In Memoriam: RIP List of 2024 Deceased Impacting World of NCAA DI Hoops

December 28th, 2024 - 8:58

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

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

With Auld Lang Syne chords playing in background, the final week of calendar year offered another time to say goodbye by acknowledging the passing away in 2024 of a striking number of major-college basketball movers and shakers. A couple of the Top Ten players in NCAA history (UCLA's Bill Walton and West Virginia's Jerry West) passed away this year along with Hall of Fame coaches Lou Carnesecca, Don Donoher and Lefty Driesell.

Western Kentucky, New Mexico and a couple of Philly Big Five schools were hit particularly hard in the obituary column. WKU lost All-Americans Tom Marshall and Bobby Rascoe, UNM lost conference players of the year Greg Brown and Ruben Douglas and a pair of 1950-51 A-As from Philly schools perished (Penn's Ernie Beck and Temple's Bill Mlkvy). A-As in necrology category with Beck, Mlkvy, Walton, West and WKU duo included Carl Cain (Iowa), Larry Cannon (La Salle), Ken Charlton (Colorado), Duane Klueh (Indiana State), Don Ohl (Illinois), Hub Reed (Oklahoma City), Dick Rosenthal (Notre Dame), Frank Selvy (Furman), Dick Van Arsdale (Indiana), Chet Walker (Bradley), Walt Wesley (Kansas) and Tony Windis (Wyoming). Another OCU top 10 national scorer like Reed who perished after averaging more than 25 ppg in a single season was Rich Travis. Multiple ex-players under 30 years of age and in triple figures are among the following alphabetical list of deceased who usually didn't "drop the ball" at end of year in Times Square or on a court anywhere else:

  • Amir Abdur-Rahim, 43, compiled a 25-8 coaching record with South Florida in 2023-24 after going 45-74 with Kennesaw State in four seasons from 2019-20 through 2022-23 (guided Owls to their best DI record of 26-9 and first NCAA playoff appearance). Juco recruit was a three-time All-Southland Conference selection who averaged 15.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.1 apg and 1.4 spg for Southeastern Louisiana from 2001-02 through 2003-04 while finishing among the league's top eight in scoring average all three seasons.
  • Gus Alfieri, 87, averaged 10.8 ppg and 4.1 rpg for St. John's from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Joe Lapchick. Alfieri was among the team's top three scorers for NIT quarterfinalist and champion his last two seasons.
  • Robert "Barney" Alleman, 90, averaged 3.7 ppg for Iowa State from 1951-52 through 1954-55.
  • John Allen, 89, averaged 9.3 ppg as an Arizona State starter in 1952-53 before going on a Mormon mission. He caught 12 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown as a WR with the Sun Devils in 1956.
  • Lenny Allen averaged 7.6 ppg for Washington State from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Marv Harshman.
  • Jim Anderson, 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 5.9 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Oregon State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Slats Gill. Anderson compiled a 79-90 coaching record with his alma mater in six seasons from 1989-90 through 1994-95.
  • Harold "Ray" Apple, 85, was on roster of Ohio State's 1961 NCAA Tournament runner-up under coach Fred Taylor. RHP compiled a 19-32 minor-league pitching record in farm systems of the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and Washington Senators in four years from 1961 through 1964. Taylor was a 1B with the Senators in the early 1950s.
  • Frank Arnold, 89, compiled a 148-139 coaching record in 10 DI seasons with Brigham Young (137-94 in eight years from 1975-76 through 1982-83) and Hawaii (11-45 in 1985-86 and 1986-87). Arnold guided BYU to three consecutive NCAA playoff appearances with All-American Danny Ainge from 1979 through 1981. Arnold played for Idaho State's 1955 NCAA tourney team.
  • Jack Ayer, 53, averaged 9.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.7 apg while shooting 81% from free-throw line and 36.9% from beyond three-point arc for Hartford from 1990-91 through 1993-94. He was an All-North Atlantic Conference second-team selection as a senior when finishing runner-up in league in FT%.
  • Mike Babul, 47, averaged 3.7 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.6 apg for Massachusetts from 1996-97 through 1999-00 under coach Bruiser Flint. Babul was named to All-Defensive Team in Atlantic 10 Conference each of his last three seasons.
  • Charlie Bagby, 81, averaged 9.6 ppg and 4 rpg for Georgia from 1961-62 through 1963-64. Senior captain was the Bulldogs' third-leading scorer each of his last two campaigns. He also led the Bulldogs' baseball squad in wins, ERA, innings pitched and strikeouts in 1962 and IP in 1964. Son of two-time Cleveland Indians A.L. All-Star pitcher Jim Bagby Jr., who ended Joe DiMaggio's MLB-record 56-game hitting streak on 7-17-41, and grandson of Jim "Sarge" Bagby Sr., the first hurler to hit a homer in modern World Series competition (three-run blast with Cleveland Indians off Hall of Famer Burleigh Grimes in Game 5 in 1920 after posting 31-12 record during regular season). Charlie's Jim Sr. and Jr. ancestors comprised the first father-and-son combination to pitch in WS when Jr. appeared in Game 4 in 1946 with the Boston Red Sox. Grandpa's 31 triumphs are tied with Lefty Grove (1931) and Denny McLain (1968) for most in a single season since Grover Alexander notched same number of victories in 1915. Cy Young registered 32 wins in 1902 before ex-college hoopers Christy Mathewson (Bucknell) and Jack Coombs (Colby ME) secured 31 in 1905 and 1910, respectively.
  • Arthur "Buddy" Ball, 88, averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Texas Christian in 1955-56 under coach Buster Brannon.
  • Jarvis Basnight, 59, was a juco recruit who averaged 8.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg while shooting 60.8% from the floor for UNLV from 1985-86 through 1987-88 under coach Jerry Tarkanian. Basnight was runner-up in rebounding and blocked shots for the Rebels' 1987 Final Four team before becoming an All-PCAA first-team selection the next season when pacing league in field-goal shooting (64.8%) and finishing fourth in blocked shots per game (1.2 bpg).
  • Ron Baukol, 86, averaged 7.5 ppg for Iowa State from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He was the Cyclones' runner-up in scoring as a senior.
  • Ted Beach, 94, averaged 6.4 ppg for Illinois from 1948-49 through 1950-51 under coach Harry Combes. As a senior, Beach was runner-up in scoring with the Illini's national third-place team in NCAA playoffs.
  • Ernie Beck, 93, averaged 22.3 ppg and 19 rpg for Penn from 1950-51 through 1952-53, pacing the Quakers in scoring and rebounding each season. Led nation in rebounding as a sophomore before finishing third in 1951-52 and 12th in 1952-53. Ranked among nation's top 17 scorers all three campaigns. Two-time All-American before becoming territorial pick by the Philadelphia Warriors in NBA draft.
  • Walter "Bud" Becker, 80, played for Brown in 1963-64.
  • Greg Beckwith, 60, averaged 4.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 4.9 apg for Richmond from 1982-83 through 1985-86 under coach Dick Tarrant. All-Colonial Athletic Association second-team selection as a senior when he ranked 18th in the nation in steals per game for second time in three years.
  • Dr. Herm Belz, 86, averaged 7 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Princeton from 1956-57 through 1958-59. Twin brother of three-time All-Ivy League selection Carl Belz. Herm's son, Aaron, averaged 3.3 ppg for the Tigers from 1983-84 through 1986-87.
  • Chester "Larry" Berger, 81, played for Kansas State in 1963-64 and 1964-65 under coach Tex Winter.
  • Greg Berry, 77, averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Bradley from 1965-66 through 1967-68. As a senior, he participated in NIT.
  • Jared "Jerry" Billings, 92, played for Florida in 1950-51.
  • Charlie Boardman, 88, averaged 2.8 ppg for Tennessee Tech in 1954-55 and 1955-56 when school moved up to NCAA major-college level.
  • Bill Booth, 87, averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Georgia in 1960-61.
