averaged 1.3 ppg for Kansas State in 1966-67 and 1967-68 in Tex Winter's last two seasons as coach of the Wildcats. Shupe played briefly in 1968 NCAA playoffs.
- Al Sicking, 85, averaged 8.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg for Dayton from 1954-55 through 1956-57 under coach Tom Blackburn. As a senior, Sicking was the top scorer (13.8 ppg) and runner-up in rebounding (12.3 rpg) for the Flyers' NIT participant.
- Gail Siemen, 85, averaged 9.9 ppg for Idaho State's three NCAA playoff teams from 1955-56 through 1957-58. Juco recruit averaged 15.8 ppg in five tourney tilts. Lefthander was runner-up in rebounding for the Bengals each of his last two seasons.
- Bill Skea, 79, averaged 2.9 ppg for Iowa from 1961-62 through 1963-64.
- Kay Slayden, 86, averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Auburn from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Joel Eaves.
- Meredith Smith, 79, coached Maryland-Eastern Shore to a 4-28 record in 2007-08.
- LaVannes Squires, 90, played for Kansas from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Phog Allen. Member of Final Four teams in 1952 and 1953 was the Jayhawks' first African-American player.
- Pat Stanley, 82, was a juco recruit who averaged 9.7 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Texas A&M while playing with his twin brother (Don) in 1959-60 and 1960-61.
- Jerry Steele, 82, averaged 3.3 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Wake Forest from 1958-59 through 1960-61 under coach Bones McKinney. He compiled a 47-92 coaching record with High Point in the school's first five seasons at NCAA Division I level from 1998-99 through 2002-03.
- Wayne Stevens, 84, averaged 11.3 ppg and 9.8 rpg for Cincinnati from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach George Smith. Stevens led the Bearcats in rebounding as a sophomore.
- Dr. Kim Stewart, 78, averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for UCLA from 1961-62 through 1963-64 while playing for coach John Wooden's first two Final Four teams.
- Kip Stone, 49, averaged 3.7 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Louisville in 1990-91 and 1991-92 under coach Denny Crum before transferring to Jacksonville, where Stone averaged 13.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.7 apg and 1.4 spg in 1993-94 and 1994-95. All-Sun Belt Conference selection as a senior died from drug overdose.
- Lafayette Stribling, 87, compiled a 305-318 coaching record with Mississippi Valley State in 22 seasons from 1983-84 through 2004-05. He guided the Delta Devils to NCAA playoffs on three occasions (1986-92-96).
- Larry Strom, 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 9.7 ppg and 9.3 rpg for Florida State in 1956-57 and 1957-58 in school's first two campaigns at major-college level. He finished among the Seminoles' top two rebounders each season as a teammate of eventual FSU coach Hugh Durham.
- Ford Stuen, 29, played for Oklahoma State from 2012-13 through 2015-16 under uncle/coach Travis Ford.
- Robert Summers Sr., 96, lettered for Texas in 1943-44.
- Dr. Donald Swegan, 95, played for Harvard's first NCAA tourney team in 1946 while attending the school in Navy V-12 program during WWII.
- Roger Taylor, 84, averaged 13.7 ppg for Illinois from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Harry Combes. Taylor was an All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as a senior when averaging team-high 17.9 ppg.
- John Telepo, 79, averaged 16.1 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Richmond from 1961-62 through 1963-64. All-Southern Conference first-team selection as a senior when he was the Spiders' top scorer.
- Wayne Terwilliger, 95, was a two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan, averaging 5.6 ppg in his final season in 1947-48. 2B hit .240 with the Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, Washington Senators, New York Giants and Kansas City Athletics in nine MLB seasons (1949 through 1951, 1953 through 1956, 1959 and 1960).
- Emmett Thomas played for Auburn in 1973-74 and 1974-75.
- Franklin Thomas, 87, averaged 11.5 ppg and 14.2 rpg for Columbia from 1953-54 through 1955-56, leading the school in rebounding all three seasons. The Lions' all-time rebounding leader averaged a school-record 16.3 rpg as a junior before becoming an All-Ivy League second-team selection as a senior. He became President and CEO of the Ford Foundation from 1979 until 1996.
- Renaldo Thomas, 57, averaged 3.9 ppg for Houston from 1982-83 through 1985-86 under coach Guy Lewis. Member of Phi Slama Jama clubs finishing national runner-up in 1983 and 1984.
- Clarence "Eggy" Tillman, 60, averaged 3.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg for Kentucky in 1978-79 under coach Joe B. Hall before Philly native transferred back East to Rutgers, where he averaged 11.7 ppg and 4 rpg from 1980-81 through 1982-83 under coach Tom Young.
- Tom Tolan, 96, played for Manhattan in 1942-43 before transferring to St. John's, where the two-year participant in NIT averaged 6.6 ppg from 1946-47 through 1948-49. He was runner-up to All-American Dick McGuire in scoring for the Johnnies in 1947-48. Tolan's college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. military during WWII.
