"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson

The entirety of SportsNation accepts the cultural significance of Jackie Robinson Day, an annual event commemorating and honoring the groundbreaking day he made his debut 78 years ago on April 15 with the Brooklyn Dodgers as MLB's first African-American player. It doesn't appear as if BLM (Buy Large Mansions) hucksters claiming systemic racism and police brutality will diminish his justifiable accolades.

Observers might not know about Robinson also impacting basketball. UCLA's initial all-conference hooper in the 1940s was a forward who compiled the highest scoring average in the Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with the Bruins (12.3 points per league game in 1939-40 and 11.1 ppg in 1940-41) after transferring from Pasadena (Calif.) City College. Continuing his scoring exploits, the six-time National League All-Star also materialized as the leading scorer for the Los Angeles Red Devils' barnstorming team in 1946-47. He certainly brought a massive load of more credibility to thought-provoking table than opportunistic steamy-romance novelist Stacey Abrams (a/k/a Selena Montgomery) plus fellow budding Lizzo backup dancers Letitia James and Fani Willis.

In 1949, Jackie triggered a streak of eight different African-Americans winning a total of 11 N.L. MVPs in 14-year span through 1962. In deference to Robinson's uniform number, following is an alphabetical list of 42 more of the best African-American basketball players for four-year colleges who subsequently competed at the MLB level:

College Hooper	Four-Year College	Summary of College Basketball Career	Summary of MLB Career
Ron Allen	Youngstown State	Averaged 14.7 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64, leading Penguins in scoring and rebounding as sophomore.	Only hit in 11 MLB at-bats for 1B and brother of Dick Allen and Hank Allen was homer with St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego in 1972.
George Altman	Tennessee State	Four-year letterman was forward on teams compiling 88-17 record from 1951-52 through 1954-55 (including two NAIA Tournament appearances).	Two-time All-Star 1B hit .269 with 102 home runs in nine seasons from 1959 through 1967 with Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets before playing eight years in Japan.
Jim Bibby	Fayetteville State (N.C.)	Backup hooper's brother, Fred, set Fayetteville State single-season record with 18.1 rpg in 1963-64. Their younger brother, Henry, was consensus first-team All-American guard with UCLA in 1971-72.	RHP compiled 111-101 record and 3.76 ERA with St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates in 12 seasons from 1972 through 1984. Hurled first no-hitter in Rangers history in 1973 and started two games for victorious Pirates in 1979 World Series.
Dorian "Doe" Boyland	Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg in half a season in 1974-75.	1B had two hits in 19 at-bats with Pittsburgh Pirates in three years from 1978 to 1981. Traded to San Francisco Giants but never played for them.
Al Bumbry	Virginia State	Averaged 16.7 ppg (team runner-up) as freshman in 1964-65 and 12.4 ppg plus 4.6 rpg as junior in 1966-67.	Lefthanded-swinging OF hit .281 with Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres in 14 years from 1972 through 1985. Hit .337 as A.L. Rookie of the Year in 1973 when tying MLB single-game record with three triples. Finished among top nine in stolen bases five times in first nine years. Participated in World Series in 1979 and 1983.
Ray Burris	Southwestern Oklahoma State	Two-sport standout is in school's Hall of Fame.	RHP compiled 108-134 record and 4.17 ERA with Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Montreal Expos, Oakland A's, Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals in 15 years from 1973 through 1987. Started three postseason games for Expos in 1981 after averaging 227 innings pitched last four full seasons with Cubs.
Tony Clark	Arizona/San Diego State	Swingman averaged 11.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Aztecs as sophomore in 1991-92, leading them in scoring in WAC games.	1B averaged 31 HRs annually in four-year span from 1996 through 1999 with Detroit Tigers. Tallest switch-hitter (6-7) in MLB history hit .262 with 251 homers and 824 RBI in 15 seasons from 1995 through 2009 with Tigers, Red Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres.
Donn Clendenon	Morehouse (Ga.)	Earned letters in four collegiate sports before leading Army base at Fort Jackson (Columbia, S.C.) to hoop title before discharge in time for spring training in 1959.	1B hit .274 with 159 home runs and 682 RBI with Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals in 12 years from 1961 through 1972. World Series MVP with "Miracle Mets" in 1969 when hitting three home runs (Games 2, 4 and 5).
Vince Colbert	East Carolina	ECU's first African-American hooper averaged 14.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg in 1966-67 and 1967-68. J.C. transfer led Pirates in rebounding as junior.	RHP compiled 9-14 record and 4.57 ERA with Cleveland Indians in three years from 1970 through 1972. He was their only winning pitcher (7-6) with 10 or more starts in 1971.
George Crowe	Indiana Central	Four-year hoops letterman from 1939-40 through 1942-43 for college now known as University of Indianapolis after becoming first Indiana H.S. player named state's "Mr. Basketball."	1B hit .270 in nine years (1952, 1953 and 1955 through 1961) with Boston/Milwaukee Braves, Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. One year after named All-Star, led N.L. in pinch-hits (17) in first season with Cards in 1959 before slugging MLB-record 11th pinch-hit HR in 1960.
Arthur "Bill" Davis	Minnesota	Averaged 6.4 ppg and 5 rpg from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach John Kundla. Forward contributed 12.5 ppg as senior for team including eventual NBA standouts Archie Clark and Lou Hudson.	1B hit .181 with Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres in three seasons (1965, 1966 and 1969).
Larry Doby	Virginia Union	Attended LIU on hoops scholarship but transferred to VU after Uncle Sam summoned him for World War II service. Reserve guard on team winning 1943 CIAA title.	Seven-time All-Star OF hit .283 with 253 HRs and 969 RBI in 13 years from 1947 through 1959 with Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox. First black player in A.L. twice led league in homers (1952 and 1954). Smacked 20 or more HRs eight seasons in row from 1949 through 1956.
Don Eaddy	Michigan	One of first two African-Americans to play hoops for Wolverines averaged 11.4 ppg in four seasons from 1951-52 through 1954-55. Led team in scoring in Big Ten Conference competition as sophomore.	INF played briefly with Chicago Cubs in 1959.
Amir Garrett	St. John's	Averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg in 2011-12 and 2012-13 under coach Steve Lavin prior to transferring to Northridge State, where he had RS year before focusing only on baseball.	After representing Cincinnati Reds at 2016 All-Star Futures Game, LHP won his first two MLB decisions in April 2017 with six shutout innings in each start. In his third start, he tied Reds record for rookie LHP by fanning 12 Baltimore Orioles batters. In 2018, Garrett didn't allow a run in his first eight relief appearances and had a 1.35 ERA after 21 outings. Traded to the Kansas City Royals in spring of 2022.
Bob Gibson	Creighton	First Bluejays player to average 20 ppg for his career (20.2). Led school in scoring in 1955-56 (40th in country with 22 ppg) and 1956-57 after being second-leading scorer in 1954-55.	Hall of Famer compiled 251-174 pitching record with 3,117 strikeouts and 2.91 ERA in 17 seasons from 1959 through 1975 with St. Louis Cardinals. In 1968, RHP tossed 13 shutouts en route to a 1.12 ERA. Ranked among N.L. top six in strikeouts 11 times from 1961 through 1972. He hit 24 home runs and won nine consecutive Gold Gloves (1965 through 1973). Notched 7-2 mark and 1.89 ERA in nine World Series games, including strikeout record of 17 Tigers in 1968 contest.
Tony Gwynn	San Diego State	Averaged 8.6 ppg and 5.5 apg from 1977-78 through 1980-81. Second-team All-WAC selection as junior and senior set school DI single-game mark with 18 assists vs. UNLV.	San Diego Padres OF hit .338 in 20 seasons (1982 through 2001), winning eight N.L. batting titles - 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997. Played in 15th All-Star Game in 1999 before topping 3,000-hit plateau later in year.
Chuck Harmon	Toledo	Second-leading scorer as sophomore in 1946-47 (13.6 ppg) and as junior in 1947-48 (8.8). As freshman starter in 1942-43, swingman was second-leading scorer for 22-4 team finishing NIT runner-up.	Utilityman hit .238 in four seasons from 1954 through 1957 with Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies.
Billy Harrell	Siena	When school's first African-American player finished career, he held school records for most points in season (396 in 1951-52), career and game (28 against Arizona State in 1951) plus most rebounds in season (387 in 1949-50).	INF hit .231 in 173 games with Cleveland Indians (1955, 1957, 1958) and Boston Red Sox (1961).
Chuck Hinton	Shaw (N.C.)	Played multiple sports before serving two years in U.S. Army in mid-1950s. His brother, Checo, was lineman with him on football squad and power forward for hoops team.	OF-INF played every defensive position while hitting .264 with Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians and California Angels in 11 A.L. seasons from 1961 through 1971. In 1962, he was runner-up in stolen bases in A.L. and finished fourth in batting average. First expansion Senator to be named to All-Star team was final Senator to hit .300.
Monte Irvin	Lincoln (Pa.)	Athletic career was nearly prematurely ended when infection from scratched hand in hoops game kept him close to death for seven weeks.	Hall of Fame OF-1B hit .293 with 99 HRs and 443 RBI in eight years from 1949 through 1956 with New York Giants and Chicago Cubs. Irvin led N.L. in RBI with 121 in 1951 (same year led World Series in hitting with .458 mark vs. crosstown Yankees).
Anthony "Tony" Johnson	LeMoyne-Owen (Tenn.)	J.C. transfer forward was All-VSAC selection in 1976-77 and 1979-80 as team's top scorer.	LF hit .232 with Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays in two years in 1981 and 1982.
"Sweet" Lou Johnson	Kentucky State	Teammate of legendary Alcorn State coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52.	OF hit .258 with Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles/California Angels, Milwaukee Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians in eight seasons from 1960 through 1969. Contributed two homers and two doubles for Dodgers in 1965 World Series against Minnesota Twins.
Lynn Jones	Thiel (Pa.)	Averaged 10.4 ppg from 1970-71 through 1973-74.	OF hit .252 with Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals in eight seasons from 1979 through 1986. Doubled and tripled as pinch-hitter for Royals in 1985 World Series against St. Louis Cardinals.
David Justice	Thomas More (Ky.)	Led team in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg.	Three-time All-Star OF hit .279 in 14 seasons from 1989 through 2002 with Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and Oakland A's. Jacked 40 homers (N.L. runner-up) with 120 RBI (also runner-up) in 1993 with Braves and total of 41 homers (fourth in A.L.) with 118 RBI in 2000 with Indians and Yanks.
Kenny Lofton	Arizona	Averaged 4.8 ppg and 2.6 apg in four seasons from 1985-86 through 1988-89 under coach Lute Olson. Leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record.	Lefthanded CF hit .299 and stole 622 bases in 17 seasons from 1991 through 2007 with Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers. Four-time Gold Glover led Indians with .325 batting mark (fourth in A.L.) and paced majors with 70 stolen bases in 1993. After trade to Cleveland, hit .285 for Indians in 1992 and led the A.L. in stolen bases with 66 (record for A.L. rookie). Six-time All-Star led A.L. in stolen bases five consecutive years from 1992 through 1996, hitting career-high .349 in 1994.
Davey Lopes	Iowa Wesleyan/Washburn (Kan.)	NAIA All-District 15 selection averaged 16.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg as All-IIAC first-team choice freshman in 1964-65 and 12.1 ppg as sophomore in 1965-66 before transferring with his coach. All-CIC selection in 1967-68 when averaging 7.6 ppg for NAIA Tournament team.	Four-time All-Star 2B hit .263 with Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland A's, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros in 16 seasons from 1972 through 1987. Led N.L. in stolen bases in back-to-back campaigns in 1975 (77) and 1976 (63) after finishing runner-up in 1974 (59). Swiped five bases in game in 1974, tying 70-year-old N.L. record before establishing since-broken N.L. mark with 38 consecutive successful thefts in 1975.
Terrell Lowery	Loyola Marymount	Two-time All-WCC first-team selection and league-leading scorer. Tallied career-high 48 points against Idaho State as junior in 1990-91 when finishing among top five nationally in scoring (28.5 ppg) and assists (9.1 apg).	OF hit .282 with Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and San Francisco Giants from 1997 through 2000. Stroked five hits for Giants in single game against Milwaukee Brewers in 2000.
Arnold "Bake" McBride	Westminster (Mo.)	Averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games in 1968-69 and 1969-70.	Lefthanded-swinging OF hit .299 with St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Indians in 11 seasons from 1973 through 1983. N.L. Rookie of the Year in 1974 when hitting .309 with Cardinals was named to N.L. All-Star team two years later.
Lyle Mouton	Louisiana State	Averaged 8.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg as sophomore in 1988-89 under coach Dale Brown. Started in backcourt with All-American Chris Jackson when Tigers lost to UTEP in West Regional of NCAA playoffs.	OF hit .280 for Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers and Florida Marlins in seven years from 1995 through 2001.
Billy North	Central Washington	Collected two points and two rebounds in four games in 1967-68.	Switch-hitting CF posted .261 batting average with Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in 11 years from 1971 through 1981. Paced A.L. in stolen bases in 1974 (54) and 1976 (75).
Curtis Pride	William & Mary	Averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.1 apg from 1986-87 through 1989-90. Led team in steals three times and assists twice. Named to CAA All-Rookie team pick as freshman and All-Defensive team selection next two seasons.	Born with 95% hearing disability, lefthanded-swinging OF hit .250 in 11 seasons from 1993 to 2006 with seven franchises (Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Anaheim/California Angels).
Dave Ricketts	Duquesne	Three-year starter led Dukes in scoring as senior with 17.9-point average in 1956-57, finishing fourth in nation in free-throw percentage (86.2%). Converted school-record 42 FTAs in row.	Catcher hit .249 in six seasons (1962, 1965 and 1967 through 1970) with St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Switch-hitter played with Cards in 1967 and 1968 World Series.
Dick Ricketts	Duquesne	Second-team consensus All-American choice as junior in 1953-54 and first five consensus All-American selection as senior in 1954-55. Converted all 19 FTAs in game against Dayton. School's all-time leading scorer averaged 17.7 ppg and 12.2 rpg in starting all 111 games during four-year career.	Compiled 1-6 pitching record in only season with St. Louis Cardinals in 1959.
Earl Robinson	California	Three-time All-PCC second-team selection averaged at least 10 ppg each season from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Pete Newell. Averaged 15.5 points in four NCAA Tournament games his last two years, leading Bears in scoring in two of four playoff contests.	OF hit .268 in four seasons from 1958 to 1964 with Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles.
Ted Savage	Lincoln (Mo.)	Led in scoring average with 13.5 ppg in 1955-56 before averaging 14.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 1956-57.	OF hit .233 in nine seasons (1962, 1963 and 1965 through 1971) with Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers and Kansas City Royals.
Ken Singleton	Hofstra	Freshman hooper in mid-1960s.	Three-time All-Star OF hit .282 with 246 HRs and 1,065 RBI with New York Mets, Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles in 15 years from 1970 through 1984. Switch-hitter exceeded 20 HRs in five seasons, including high of 35 (fifth in A.L.) in 1979 with Orioles.
Lee Smith	Northwestern State	Forward averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg in 1976-77 as teammate of Billy Reynolds, the nation's ninth-leading scorer that season.	Seven-time All-Star was all-time saves leader when he retired, notching 478 in 18 seasons from 1980 through 1997 with Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos until Trevor Hoffman broke his mark in 2006. Set N.L. record in 1991 (subsequently broken) for most saves in season with 47 for Cardinals. RHP led N.L. in saves three times (1983-91-92) and A.L. once (1994).
Nate Smith	Tennessee State	Letterman in 1953-54 and 1954-55.	Catcher went 2 for 9 in five games with Baltimore Orioles in 1962.
Bob Veale	Benedictine (Kan.)	Scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 as center for school previously called St. Benedict's.	LHP compiled 120-95 record and 3.08 ERA in 13 seasons from 1962 through 1974 with Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox. Led N.L. in strikeouts with 250 in 1964 (first of four consecutive years he won at least 16 games and ranked among top seven in strikeouts).
Will Venable	Princeton	All-Ivy League first-team selection as junior and second-team choice as senior averaged 9.3 ppg under coach John Thompson III from 2001-02 through 2004-05.	Lefthanded OF hit .249 with San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers in nine seasons from 2008 through 2016. Finished among N.L. top 10 in triples (8th with 7) and stolen bases (9th with 29) in 2010.
Bill White	Hiram (Ohio)	Three-sport letterman played two years of hoops.	Five-time All-Star 1B hit .286 with New York/San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies in 13 N.L. seasons in 1956 and from 1958 through 1969. Lefthander ranked among N.L. top 10 in RBI five times (1961-62-63-64-66). Placed among N.L. top eight in both doubles and triples three straight campaigns from 1959 through 1961. Gold Glover seven consecutive years from 1960 through 1966.
Desi Wilson	Fairleigh Dickinson	FDU's all-time leading scorer (1,902 points) was NEC player of year in 1989-90. Leading scorer (23.8 ppg) and rebounder (9.2 rpg) for 1990-91 league co-champion.	Lefthanded-swinging 1B hit .271 with San Francisco Giants in 1996.
Dave Winfield	Minnesota	Averaged 6.9 ppg and 5.4 rpg as junior in 1971-72 and 10.5 ppg and 6.1 rpg as senior in 1972-73 under coach Bill Musselman. Played entire playoff game in 1972, collecting eight points and eight rebounds against eventual Final Four participant Florida State, in Gophers' first NCAA Tournament appearance.	Hall of Fame OF hit .283 with 465 home runs, 1,833 RBI and 3,110 hits in 22 seasons (1973 through 1988 and 1990 through 1995) with San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, California Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians. Led N.L. in total bases in 1979 with 333 before ranking among A.L. top four in batting average in 1984 (.340) and 1988 (.322). Seven-time Gold Glover appeared in 12 All-Star Games after never playing in minors. Participated in World Series with Yankees (1981) and Blue Jays (1992).