  • Rhoslyn "Skip" Bouldin III, 80, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Bucknell in 1962-63 and 1963-64.
  • Gary Bowen, 74, averaged 6.7 ppg and 5 rpg for Fairfield in 1970-71 and 1971-72 under coach Fred Barakat.
  • Herb Bowen, 76, averaged 1.6 ppg for New Mexico State's 1969 NCAA tourney team coached by Lou Henson before transferring to Walsh College OH. Bowen appeared in the national playoffs against UCLA's eventual champion led by Lew Alcindor.
  • Lee Bowen, 86, averaged 4.3 ppg and 3.2 rpg for New Mexico State's NCAA tourney teams in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
  • David Boyd, 69, averaged 1.3 ppg in Georgia State's first two seasons at NCAA Division I level (1973-74 and 1974-75).
  • Pete Boyle Jr., 65, averaged 1.3 ppg for Jacksonville's 1979 NCAA playoff team coached by Tates Locke.
  • Dave Bradfield, 92, averaged 6.1 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Cornell from 1951-52 through 1953-54. Senior co-captain led the Big Red's first NCAA playoff team in field-goal shooting (48.6%).
  • Maurice Bradford was a juco transfer who averaged 7.5 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Georgia Tech in 1981-82 and 1982-83 in Bobby Cremins' first two seasons as coach of the Yellow Jackets.
  • Robert "Bunky" Bradford, 93, averaged 8.7 ppg for Houston as a starting forward in 1951-52 when the Cougars were transitioning to major-college status.
  • Dr. William Brainard, 89, averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Kansas from 1953-54 through 1955-56 in Phog Allen's last three seasons as coach of the Jayhawks.
  • Jim "Bucky" Brandenburg, 93, averaged 1.7 ppg for New Mexico in 1949-50 before serving in U.S. Air Force.
  • W. "Barry" Brautigan, 89, averaged 2.6 ppg and 2 rpg for Pittsburgh from 1954-55 through 1956-57.
  • Dr. Lenny Breda III, 66, averaged 1.1 ppg for Louisiana State in 1976-77 under coach Dale Brown.
  • Jim Bresnahan, 75, averaged 9.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Gonzaga from 1968-69 through 1970-71.
  • Mike Brinkley, 84, played for Louisiana State in the late 1950s before transferring to Southeastern Louisiana.
  • Earl Brown, 81, averaged 6.2 ppg for Purdue in 1963-64 and 1964-65.
  • Greg Brown, 51, was a juco recruit who averaged 14.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 3.7 apg for New Mexico's NCAA tourney teams in 1992-93 and 1993-94 under coach Dave Bliss. As a senior, the 5-7 Brown was Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year while leading league in three-point field-goal shooting (41.7%) and finishing third in free-throw shooting, fourth in assists per game and sixth in scoring average.
  • Harvey "Whiff" Brown, 96, played for Ohio State in the late 1940s. He was also a baseball letterman.
  • Joe "Jelly Bean" Bryant, 69, averaged 20.3 ppg and 11.1 rpg for La Salle in 1973-74 and 1974-75 before declaring early for NBA draft as hardship case and becoming 14th pick overall. Father of 18-time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in early 2020 at the age of 41.
  • Leon Bryant III, 57, averaged 10.9 ppg, 3 rpg and 3.3 apg for The Citadel from 1985-86 through 1988-89, leading the Bulldogs in assists each of his last three seasons.
  • Dave Buss, 86, was an NCAA Division I coach for two seasons (14-13 record with Wisconsin-Green Bay in 1981-82 and 9-19 with Long Beach State in 1983-84).
  • Carl Cain, 89, averaged 14.2 ppg for Iowa from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Bucky O'Connor. Second-leading scorer and rebounder for 1955 national fourth-place team and 1956 NCAA runner-up. All-American as a senior before becoming member of U.S. Olympic team.
  • Larry Cannon, 77, averaged 19.1 ppg and 9 rpg for La Salle from 1966-67 through 1968-69 before becoming fifth pick overall in NBA draft. As a junior, he was Middle Atlantic Conference Player of the Year when leading the Explorers' NCAA tourney team in scoring.
  • Luigi "Lou" Carnesecca, 99, compiled a 526-200 coaching record with St. John's in 24 seasons from 1965-66 through 1969-70 and 1973-74 through 1991-92, reaching 1985 NCAA Final Four and winning 1989 NIT. Two-time national coach of year was at least five games above .500 every year.
  • Henry Carr, 59, averaged 7 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Wichita State from 1983-84 through 1986-87. As a senior, the younger brother of 16-year NBA veteran Antoine Carr led the Shockers' NCAA tourney team in scoring and rebounding.
  • Louis "Bimbo" Cecconi, 95, scored a total of 390 points for Pittsburgh from 1946-47 through 1949-50. He was also a four-year, two-way starter in football with the Panthers.
  • James "Bob" Chaney Sr., 88, averaged 2.1 ppg for Georgia from 1956-57 through 1958-59. As a senior, he also lettered in baseball.
  • Bob Chapman, 77, averaged 4.4 ppg and 1 rpg for Tennessee Tech from 1967-68 through 1969-70.
  • Ron Charles, 65, averaged 8.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Michigan State from 1976-77 through 1979-80 under coach Jud Heathcote. Fourth-leading scorer and rebounder with Magic Johnson-led 1979 NCAA champion before pacing the Spartans in rebounding as a senior.
  • Ken Charlton, 83, averaged 17.8 ppg and 8.8 rpg for Colorado from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Sox Walseth, pacing NCAA tourney teams in scoring each of his last two seasons as an All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection. All-American as a senior when finishing 52nd in nation in scoring average.
  • Bruce Chase, 70, averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.7 rpg for Penn State in 1972-73 and 1973-74 under coach John Bach.
  • John Cherry, 93, averaged 2.2 ppg for Alabama in 1950-51 before transferring back to home state and attending Southern Illinois.
  • Bob Chlupsa, 78, averaged 14.9 ppg and 8.3 rpg for Manhattan from 1964-65 through 1966-67. Senior captain contributed a team-high 10.1 rpg for the Jaspers the previous season when they compiled undisputed best mark in Metropolitan Collegiate Conference. The 6-7 reliever compiled an 0-2 record in 15 games with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970 and 1971.
  • Bennie Coffman, 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 10.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg for Kentucky in 1958-59 (third-leading scorer for NCAA tourney team) and 1959-60 under coach Adolph Rupp.
  • Dan Connaughton, 81, averaged 2.7 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Loyola of Chicago from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach George Ireland. As a sophomore, Connaughton was a member of NCAA Tournament titlist.
  • Hunter "Chip" Conner, 81, averaged 17 ppg and 8.1 rpg for Virginia from 1961-62 through 1963-64. All-ACC first-team selection as a senior finished among the Cavaliers' top two in scoring and rebounding all three years while ranking among the league's top 10 scorers each season. He compiled a 59-62 coaching record with South Florida in five campaigns from 1975-76 through 1979-80.
  • Jim Coshow, 89, averaged 9 ppg and 8.2 rpg for Washington from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Tippy Dye. As a senior, Coshow was the Huskies' leading rebounder and second-leading scorer.
  • Dennis Couch, 82, was a Grand View IA transfer who averaged 7.3 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Utah in 1963-64 under coach Jack Gardner.
  • Wesley Cox, 69, averaged 14 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 2.4 apg for Louisville from 1973-74 through 1976-77 under coach Denny Crum. Cox, the third-leading scorer and rebounder with the Cardinals' 1975 Final Four team, was an All-Metro Conference first-team selection as a senior when pacing them in scoring (fourth in league). Both of his legs had been amputated because of complications from diabetes.
  • Roger Craft, 90, averaged 7.5 ppg for Kansas State from 1952-53 through 1954-55. He compiled a 92-83 coaching record with Montana State in seven seasons from 1962-63 through 1968-69.