- Tony Tolbert, 50, averaged 6.2 ppg for Michigan in 1989-90 and 1990-91 under coach Steve Fisher before transferring to Detroit, where he averaged 22.1 ppg and 4.8 rpg in 1992-93 and 1993-94. Two-time All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference first-team selection led the Titans in scoring both seasons (league leader as senior). He passed away after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Marion "Tony" Trabert, 90, averaged 6.9 ppg for Cincinnati's NIT team in 1950-51. Tennis legend was a 10-time Grand Slam winner (five singles/five doubles) and member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Ranked No. 1 men's player in the world by London Daily Telegraph in 1953 and 1955.
- Tyrone Travis, 49, averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.2 spg and 1.8 bpg for Radford from 1989-90 through 1993-94 (redshirt in 1991-92). All-Big South Conference second-team selection as a senior when he led the Highlanders in scoring and rebounding.
- Ansley Truitt Jr., 70, averaged 17.3 ppg and 11.8 rpg for California from 1969-70 through 1971-72. Two-time All-Pacific-8 Conference selection led the Bears in rebounding all three seasons. He passed away due to complications from COVID-19.
- Mark Tucker, 65, averaged 6.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Tulsa in 1974-75 and 1975-76 before transferring to Oklahoma State, where he averaged 16.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg in 1977-78 and 1978-79. All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection as a senior when leading OSU in scoring.
- Joe Vancisin, 98, compiled a 207-241 coaching record with Yale in 19 seasons from 1956-57 through 1974-75. Vancisin played for Dartmouth's 1944 NCAA Tournament runner-up. He was executive director of the NABC from 1975 to 1992.
- Orville "Coot" Veal, 88, led Auburn in scoring with 10.9 ppg as a sophomore in 1951-52. He became a MLB shortstop who hit .231 with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators and Pittsburgh Pirates in six seasons from 1958 through 1963.
- Don Vincent, 86, averaged 9 ppg and 4.3 rpg for three West Virginia NCAA tourney teams from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Fred Schaus. Vincent was an All-Southern Conference second-team selection as a senior.
- Dr. Rudy Von Burg, 81, played for Boston College in the Eagles' first NCAA Tournament game in 1958.
- Dave Wagnon, 77, was an All-Big Sky Conference second-team selection for Idaho State in 1965-66 when finishing national runner-up in scoring to Purdue All-American Dave Schellhase with 32.5 ppg.
- Bill Waite Jr., 93, played for Marquette in the late 1940s.
- Granville Waiters, 60, averaged 5.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.3 bpg for Ohio State from 1979-80 through 1982-83 under coach Eldon Miller. Waiters led the Buckeyes in blocked shots each of his last two seasons.
- Walter "Ray" Walker, 90, played in Texas A&M's initial NCAA playoff game in 1951 before becoming co-captain the next season while averaging 5.3 ppg and 2.5 rpg.
- Jim "Turk" Werk, 80, averaged 13 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Eastern Kentucky from 1960-61 through 1962-63. He was an All-Ohio Valley Conference selection as a junior when leading EKU in scoring before pacing team in rebounding the next year.
- James Westphal, 87, played for Stanford in 1952-53.
- Paul Westphal, 70, averaged 16.4 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Southern California from 1969-70 through 1971-72. Two-time All-American was 10th pick overall in NBA draft. He compiled a 76-72 coaching record with Pepperdine in five seasons from 2001-02 through 2005-06 after piloting Grand Canyon in 1986-87 and 1987-88 long before the school moved up to NCAA DI level.
- Art Whisnant, 81, averaged 19.1 ppg and 9.2 rpg for South Carolina from 1959-60 through 1961-62. Three-time All-ACC selection led the Gamecocks in scoring all three seasons and in rebounding each of his last two campaigns. He is grandfather of Masters champion and world No. 1-ranked golfer Dustin Johnson.
- Rick Whitlow, 67, averaged 18.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Illinois State from 1972-73 through 1974-75. Sophomore teammate of All-American Doug Collins before leading the Redbirds in scoring each of his last two seasons. Whitlow scored a total of 89 points in back-to-back victories over Southern Illinois and Oral Roberts.
- Walter Whittaker, 91, played for Kentucky in 1949-50 under coach Adolph Rupp before drafted into the U.S. Army.
- F. Michael "Mickey" Wiles, 74, averaged 4.2 ppg for Georgia in 1966-67 before transferring to Maryland, where he averaged 10.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg in 1968-69 and 1969-70. As a senior, he supplied a team-high 5.2 apg in Lefty Driesell's first season as coach with the Terrapins.
- Mike Williams, 48, averaged 10.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.4 apg and 1.3 spg for Massachusetts from 1991-92 through 1994-95 under coach John Calipari. Williams was noted for supplying game-winning baskets including one in 56-55 win over Temple that became infamous because of the post-game heated exchange between Hall of Fame coaches John Chaney and Calipari.