Todd Golden, coach of Florida's NCAA Tournament champion, is only 39 years old. But will a "Golden Age" kingpin campaign be marred after having difficulty shaking uncertainty and controversy stemming from alleged sexual harassment and stalking of an unidentified number of women, including multiple UF students. Alleged exchange of explicit photos and videos reeked of some sort of shirtless selfie contest among videographer/straw artist hideous Hunter, Plagiarist Biledumb's younger brother (Frank), boiler-room boy Geraldo Rivera, Eric "Chinese Check-Her-Out" Swalwell (Fang Fang's friend atop camel) and obnoxious politician Anthony Weiner.

Much of media was abuzz about Jay Wright stepping down as Villanova's coach at the age of 60 several years ago after capturing NCAA Tournament crowns with the Wildcats in 2016 and 2018. But a total of 13 title bench bosses bowed out of coaching when they were younger than Wright. Following is a list of NCAA DI championship coaches who departed profession as college head coach by the age of 60 (including five of the first six titlists from 1939 through 1944):

Championship Coach	Age	Title Team	Year(s)
Pete Newell	44	California	1959
Jim Valvano	44	North Carolina State	1983
Kevin Ollie	47	Connecticut	2014
Al McGuire	48	Marquette	1977
Fred Taylor	51	Ohio State	1960
Harold "Bud" Foster	52	Wisconsin	1941
Howard Hobson	52	Oregon	1939
Everett Dean	53	Stanford	1942
Phil Woolpert	53	San Francisco	1955 and 1956
Ken Loeffler	54	La Salle	1954
Joe B. Hall	56	Kentucky	1978
E. "Branch" McCracken	56	Indiana	1940 and 1953
John Thompson Jr.	57	Georgetown	1984
Vadal Peterson	60	Utah	1944
Ed Jucker	60	Cincinnati	1961 and 1962
Nolan Richardson Jr.	60	Arkansas	1994
Jay Wright	60	Villanova	2016 and 2018

NOTE: Billy Donovan was 49 when he left Florida (2006 and 2007) for the NBA.

NCAA champion Florida flogged then top-ranked Tennessee by 30 points in mid-season before the Gators bowed to the Volunteers by 20 in Knoxville less than a month later. The seemingly dramatic 50-point swing pales in comparison, however, to robust reversal results in power-conference competition over the years.