  • Randy Crews, 75, averaged 8.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Illinois from 1967-68 through 1969-70. As a sophomore, he was the Illini's runner-up in rebounding and third-leading scorer. 1B hit .296 with 37 homers and 166 RBI in the Chicago Cubs' farm system in four years from 1970 to 1973.
  • Jim Crisco, 87, was a juco recruit who averaged 10 ppg and 7.3 rpg for Louisiana State from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He led the Tigers in scoring as a senior and in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Gordon Crofts, 94, averaged 4.5 ppg for Utah in 1949-50 under coach Vadal Peterson.
  • Rodney Culver Jr., 26, averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.5 rpg for Ohio University in 2016-17 before transferring to a junior college (Vincennes IN). He suffered from a blood clot disorder.
  • Earl Cureton, 66, averaged team highs of 17.2 ppg and 10.5 rpg for juco-transitioning Robert Morris in 1976-77 before transferring to Detroit, where he averaged 15.7 ppg and 9 rpg in 1978-79 and 1979-80. Cureton led UD in rebounding both seasons and in scoring as a senior (19.9 ppg).
  • Eric Curry, 66, was a juco recruit who averaged 4.5 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Indiana State in 1978-79 (teammate of national Player of Year Larry Bird with NCAA Tournament runner-up) and 1980-81.
  • Andy Czuchry, 83, averaged 7.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg for Connecticut from 1960-61 through 1962-63. He appeared in NCAA tourney as a senior.
  • Otis Davis, 92, was a juco recruit who collected 18 points and 13 rebounds in 15 games for Oregon in 1957-58. Double gold medal winner in track and field in the 1960 Olympic Games. Won the 400 meters with a world record time of 44.9 seconds and anchored the 1600-meter relay team as it set world record of 3.02.2.
  • Carroll Dawson, 86, was a juco recruit who led Baylor in scoring and rebounding in 1958-59 and 1959-60 (All-SWC second-team selection) by averaging 14.9 ppg and 8 rpg under coach Bill Henderson. Dawson finished among the top five in the league in scoring and rebounding averages both seasons. Coached his alma mater to a 44-51 record in four seasons from 1973-74 through 1976-77.
  • Bill Decker, 81, averaged 5.5 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Arizona in 1961-62.
  • Joe Dombrosky Jr., 93, played for Notre Dame in 1950-51 under coach Moose Krause.
  • Don Donoher, 92, is Dayton's all-time winningest coach, compiling a 437-275 record in 25 seasons from 1964-65 through 1988-89. He directed the Flyers to a runner-finish in 1967 NCAA Tournament before winning NIT the next year. Donoher averaged 7.6 ppg and 5 rpg for UD from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Chester Dorsey, 68, averaged 6.4 points and 2.2 rpg for Washington from 1973-74 through 1976-77 under coach Marv Harshman. As senior co-captain, Dorsey led the Huskies in steals (1.8 spg) and was runner-up in assists (3.6 apg).
  • Ruben Douglas, 44, averaged 8 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2 apg for Arizona in 1998-99 under coach Lute Olson before transferring to New Mexico, where he averaged 20.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 1.6 apg from 2000-01 through 2002-03. Three-time All-Mountain West Conference selection led the nation in scoring as a senior when league Player of Year contributed 28 ppg.
  • Charles "Lefty" Driesell, 92, compiled a 786-394 coaching record in 41 years with Davidson (176-65 in nine seasons from 1960-61 through 1968-69), Maryland (348-159 in 17 seasons from 1969-70 through 1985-86), James Madison (159-111 in nine seasons from 1988-89 through 1996-97) and Georgia State (103-59 in six seasons from 1997-98 to 2002-03). He averaged 4 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Duke in 1952-53 and 1953-54 under coach Harold Bradley. His son, Chuck, coached The Ctadel for five seasons from 2010-11 through 2014-15.
  • Ricky Duckett, 66, compiled a 6-23 coaching record with Grambling State in 2008-09.
  • Wayne Duncan, 89, averaged 9 ppg for Mississippi State from 1952-53 through 1955-56. Duncan, senior captain in Babe McCarthy's inaugural season as coach of the Bulldogs, was team runner-up in scoring (13.9 ppg) and rebounding (8.3 rpg).
  • Dick Dutrisac, 85, averaged 5.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Wisconsin from 1958-59 through 1960-61. He was the Badgers' third-leading scorer as a senior with 8.1 ppg.
  • Vaughn Dyer, 92, played for Georgia Tech in 1951-52. Lefthanded 1B hit .293 in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system in three years from 1953 through 1955 before hitting .203 in one season as Washington Senators' farmhand in 1958.
  • Rev. James Edwards Sr., 83, averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Mississippi State in 1959-60 and 1960-61 under coach Babe McCarthy.
  • Thomas "Sid" Elliott, 81, averaged 8.6 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Tennessee from 1961-62 through 1963-64. He led the Volunteers in rebounding as a sophomore.
  • Crystal "Boo" Ellis, 91, averaged 9.4 ppg for Bowling Green State in four-year career interrupted by serving in U.S. Army. Team MVP as a junior in 1955-56 when he led the Falcons in rebounding (8.6 rpg) and was runner-up in scoring (14.3 ppg). First African-American varsity player with BGSU became senior captain.
  • Bill Fash, 95, averaged 3.5 ppg for Syracuse from 1947-48 through 1949-50.
  • Lou Ferrario, 88, averaged 3 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Saint Mary's from 1955-56 through 1957-58.
  • James Ferrell, 87, played for Ohio State in 1958-59.
  • Dan Fife, 74, averaged 12.6 ppg and 4.9 rpg as Michigan's third-leading scorer each season from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach Johnny Orr. Fife, the father of Big Ten Conference guards Dugan Fife (Michigan) and Dane Fife (Indiana), compiled an 82-97 coaching record with IPFW in six seasons from 2005-06 through 2010-11. RHP pitcher posted a 3-2 record with the Minnesota Twins in 1973 and 1974, hurling a complete game for his third victory (against 16-year MLB veteran Rudy May).
  • Tom Foley, 90, averaged 2.6 ppg and 3.2 rpg for Villanova in 1953-54 and 1954-55 under coach Alex Severance.
  • Barry Fordham, 58, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Michigan State from 1983-84 through 1986-87 under coach Jud Heathcote. Fordham was a starter with the Spartans' 1986 NCAA tourney team.
  • Rich Fox, 78, averaged 2.2 ppg for Dayton's 1967 NCAA Tournament runner-up coached by Don Donoher.
  • Curtis "LeRoy" Frazier, 81, played for Ohio State from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Fred Taylor.
  • James "J.D." Gammel Jr., 84, played for Mississippi State in 1960-61 under coach Babe McCarthy.
  • Ken Gardner, 74, was a three-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection who averaged 16.3 ppg and 11.3 rpg for Utah from 1968-69 through 1970-71 under coach Jack Gardner. Senior captain, one of WAC's top four in rebounding average each season, underwent a heart transplant in 2013.
  • Joe Gavin, 95, played for Temple in 1950-51 under coach Harry Litwack after serving in U.S. Navy.
  • Jo "Hobby" Gibbs, 88, averaged 8.1 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1953-54 through 1956-57 under coach Bob Polk. Gibbs led the Commodores in rebounding as a senior with 12.5 rpg.
  • Loyd "Mickey" Gibson, 81, averaged 5.1 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Kentucky in 1963-64 under coach Adolph Rupp before transferring to UNC Asheville.
  • Chris Giles, 65, averaged 7.1 ppg and 4 rpg for Southern Illinois in 1977-78 before transferring home to UAB, where he averaged 8.6 ppg and 6.5 rpg from 1979-80 through 1981-82 under coach Gene Bartow. Two-time All-Sun Belt Conference second-team selection finished fourth in the league in rebounds per game each of his last two seasons.