- Ronnie Williams, 59, averaged 19 ppg and 8.7 rpg while shooting 58.5% from the floor for Florida from 1980-81 through 1983-84 under coach Norm Sloan. Four-time All-SEC selection led league in scoring as a sophomore.
- Sandy Williams, 79, averaged 22.4 ppg and 12.1 rpg for St. Francis (Pa.) from 1961-62 through 1963-64. He led the Red Flash in scoring and rebounding each of his last two seasons, finishing 11th in nation in scoring average both years.
- Brent Wilson, 69, averaged 12.4 ppg and team-high 9.9 rpg for Montana State in 1971-72 before transferring to Colorado State, where he averaged 5.2 ppg and 3.8 rpg in 1973-74 and 1974-75.
- W.L. "Bill" Wilson, 77, averaged 9.4 ppg and 8.8 rpg for Louisiana State from 1962-63 through 1964-65. He finished among the Tigers' top two rebounders each of his last two seasons.
- Major Wingate, 37, averaged 6.4 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Tennessee from 2003-04 through 2005-06. He set a school NCAA playoff single-game record with five blocked shots against Wichita State before kicked off squad after tri-captain violated coach Bruce Pearl's substance abuse policy.
- Charles Wittenburg, 86, played for Notre Dame in 1955-56 and 1956-57.
- Robert Wygant, 92, averaged 5 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Rutgers in 1950-51. He was a three-year football letterman as a back.
- Rudy Yessin, 95, averaged 3.1 ppg for Kentucky in 1943-44 under coach Adolph Rupp before serving in U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
- Galen Young, 45, averaged 11.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.4 spg for Charlotte in 1997-98 and 1998-99. Juco recruit was CUSA MVP as a senior. In a freak accident, he died around 2:45 a.m. while sitting in front of a computer when car plowed into his mother's Memphis home.
NECROLOGY FROM PREVIOUS NINE YEARS
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 29 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 29 in football at the professional level (especially in 1957 and 1963 championship contests):
DECEMBER 29
Baltimore Colts DE Ordell Braase (first-team All-NCC pick for South Dakota in 1952-53 and 1953-54) had three sacks in a 34-0 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1968 NFL championship game.
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 NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 28 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 28 in football at the professional level (especially in 1947 and 1952 championship contests):
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.
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 27 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 27 in football at the professional level (especially by three individuals from Texas universities for Detroit Lions in 1953 championship contest):
DECEMBER 27
Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught four passes for 54 yards in a 17-16 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1953 NFL championship contest. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw a 33-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Lions HB Doak Walker (Southern Methodist hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) opened game's scoring with a rushing TD.
Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 114 yards on 27 carries in 1964 NFL championship game (27-0 against Baltimore Colts). It was Brown's lone playoff win.
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.
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 26 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 26 in football at the professional level (especially in 1943 and 1954 championship games):
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.
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.
My Two Sons: DI Coaches With Pair of Offspring On Roster At Same Time
Syracuse's Buddy and Jimmy Boeheim are competing with 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 (5-5 at Christmas) | Jim Boeheim | G Jackson "Buddy" Boeheim/F Jimmy Boeheim | Buddy was averaging team-high 17.6 ppg in mid-season in 2021-22 while Cornell graduate transfer Jimmy was Orange's third-leading scorer with 14.4 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 (TBD) | Juwan Howard | F Jace Howard/F Jett Howard | Jace plays sparingly this season while Jett committed for next season. |
| Iowa (31-12 at Christmas) | 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 this year. Patrick, sidelined by thyroid cancer in 2019-20, averaged 5.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 2020-21 before becoming a starter this season. |
| 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 NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 25 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthem and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is research you can tackle regarding former 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 NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 24 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 24 in football at the professional level (especially in 1950 NFL championship contest and 1961 AFL title tilt):
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.
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 and Stocking Stuffers For DI Basketball
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 NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 23 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and league funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 23 in football at the professional level (especially Wake Forest's Bill Hull going from Final Four to AFL championship game in same year in 1962):
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 #1-Ranked Virginia Cavs Second Day Before Christmas
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:
- Forrest "Phog" Allen - Lost to Emporia State (Kan.) in 1947-48 while coaching Kansas.
- Forrest "Forddy" Anderson - Lost to Emporia State (Kan.) in 1947-48 while coaching Drake. Lost to Northern Michigan in 1960-61 while coaching Michigan State.
- John Bach - Lost to Adelphi (N.Y.) in 1958-59 while coaching Fordham.
- Kevin Bannon - Lost to Grand Canyon (Ariz.) at Hawaii in 1991-92 while coaching Rider.
- Rick Barnes - Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1991-92 while coaching Providence and in 2012-13 while coaching Texas.
- J.D. Barnett - Lost to Louisiana Christian in 1995-96 while coaching Northwestern State (La.).
- Jim Baron - Lost to Walsh (Ohio) in 1992-93 while coaching St. Bonaventure. Lost to Lubbock Christian (Tex.) at Las Vegas in 2003-04 while coaching Rhode Island. Lost to Metro State (Colo.) in 2013-14 while coaching Canisius.