In 1997-98, Missouri rebounded from its most-lopsided loss in school history (111-56 at Kansas State) to defeat the Wildcats in their Big 12 Conference return engagement (89-59 at Mizzou) for an incredible 85-point turnaround in margin. Following is a look at about-faces of at least 60 points in the same season between power-league rivals (including nine results with at least a 48-point margin):

Points	Season	Power-League Opponents Splitting Verdicts	First Game	Second Game
85	1997-98	Missouri vs. Kansas State in Big 12	Kansas State 111-56	Missouri 89-59
68	1997-98	Alabama vs. Auburn in SEC	Auburn 94-40	Alabama 76-62
67	1996-97	UCLA vs. Stanford in Pacific-10	Stanford 109-61	UCLA 87-68
66	1997-98	Michigan vs. Indiana in Big Ten	Indiana 80-62	Michigan 112-64
63	1984-85	Illinois vs. Purdue in Big Ten	Purdue 54-34	Illinois 86-43
62	1951-52	Colorado vs. Kansas State in Big Seven	Kansas State 92-40	Colorado 67-57
62	1992-93	Kentucky vs. Tennessee in SEC	Tennessee 78-77	Kentucky 101-40*
62	1993-94	Minnesota vs. Indiana in Big Ten	Indiana 78-66	Minnesota 106-56
61	1992-93	Arkansas vs. Mississippi State in SEC	Mississippi State 80-76	Arkansas 115-58
61	2002-03	Connecticut vs. Boston College in Big East	Boston College 95-71	Connecticut 91-54
60	1957-58	Kansas vs. Nebraska in Big Eight	Kansas 104-46	Nebraska 43-41

*SEC Tournament (Tennessee lost at Kentucky, 84-70, earlier in season).

Extra! Extra! Rather than watching #MessMedia misfits trying to prop up their next Michael #Avenaughty (ESPN's Screamin' A. Stiff) as presidential timber, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.

Ivy League hoopers Bill Almon (Brown) and Tony Lupien (Harvard) made MLB news on this date. Ex-college hoopers Tommy Herr (Delaware), Wally Moon (Texas A&M) and Lee Smith (Northwestern State) generated headlines for the St. Louis Cardinals on this date. Former HBCU hoopers "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State) and Leon Wagner (Tuskegee AL) were outfielders traded for each other in 1961. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 13 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

APRIL 13

• Montreal Expos SS Bill Almon (averaged 2.5 ppg in half season for Brown's 1972-73 basketball team ending school's streak of 12 straight losing records) stroked four hits in a 5-4 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980.

• In his first MLB game in 1954, Detroit Tigers 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL in 1950-51) belted a homer off Baltimore Orioles P Don Larsen.

• San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-Western Athletic Conference second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) and two teammates establish a MLB record by each hitting a homer as the first three batters in the bottom of first inning of their 1987 home opener against San Francisco Giants RHP Roger Mason (multiple-year letterman in late 1970s for Saginaw Valley State MI).

• St. Louis Cardinals 2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) went 3-for-3 and scored three runs in a 1985 contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

• OF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (teammate of legendary HBCU coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg for Kentucky State in 1951-52) traded by the Los Angeles Angels to Toronto (International League) for OF Leon Wagner (Tuskegee AL hooper in 1952-53) in 1961.

• Boston Red Sox C Duane Josephson (led Northern Iowa in scoring in 1962-63 and 1963-64 under coach Norm Stewart) opened the scoring with a second-inning, two-run homer off Denny McLain in a 5-3 victory against the Washington Senators in 1971.

• 1B Tony Lupien (Harvard hoops captain in 1938-39) awarded on waivers from the Boston Red Sox to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1944.

• St. Louis Cardinals CF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) swatted a homer against the Chicago Cubs in his first at-bat en route to becoming 1954 N.L. Rookie of the Year.

• Minnesota Twins RHP Jim Perry (averaged more than 20 ppg in late 1950s for former juco Campbell) fired a four-hit shutout against the New York Yankees in his first start of 1968 campaign.

• INF-OF Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) traded by the Detroit Tigers to the California Angels in 1995.

• Detroit Tigers RHP Jeff Robinson (two-time NAIA All-District 3 hoops honoree in early 1980s left Azusa Pacific CA as school's No. 9 all-time scorer) hurled a four-hit shutout against the Minnesota Twins in 1989.

• St. Louis Cardinals closer Lee Smith (averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg with Northwestern State in 1976-77) set MLB record for most career saves in 1993 (RHP's mark stood for 13 years).

• Chicago White Sox DH Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) smacked a homer in his fourth consecutive contest in 2006.

• RHP Jim Wilson (hoops letterman for San Diego State's 1942 NAIA Tournament participant) purchased from the Milwaukee Braves by the Baltimore Orioles in 1955.

• California Angels RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) collected 15 total bases and six RBI on three homers, a double and single in a 15-9 verdict over the Minnesota Twins in 1991.

Extra! Extra! Instead of listening to #MessMedia misfits on MSLSD and CNN Sucks transparently try to support the #Dimorats' Spit Show or listening to Cacklin' Kamala's history lesson on women's NCAA brackets, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.

Two former small-college hoopers from Pennsylvania - Dick Hall (Swarthmore) and Lynn Jones (Thiel) - made MLB news on this date. Joining Jones among small-college hoopers generating headlines for the Detroit Tigers on this date were Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military) and Jeff Robinson (Azusa Pacific CA). Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 12 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

APRIL 12

• RHP Rich Beck (listed on Gonzaga's basketball roster in 1961-62) was purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies by the New York Yankees in 1965.

• In his initial MLB appearance in 1961, San Francisco Giants INF Ernie Bowman (East Tennessee State hoops letterman in 1954-55 and 1955-56) scored the game-winning tally as a pinch-runner in a 2-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

• RHP Dick Hall (averaged 13.5 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51 for Swarthmore PA Middle Atlantic States Conference Southern Division champions) traded by the Kansas City Athletics to the Baltimore Orioles in 1961.

• In 1961, San Francisco Giants C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) stroked his first MLB hit, a homer off Pittsburgh Pirates P Vern Law.

• A pinch-hit homer by OF Lynn Jones (averaged 10.4 ppg for Thiel PA from 1970-71 through 1973-74) accounted for the Detroit Tigers' only runs in a 6-2 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981.

• Cleveland Indians rookie CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) swiped four bases against the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a 1992 doubleheader.

• Detroit Tigers 3B Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) went 4-for-4 in a 1990 game against the Boston Red Sox.

• Seattle Mariners RF Leon Roberts (grabbed one rebound in four basketball games for Michigan in 1970-71 under coach Johnny Orr) contributed a sacrifice fly and two solo homers, including game-winning blast in bottom of the 10th inning, in 3-2 win against the Toronto Blue Jays in 1980.

• Detroit Tigers RHP Jeff Robinson (two-time NAIA All-District 3 hoops honoree in early 1980s left Azusa Pacific CA as school's No. 9 all-time scorer) won his MLB debut, allowing only one run in seven innings in a 7-1 victory against the Chicago White Sox in 1987.

• After a pair of rainouts, 1B-OF Norm Siebern (member of Southwest Missouri State's back-to-back hoops NAIA Tournament titlists in 1952 and 1953) socked a decisive eighth-inning HR to give the New York Yankees a season-opening 3-2 win over the visiting Boston Red Sox in 1959.

• Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper for Marietta OH in mid-1960s) commenced a streak of 12 relief appearances in a row without allowing an earned run in 1978.

• Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) outdueled San Francisco Giants P Juan Marichal, 1-0, in 1965.

• San Diego Padres RF Will Venable (All-Ivy League first-team selection as junior and second-team choice as senior averaged 9.3 ppg under Princeton coach John Thompson III from 2001-02 through 2004-05) scored four runs against the Atlanta Braves in 2010.

"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time." - Arnold H. Glasow

There is a good reason to schedule wisely in non-league play as hiring occasionally stems from at least partially what can be designated a job audition. For instance, Digger Phelps guided Fordham to its winningest season in school history in 1970-71. But what likely really impressed Notre Dame's administration was a 94-88 victory that season over the Irish. He was UND's bench boss the next campaign and went on to compile seven triumphs against nationally top-ranked opponents in his career at South Bend. Will Kevin Willard be the next Brey after leaving Maryland for Villanova (MD edged Nova, 76-75, last season)?

Non-conference schedules frequently are frustrating for fans of power-league members because of what seems like feasting on a steady diet of cupcake opponents. But you never know when a single game becomes a career changer. Initial research of results in this category shows Mick Cronin's 29-point margin of victory for Cincinnati against UCLA is exceeded only by Tommy Amaker's 32-point difference when Michigan overwhelmed Harvard. Similar to almost any job, timing is everything. Following is an alphabetical list of impressionable coaches generating favorable reviews after defeating a school (in non-conference game) they were hired by for the same role before the next campaign:

Coach	Departing School	Triumph(s) Over Non-League Foe Hiring Him Next Season
Tommy Amaker	Michigan	Defeated Harvard, 82-50, in 2006-07
Duggar Baucom	Virginia Military	Defeated The Citadel, 66-65, at Army* in 2014-15
John Brady	Samford	Defeated Louisiana State, 53-50, in 1996-97
Tom Brennan	Yale	Defeated Vermont, 84-75, in 1985-86
Jim Calhoun	Northeastern	Defeated Connecticut, 90-73, in 1985-86
Joe Callero	Seattle	Defeated Cal Poly, 60-59, in 2008-09
Ben Carnevale	North Carolina	Defeated Navy, 51-49, in 1945-46
Jamion Christian	Siena	Defeated George Washington, 69-61, in 2018-19
Mick Cronin	Cincinnati	Defeated UCLA, 93-64, in 2018-19
Kermit Davis Jr.	Middle Tennessee State	Defeated Mississippi, 77-58, in 2017-18
Charles "Lefty" Driesell	Davidson	Defeated Maryland, 83-69, in 1968-69
Pat Foster	Houston	Defeated Nevada, 92-80, in 1992-93
Jim Hayford	Eastern Washington	Defeated Seattle, 80-76 in 2OT and 93-88 in 2OT, in 2016-17
Ron Hunter	Georgia State	Defeated Tulane, 80-76, in 2018-19
Maury John	Drake	Defeated Iowa State, 87-63, in 1970-71
Ed Kelleher	Fordham	Defeated Army, 68-42, in 1942-43
Lake Kelly	Austin Peay State	Defeated Oral Roberts, 80-76, in 1976-77
Jeff Linder	Northern Colorado	Defeated Wyoming, 74-53, in 2019-20
Billy McCann	Washington & Lee (VA)	Defeated Virginia, 73-69, in 1956-57
Neil McCarthy	Weber State	Defeated New Mexico State, 62-56, in 1984-85
Dan Monson	Gonzaga	Defeated Minnesota, 75-63, in 1998-99
Don Monson	Idaho	Defeated Oregon, 56-53, in 1982-83
Donald "Dudey" Moore	Duquesne	Defeated La Salle, 74-55, in 1957-58
Stew Morrill	Colorado State	Defeated Utah State, 68-59, in 1997-98
Richard "Digger" Phelps	Fordham	Defeated Notre Dame, 94-88, in 1970-71
Elmer Ripley	Georgetown	Defeated John Carroll (Ohio), 73-53, in 1948-49
Les Robinson	East Tennessee State	Defeated North Carolina State, 92-82, in 1989-90
Lorenzo Romar	Saint Louis	Defeated Washington, 71-70, in 2001-02
Charles "Sonny" Smith	Auburn	Defeated Virginia Commonwealth, 85-79, in 1988-89
Charlie Spoonhour	Southwest Missouri State	Defeated Saint Louis, 66-59, in 1991-92
Bill Strannigan	Colorado State	Defeated Iowa State, 65-57, in 1953-54
Bill Wade	Virginia Commonwealth	Defeated Louisiana State, 85-74, in 2016-17
Raymond "Bucky" Waters	West Virginia	Defeated Duke, 90-88, in 1968-69
Paul Weir	New Mexico State	Defeated New Mexico, 84-71, in 2016-17
Tim Welsh	Iona	Defeated Providence, 68-62, in 1997-98
Kevin Willard	Maryland	Defeated Villanova, 76-75, in 2024-25
Gary Williams	Boston College	Defeated Ohio State, 87-74, in 1985-86
Matt Zunic	Boston University	Defeated Massachusetts, 75-55 and 61-56, in 1958-59

*Competed in season-opening Military Classic before VMI defeated The Citadel twice in Southern Conference competition.