  • John Glaser, 87, averaged 13.9 ppg and 10.3 rpg for Marquette from 1955-56 through 1957-58. He tied for team scoring leadership as senior captain after pacing club in rebounding as a junior (14 rpg).
  • Jim Goddard, 94, compiled a 25-52 coaching record with Idaho in three seasons from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Max Gonzenbach, 88, averaged 2 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Michigan State in 1955-56 and 1957-58 under coach Forddy Anderson.
  • Drew Gordon, 33, averaged 4.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg for UCLA in 2008-09 and 2009-10 under coach Ben Howland before transferring to New Mexico, where he averaged 13.4 ppg and 10.8 rpg in 2010-11 and 2011-12 under coach Steve Alford. Gordon was an All-Mountain West Conference selection both years with the Lobos, pacing the league in rebounding average his final season (fourth in nation).
  • Dr. Russ Grieger II, 82, played for St. Louis in 1961-62 under coach John Benington before transferring home to Evansville and averaging 7.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg as teammate of Jerry Sloan with the Aces' College Division national champions in 1964 and 1965.
  • Dave Gunther, 86, averaged 18 ppg and 10.5 rpg for Iowa from 1956-57 through 1958-59. He was an All-Big Ten Conference selection each of his last two seasons when leading the Hawkeyes in scoring (league runner-up both years).
  • William Halley, 81, played for Ohio State in 1963-64 under coach Fred Taylor.
  • Kevin Hardy, 78, averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Notre Dame in 1964-65 in Johnny Dee's first season as coach of the Fighting Irish. DE/DT, a first-round selection of the New Orleans Saints in 1968 NFL draft (7th pick overall), played with three different teams (San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers) in four seasons through 1972.
  • Bob Harrison, 96, averaged 9.9 ppg for Michigan from 1945-46 through 1948-49 before becoming 11th pick overall in 1949 BAA draft. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection led the Wolverines' first-ever NCAA tourney team in points scored in 1948 under coach Ozzie Cowles. Harrison compiled a 59-70 coaching record with Harvard in five seasons from 1968-69 through 1972-73.
  • Tom Hatton, 85, averaged 10.9 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Dayton from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Tom Blackburn. As a senior, Hatton was fourth-leading scorer and fourth-leading rebounder with the Flyers' first NIT titlist.
  • Tim Hayes, 78, was a juco recruit who played for Michigan in 1966-67 under coach Dave Strack.
  • Tynes Hildebrand, 93, was Northwestern State's coach during its first four seasons at the NCAA Division I level from 1976-77 through 1979-80 (41-63 record at DI level; 191-199 overall in 15 years). Eventual Notre Dame's all-time winningest coach Mike Brey played under him the final three of those campaigns before Brey transferred back to home area for senior year with George Washington.
  • Joe Hindelang, 78, averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Temple in 1964-65 under coach Harry Litwack. RHP compiled a 7-6 record and 4.46 ERA in the New York Yankees' farm system in 1967. As a college baseball coach, Hindelang posted a 158-152-1 mark with Lafayette in eight seasons from 1983 through 1990 and 389-355-2 worksheet with Penn State in 13 years from 1991 through 2004.
  • Jim Hockaday Sr., 88, averaged 9.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Memphis State from 1955-56 through 1958-59. He was a member of the Tigers' 1956 NCAA tourney team, appeared in 1957 NIT and led them in scoring and rebounder as senior.
  • Paul Hoffman, 74, averaged 14 ppg and 5 rpg for St. Bonaventure from 1969-70 through 1971-72. As a sophomore, he was the fourth-leading scorer and rebounder with the Bonnies' Final Four team. As a junior, Hoffman was runner-up in scoring for third-place finisher in NIT.
  • Rob Holbrook, 63, was on three consecutive Oregon State NCAA playoff teams while averaging 5.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg from 1978-79 through 1981-82 under coach Ralph Miller. Holbrook, 6-8, compiled a 15-22 pitching record and 5.07 ERA in the Toronto Blue Jays' farm system from 1983 through 1985.
  • Henry "Bob" Holder, 88, played for Georgia in 1958-59.
  • Bobby Hooper, 77, averaged 12.2 ppg and 4.1 rpg for Dayton from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Don Donoher. As a senior, Hooper was runner-up in scoring with NIT titlist.
  • Howard Hovde, 96, averaged 3.1 ppg for Baylor from 1949-50 through 1951-52 under coach Bill Henderson. As a sophomore, Hovde was a member of the Bears' Final Four squad.
  • Jamie Howell Sr., 86, was a juco recruit who averaged 5.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Mississippi in 1958-59 and 1959-60.
  • John Isenbarger, 76, made 1-of-6 field-goal attempts for Indiana in 1967-68. Brother of Phil Isenbarger, a backup forward for IU's 1981 NCAA titlist, was starting tailback with the Hoosiers' only Rose Bowl team before becoming the San Francisco 49ers' second-round selection in 1970 NFL draft.
  • Chuck Jarnagin, 91, averaged 5.9 ppg for Iowa from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Bucky O'Connor.
  • Ray Johnson, 76, averaged 9.6 ppg and 8.6 rpg for Providence from 1968-69 through 1970-71. He led the Friars in rebounding as a sophomore and junior.
  • Zach Johnson, 43, averaged 6.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg while shooting 59.3% from the floor for Louisiana Tech from 2000-01 through 2002-03. He finished among the Bulldogs' top three rebounders all three seasons.
  • Clarence Jones, 70, averaged 7.6 ppg and 3.8 rpg for Memphis State from 1972-73 through 1975-76. As a freshman, he was a member of the Tigers' NCAA Tournament runner-up coached by Gene Bartow.
  • Dr. Dan Jordan Jr., 85, played hoops for Mississippi in 1957-58 and 1958-59 under coach Country Graham. Jordan, a pitcher for back-to-back SEC champions (1959 and 1960), was a historian who presided over Monticello for 23 years, serving as executive director and then president of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.
  • Jim Jordy, 87, averaged 2.5 ppg for Penn State in 1955-56 under coach John Egli.
  • Ronnie Joyner, 64, was a juco recruit who averaged 6.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Washington State in 1980-81 and 1981-82 under coach George Raveling.
  • Coleman "Pres" Judy Jr., 80, averaged 13.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Georgia Tech from 1964-65 through 1966-67. He was the Yellow Jackets' runner-up in scoring as a senior.
  • Tim Jumper, 55, averaged 12.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.1 spg while shooting 36.8% beyond the three-point arc for Mississippi from 1987-88 through 1990-91. As an All-SEC Freshman selection, he finished among the league's top 20 in scoring, steals and three-point field goals.
  • Richard "Dicky" Keffer Jr., 67, averaged 7.2 ppg and 3.5 apg for Vanderbilt from 1974-75 through 1976-77, leading the Commodores in assists each of his first two seasons under coach Roy Skinner.
  • Michael "Mickey" Kelly, 86, averaged 2.2 ppg and 1 rpg for Louisville in 1957-58 under coach Peck Hickman.
  • Frank Kendrick, 74, averaged 16.3 ppg and 8.5 rpg for Purdue from 1971-72 through 1973-74. All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection as a senior when he paced NIT titlist in rebounding. He led the Boilermakers in scoring as a junior. In Kendrick's last two seasons, he finished among among the league's top nine in scoring average and top 15 in rebounding average.
  • Clint Keown, 44, averaged 7.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.4 apg and 1.2 spg for Evansville from 1998-99 through 2000-01 under coach Jim Crews.
  • Duane Klueh, 98, averaged 15.7 ppg for Indiana State from 1946-47 through 1948-49. He was an All-American as a junior.
  • Arthur Laib III, 76, was a juco recruit who played for Kentucky from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Adolph Rupp.
  • Don Laketa, 91, was a juco recruit who averaged 7.6 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Wichita from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coach Ralph Miller. The Shockers participated in 1954 NIT.