- Gene Bartow - Lost at American-Puerto Rico in 1994-95 while coaching UAB.
- Dick Bennett - Lost to Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1985-86 and 1986-87 while coaching Wisconsin-Green Bay.
- Eddie Biedenbach - Lost to Montreat (N.C.) in 2001-02 and Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) in 2005-06 while coaching UNC Asheville.
- Tom Blackburn - Lost to Anderson (Ind.) in 1947-48, Ohio Wesleyan in 1948-49, Muskingum (Ohio) in 1949-50 and Wittenberg (Ohio) in 1962-63 while coaching Dayton.
- Bill Blair - Lost to Morris Harvey (W. Va.) and twice to Roanoke (Va.) in 1972-73 and to West Virginia Tech and Shepherd (W. Va.) in 1973-74 while coaching VMI.
- George Blaney - Lost to Springfield (Mass.) in 1969-70 and 1971-72 while coaching Dartmouth. Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1973-74 and 1985-86 and at Florida Southern in 1979-80 while coaching Holy Cross.
- Dave Bliss - Lost to Rollins (Fla.) and Texas Wesleyan in 1980-81 and at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1984-85 while coaching SMU. Lost to Eastern New Mexico in 1991-92 while coaching New Mexico.
- Bob Boyd - Lost to Tennessee-Martin in 1981-82 and Delta State (Miss.) in 1985-86 while coaching Mississippi State.
- Jim Brandenburg - Lost to South Dakota in 1979-80 while coaching Wyoming.
- Byron "Buster" Brannon - Lost to Sam Houston State (Tex.) twice in 1938-39 and once in 1940-41 while coaching Rice. Lost to East Texas State, at Hamline (Minn.) and twice to Austin (Tex.) College in 1948-49, Midwestern State (Tex.) in 1953-54 and Kentucky Wesleyan in 1955-56 while coaching Texas Christian.
- Tom Brennan - Lost to Florida Southern in 1982-83, Clark (Mass.) in 1985-86 and Trinity (Conn.) in 1985-86 while coaching Yale. Lost to St. Michael's (Vt.) in 1986-87, 1987-88 and 1988-89 while coaching Vermont.
- John Bunn - Lost to Eastern New Mexico (six times from 1957-58 through 1962-63), Fort Hays (Kan.) State (five times from 1957-58 through 1962-63), New Mexico Highlands in 1960-61, twice to Panhandle State (Okla.) in 1957-58, St. Cloud State (Minn.) in 1962-63, Southwestern Oklahoma State in 1956-57, Wayne State (Neb.) in 1962-63 and Western New Mexico in 1961-62 while coaching Northern Colorado.
- Jim Calhoun - Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1972-73; to Tufts (Mass.), American International (Mass.), Bridgeport (Conn.) and at Assumption (Mass.) in 1973-74; Assumption (Mass.) and Brandeis (Mass.) in 1974-75; Merrimack (Mass.) in 1975-76; Bridgeport (Conn.), Merrimack (Mass.), St. Anselm (Vt.) and Stonehill (Mass.) in 1976-77; American International (Mass.) and Assumption (Mass.) in 1978-79 and Florida Southern in 1980-81 while coaching Northeastern.
- John Calipari - Lost at Florida Tech in 1988-89 and to Lowell (Mass.) in 1989-90 while coaching Massachusetts.
- Lou Campanelli - Lost to West Virginia Tech in 1980-81 while coaching James Madison. Lost to Alaska-Anchorage in 1990-91 on neutral court while coaching California.
- Howard Cann - Lost to Panzer in 1938-39 and Brandeis (Mass.) in 1956-57 while coaching NYU.
- P.J. Carlesimo - Lost at Bentley (Mass.), to Southern Connecticut on a neutral court, to C.W. Post (N.Y.), at Springfield (Mass.) and at Bridgeport (Conn.) in 1976-77; to New Haven (Conn.) and at C.W. Post (N.Y.) in 1977-78, and at Staten Island (N.Y.) and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (N.Y.) in 1981-82 while coaching Wagner.
- Henry "Doc" Carlson - Lost to Bethany (W. Va.) in 1948-49, Geneva (Pa.) in 1941-42, 1950-51 and 1952-53 and Carnegie Tech (Pa.) three times in four seasons from 1938-39 through 1941-42 plus five times in six seasons from 1949-50 through 1954-55 while coaching Pittsburgh.
- Pete Carril - Lost to East Stroudsburg (Pa.) in 1966-67 while coaching Lehigh.
- Don Casey - Lost to Philadelphia Textile in 1975-76 while coaching Temple.
- Joe Cipriano - Lost at Hawaii-Hilo in 1976-77 while coaching Nebraska.
- Gary Colson - Lost to John Brown (Ark.) in 1972-73 and Moorhead (Minn.) State in 1973-74 while coaching Pepperdine. Lost to Alaska-Anchorage in 1983-84 while coaching New Mexico.
- Bobby Cremins - Lost to Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) in 1975-76 and twice in 1977-78 while coaching Appalachian State.