In the wake of Alan Huss leaving High Point to return as an aide at Creighton as Greg McDermott's eventual successor, it should be acknowledged that assistant coaches for NBA teams and power-conference members frequently are paid significantly more than head coaches for mid-major colleges. Just ask David Patrick, who reportedly doubled his salary five years ago when forsaking head-coaching responsibilities with UC Riverside to become chief assistant at Arkansas and likely duplicated the feat last year when abandoning job as bench boss for Sacramento State to become an aide at Louisiana State.

Ralph Willard was Holy Cross' head coach for 10 seasons before becoming an aide to Rick Pitino at Louisville. That's three years longer than Griff Aldrich served at Longwood prior to joining Ryan Odom's staff at Virginia. Billy Donlon, joining Clemson's staff as an aide three seasons ago, became the second UMKC mentor this century joining the following alphabetical list of NCAA Division I head coaches who had years remaining on their contract when they departed to become an assistant for a power-conference member or NBA franchise:

Head-to-Assistant Coach	Mid-Major College (Tenure)	Power-League Member/NBA Team
Griff Aldrich	Longwood (2018-19 through 2024-25)	Virginia
Ben Betts Jr.	South Carolina State (2003-04 through 2005-06)	Oklahoma
Austin Claunch	Nicholls State (through 2018-19 through 2022-23)	Alabama
Donny Daniels	Cal State Fullerton (2000-01 through 2002-03)	UCLA
Dean Demopoulos	Missouri-Kansas City (2000-01)	Seattle Sonics
Dave Dickerson	USC Upstate (2018-19 through 2023-24)	Ohio State
Billy Donlon	Kansas City (2019-20 through 2021-22)	Clemson
Baker Dunleavy	Quinnipiac (2017-18 through 2022-23)	Villanova
Orlando Early	Louisiana-Monroe (2005-06 through 2009-10)	South Carolina
Dane Fife	IPFW (2005-06 through 2010-11)	Michigan State
Alan Huss	High Point (2023-24 and 2024-25)	Creighton
Jeff Linder	Wyoming (2020-21 through 2023-24)	Texas Tech
Kevin McKenna	Indiana State (2007-08 through 2009-10)	Oregon
Jack Murphy	Northern Arizona (2012-13 through 2018-19)	Arizona
Bill Musselman	South Alabama (1995-96 and 1996-97)	Portland Trail Blazers
Dave Odom	East Carolina (1979-80 through 1981-82)	Virginia
Chris Ogden	Texas-Arlington (2018-19 through 2020-21)	Texas
Kevin O'Neill	Northwestern (1997-98 through 1999-00)	New York Knicks
Matt Painter	Southern Illinois (2003-04)	Purdue
David Patrick	UC Riverside (2018-19 and 2019-20)	Arkansas
David Patrick	Sacramento State (2022-23 and 2023-24)	Louisiana State
Robert "Buzz" Peterson	Coastal Carolina (2005-06 and 2006-07)	Charlotte Bobcats
Kenneth "Doc" Sadler	Southern Mississippi (2014-15 through 2018-19)	Nebraska
Ron Sanchez	Charlotte (2018-19 through 2022-23)	Virginia
Heath Schroyer	UT Martin (2014-15 and 2015-16)	North Carolina State
Andy Stoglin	Southern LA (1982-83 and 1983-84)	Oklahoma State
Damon Stoudamire	Pacific (2016-17 through 2020-21)	Boston Celtics
Rodney Terry	Texas-El Paso (2018-19 through 2020-21)	Texas
Ralph Willard	Holy Cross (1999-00 through 2008-09)	Louisville
Brent "Buzz" Williams	New Orleans (2006-07)	Marquette

NOTE: Huss, Painter and Williams were head-coaches-in-waiting. Stoudamire (Georgia Tech) and Williams (Maryland) are now power-conference head coaches.

No state is close to winning as much as two-thirds of its NCAA Tournament games and none has as many as five different schools with winning playoff records. The Michigan Wolverines reaching the 2018 NCAA final instead of the Kansas Jayhawks enabled Michigan (.6284) to nudge ahead of Kansas (.6279) as the state with highest all-time winning percentage before the Michigan State Spartans padded the state's advantage with a 2019 Final Four appearance and both schools reaching the Sweet 16 in 2025. Kansas, one of 20 states represented by four or fewer members in the U.S. House of Representatives, is represented much more in the NCAA playoffs by ranking eighth with 175 victories from only three universities although Kansas posted the state's only triumph in the last two years.

Virginia - Liberty, Norfolk State and VCU - sustained three opening-round exits in 2025. Six of the 13 states securing more than 100 all-time NCAA tourney triumphs - Illinois, Kansas, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania - combined to post half of champion Florida's six victories in 2025. Texas had the most participants this year with five. With neither UK and Louisville reaching the Final Four since 2015, California passed the Commonwealth in total NCAA playoff triumphs. Additional stately views of national winners and sinners you might want to review include:

• Despite going winless in 2021 and notching only one victory in 2023, schools from the state of North Carolina have collected more NCAA Tournament triumphs (348 after Duke reached national final this year) than a total of 23 states including those with power-conference members such as Georgia, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey and West Virginia.
• All four ACC members in Carolina have more than 25 playoff triumphs. Each of them (Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State and Wake Forest) has more all-time wins than entire states such as Colorado, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island and South Carolina.
• California is the only state with as many as 18 schools winning at least one NCAA Tournament game. Alas, fewer than 1/4 of them (four) have winning marks.
• Other than Syracuse, Canisius is the only current New York Division I school to compile a winning NCAA playoff record (6-4) as the state went winless in 2023. CCNY, the NCAA's DI champion in 1950, assembled a 4-2 mark ledger before de-emphasizing its program.
• Villanova (plus 32 in PA; 71-39) and Syracuse (plus 29 in NY; 70-41) are the most games above .500 in states with overall losing playoff marks. On the flip side, Miami OH (minus 13; 6-19) and Murray State KY (minus 13; 5-18) are tied for most games below .500 in states with overall winning worksheets.
• Abilene Christian enabled Texas earlier this decade to nudge ahead of California for most different schools participating in the tourney with 24 although Baylor and Houston are the only institutions from the Lone Star State posting a winning record. Texas has a total of 15 Final Four teams but is more games under .500 than any state (minus 31 including nine different participants never winning a playoff contest). California moved back into a tie with Texas after UC San Diego made its playoff debut.
• None of Louisiana's 13 schools appearing in the playoffs have notched a winning record. South Carolina has the most universities participate in the tourney (nine) without any of them posting a break-even or winning playoff record. Kansas has only three different colleges appear in the NCAA Tournament but boasts more than six times as many victories as entire state of South Carolina and in excess of four times as many triumphs as all of Louisiana.
• All six Mid-American Conference members from Ohio have losing records, combining for a 19-56 mark (.253).
• Tennessee, the winningest state in NCAA playoff history despite never having a national champion, is the only state with as many as six schools at least five games below .500 in NCAA tourney competition.
• Virginia is the only one of 13 different schools from its state to post a winning record.
• Memphis (35-29) is joined by Spokane, Wash.-based Gonzaga (47-27) as the only mid-major schools leading a state with total of more than 40 playoff wins.
• The only two states with fewer than 50 tourney triumphs assembling overall winning records are Nevada (39-30 by 6-11 Nevada and 33-19 UNLV) plus New Hampshire (10-7 by Dartmouth).
• Utah is the only state saddled with as many as three schools posting tourney marks more than 10 games below .500 - Brigham Young (17-35), Utah State (7-27) and Weber State (6-17).

Plagiarist Biledumb, despite big tech and much of #MessMedia hiding details about his soap-opera family, "showers" prospect of success telling truth about attending HBCU Delaware State a mite more than the NCAA Tournament win total of the state he served as Senator because Delaware is 0-7. At least four different schools from Texas posted a minimum of one NCAA tourney triumph for the fourth straight year as the Longhorn State secured the most wins in 2025 with 10. Following are NCAA Division I playoff cumulative records listed by most state victories through 2024:

STATE (# of Tourney Schools)	Overall Record	Pct.	School-By-School NCAA Playoff Marks (Listed Alphabetically)
NORTH CAROLINA (17)	348-211	.623	Appalachian State (0-3), Campbell (0-1), Charlotte (7-12), Davidson (8-16), Duke (126-42), East Carolina (0-2), Gardner-Webb (0-1), High Point (0-1), North Carolina (134-51), North Carolina A&T (1-10), North Carolina Central (0-4), North Carolina State (41-28), UNC Asheville (2-5), UNC Greensboro (0-4), UNC Wilmington (1-7), Wake Forest (28-23) and Western Carolina (0-1)
CALIFORNIA (24)	258-236	.522	California (20-19), UC Davis (0-1), UC Irvine (1-2), Cal Poly (1-1), UC San Diego (0-1), UC Santa Barbara (1-7), Cal State Bakersfield (0-1), Cal State Fullerton (2-4), Cal State Los Angeles (0-1), Cal State Northridge (0-2), Fresno State (2-6), Long Beach State (7-11), Loyola Marymount (5-5), Pacific (4-10), Pepperdine (5-14), Saint Mary's (8-14), San Diego (1-4), San Diego State (13-17), San Francisco (21-15), San Jose State (0-3), Santa Clara (11-13), Southern California (17-23), Stanford (23-16) and UCLA (116-46)
KENTUCKY (seven)	240-166	.591	Eastern Kentucky (0-8), Kentucky (134-57), Louisville (76-45), Morehead State (6-10), Murray State (5-18), Northern Kentucky (0-3) and Western Kentucky (19-25)
PENNSYLVANIA (15)	198-216	.478	Bucknell (2-8), Drexel (1-5), Duquesne (5-6), Lafayette (0-5), La Salle (14-11), Lebanon Valley (1-2), Lehigh (1-5), Penn (13-26), Penn State (10-12), Pittsburgh (26-28), Robert Morris (2-9), Saint Francis (0-2), Saint Joseph's (19-25), Temple (33-33) and Villanova (71-39)
INDIANA (nine)	194-155	.556	Ball State (3-7), Butler (24-16), Evansville (1-5), Indiana (68-36), IUPUI (0-1), Indiana State (5-4), Notre Dame (40-41), Purdue (51-36) and Valparaiso (2-9)
TEXAS (24)	194-225	.463	Abilene Christian (1-2), Baylor (24-18), Hardin-Simmons (0-2), Houston (45-31), Houston Christian (0-1), Lamar (5-6), North Texas (1-4), Prairie View A&M (0-2), Rice (2-5), Sam Houston State (0-2), Southern Methodist (10-14), Stephen F. Austin (2-5), Texas (40-42), Texas A&M (15-18), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (1-3), Texas-Arlington (0-1), Texas Christian (7-11), Texas-El Paso (14-16), Texas-San Antonio (1-4), Texas Southern (3-11), Texas State (0-2), Texas Tech (22-22), Trinity (0-1) and West Texas A&M (0-1)
OHIO (12)	179-181	.497	Akron (0-7), Bowling Green (1-5), Cincinnati (46-32), Cleveland State (3-3), Dayton (20-21), Kent State (4-7), Miami (6-19), Ohio University (8-15), Ohio State (58-34), Toledo (1-4), Wright State (1-4) and Xavier (31-30)
KANSAS (three)	175-104	.627	Kansas (117-51), Kansas State (40-36) and Wichita State (18-17)
MICHIGAN (eight)	158-92	.632	Central Michigan (3-4), Detroit (3-6), Eastern Michigan (3-4), Michigan (68-31), Michigan State (76-37), Oakland (2-4), Wayne State (1-2) and Western Michigan (2-4)
NEW YORK (22)	144-181	.443	Albany (1-5), Binghamton (0-1), Buffalo (2-4), Canisius (6-4), CCNY (4-2), Colgate (0-7), Columbia (2-4), Cornell (2-6), Fordham (2-4), Hofstra (0-4), Iona (1-16), Long Island (0-7), Manhattan (3-9), Marist (0-2), NYU (9-9), Niagara (2-4), St. Bonaventure (7-10), St. John's (28-33), Siena (4-6), Stony Brook (0-1), Syracuse (70-41) and Wagner (1-2)
OKLAHOMA (five)	106-98	.520	Oklahoma (43-34), Oklahoma City (8-13), Oklahoma State (39-28), Oral Roberts (4-7) and Tulsa (12-16)
ILLINOIS (11)	105-105	.500	Bradley (11-9), DePaul (21-25), Eastern Illinois (0-2), Illinois (46-36), Illinois-Chicago (0-3), Illinois State (3-6), Loyola of Chicago (15-7), Northern Illinois (0-3), Northwestern (3-3), Southern Illinois (6-10) and SIU-Edwardsville (0-1)
FLORIDA (12)	107-77	.582	Florida (54-22), Florida A&M (1-3), Florida Atlantic (4-3), Florida Gulf Coast (3-3), Florida International (0-1), Florida State (23-18), Jacksonville (4-5), Miami (15-12), North Florida (0-1), South Florida (2-3), Stetson (0-1) and UCF (1-5)
VIRGINIA (13)	88-116	.431	George Mason (5-6), Hampton (2-6), James Madison (5-6), Liberty (1-6), Longwood (0-2), Norfolk State (2-4), Old Dominion (3-12), Radford (1-3), Richmond (9-10), Virginia (35-25), Virginia Commonwealth (13-19), Virginia Military (3-3) and Virginia Tech (8-13)
WISCONSIN (four)	89-74	.546	Green Bay (1-5), Marquette (44-38), Milwaukee (3-4) and Wisconsin (41-27)
TENNESSEE (11)	88-128	.407	Austin Peay (2-8), Belmont (1-8), Chattanooga (3-12), East Tennessee State (2-11), Lipscomb (0-2), Memphis (35-29), Middle Tennessee State (4-9), Tennessee (31-28), Tennessee State (0-2), Tennessee Tech (0-2) and Vanderbilt (10-17)
WASHINGTON (five)	82-67	.550	Eastern Washington (0-3), Gonzaga (47-27), Seattle (10-13), Washington (19-18) and Washington State (6-6)
ARIZONA (four)	78-62	.557	Arizona (62-38), Arizona State (15-18), Grand Canyon (1-4) and Northern Arizona (0-2)
CONNECTICUT (five)	74-49	.602	Central Connecticut State (0-3), Connecticut (72-33), Fairfield (0-3), Hartford (0-1) and Yale (2-9)
UTAH (five)	68-113	.376	Brigham Young (17-35), Southern Utah (0-1), Utah (38-33), Utah State (7-27) and Weber State (6-17)
IOWA (four)	67-71	.486	Drake (7-8), Iowa (31-31), Iowa State (24-24) and Northern Iowa (5-8)
ALABAMA (nine)	67-79	.459	Alabama (32-26), Alabama A&M (0-1), Alabama State (1-5), Auburn (23-14), Jacksonville State (0-2), Samford (0-3), South Alabama (1-8), Troy (0-3) and UAB (10-17)
MARYLAND (eight)	59-61	.492	Coppin State (1-4), Loyola (0-2), Maryland (46-30), Maryland-Baltimore County (1-2), Morgan State (0-2), Mount St. Mary's (3-7), Navy (8-12) and Towson (0-2)
ARKANSAS (four)	55-43	.561	Arkansas (52-36), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-1), Arkansas State (0-1) and UALR (2-5)
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (five)	51-51	.500	American University (0-4), Catholic (0-2), George Washington (4-11), Georgetown (47-30) and Howard University (0-4)
MASSACHUSETTS (nine)	48-67	.417	Boston College (22-19), Boston University (2-7), Harvard (2-6), Holy Cross (8-13), Massachusetts (11-9), Northeastern (3-9), Springfield (0-1), Tufts (0-2) and Williams (0-1)
NEW JERSEY (seven)	44-72	.379	Fairleigh Dickinson (3-7), Monmouth (1-4), Princeton (15-30), Rider (0-3), Rutgers (6-9), Saint Peter's (3-5) and Seton Hall (16-14)
LOUISIANA (13)	44-82	.349	Grambling State (1-1), Louisiana-Lafayette (4-12), Louisiana-Monroe (0-7), Louisiana State (27-27), Louisiana Tech (4-5), Loyola of New Orleans (0-3), McNeese (1-4), New Orleans (1-5), Nicholls State (0-2), Northwestern State (2-3), Southeastern Louisiana (0-1), Southern (1-9) and Tulane (3-3)
OREGON (four)	43-43	.500	Oregon (28-18), Oregon State (15-21), Portland (0-2) and Portland State (0-2)
NEVADA (two)	39-30	.565	Nevada (6-11) and UNLV (33-19)
GEORGIA (six)	33-43	.434	Georgia (7-13), Georgia Southern (0-3), Georgia State (2-6), Georgia Tech (23-17), Kennesaw State (0-1) and Mercer (1-3)
WEST VIRGINIA (two)	33-37	.471	Marshall (1-6) and West Virginia (32-31)
MISSOURI (four)	32-49	.395	Missouri (23-30), Missouri State (3-6), Saint Louis (6-11) and Southeast Missouri State (0-2)
SOUTH CAROLINA (nine)	27-68	.284	Charleston Southern (0-1), Clemson (14-15), Coastal Carolina (0-4), College of Charleston (1-7), Furman (2-8), South Carolina (8-11), South Carolina State (0-5), Winthrop (1-11) and Wofford (1-6)
RHODE ISLAND (four)	25-37	.403	Brown (0-2), Bryant (0-2), Providence (17-23) and Rhode Island (8-10)
NEBRASKA (three)	21-36	.368	Creighton (21-27), Nebraska (0-8) and Omaha (0-1)
MISSISSIPPI (six)	21-41	.339	Alcorn State (3-6), Jackson State (0-3), Mississippi (7-10), Mississippi State (11-14), Mississippi Valley State (0-5) and Southern Mississippi (0-3)
NEW MEXICO (two)	20-46	.297	New Mexico (9-18) and New Mexico State (11-28)
COLORADO (four)	19-37	.339	Air Force (0-4), Colorado (13-18), Colorado State (6-14) and Northern Colorado (0-1)
MINNESOTA (one)	14-14	.500	Minnesota (14-14)
NEW HAMPSHIRE (one)	10-7	.588	Dartmouth (10-7)
WYOMING (one)	9-21	.300	Wyoming (9-21)
IDAHO (three)	9-27	.250	Boise State (0-10), Idaho (1-4) and Idaho State (8-13)
NORTH DAKOTA (two)	2-5	.286	North Dakota (0-1) and North Dakota State (2-4)
VERMONT (one)	2-8	.200	Vermont (2-8)
MONTANA (two)	2-20	.091	Montana (2-14) and Montana State (0-6)
HAWAII (one)	1-5	.167	Hawaii (1-5)
SOUTH DAKOTA (one)	0-7	.000	South Dakota State (0-7)
DELAWARE (two)	0-7	.000	Delaware (0-6) and Delaware State (0-1)

NOTE: Two states - Alaska and Maine - never had a school participate in the NCAA Division I Tournament.

The herd-mentality "experts" on lame-stream TV were routinely mistaken on coronavirus issues large and small - from effectiveness of donning masks, reusable bags, virus modeling and hydroxychloroquine treatments. Their frequent stunning litany of deity Dr. Fraudci failure is reminiscent of ranking high school basketball recruits and their eventual impact. Vaping loyalists for big-name schools count on remaining or returning to elite status via recruiting services. Typically, the herd-mentality national media falls in lockstep predicting most of them will be back to at least near the top of the national polls. But welfare writers (accepting guesswork handouts from well-meaning but ineffectual middle men) better hope the recruiting gurus ranking high school hotshots emerge from a sorry slump typified by nine of 10 NCAA consensus All-Americans this year nowhere to be found on consensus Top 100 recruiting lists when they left high school. Duke's Cooper Flagg was the lone exception.