  • Arthur "Butch" Lambiotte, 85, averaged 13 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Richmond from 1956-57 through 1959-60 (redshirt in 1957-58). He led the Spiders in scoring as a senior.
  • Dr. Gerry Lawrence, 90, averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg for St. John's from 1953-54 through 1955-56.
  • Floyd Layne, 95, averaged 6.9 ppg in 1949-50 for CCNY, the only team ever to win both the NCAA and NIT titles in same season. Although later declared innocent, Layne was implicated in the point-shaving scandal in 1951 ending the golden era of college hoops in New York City.
  • Dick Lenholt, 90, averaged 8.3 ppg for Georgia Tech from 1952-53 through 1955-56. He was the Yellow Jackets' leading scorer as a sophomore (12.5 ppg) and top rebounder as junior (10.6 rpg).
  • Leary Lentz, 79, averaged 8.4 ppg and 8.3 rpg for Houston's three NCAA tourney teams from 1964-65 through 1966-67 under coach Guy Lewis. As a sophomore, Metro East IL native Lentz was the Cougars' top rebounder before All-American Elvin Hayes arrived on the scene the next two seasons.
  • Bob Leonard Sr., 79, averaged 20.5 ppg and 6.4 rpg for Wake Forest from 1963-64 through 1965-66. Two-time All-ACC first-team selection led the Demon Deacons in scoring as a junior and in rebounding as a senior. He finished among the league's top three in scoring average each of his last two seasons.
  • Lionel "Lee" Leonard Jr., 87, averaged 3.2 ppg and 2.5 for Stanford in 1956-57 under coach Howie Dallmar.
  • Alden Lewis, 92, averaged 7.7 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Utah from 1952-53 through 1954-55 under coaches Vadal Peterson and Jack Gardner after serving in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict. Lewis participated in NCAA Tournament as a senior co-captain.
  • Bill Ligon, 72, averaged 11.7 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach Roy Skinner. As a sophomore, Ligon was runner-up in scoring and rebounding with the Commodores.
  • Taylor "Tates" Locke, 87, compiled a 255-254 coaching record in a total of 19 years with Army (40-15 in 1963-64 and 1964-65), Miami of Ohio (56-42 in four seasons from 1966-67 through 1969-70), Clemson (62-70 in five seasons from 1970-71 through 1974-75), Jacksonville (47-39 in three seasons from 1978-79 through 1980-81) and Indiana State (50-88 in five seasons from 1989-90 through 1993-94). Locke appeared in the NCAA playoffs with Miami in 1969 and JU in 1979.
  • Gene Lockyear, 78, averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Roy Skinner.
  • Rakim Lubin, 28, played his freshman season with Connecticut in 2014-15 before transferring to Cal State Northridge, where he averaged 8.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg in 2016-17. Lubin finished his college career at LSU-Shreveport.
  • Larry Lucchino, 78, averaged 2.9 ppg for Princeton from 1964-65 through 1966-67 as a backup to eventual Tigers A.D. Gary Walters. Teammate of Bill Bradley when All-American scored a Final Four-record 58 points against Wichita in 1965 national third-place game. Lucchino scored 14 points in three NCAA Tournament games in 1967 against coaches Bucky Waters, Dean Smith and Lou Carnesecca. Key MLB executive with the Baltimore Orioles (1979 through 1993), San Diego Padres (1994 to 2001) and Boston Red Sox for more than 20 years. Driving force behind the construction of Camden Yards was part-owner of the Padres.
  • Jim Ludlow, 70, averaged 3 ppg and 1.8 rpg for Denver from 1972-73 through 1974-75.
  • John "Whitey" Macknowsky, 101, played for Seton Hall in 1942-43 before his college career was interrupted by military service during WWII. He averaged 9.5 ppg with the Pirates while finishing among their top three scorers in 1946-47 and 1947-48. Changed his surname to Mackin in 1952.
  • Josh Maravich, 42, was a walk-on who scored four points in 13 games with Louisiana State from 2002-03 through 2004-05. He was a son of NCAA all-time leading scorer Pete Maravich.
  • John "Tom" Marshall, 93, averaged 19.1 ppg for Western Kentucky from 1950-51 through 1953-54. All-American as a senior when ranking eighth in nation in scoring average before becoming seventh pick overall in NBA draft. All-Ohio Valley Conference selection while leading league in scoring and rebounding average each of his last three seasons.
  • Steve Maslek, 58, averaged 1 ppg and 1 rpg for Pittsburgh from 1986-87 through 1988-89 under coach Paul Evans.
  • Brendan McCann, 89, averaged 12.9 ppg for St. Bonaventure from 1954-55 through 1956-57, leading the Bonnies in scoring as a junior with 16.3 ppg. Helped propel them to NIT semifinals as a senior before becoming fifth pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Jim McDonald, 90, averaged 12.2 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Bowling Green State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Harold Anderson after serving in the U.S. Army. McDonald went on to become Kent State's all-time winningest coach by compiling a 147-140 record in 10 seasons from 1982-83 through 1991-92.
  • Ed McGinn Sr., 93, averaged 1.1 ppg for Notre Dame from 1951-52 through 1953-54. He participated in the NCAA playoffs each of his last two seasons.
  • Kevin McLinton, 52, averaged 11.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 5.2 apg and 1.5 spg for Maryland from 1989-90 through 1992-93 in Gary Williams' first four years as coach of the Terrapins. McLinton ranked among the ACC's top seven in assists per game each of his last three seasons.
  • Seymour "Sy" Menchel, 92, averaged 3.3 ppg for Connecticut in 1951-52 and 1952-53 under coach Hugh Greer.
  • Brendon Merritt Sr., 43, was a juco recruit who averaged 11.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.5 spg for Eastern Washington in 2002-03 and 2003-04. All-conference selection was named 2004 Big Sky Tournament MVP when propelling the Eagles to their first NCAA playoff appearance.
  • Doug Mills, 84, averaged 3.3 ppg for Illinois from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Harry Combes.
  • Bill Mlkvy, 93, averaged 21.1 ppg for Temple from 1949-50 through 1951-52. All-American as a junior when he led the nation in scoring (29.2 ppg) and finished runner-up in rebounding (18.9 rpg) and assists (7 apg). Mlkvy was known as "The Owl Without a Vowel."
  • Ronnie Montgomery, 58, averaged 3.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.9 apg and 1.1 spg for Florida from 1984-85 through 1987-88 under coach Norm Sloan. Montgomery appeared in the NCAA playoffs each of his last two seasons and led the Gators in assists as a sophomore and senior.
  • Curt Moody, 73, was a walk-on guard for Ohio State in the early 1970s under coach Fred Taylor.
  • Tony Moore, 69, averaged 2.3 ppg for Temple from 1973-74 through 1975-76.
  • Robert Moreland, 85, compiled a 350-356 coaching record with Texas Southern in 27 seasons from 1975-76 through 2000-01 and 2007-08. The Tigers' all-time winngest mentor directed them to three NCAA tourneys in a six-year span (1990-94-95) after they transitioned to NCAA DI level in 1977-78.
  • Darius Morris, 33, averaged 9.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 4.8 apg for Michigan in 2009-10 and 2010-11 (led Big Ten Conference with 6.7 apg/fifth in nation) before declaring early for NBA and becoming 41st pick overall in draft. Drug and alcohol use reportedly was a significant factor in Morris' death (ruled as coronary heart disease). His father and older brother were found guilty a couple of months earlier of conspiracy and three counts of bank fraud (accused of obtaining thousands of postal money orders worth up to $5.1 million and fraudulently depositing them in bank accounts before withdrawing cash).
  • Thomas Morris, 81, was a member of Villanova's 1962 NCAA tourney team in first season with Jack Kraft as coach of the Wildcats before Morris served in U.S. Army.
  • Paul Morton II, 83, averaged 6.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Florida from 1963-64 through 1965-66 under coach Norm Sloan. Morton was runner-up in scoring with 9.1 ppg as senior co-captain.