- Denny Crum - Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1983-84 and 1984-85 while coaching Louisville.
- Charles "Chick" Davies - Lost to Waynesburg (Pa.) in 1937-38 and 1938-39 and to Wooster (Ohio) in 1937-38 while coaching Duquesne.
- Tom Davis - Lost to Moravian (Pa.) in 1973-74 and at Albright (Pa.) in 1975-76 while coaching Lafayette. Lost to Chico State (Calif.) in 1982-83 while coaching Stanford. Lost to UC Riverside in 1988-89 while coaching Iowa.
- Johnny Dee - Lost to Jacksonville (Ala.) State in 1952-53 while coaching Alabama.
- Don DeVoe - Lost to Johns Hopkins (Md.) in 2002-03 while coaching Navy.
- Ed Diddle - Lost to Kentucky Wesleyan in 1955-56, David Lipscomb (Tenn.) in 1962-63 and LeMoyne (N.Y.) in 1963-64 while coaching Western Kentucky.
- Bob Donewald - Lost to Cal State Bakersfield in 1980-81 while coaching Illinois State.
- Homer Drew - Lost to Bethel (Ind.) in 1997-98 while coaching Valparaiso.
- Charles "Lefty" Driesell - Lost to Catawba (N.C.) twice in 1960-61 and to Carson-Newman (Tenn.) and Erskine (S.C.) in 1961-62 while coaching Davidson.
- Hugh Durham - Lost at Puerto Rico-Mayaguez in 2001-02 while coaching Jacksonville.
- Bobby Dye - Lost at Chapman (Calif.) in 1975-76 while coaching Cal State Fullerton. Lost to Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) in 1985-86 while coaching Boise State.
- Norm Ellenberger - Lost at Hawaii-Hilo in 1976-77 while coaching New Mexico.
- Fred Enke - Lost to Regis (Colo.) in 1959-60 while coaching Arizona.
- Larry Eustachy - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1991-92 and to Elizabeth City State (N.C.) in 1992-93 while coaching Idaho.
- Paul Evans - Lost at Rollins (Fla.) in 1981-82 while coaching Navy.
- Bill C. Foster - Lost at University of the South (Tenn.) and Roanoke (Va.) in 1970-71 and to Valdosta (Ga.) State in 1971-72 while coaching UNC Charlotte. Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1987-88 while coaching Miami (Fla.).
- Bill E. Foster - Lost at Albright (Pa.) in 1964-65 while coaching Rutgers. Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1981-82 while coaching South Carolina. Lost to Rollins (Fla.) in 1986-87 and 1987-88 while coaching Northwestern.
- Harold "Bud" Foster - Lost to South Dakota in 1956-57 while coaching Wisconsin.
- Bill Frieder - Lost to Alaska-Anchorage on a neutral court in 1988-89 while coaching Michigan.
- Jack Friel - Lost at Centenary (La.) and to Spring Hill (Ala.) in 1955-56 and Whitworth (Wash.) five times from 1951-52 through 1956-57 while coaching Washington State.
- John "Taps" Gallagher - Lost to Wayne State (Mich.) in 1951-52 and Gannon (Pa.) and Rochester (N.Y.) in 1964-65 while coaching Niagara.
- Dave Gavitt - Lost at Springfield (Mass.) in 1967-68 while coaching Dartmouth.
- Boyd Grant - Lost to Wisconsin-Parkside in 1978-79 while coaching Fresno State.
- Murray Greason - Lost to Rio Grande (Ohio) in 1953-54 while coaching Wake Forest.
- Ron Greene - Lost to Spring Hill (Ala.) in 1966-67 while coaching Loyola of New Orleans. Lost to Tennessee Wesleyan and Mississippi College in 1978-79, Arkansas College in 1981-82, West Virginia Tech in 1982-83 and Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) in 1984-85 while coaching Murray State. Lost to Rollins (Fla.) in 1986-87 while coaching Indiana State.
- Tim Grgurich - Lost to Morris Harvey (W. Va.) in 1977-78 while coaching Pittsburgh.
- Frank Haith - Lost to Southeastern Oklahoma State in 2014-15 while coaching Tulsa.
- Leonard Hamilton - Lost at BYU-Hawaii in 1987-88 while coaching Oklahoma State.
- Jim Harrick - Lost at Abilene (Tex.) Christian in 1984-85 while coaching Pepperdine.
- Dick Harter - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1978-79 while coaching Penn State.
- Jack Hartman - Lost to Kentucky Wesleyan four times in three years from 1967-68 through 1969-70 while coaching Southern Illinois.
- Don Haskins - Lost to Louisiana College in 1977-78 while coaching Texas-El Paso.
- George "Jud" Heathcote - Lost at Puget Sound (Wash.) in 1972-73, 1973-74 and 1975-76 and at Southern Colorado in 1972-73 while coaching Montana.
- Bill Henderson - Lost to Howard Payne (Tex.) in 1955-56 while coaching Baylor.