Back-to-back unanimous national player of the year Zach Edey (Purdue) wasn't listed among premier recruits in 2020. Another textbook example five seasons ago was consensus national player of the year Obi Toppin (Dayton) not ranking among the nation's Top 100 recruits coming out of high school. Four years ago, unanimous national player of the year Luka Garza (Iowa) barely cracked the Top 100. Ditto Final Four Most Outstanding Player that year Jared Butler (Baylor).

Assessing standouts three years ago, NCAA consensus first-team All-Americans Ochai Agbaji (Kansas), Johnny Davis (Wisconsin) and Keegan Murray (Iowa) weren't Top 100 recruits coming out of high school along with JD Notae (Arkansas). Elsewhere, Jaden Ivey (Purdue) and Bennedict Mathurin (Arizona) barely cracked the H.S. Top 100 in 2019.

Seven years ago, Kansas guard Devonte' Graham was nowhere to be found among the nation's Top 100 high school recruits in 2014. Five years ago, national POY teammate Frank Mason wasn't among the consensus Top 75 coming out of high school in 2013. But at least Mason was somewhere between 75 and 100 similar to Michigan State's Denzel Valentine, who shared national POY awards eight seasons ago with Oklahoma's Buddy Hield (outside Top 100 in 2012). Well, if roof-top dancing bartender AOC is correct about climate change and defending colleague's outrageous "some people did something," we only need to tolerate college hoopdom's crowning jewel for junk science about 10 more years.

What good are prep player rankings and ESPN's periodic commitment announcements if the "brainiac" analysts can't come close to pinpointing a prospect who will emerge among the elite collegiate players in a couple of years? Eleven seasons ago provided ample evidence of rating ineptitude when four of the five NCAA unanimous All-American first-team selections, including national player of the year Trey Burke (Michigan), weren't ranked among the consensus Top 100 H.S. recruits assembled by RSCI the years they left high school. First-teamer Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga) and Final Four MOP Luke Hancock (Louisville) weren't among the top 100 in 2009. First-teamers Doug McDermott (Creighton) and Victor Oladipo (Indiana) plus honorable mention All-American Russ Smith (leading scorer for NCAA champion Louisville) weren't among the top 100 in 2010.

The player pimps, "hustling" more than ambulance-chasing attorney Ben Crump to profit off multitude of miscreants, certainly lack credibility. Burke, McDermott, Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin) and Hield pooled their previously overlooked assets to assemble a string of four straight national POY honorees. Burke wasn't included among the consensus top 100 in 2011 although every scout in this burgeoning charade saw him play on the same high school squad with eventual Ohio State All-American Jared Sullinger. Ditto McDermott with regal recruit Harrison Barnes (North Carolina).

Media hacks as confused as Bruce Jenner, inauguration boycotters, disgraced California Rep. Katie Hill, know-nothing leftist lunatics banning plastic straws and #MadMaxine expounding on college loans, apparently incapable of calculating the difference between AAU-pickup street ball and genuine team ball, should be deep-sixed when you compared Hield and Valentine against the following list of mediocre players ranked among the consensus Top 40 recruits in 2012: Chaquille Cleare (averaged 3.5 ppg for Maryland and Texas), DaJuan Coleman (4.8 ppg/Syracuse), Grant Jerrett (5.2 ppg/Arizona) and Omar Calhoun (6 ppg/Connecticut).

As a cautionary measure when considering prize prospects lists, pore over this information again the next time some lazy broadcaster needing a drool bucket begins slobbering over a pimple-faced teenager without ever seeing him play firsthand and only using recruiting services as a resource. The dopey devotees intoxicated by recruiting services should simply be ignored for accepting as gospel player rankings dwelling on wingspans, weight reps, Soul Train dance moves and carnival-like dunk contests. How about focusing solely on whether they'll continue to improve against comparable athletes, boast the proper attitude to learn to fit in with teammates in a me-myself-and-I generation and make a major bottom-line impact on the game rather than strut-your-stuff swagger? When pass is considered a dirty four-letter word, the chronic over-hyping doesn't appear as if it will end anytime soon.

Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and three-point shooting sensation Stephen Curry (Davidson) is perhaps the premier collegian thus far this century. If you've got a life, you don't have time to go over all of the no-names ranked better than Curry when he graduated from high school in 2006. You'd have an easier task competing in the national spelling bee, trying to size up all of the issues involving coach Frank Haith's checking account when he was at Miami (Fla.), helping Bruce Pearl remember decor inside of his old TN residence, discerning how much Roy Williams "earned" in academic progress bonuses at North Carolina or believing Rick Pitino's Sgt. "I-Know-Nothing" Schultz routine at Louisville regarding recruiting regaling.

Rating recruits - the ultimate sports distortion foisted upon dupes - is akin to believing government grifters telling the gullible masses taxpayer-financed Muslim extremist terrorism is workplace violence or fueled by a largely-unseen movie (such as #ShrillaryRotten lying about video in front of caskets at Andrews AFB duplicating her honesty when describing dodging Bosnian bullets). Pilfering a propaganda-like phrase spun during the institutionalizing of political correctness to the detriment of the safety of the American people, the player ratings are authentic "man-made disasters." They need to make a dramatic turnaround comparable to the Obama White House's post-marathon bombing appeasing administration lauding Cambridge/Boston area police after previous exploitation portraying them as "acting stupidly" when it suited their agenda. Amid the insulting misinformation overload, it might be time to visit Rev. Wrong's church and see if he is recruiting susceptible supporters by telling his captive audience "America's Chechens have come home to roost." Truth-escape artists supporting chronic criminals rather than law enforcement and opponents of Tsarnaev receiving a death-penalty sentence can simply deny you ever heard or read such impudence.

The same play-dumb mindset comparable to the Benghazi stonewalling, VA executive comparing veteran care waits to long lines at Disney theme park, IRS conservative-group targeting and general incompetence, #ShrillaryRotten's State Department IT chief unable to provide his emails or being willing to talk to investigators plus fondness for determining transgender dumping grounds applies to entitlement-era "ridiculists" stemming from recruiting service player ratings. Resembling Jason Collins' long-time fiancée, you look like a full-fledged fool by putting a significant amount of stock in these breathless rush-to-judgment projections spawning a slew of blue-chippers turned prima donnas. But don't muzzle 'em with a jock jihad or sound as lucid as the buffoonish Bomb Mom. Just give the sane a barf bag when clueless adults hold their collective breath to see if coddled scholar dons their alma mater's cap on TV announcing a college choice. Why can't we simply wait until impressionable teenagers such as Dayton dynamo Toppin, Murray State marvel Ja Morant plus KU kinetic knockouts Mason and Graham compete in an actual game on both ends of a college court against comparable athletes before rendering assessments on their ability at the next level?

Extra! Extra! As a new season takes shape, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.

Did you know that outfielder "Sweet" Lou Johnson, an ex-Kentucky State hooper, was traded three times the first nine days in April in deals involving Los Angeles-based teams? In the minors, all-time basketball great Michael Jordan made his Organized Baseball debut on April 9, 1994, when the Chicago White Sox farmhand went hitless as right fielder for the Birmingham Barons (Southern League). What in the "heel" was the then 31-year-old Jordan thinking, or not thinking, en route to a .202 batting average and 114 strikeouts in 127 games? Unless Jordan won a bet with Robert "The Natural" Redford to acquire "Wonderboy" bat, the only way MJ could have reached the majors was via an Eddie Gaedel-like stunt.

Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. George Altman (Tennessee State) joined Sweet Lou as another former HBCU hooper making MLB news on this date. Former juco hoopers Darrell Evans (Pasadena City CA) and Jim Thome (Illinois Central) each hit two homers in MLB games on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 9 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

APRIL 9

• RF George Altman (appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Tournament with Tennessee State's basketball squad) stroked four hits against the New York Mets on Opening Day 1963 in his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals.

• 1B George Crowe (four-year letterman from 1939-40 through 1942-43 for Indiana Central after becoming first high school player named state's "Mr. Basketball") traded by the Milwaukee Braves to the Cincinnati Reds in 1956.

• Detroit Tigers DH Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered twice in a 1986 game against the Boston Red Sox.

• LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State hoops teammate of legendary HBCU coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) traded by the Detroit Tigers with $10,000 to the Los Angeles Dodgers for P Larry Sherry in 1964.

• RHP Vern Kennedy (Central Missouri State hooper in mid-1920s) returned by Philadelphia Athletics to Oklahoma City after purchased from Texas League franchise the previous fall.

• In his first start of the 1992 campaign, Baltimore Orioles RHP Ben McDonald (started six times as freshman forward for LSU in 1986-87 under coach Dale Brown) tossed a two-hit shutout against the Cleveland Indians.

• Seattle Mariners RF Leon Roberts (grabbed one rebound in four basketball games for Michigan in 1970-71 under coach Johnny Orr) ripped a grand slam in 8-6 setback against the Minnesota Twins in 1978 season opener.

• RHP Mike Smithson (teammate of Tennessee All-American Ernie Grunfeld averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.6 rpg under coach Ray Mears in 1974-75 and 1975-76) traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Texas Rangers in 1982.

• Detroit Tigers 2B Gary Sutherland (averaged 7.4 ppg with Southern California in 1963-64) went 4-for-4 against the New York Yankees in 1974.

• Philadelphia Phillies 1B Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) collected two homers and five RBI in a 2003 game against the Atlanta Braves.

• Minnesota Twins DH Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) stroked three extra-base hits against the Kansas City Royals in 1993.

It has been done before by prominent pilots. How many small colleges might be fantasizing about Mike Krzyzewski at their helm? What about a small-time or rural Krzyzewskiville? Coach K is unlikely to follow suit just for the love of the game after 42-year stint with Duke, including a total of 13 Final Fours, concluded earlier this decade. How about Jay Wright after downplaying possibility of reviving coaching career by entering pressurized atmosphere at Kentucky? Following is a summary of celebrated coaches who ended their careers guiding obscure small-college programs after directing a major university to the NCAA Division I Final Four:

Celebrated Coach	School(s)	Final Four(s)	Small-School Concluding Career
Forddy Anderson	Bradley/Michigan State	1950-54-57	Hiram Scott OH (1965-66 through 1969-70)
Jim Calhoun	Connecticut	1999 and 2004-09-11	Saint Joseph CT (2018-19 to 2021-22)
Ed Jucker	Cincinnati	1961-62-63	Rollins FL (1972-73 through 1976-77)
Rollie Massimino	Villanova	1985	Northwood/Keiser FL (2006-07 through 2016-17)
Jim O'Brien	Ohio State	1998	Emerson MA (2011-12 through 2013-14)
Phil Woolpert	San Francisco	1955-56-57	San Diego* (1962-63 through 1968-69)

*The Toreros moved up to NCAA DI level in 1979-80.