  • Mario Mullen, 50, averaged 8.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Old Dominion from 1992-93 through 1995-96 under coaches Oliver Purnell and Jeff Capel Jr. As a junior, Mullen was the third-leading scorer and rebounder with the Monarchs' NCAA tourney team.
  • Jon Musser, 85, averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Penn State in 1958-59 and 1959-60 under coach John Egli.
  • Jerrod Mustaf, 55, averaged 16.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg for Maryland in 1988-89 and 1989-90 before All-ACC third-team selection became 17th pick overall in NBA draft. He finished fifth in the league in rebounding average both seasons. His pro career was derailed when characterized by police as "an investigative lead" in the murder of a pregnant woman who believed child was Mustaf's at the time of her demise after resisting demands she have an abortion. He was never formally charged in the case, but his cousin was eventually convicted of the murder and sentenced to life in prison. The woman's family filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Mustaf before the two parties settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
  • Dikembe Mutombo, 58, averaged 9.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 3.7 bpg for Georgetown from 1988-89 through 1990-91 under coach John Thompson Jr. before becoming fourth pick overall in NBA draft. Ranked among the NCAA's top four in rejections each of his last two seasons as All-Big East Conference selection. Led the nation in field-goal percentage in 1989-90 (70.9%).
  • Gilbert Myles, 68, averaged 7.8 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Arizona from 1974-75 through 1977-78 under coach Fred Snowden.
  • William "Dudley" Nash, 92, averaged 3.9 ppg for Mississippi State from 1952-53 through 1955-56.
  • Sherman "Nemo" Nearman, 98, was North Carolina's captain in 1949-50 when All-Southern Conference second-team selection averaged team-high 13.2 ppg after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • Mike Neill, 67, averaged 8.7 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Washington from 1975-76 through 1977-78 under coach Marv Harshman. Neill appeared in NCAA playoffs his first season.
  • Frank Nelson, 75, played for Iowa in 1968-69 under coach Ralph Miller.
  • Rolland "Brownie" Nelson, 91, was a juco recruit who averaged 10.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Auburn in 1954-55 and 1955-56 under coach Joel Eaves.
  • Bill Nettles Jr., 101, played for Mississippi State in the mid-1940s. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
  • Henry "Hank" Nowak, 89, averaged 18.6 ppg and 11.3 rpg for Canisius from 1954-55 through 1956-57. Leading rebounder for the Golden Griffins' first three NCAA tourney teams. Democrat never received fewer than 75% of the general electorate vote while representing Buffalo area for nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1975 to 1993).
  • Jeff Ockel, 77, averaged 8.3 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Utah from 1965-66 through 1967-68 under coach Jack Gardner. As a sophomore, Ockel was fourth-leading rebounder with the Utes' Final Four team. He led the WAC in rebounding (11.2 rpg) as a senior before becoming 24th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Don Ohl, 88, averaged 14 ppg for Illinois from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection was an All-American as a senior when leading the Illini in scoring with 19.6 ppg (fourth in league).
  • Earl "Duane" Olson, 89, scored 27 points in 26 games for Michigan State in 1953-54 and 1954-55 under coaches Pete Newell and Forddy Anderson.
  • Manny Papoula, 80, averaged 3.4 ppg and 4.2 rpg for Boston College in 1963-64 and 1964-65 in Bob Cousy's first two seasons as coach of the Eagles.
  • Wesley Paxson Sr., 100, was Georgia Tech's leading scorer in 1946-47 (13.7 ppg) after having his college career interrupted by serving in U.S. Navy during WWII.
  • Ronald S. Perry, 92, averaged 12 ppg for Holy Cross from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Buster Sheary. Perry was third-leading scorer with NIT titlist as a senior before 32nd pick overall in NBA draft served three-year stint in U.S. Marine Corps. He compiled a 7-0 pitching record and 2.44 ERA for the Crusaders' 1952 CWS champion (including two victories in Omaha).
  • Larry Petty Sr., 65, averaged 9.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Wisconsin from 1977-78 through 1980-81, leading the Badgers in field-goal percentage in two seasons. As a senior, he was their runner-up in scoring (11th in Big Ten Conference) and rebounding average (fourth in league).
  • Edd Poore, 79, averaged 2.5 ppg and 2 rpg for Florida from 1963-64 through 1966-67 (redshirt in 1965-66).
  • Chad Posthumus, 33, was a juco transfer who averaged 8.6 ppg and 8.9 rpg for Morehead State in 2012-13 and 2013-14 (finished fifth in nation in rebounding with 10.9 rpg).
  • Keenan Preston, 70, averaged 4.1 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Penn State from 1972-73 through 1974-75 under coach John Bach.
  • Tom Rand, 87, averaged 4 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Michigan State from 1956-57 through 1958-59 under coach Forddy Anderson. Rand was a senior starter with the Spartans' NCAA tourney team.
  • Bobby Rascoe, 84, averaged 20.8 ppg and 5.8 rpg for Western Kentucky from 1959-60 through 1961-62 under coach Ed Diddle. All-American as a senior when finishing 12th in nation in scoring (25.7 ppg) before becoming 20th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Hubert "Hub" Reed, 89, averaged 23.3 ppg and 13.7 rpg for Oklahoma City from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Abe Lemons. All-American as a senior when ranking 8th in nation in scoring average, 5th in free-throw percentage and 11th in rebound percentage.
  • Jim Reed, 90, averaged 17.8 ppg and 14 rpg for Texas Tech from 1952-53 through 1955-56. Three-time All-Border Conference first-team selection twice led the league in scoring and was Player of the Year as a senior. He remains the Red Raiders' all-time leading rebounder (1,333) and still holds the school's single-game carom mark with 27.
  • Larry Reynolds, 71, compiled a 63-83 coaching record with Long Beach State in five seasons from 2002-03 through 2006-07. He guided the 49ers to NCAA playoffs in his final campaign.
  • Chuck Richards, 82, averaged 15 ppg and team-high 9.4 rpg for Army in 1961-62 before transferring to Syracuse, where he averaged 18.4 ppg and 9 rpg while shooting 56.9% from the floor in 1963-64 and 1964-65. Teammate of All-American Dave Bing and eventual Orange coach Jim Boeheim led the Cuse in rebounding as a junior.
  • Mike Richmond, 60, was a juco recruit who averaged 10.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg for Texas-El Paso's NCAA tourney teams in 1985-86 and 1986-87 under coach Don Haskins.
  • Bob Ricks, 92, played for Brigham Young in 1956-57 under coach Stan Watts.
  • Steve Roake, 91, was a member of Washington's NCAA Tournament third-place game winner in 1953 as a sophomore under coach Tippy Dye. Roake was also an end and quarterback with the Huskies' football squad.
  • Melvin Robinson Sr., 54, averaged 9.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.7 bpg for St. Louis from 1989-90 to 1991-92 under coach Rich Grawer before leaving program.
  • Dick Roher, 87, played for Florida in 1957-58.
  • Mike Rolf, 78, averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg for Cincinnati from 1964-65 through 1966-67. As a senior, he was the Bearcats' runner-up in scoring with 13.3 ppg.
  • Dick Rosenthal, 94, averaged 16.4 ppg for Notre Dame from 1951-52 through 1953-54 before becoming a territorial choice in first round of NBA draft. The Irish's leading scorer for back-to-back NCAA tourney teams was an All-American as a senior when finishing 47th in nation in scoring.
  • Vinnie Roundtree, 73, averaged 9.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg for Rutgers from 1971-72 through 1973-74. As a senior, he was runner-up in rebounding and third-leading scorer with the Scarlet Knights under coach Tom Young.
  • Ben Rowan II, 86, averaged 9.8 ppg and 9.7 rpg for Vanderbilt from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coaches Bob Polk and Roy Skinner. Rowan led the Commodores in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
  • Jim Rowinski, 63, averaged 8.3 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Purdue from 1980-81 through 1983-84. Big Ten Conference MVP as senior when averaging 15 ppg (7th in league) and 6.7 rpg (9th in league).