- Lou Henson - Lost to Howard Payne (Tex.) twice, Midwestern State (Tex.), Eastern New Mexico and Abilene Christian (Tex.) in 1962-63; Abilene Christian and Midwestern State in 1964-65, and Pittsburg State (Kan.) in 1965-66 while coaching Hardin-Simmons. Lost at Eastern New Mexico in 1966-67, to Angelo State (Tex.) in 1971-72, at Alaska-Fairbanks in 1998-99 and at BYU-Hawaii in 2001-02 while coaching New Mexico State.
- Eddie Hickey - Lost to South Dakota in 1938-39 and 1939-40 while coaching Creighton.
- Bernard "Peck" Hickman - Lost to Georgetown College (Ky.) in 1958-59 while coaching Louisville.
- Paul "Tony" Hinkle - Lost to Wabash (Ind.) in 1959-60, twice in 1960-61 and in 1966-67 while coaching Butler.
- Terry Holland - Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1982-83 while coaching Virginia.
- Ben Howland - Lost to Concordia (Calif.) in 1994-95 while coaching Northern Arizona.
- Henry "Hank" Iba - Lost to Westminster (Mo.) in 1934-35 and 1936-37 and Abilene (Tex.) Christian in 1965-66 while coaching Oklahoma A&M/Oklahoma State.
- Moe Iba - Lost to Union (Tenn.) in 1968-69 and 1969-70 while coaching Memphis State.
- George Ireland - Lost to Regis (Colo.) in 1954-55, North Dakota State in 1966-67, Illinois Wesleyan in 1970-71 and Missouri Western in 1972-73 while coaching Loyola of Chicago.
- Maurice "Maury" John - Lost to South Dakota State in 1958-59 and Washington (Mo.) in 1963-64 while coaching Drake.
- Alvin "Doggie" Julian - Lost to St. Michael's (Vt.), at St. Anselm (N.H.) and at Tampa (Fla.) in 1950-51; to Amherst (Mass.) in 1952-53; at St. Michael's (Vt.), to Williams (Mass.) and at Springfield (Mass.) in 1960-61; to Colby (Maine) in 1961-62, and to Williams (Mass.) in 1964-65 while coaching Dartmouth.
- Jim Killingsworth - Lost to Westmont (Calif.) in 1980-81 while coaching Texas Christian.
- Bob King - Lost at Washington (Mo.) in 1963-64 while coaching New Mexico.
- Dana Kirk - Lost to Wisconsin-Parkside in 1979-80 while coaching Memphis State.
- Jack Kraft - Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1974-75 while coaching Rhode Island.
- Mike Krzyzewski - Lost to SUNY-Buffalo, Scranton (Pa.) and King's College (Pa.) in 1975-76 while coaching Army.
- Steve Lappas - Lost to Springfield (Mass.) in 1988-89 while coaching Manhattan.
- Jim Larranaga - Lost to Findlay (Ohio) in 1991-92 while coaching Bowling Green.
- Frank Layden - Lost to Thomas More (Ky.) in 1970-71 while coaching Niagara.
- Jack Leaman - Lost to American International (Mass.) in 1966-67 and 1969-70, Springfield (Mass.) in 1970-71 and Bentley (Mass.) in 1978-79 while coaching Massachusetts.
- A.E. "Abe" Lemons - Lost to Centenary (La.) in 1958-59, McMurry (Tex.) in 1960-61 and Wayland Baptist (Tex.) in 1984-85 while coaching Oklahoma City. Lost to Texas A&I in 1973-74 while coaching Pan American.
- Jim Les - Lost to Lubbock (Tex.) Christian at Las Vegas in 2003-04 while coaching Bradley.
- Guy Lewis - Lost to St. Mary's (Tex.) in 1969-70 and 1974-75, Texas A&I in 1979-80 and Alaska-Anchorage and Biscayne (Fla.) in 1980-81 while coaching Houston.
- Harry Litwack - Lost to West Chester (Pa.) in 1969-70 while coaching Temple.
- Taylor "Tates" Locke - Lost to North Park (Ill.) in 1978-79 while coaching Jacksonville.
- Ken Loeffler - Lost to Centenary (La.) in 1956-57 while coaching Texas A&M.
- Jim Lynam - Lost to Saint Leo (Fla.) and at Assumption (Mass.) in 1968-69 and to Southern Connecticut in 1969-70 while coaching Fairfield. Lost at King's (Pa.) in 1975-76 while coaching American University. Lost at Rollins (Fla.) in 1979-80 while coaching St. Joseph's.
- Nick Macarchuk - Lost to Buffalo State in 1982-83 while coaching Canisius.
- John MacLeod - Lost to Samford (Ala.) in 1971-72 while coaching Oklahoma. Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1998-99 while coaching Notre Dame.
- John "Red" Manning - Lost to Carnegie-Mellon (Pa.) in 1959-60 while coaching Duquesne.
- Rollie Massimino - Lost at New Orleans in 1973-74 and to Philadelphia Textile in 1975-76 and 1976-77 while coaching Villanova.