"I'm gonna make it to heaven, light up the sky like a flame. I'm gonna live forever. Baby, remember my name." - Theme from 1980s film and TV series Fame

Iona transfer Walter Clayton Jr. of Florida joined fellow mid-major transfers Tristen Newton (East Carolina/Connecticut '24) and Luke Hancock (George Mason/Louisville '13) as the only Final Four Most Outstanding Players who began their college careers at another four-year college. Two years ago, UConn's Adama Sanogo became the 12th Most Outstanding Player in NCAA Tournament history who wasn't an All-American. Seven years ago, Villanova sixth man Donte DiVincenzo became the fourth MOP in a row who wasn't an A-A, joining Kansas' B.H. Born (1953), Villanova's Ed Pinckney (1985), Indiana's Keith Smart (1987), UNLV's Anderson Hunt (1990), North Carolina's Donald Williams (1993), Kentucky's Jeff Sheppard (1998), Louisville's Hancock (2013), Duke's Tyus Jones (2015), Villanova's Ryan Arcidiacono (2016) and North Carolina's Joel Berry II (2017).

Questions linger as to whether Clayton will have any impact in the NBA. Perhaps that is why he should think about what happens when the ball stops bouncing. What did the brightest Final Four stars do in the real world after Father Time took its toll on their playing ability? The following individuals weren't always defined solely as basketball standouts after earning acclaim as the Final Four MOP:

Year(s) - NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Position, Class, School

1939 - Jimmy Hull, F, Sr., Ohio State*
Employed as a dentist.

1940 - Marv Huffman, G, Sr., Indiana
Played one season with Goodyear in the National Industrial League in 1940-41 (5.1 ppg) and four with the Akron Collegians. After he stopped playing basketball, he was a special assistant to the president of Goodyear. He died in 1984 of multiple sclerosis.

1941 - John Kotz, F, Soph., Wisconsin
Retired in 1980 after working his way up from shipping clerk to president and majority stockholder of Badger Sporting Goods Company.

1942 - Howie Dallmar, G, Soph., Stanford
Averaged 9.6 ppg with the Philadelphia Warriors in three NBA seasons from 1946-47 through 1948-49. Compiled a 105-51 coaching record (.673) for Penn in six seasons from 1948-49 through 1953-54 before posting a 264-264 record (.500) with Stanford in 21 seasons from 1954-55 through 1974-75. His best season as a mentor was 22-5 mark for NCAA tourney team in 1952-53.

1943 - Kenny Sailors, G, Jr., Wyoming
Averaged 12.6 ppg and 2.8 apg with seven different NBA teams in five seasons from 1946-47 through 1950-51. Lived in Gakona, Alaska, where he owned a guided big-game hunting business with his son. Had a winter home in Arizona.

1944 - Arnie Ferrin, F, Fr., Utah
Averaged 5.8 ppg with the Minneapolis Lakers in three NBA seasons from 1948-49 through 1950-51. General Manager of the ABA's Utah Stars, athletic director for his alma mater and chairman of the NCAA Tournament selection committee in 1988.

1945 and 1946 - Bob Kurland, C, Jr./Sr., Oklahoma A&M
Retired Phillips Petroleum executive had a retirement home in Florida.

1947 - George Kaftan, F-C, Soph., Holy Cross
Averaged 7.5 ppg with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Baltimore Bullets in five NBA seasons from 1948-49 through 1952-53. Graduated from Georgetown Dental School, coached C.W. Post for 17 seasons and maintained a dental practice.

1948 and 1949 - Alex Groza, C, Jr./Sr., Kentucky
Averaged 22.5 ppg with the Indianapolis Olympians in two NBA seasons in 1949-50 and 1950-51 before his pro career ended because of a college point-shaving scandal. Got a job at General Electric in Louisville before returning to his hometown (Martin's Ferry, Ohio) and running his mother's tavern. Compiled a 91-77 record (.542) as coach for Bellarmine College in seven seasons from 1959-60 through 1965-66. Executive with two ABA franchises (Kentucky Colonels and San Diego Conquistadors) before getting involved with professional volleyball. Joined Reynolds Metals in 1977 and traveled around the country as Pacific Coast manager of its chemical division.

1950 - Irwin Dambrot, F, Sr., CCNY
Became a dentist.

1951 - Bill Spivey, C, Sr., Kentucky
After 16 years in the bush leagues with assorted nondescript teams, he extended his nomadic existence with a series of jobs - salesman, insurance agent, real estate developer, government official (Kentucky's deputy insurance commissioner) and restaurant and bar owner - before relocating to Costa Rica.

1952 - Clyde Lovellette, C, Sr., Kansas
Averaged 17 ppg and 9.5 rpg with the Minneapolis Lakers, Cincinnati Royals, St. Louis Hawks and Boston Celtics in 11 NBA seasons from 1953-54 through 1963-64. Assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers in 1967 when they started their ABA franchise. Served as a sheriff in his native Indiana and taught and coached at White's Institute, a school for troubled youngsters in Wabash, before moving to Munising, Mich.

1953 - B.H. Born, C, Jr., Kansas*
Played AAU basketball until the late 1950s with the Peoria (Ill.) Caterpillars before going to work in the personnel office for Caterpillar Bulldozers. He spent his entire career working for Caterpillar until his retirement.

1954 - Tom Gola, C-F, Jr., La Salle
Averaged 11.3 ppg and 8 rpg with the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors and New York Knicks in 11 NBA seasons from 1955-56 through 1965-66. He invested in driving ranges, apartment complexes, recycling companies and residential sites. Gola owned his own insurance company and a skating rink. He was a spokesman for Texaco, Vitalis and the Army Reserve. In 1966, Gola began a two-term career as a state legislator while coaching his alma mater before becoming Philadelphia's city controller. He later became a vice president of the Valley Forge Investment Corporation and served on the board of the Philadelphia Convention Center.

1955 - Bill Russell, C, Jr., San Francisco
Twelve-time All-Star averaged 15.1 ppg, 22.5 rpg and 4.3 apg with the Boston Celtics in 13 NBA seasons from 1956-57 through 1968-69. Five-time MVP was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996). Compiled a 341-290 record (.540) with the Celtics (1966-67 through 1968-69), Seattle SuperSonics (1973-74 through 1976-77) and Sacramento Kings (1987-88) in eight seasons. Network analyst dabbled with acting but retreated to the quiet life on Mercer Island in Washington, and has a clothing line company called Center Court.

1956 - Hal Lear, G, Sr., Temple*
Played in three games for the NBA's Philadelphia Warriors in 1956-57 before playing 10 seasons in the Eastern Basketball League, becoming MVP in 1956-57 and averaging 39.7 ppg for Easton in 1960-61. Also averaged 13.1 ppg for Los Angeles and Cleveland in the ABL in 1961-62.

1957 - Wilt Chamberlain, C, Soph., Kansas*
Averaged 30.1 ppg, 22.9 rpg and 4.4 apg with the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers in 14 NBA seasons from 1959-60 through 1972-73. Made a fortune in the restaurant business, designed homes, owned racehorses and played professional volleyball. Also wrote four books: Wilt; A View From Above; Chamberlain House: The Possible Dream, and Who's Running the Asylum: The Insane World of Sports Today.

1958 - Elgin Baylor, C, Jr., Seattle*
Averaged 27.4 ppg, 13.5 rpg and 4.3 apg with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers in 14 seasons from 1958-59 through 1971-72. Coached the New Orleans Jazz for four seasons in the late 1970s (86-135 record). Executive with the Los Angeles Clippers.

1959 - Jerry West, F-G, Jr., West Virginia*
Averaged 27 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 6.7 apg with the Los Angeles Lakers in 14 NBA seasons from 1960-61 through 1973-74. Long-time executive with the Lakers before accepting a similar position with the Memphis Grizzlies.

1960 and 1961 - Jerry Lucas, C, Soph./Jr.*, Ohio State
Seven-time All-Star averaged 17 ppg and 15.6 rpg with the Cincinnati Royals, San Francisco Warriors and New York Knicks in 11 NBA seasons from 1963-64 through 1973-74. One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996). Memory expert and motivational speaker lived in Templeton, Calif., while working on revolutionary educational programs. Taught his memory and learning technique to many Fortune 500 companies and countless churches. He authored more than 60 books on learning, including The Memory Book, which was on the New York Times' best-seller list for 50 weeks and reached the No. 2 position behind All the President's Men, the investigative story that uncovered the Watergate scandal.

1962 - Paul Hogue, C, Sr., Cincinnati
Averaged 6.3 ppg and 7.1 rpg with the New York Knicks and Baltimore Bullets in two NBA seasons in 1962-63 and 1963-64. Worked with the Tennessee juvenile program before moving back to Cincinnati to work at a milling machine firm. He served as a physical therapist at a state mental hospital, a counselor at a neighborhood youth center and as a counselor in a local school system before becoming the division supervisor for the Postal Services' Employee Assistance Program.

1963 - Art Heyman, F, Sr., Duke*
Averaged 10.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg with the New York Knicks, Cincinnati Royals and Philadelphia 76ers in three NBA seasons from 1963-64 through 1965-66 before averaging 15.4 ppg and 6.4 rpg with the New Jersey Americans, Pittsburgh/Minnesota Pipers and Miami Floridians in three ABA seasons from 1967-68 through 1969-70. Owned and operated several restaurants.

1964 - Walt Hazzard, G, Sr., UCLA
Averaged 12.6 ppg, 3 rpg and 4.9 apg with five different NBA teams in 10 seasons from 1964-65 through 1973-74. Later named Mahdi Abdul-Rahmad, he worked in the Los Angeles Lakers' front office and coached his alma mater and Chapman College before suffering a stroke and undergoing open-heart surgery in 1996.

1965 - Bill Bradley, F, Sr., Princeton*
Rhodes Scholar averaged 12.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 3.4 apg with the New York Knicks in 10 NBA seasons from 1967-68 through 1976-77. Three-term U.S. Senator (Democrat-N.J.) until 1995 was a tax and trade expert with a strong voice on race issues and campaign finance reform. The presidential candidate against Al Gore in 2000 authored two basketball books (Life on the Run in 1976 and Values of the Game in 1998).