  • Alan Sallee Sr., 85, averaged 2.6 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Villanova's 1964 NCAA tourney team coached by Jack Kraft after serving in U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Bill Salonen, 90, was Montana State's leading scorer in 1954-55 and 1955-56.
  • Norman Schaffer, 84, averaged 6.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Furman from 1962-63 through 1964-65.
  • Fred "Fritz" Schneider, 89, was a Marquette transfer who averaged 7.9 ppg and 5 rpg for Kansas State in 1954-55 and 1955-56 under coach Tex Winter. In his final regular-season outing, Schneider scored 36 points at Kansas before participating in NCAA playoffs.
  • Frank Selvy, 91, was a three-time All-American who averaged 32.5 ppg for Furman from 1951-52 through 1953-54. He led the nation in scoring each of his last two seasons after finishing fifth as a sophomore. Established NCAA record for most points in a single game with 100 against Newberry SC in final campaign before becoming an NBA first-round draft selection. Coached his alma mater to a 44-59 record in four seasons from 1966-67 through 1969-70.
  • Mike "Mickey" Sermersheim Sr., 94, was a four-year starter for Georgia Tech from 1947-48 through 1950-51.
  • Fred Shepherd, 53, averaged 9.5 ppg and 6.9 rpg while shooting 61.1% from the floor for Arkansas State from 1989-90 through 1992-93. Two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection led school in rebounding as a sophomore and junior, finishing among the top eight in category in American South Conference and SBC each of his last three campaigns.
  • Bill Simmons, 84, averaged 7 ppg and 5.1 rpg for Oregon from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He was runner-up in scoring and rebounding with the Ducks as a senior after playing in West Regional final as sophomore.
  • Kip Simons, 79, played for Temple in 1963-64 under coach Harry Litwack.
  • Sammy Sims, 76, averaged 7.4 ppg and 5 rpg for Villanova from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Jack Kraft. As a senior, Sims was the third-leading rebounder and fourth-leading scorer for an East Regional finalist.
  • Wells Sloniger, 83, averaged 3.7 ppg for Southern California from 1960-61 through 1962-63 under coach Forrest Twogood.
  • Don Smith, 97, averaged 7 ppg for Mississippi in 1949-50 and 1950-51 under coach Country Graham after serving in U.S. Navy during WWII. Jim Valvano's predecessor coached Bucknell to an 82-105 record in eight seasons from 1964-65 through 1971-72.
  • Jerry Smith, 81, compiled a 15-40 coaching record with Campbell in 1983-84 and 1984-85.
  • Juden Smith, 61, averaged 10.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.1 apg for Texas-El Paso from 1981-82 through 1985-86 under coach Don Haskins (redshirt in 1982-83). Two-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection participated in the NCAA playoffs each of his last three seasons.
  • Terry Smith, 78, averaged 2.3 ppg for Louisiana State in 1965-66.
  • Norm Snead, 84, played in four basketball games as a senior for Wake Forest in 1960-61, averaging 7.8 ppg and 3 rpg while shooting 61.8% from the floor (13-of-21). Quarterback was first-round draft choice who played for five NFL franchises during 16-year career when three-time Pro Bowl selection completed 2,276-of-4,353 passes for 30,797 yards and 196 touchdowns.
  • Dave Somerville, 81, averaged 4 ppg and 2.7 rpg for Southern Methodist from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach Doc Hayes.
  • Bill Stady, 88, averaged 5 ppg and 4.3 rpg for Washington from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Tippy Dye. Stady was senior captain.
  • Dr. John "Curly" Stahler, 85, played for Stanford from 1957-58 through 1959-60 under coach Howie Dallmar.
  • Jim Stange, 93, averaged 9.3 ppg for Iowa State from 1949-50 through 1951-52. Senior captain when All-Big Seven Conference selection led the Cyclones in scoring with 14.2 ppg (sixth in league).
  • Stuart Starner, 81, compiled a 194-153 record in 12 years as coach of Montana State (110-95 in seven seasons from 1983-84 through 1989-90) and Texas-San Antonio (84-58 in five seasons from 1990-91 through 1994-95).
  • Fred Steiner, 78, averaged 1.8 ppg for Clemson in 1964-65.
  • Michael "Mick" Stenftenagel, 80, averaged 9.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Georgia Tech from 1963-64 through 1965-66.
  • Jerry Stern, 90, averaged 4.8 ppg for Michigan from 1951-52 through 1955-56.
  • Andy Stoglin, 81, compiled a 229-242 record as SWAC coach with Southern (32-26 in 1982-83 and 1983-84) and Jackson State (197-216 in 14 seasons from 1989-90 through 2002-03). Stoglin twice guided JSU to NCAA playoffs (1997 and 2000). He averaged 8.3 ppg and 7.2 rpg for Texas-El Paso from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Don Haskins, finishing runner-up in rebounding with the Miners each of his last two campaigns.
  • Elam Stokes Sr., 92, averaged 3 ppg and 1.6 rpg for Florida in 1950-51 and 1953-54. His college career was interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during Korean Conflict.
  • Daryl Stovall, 64, averaged 10.8 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Creighton from 1978-79 through 1981-82, leading the Bluejays in scoring (fourth in league) as a senior when he was an All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection. The 6-4 Stovall was a 1B-OF in the Chicago White Sox' farm system in 1982.
  • Guy Strong, 93, compiled a 113-135 NCAA DI coaching record in 10 major-college years with Eastern Kentucky (78-65 in six seasons from 1967-68 through 1972-73) and Oklahoma State (35-70 in four seasons from 1973-74 through 1976-77). Strong averaged 2.4 ppg for Kentucky in 1949-50 and 1950-51 under coach Adolph Rupp before transferring to EKU, where he posted averages of 5.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 1954-55.
  • Tom Sutton, 80, averaged 1.4 ppg for Arizona in 1964-65 and 1965-66.
  • Derrick "DT" Taylor Sr., 46, averaged 11.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg for Oral Roberts from 1996-97 through 1999-00. Two-time all-conference second-team selection in Mid-Continent finished among the Titans' top three in scoring and rebounding average each of his final three seasons.
  • Dmitri Thompson, 27, averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Elon from 2014-15 through 2017-18.
  • Bennie Tidwell, 96, lettered for Texas Tech in 1945-46 before serving in U.S. Army in Korea.
  • SaBastian Townes, 27, averaged 9.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Bryant from 2016-17 through 2019-20. All-Northeast Conference third-team selection as a junior when he was the Bulldogs' runner-up in scoring and rebounding.
  • Rich Travis, 77, averaged 26.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Oklahoma City from 1966-67 through 1968-69 under coach Abe Lemons, ranking among the nation's top nine scorers each of his last two seasons.
  • Joe Tulley, 43, averaged 5.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg for DePaul from 1999-00 through 2002-03. He twice made six three-pointers in a single game with the Blue Demons.
  • Terry Turlington, 84, averaged 2.6 ppg for Missouri from 1959-60 through 1961-62.
  • Herschell Turner, 86, averaged 14.7 ppg and 8.7 rpg for Nebraska from 1957-58 through 1959-60. All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection as senior when leading the Huskers in scoring and rebounding for the second straight season. He also paced them in caroms as a sophomore. Turner ranked among the league's top five in scoring and rebounding average each of his last two campaigns.
  • Dick Van Arsdale, 81, averaged 17.2 ppg and 10 rpg for Indiana from 1962-63 through 1964-65 during Branch McCracken's final three seasons as coach of the Hoosiers. All-American as a senior before becoming 18th pick overall in NBA draft. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection while finishing among league's top 15 scorers played in college with his twin brother (Tom).
  • John "Steamboat" Varoscak, 88, averaged 3.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg for Louisville in 1957-58 under coach Peck Hickman.