- James "Babe" McCarthy - Lost to University of the South (Tenn.) in 1955-56 and Mississippi College in 1964-65 while coaching Mississippi State.
- Neil McCarthy - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1978-79 while coaching Weber State. Lost to Western New Mexico in 1986-87 while coaching New Mexico State.
- Al McGuire - Lost at Washington (Mo.) in 1964-65 and Evansville in 1965-66 while coaching Marquette.
- Frank McGuire - Lost at Florida Southern in 1979-80 while coaching South Carolina.
- Jack McKinney - Lost to Catholic (D.C.) in 1966-67 while coaching St. Joseph's.
- Eddie Melvin - Lost to Cortland (N.Y.) State in 1947-48 and Gannon (Pa.) in 1948-49 while coaching St. Bonaventure. Lost to Morris Harvey (W. Va.) in 1956-57 and Wittenberg (Ohio) in 1958-59 and 1959-60 while coaching Toledo.
- Shelby Metcalf - Lost at Eastern Montana in 1980-81 and to St. Mary's (Tex.) in 1984-85 while coaching Texas A&M.
- Ray Meyer - Lost to Beloit (Wis.) in 1950-51, Wayne State (Mich.) in 1955-56, at North Dakota in 1965-66 and to St. Joseph's (Ind.) in 1969-70 while coaching DePaul.
- Eldon Miller - Lost to Winona (Minn.) State and Wisconsin-Platteville in 1986-87 and at American-Puerto Rico and to Morningside (Iowa) in 1990-91 while coaching Northern Iowa.
- Ralph Miller - Lost at Beloit (Wis.) in 1951-52 while coaching Wichita.
- Charles Moir - Lost to Dillard (La.) in 1973-74 and 1974-75 and Xavier (La.) in 1973-74 while coaching Tulane.
- Mike Montgomery - Lost to Puget Sound (Wash.) in 1978-79 and 1980-81 while coaching Montana. Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 1992-93 while coaching Stanford.
- Stan Morrison - Lost to San Francisco State in 1974-75 and at North Dakota in 1978-79 while coaching Pacific.
- Joe Mullaney - Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1963-64 and 1984-85 while coaching Providence. Lost to Stonehill (Mass.) in 1979-80 while coaching Brown.
- Jeff Mullins - Lost at Florida Southern in 1987-88 while coaching UNC Charlotte.
- Gerald Myers - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1990-91 while coaching Texas Tech.
- Lynn Nance - Lost to Nebraska-Omaha in 1979-80 while coaching Iowa State.
- Danny Nee - Lost to Charleston (W. Va.) in 1980-81 while coaching Ohio University.
- Jim O'Brien - Lost at Florida Tech in 1988-89 while coaching Boston College.
- Dave Odom - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1993-94 while coaching Wake Forest.
- Johnny Orr - Lost at Washington (Mo.) in 1964-65 while coaching Massachusetts. Lost at Eastern Montana in 1981-82 while coaching Iowa State.
- Bobby Paschal - Lost to Tampa in 1986-87 and 1987-88 while coaching South Florida.
- Tom Penders - Lost at CCNY in 1974-75 and at San Francisco State in 1977-78 while coaching Columbia. Lost at Hawaii-Pacific in 1985-86 while coaching Fordham.
- Jerry Pimm - Lost to Midwestern State (Tex.) in 1979-80 while coaching Utah. Lost to San Francisco State in 1983-84 while coaching UC Santa Barbara.
- Rick Pitino - Lost to Adelphi (N.Y.) in 1978-79 while coaching Boston University.
- Harry Rabenhorst - Lost to Louisiana College in 1955-56 and at Centenary (La.) in 1956-57 while coaching Louisiana State.
- Bill Raftery - Lost to Siena (N.Y.) in 1972-73, at Rollins (Fla.) in 1973-74 and to King's College (Pa.) in 1975-76 while coaching Seton Hall.
- Jack Ramsay - Lost to Albright (Pa.) in 1957-58 and 1961-62 while coaching St. Joseph's.
- George Raveling - Lost to St. Martin's (Wash.) in 1980-81 and Eastern Montana in 1981-82 while coaching Washington State.
- Roger Reid - Lost to Colorado-Colorado Springs in 2007-08 while coaching Southern Utah.
- Nolan Richardson Jr. - Lost at American-Puerto Rico in 1997-98 while coaching Arkansas.
- Alfred "A.J." Robertson - Lost to South Dakota in 1947-48 while coaching Bradley.
- Les Robinson - Lost to Francis Marion (S.C.) in 1983-84 while coaching The Citadel.
- Lee Rose - Lost at Eastern Montana in 1977-78 while coaching UNC Charlotte.
- Lou Rossini - Lost to Scranton (Pa.) in 1975-76 and Bentley (Mass.) in 1978-79 while coaching St. Francis (N.Y.).
- John "Honey" Russell - Lost at Saint Thomas (Minn.) in 1937-38, to David & Elkins (W. Va.) in 1949-50 and to Albright (Pa.) in 1949-50 and 1957-58 while coaching Seton Hall.
- Herb Sendek - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 2017-18 while coaching Santa Clara.
- Alex Severance - Lost to Albright (Pa.) in 1941-42, Swarthmore (Pa.) in 1943-44 and 1944-45 and Scranton (Pa.) in 1957-58 while coaching Villanova.
- Norman Sloan - Lost at Presbyterian (S.C.) in 1956-57 while coaching The Citadel.
- Jim Snyder - Lost to Marietta (Ohio) four times in five years from 1949-50 through 1953-54 and in 1959-60, Mount Union (Ohio) in 1949-50, Muskingum (Ohio) in 1950-51, Beloit (Wis.) and Lake Forest (Ill.) in 1951-52, Ohio Wesleyan in 1952-53 and Otterbein (Ohio) in 1966-67 while coaching Ohio University.
- Norm Stewart - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1985-86 while coaching Missouri.
- John Thompson Jr. - Lost to Assumption (Mass.) in 1973-74; Gannon (Pa.) in 1975-76; Randolph-Macon (Va.) in 1974-75; Roanoke (Va.) in 1972-73, and at South Florida in 1972-73 while coaching Georgetown.
- Ken Trickey - Lost to Union (Tenn.) in 1965-66, Transylvania (Ky.) in 1966-67 and 1968-69 and Oglethorpe (Ga.) in 1967-68 while coaching Middle Tennessee State. Lost to Nebraska-Omaha and South Dakota in 1975-76 while coaching Iowa State. Lost to Cameron (Okla.) in 1980-81 while coaching Oral Roberts.
- Billy Tubbs - Lost to Ohio Northern in 1980-81 while coaching Oklahoma. Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1995-96 while coaching Texas Christian. Lost to Delta State (Miss.) in 2005-06 while coaching Lamar.
- M.K. Turk - Lost at Florida Southern in 1979-80 and to Fairmont State (W. Va.) in 1984-85 while coaching Southern Mississippi.
- Jim Valvano - Lost to Armstrong State (Ga.) and Gannon (Pa.) in 1972-73, Wilkes (Pa.) in 1973-74 and Bloomsburg (Pa.) in 1974-75 while coaching Bucknell. Lost at Tampa in 1986-87 while coaching North Carolina State.
- Bob Vanatta - Lost at Centenary (La.) in 1956-57 while coaching Memphis State.
- Willem "Butch" van Breda Kolff - Lost at Albright (Pa.) in 1951-52 while coaching Lafayette. Lost at Florida Southern in 1988-89 while coaching Hofstra.
- Perry Watson - Lost to Wayne State (Mich.) in 1993-94 while coaching Detroit.
- Stan Watts - Lost to Hamline (Minn.) in 1951-52 while coaching Brigham Young.
- Bruce Weber - Lost to Fort Hays State (Kan.) in 2020-21 while coaching Kansas State.
- Clifford Wells - Lost to Spring Hill (Ala.) in 1953-54 and Louisiana College in 1962-63 while coaching Tulane.
- Bob Weltlich - Lost at Alaska-Anchorage in 1986-87 while coaching Texas.
- Paul Westhead - Lost at Biscayne (Fla.) in 1971-72 and Florida Southern in 1978-79 while coaching La Salle.
- Davey Whitney - Lost to Delta State (Miss.) six times in five years from 1985-86 through 1989-90; Dillard (La.) in 1986-87; Miles (Ala.) in 1988-89 and 1990-91; Mississippi College in 1990-91, 1992-93 and 1993-94; Slippery Rock (Pa.) in 1993-94, and Tougaloo (Miss.) in 1996-97 while coaching Alcorn State.
- Ralph Willard - Lost to Williams (Mass.) in 2003-04 while coaching Holy Cross.
- Carroll Williams - Lost to San Francisco State in 1970-71 and at Alaska-Anchorage in 1991-92 while coaching Santa Clara.
- Charlie Woollum - Lost to Rochester (N.Y.) in 1975-76 and 1976-77, Upsala (N.J.) in 1977-78 and Messiah (Pa.) in 1981-82 while coaching Bucknell.
- Jay Wright - Lost at Chaminade (Hawaii) in 2003-04 while coaching Villanova.
- Ned Wulk - Lost to Lawrence Tech (Mich.) and twice to Baldwin-Wallace (Ohio) in 1952-53 while coaching Xavier. Lost to Cal Poly Pomona in 1969-70 while coaching Arizona State.
On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 22 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurred politicized multiple anthems and league funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 22 in football at the professional level (especially in 1968 playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Colts):
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.
Centre Court: UK and UL Can't Cancel They Suffered Big Loss to Small School
It's no secret Greek philosopher Rick Pitino directed both Kentucky and Louisville to NCAA Tournament championships. Although their much-anticipated matchup was cancelled this 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 NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle December 21 Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as ill-informed GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick and his supporters spurring politicized multiple anthems and league funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on December 21 in football at the professional level (especially in 1941 championship contest):
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.
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