  • Carl Vernick, 80, averaged 10.3 ppg and 4 rpg for Syracuse from 1961-62 through 1963-64. He was the Orange's leading scorer as a sophomore and junior before All-American Dave Bing arrived on the scene.
  • Dr. Jose Vidal, 99, was a Puerto Rican native who averaged 5 ppg for St. Louis in 1944-45.
  • Lou Vonderbrink, 90, averaged 9.2 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Xavier from 1953-54 through 1955-56 under coach Ned Wulk. As a senior, Vonderbrink was team runner-up in assists (3.1 apg).
  • Mark Wagar, 72, averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.8 rpg for Ohio State from 1970-71 through 1972-73. As a sophomore, he was the fifth-leading rebounder and sixth-leading scorer for the Buckeyes' last NCAA tourney team under coach Fred Taylor.
  • Chester "Chet" Walker, 84, was a three-time All-American who averaged 24.4 ppg and 12.8 rpg for Bradley from 1959-60 through 1961-62. Ranked among the nation's top 27 scorers and top 18 in field-goal percentage all three seasons. Led Missouri Valley Conference in scoring each of his last two campaigns. Member of 1960 NIT titlist was 14th pick overall in 1962 NBA draft.
  • Jermaine Walker, 47, averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Miami (Fla.) in 1996-97 under coach Leonard Hamilton.
  • Joe Wallace Jr., 73, was a juco recruit who averaged 20.2 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Denver in 1971-72 and 1972-73.
  • Bill Walton III, 71, was a three-time national Player of Year who averaged 20.3 ppg and 15.7 rpg while shooting 65.1% from the floor for UCLA from 1971-72 through 1973-74 under coach John Wooden before becoming first pick overall in NBA draft. Ranked among the nation's leaders in field-goal percentage in 1972 (4th), 1973 (2nd) and 1974 (2nd) and among nation's rebounding leaders in 1972 (9th), 1973 (6th) and 1974 (9th). Leading scorer and rebounder for undefeated NCAA Tournament champions in 1972 (30-0 record) and 1973 (30-0) plus national third-place team in 1974 (26-4). Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 1972 and 1973 (made 21-of-22 field-goal attempts in title game against Memphis State).
  • Winfred "Wimp" Walton, 46, was a Syracuse transfer (academic redshirt) who averaged 11.1 ppg and 6.1 rpg for Fresno State in 1997-98 under coach Jerry Tarkanian.
  • Andrew "SpongeBob" Washington, 40, was a juco recruit who averaged 13 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.1 apg for Delaware in 2004-05 (team leader in steals and runner-up in scoring, rebounding and assists) and portion of 2005-06.
  • Dr. Carleton "Carl" Weisner, 98, was a Marquette transfer who averaged 4.3 ppg for St. Louis from 1944-45 through 1947-48.
  • Ron Weisner, 92, averaged 7.7 ppg for Wisconsin from 1951-52 through 1953-54 under coach Bud Foster. As a senior, Weisner was the Badgers' runner-up in scoring with 13 ppg.
  • Mike Werner, 80, averaged 1.5 ppg and 2 rpg for Washington State in 1966-67 under coach Marv Harshman.
  • Ted Werner, 80, averaged 11.9 ppg and 10.9 rpg for Washington State from 1962-63 through 1964-65 under coach Marv Harshman. Werner led the AAWU in rebounding average each of his last two seasons as an all-league second-team selection.
  • Dave Wesely, 67, averaged 9.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Creighton from 1975-76 through 1978-79, leading the Bluejays in rebounding as a senior with 9.7 rpg (third in Missouri Valley Conference).
  • Walt Wesley, 79, was a two-time All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection who averaged 19.3 ppg and 8.3 rpg for Kansas from 1963-64 through 1965-66 before becoming sixth pick overall in NBA draft. NCAA consensus second-team All-American as a senior when he led league in total points for the second straight season.
  • Jerry West, 86, was a three-time All-American who averaged 24.8 ppg and 13.3 rpg for West Virginia from 1957-58 through 1959-60 before becoming second pick overall in NBA draft. Ranked among the nation's top five scorers each of his last two seasons. Leading scorer and rebounder for 1959 NCAA Tournament runner-up when he was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
  • Mitchell Wiggins, 64, averaged 5.5 ppg and 3 rpg for Clemson's 1980 West Regional finalist under coach Bill Foster before attending junior college and then transferring to Florida State, where Wiggins averaged 23.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg and 1.9 spg in 1981-82 and 1982-83 under coach Joe Williams. Wiggins, a two-time All-Metro Conference first-team selection when leading league in scoring both seasons, was an NBA first-round draft choice comparable to his son (Andrew/first overall pick in 2014).
  • Bill Wilks, 93, averaged 8.2 ppg for Ohio State from 1950-51 through 1952-53. QB with legendary coach Woody Hayes' first two OSU football squads in 1951 and 1952.
  • Corey "Homicide" Williams, 46, was a juco recruit who averaged 12.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1.6 spg for Alabama State in 1997-98 and 1998-99.
  • Jimmy Williams, 77, compiled a 2-9 record as Minnesota's interim head coach in 1985-86.
  • Matt Williams, 54, averaged 9.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.6 apg and 1.2 spg for Nevada from 1987-88 through 1990-91. He was named Big Sky Conference Rookie of the Year before becoming an all-league selection as a senior when ranking among the alliance's top three in rebounding average for the second straight season.
  • Tom Williams, 93, averaged 8.4 ppg for Ohio State from 1950-51 through 1952-53. He was senior captain.
  • A.B. Williamson, 79, compiled a 231-171 coaching record with Howard University in 15 seasons from 1975-76 through 1989-90. He guided the Bison to 1981 NCAA playoffs.
  • Sonny Willis, 74, averaged 4.2 ppg for Houston's three NCAA tourney teams from 1969-70 through 1971-72 under coach Guy Lewis.
  • Tony Windis, 91, averaged 21.2 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Wyoming from 1956-57 through 1958-59. All-American as a senior when finishing ninth in nation in scoring with 24.4 ppg.
  • Joe Wolf, 59, averaged 9.6 ppg and 5.5 rpg for North Carolina's four NCAA Tournament teams from 1983-84 through 1986-87 under coach Dean Smith. All-ACC first-team selection as senior co-captain before becoming 13th pick overall in NBA draft.
  • Robert "Skip" Wolfe, 85, averaged 11.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Memphis State from 1957-58 through 1960-61. He played in NIT each of his last two seasons.
  • Rodney Wulff, 76, played for Oregon in 1969-70 and 1970-71. Represented Australia in 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
  • Bobby Young, 83, averaged 14.1 ppg and 9.6 rpg for Tennessee Tech from 1961-62 through 1963-64 in John Oldham's last three seasons as coach of the Golden Eagles. Runner-up in rebounding for 1963 NCAA tourney team before becoming an All-Ohio Valley Conference selection as a senior when leading club in scoring (22.2 ppg/third in league) and rebounding (12 rpg/fifth in league).
  • Royce Youree, 88, averaged 13.4 ppg for Arizona State from 1955-56 through 1957-58, leading the Sun Devils in scoring as a sophomore. As a senior, Youree was a member of their first NCAA tourney team when earning All-Border Conference second-team acclaim for second straight season. UTL hit .243 in San Francisco Giants' farm system in three years from 1958 through 1960.
  • Gil Zaragoza, 93, averaged 6.1 ppg for Saint Mary's from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
  • Jay Ziznewski, 75, averaged 3.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Notre Dame from 1967-68 through 1969-70 under coach Johnny Dee. As a senior, Ziznewski outrebounded All-American teammate Austin Carr, 26-24, in three NCAA playoff games when Carr erupted for a stunning total of 158 points (individual series scoring average record of 52.7 ppg). The 6-6 New Jersey native played football as a DT with the Fighting Irish in 1968 under coach Ara Parseghian, a former hooper with Miami (Ohio).

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