1966 - Jerry Chambers, F, Sr., Utah*
Averaged 8.3 ppg and 3.2 rpg with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Buffalo Braves, San Diego Conquistadors and San Antonio Spurs in six NBA/ABA seasons from 1966-67 to 1973-74. Worked for the L.A. city parks and recreation department for many years.

1967, 1968 and 1969 - Lew Alcindor, C, Soph./Jr./Sr., UCLA
Six-time league MVP averaged 24.6 ppg and 11.2 rpg in 20 NBA seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers from 1969-70 through 1988-89. Nineteen-time All-Star later named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996). In 1999, he worked with a high school team at White Mountain Apache Reservation in Whiteriver, Ariz. He was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2000 and then worked in training camp with the Indiana Pacers before becoming head coach of the USBL's Oklahoma Storm for one season. Hired by the New York Knicks as a scout in March, 2004 before serving as a Lakers aide helping develop center Andrew Bynum. In January 2012, he was appointed a Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State before becoming a TIME columnist.

1970 - Sidney Wicks, F, Jr., UCLA
Averaged 16.8 ppg and 8.7 rpg with the Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics and San Diego Clippers in 10 NBA seasons from 1971-72 through 1980-81. Worked in property management. Served as an assistant coach at his alma mater under Walt Hazzard for four seasons in the mid-1980s. At the completion of his coaching stint with the Bruins, Wicks has been in private business.

1971 - Howard Porter, F, Sr., Villanova*
Averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.1 rpg with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and New Jersey Nets in seven NBA seasons from 1971-72 through 1977-78. Senior probation officer for Ramsey County (Minn.) after getting clean from drugs with the help of a colleague working with him loading furniture for a construction firm in Orlando. Earlier, Porter failed at running a club in Florida and a convenience store. He was trying to trade money and crack cocaine for sex with a prostitute in St. Paul in May, 2007, when the probation officer was beaten to death, according to murder charges filed several months later.

1972 and 1973 - Bill Walton, C, Soph./Jr., UCLA
Averaged 13.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 3.4 apg with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics in 10 NBA seasons from 1974-75 to 1986-87. Network commentator for both the NBA and NCAA after and while working in a similar capacity for the Clippers.

1974 - David Thompson, F, Jr., North Carolina State
Averaged 22.7 ppg and 4.1 rpg with the Denver Nuggets and Seattle SuperSonics in nine ABA/NBA seasons from 1975-76 through 1983-84. Motivational speaker with Unlimited Sports Management was also community relations director for the Charlotte Hornets.

1975 - Richard Washington, C-F, Soph., UCLA
Averaged 9.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg with the Kansas City Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers in six NBA seasons from 1976-77 through 1981-82. Contractor in Portland.

1976 - Kent Benson, C, Jr., Indiana
Averaged 9.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg with four different NBA teams in 11 seasons from 1977-78 through 1987-88. Resided in Bloomington, where he worked with Diversified Benefit Services.

1977 - Butch Lee, G, Jr., Marquette
Averaged 8.1 ppg and 3.2 apg with the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers in two NBA seasons in 1978-79 and 1979-80. Owned two restaurants, coached pro ball in Puerto Rico and had a sign business in San Juan.

1978 - Jack Givens, F, Sr., Kentucky
Averaged 6.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg with the Atlanta Hawks in two NBA seasons in 1978-79 and 1979-80. Announcer for the Orlando Magic did not have his contract renewed after he was found not guilty following an arrest during summer of 2004 on charges of sexual battery and lewd molestation of a 14-year-old girl.

1979 - Earvin "Magic" Johnson, G, Soph., Michigan State
Averaged 19.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 11.2 apg with the Los Angeles Lakers in 13 NBA seasons from 1979-80 through 1990-91 and 1995-96. Business entrepreneur emphasized attempting to revitalize a number of minority neighborhoods. He owned the Magic Theatres, an L.A. restaurant chain (Fatburgers), a TGI Friday's and some Starbucks coffee shops. Johnson was a principal in a local black-owned bank and delved into the entertainment business as a concert promoter and owner of the Magic Johnson Record label. Part of ownership group that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers in the spring of 2012.

1980 - Darrell Griffith, G, Sr., Louisville
Averaged 16.2 ppg and 3.3 rpg with the Utah Jazz in 11 NBA seasons from 1980-81 through 1990-91. Resides in Louisville where he has several real estate investments and business interests. Father-in-law of former NBA standout Derek Anderson established a foundation in his hometown.

1981 - Isiah Thomas, G, Soph., Indiana
Twelve-time All-Star averaged 19.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 9.3 apg with the Detroit Pistons in 13 NBA seasons from 1981-82 through 1993-94. One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996) served as president of the New York Knicks from 2003-04 through 2007-08. Executive and part owner of the Toronto Raptors, owner of the CBA and coach of the Indiana Pacers (131-115 record in three seasons from 2000-01 through 2002-03). Served as coach for Florida International three seasons. Named president and part-owner of the Knicks' WNBA sister team, the New York Liberty, subsequent to the re-hiring of Thomas' former Pistons teammate, Bill Laimbeer, as the team's coach.

1982 - James Worthy, F, Jr., North Carolina
Averaged 17.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 3 apg with the Los Angeles Lakers in 12 NBA seasons from 1982-83 through 1993-94. Served as network TV analyst.

1983 - Hakeem Olajuwon, C, Soph., Houston*
Twelve-time All-Star averaged 21.8 ppg, 11.1 rpg and 3.1 bpg with the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors in 18 seasons from 1984-85 through 2001-02. Six-time All-NBA first-team selection was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996). NBA Most Valuable Player in 1993-94 was one of only eight players in league history to amass more than 20,000 points and 12,000 rebounds. Split time between his ranch near Houston (buying real estate in cash-only purchases) and Jordan, where he pursued Islamic studies.

1984 - Patrick Ewing, C, Jr., Georgetown
Eleven-time All-Star averaged 21 ppg, 9.8 rpg and 2.4 bpg with the New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic in 17 seasons from 1985-86 through 2001-02. One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996) became an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Bobcats before becoming head coach of his alma mater in 2017-18. Ewing managed only one winning record in six years as bench boss for the Hoyas.

1985 - Ed Pinckney, F, Sr., Villanova
Averaged 6.8 ppg and 5 rpg with seven different NBA teams in 12 seasons from 1985-86 through 1996-97. Miami Heat TV analyst while trying to cope with an overactive thyroid.

1986 - Pervis Ellison, C, Fr., Louisville
Averaged 9.7 ppg and 6.8 rpg with the Sacramento Kings, Washington Bullets and Boston Celtics in 10 NBA seasons from 1989-90 through 1997-98 and 1999-00. Lived in Atlanta. Coached basketball for various teams throughout Southern New Jersey, including his son, Malik, at Life Center Academy.

1987 - Keith Smart, G, Jr., Indiana
Played in two games with the San Antonio Spurs in 1988-89 before basketball took him to the Philippines, Venezuela and France. After playing and coaching in the CBA with the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Fury, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as director of player development and assistant coach. Smart was named interim head coach of the Cavs midway through the 2002-03 campaign, replacing John Lucas. Also promoted from assistant to head coach with the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings before becoming an aide for the Miami Heat.

1988 - Danny Manning, F, Sr., Kansas
Two-time All-Star averaged 14 ppg and 5.2 rpg with seven different franchises in 15 NBA seasons from 1988-89 through 2002-03. Assistant coach at his alma mater for nine seasons before accepting head coaching position with Tulsa and subsequently accepting a similar position at Wake Forest.

1989 - Glen Rice, F, Sr., Michigan
Averaged 18.3 ppg and 4.4 rpg with six different NBA franchises in 15 seasons from 1989-90 through 2003-04. Three-time All-Star was the Heat's all-time leading scorer.

1990 - Anderson Hunt, G, Soph., UNLV
Photograph was published of him with a couple of teammates in a hot tub with known sports fixer Richard Perry before pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges in connection with marijuana found in his possession during a traffic stop in October 1993. Played overseas in France, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Venezuela. Worked in real estate market in Detroit following employment at Burger Palace inside the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

1991 - Christian Laettner, C-F, Jr., Duke
All-Star in 1996-97 averaged 12.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 2.6 apg with six different NBA franchises in 13 seasons from 1992-93 through 2004-05. He and Duke teammate Brian Davis faced huge financial and legal hurdles stemming from a loan their real estate company failed to repay nearly $700,000 to former Duke captain and current Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins. Court documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal indicated that Laettner and Davis were defendants in several civil lawsuits seeking repayment of about $30 million.

1992 - Bobby Hurley, G, Jr., Duke
Averaged 3.8 ppg and 3.3 apg with the Sacramento Kings and Vancouver Grizzlies in five NBA seasons from 1993-94 through 1997-98. Owned race horses and did TV commentary on the ACC for Fox Sports. Assistant coach under his brother, Danny, with Wagner and Rhode Island prior to becoming head coach with Buffalo and Arizona State.

1993 - Donald Williams, G, Soph., North Carolina
Played professional basketball overseas in Germany and Greece and with the Harlem Globetrotters.

1994 - Corliss Williamson, F, Soph., Arkansas
Averaged 11.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg with the Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers in 12 NBA seasons from 1995-96 through 2006-07. Scored a career-high 40 points against the Pistons on 3-4-98. Coached for Arkansas Baptist College and Central Arkansas before returning to the NBA as an assistant coach with the Kings.

1995 - Ed O'Bannon, F, Sr., UCLA
Averaged 5 ppg and 2.5 rpg with the New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks in two NBA seasons in 1995-96 and 1996-97. After his brief NBA career, he played professionally in Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece and Poland) before becoming a Toyota salesman/marketing director in the Las Vegas area. Lead plaintiff in highly-publicized lawsuit against the NCAA, disputing the organization's use of the images of its former student-athletes for commercial purposes.

1996 - Tony Delk, G, Sr., Kentucky
Averaged 9.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.9 apg with eight different franchises in 10 NBA seasons from 1996-97 through 2005-06. Scored a career-high 53 points against the Kings on 1-2-01. Played overseas in Greece and Puerto Rico before serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater and New Mexico State.

1997 - Miles Simon, G, Jr., Arizona
Appeared in five games with the NBA's Orlando Magic in 1998-99. Played professionally in Israel in 2000 and Italy in 2001 before joining the Dakota Wizards of the CBA where he earned 2002 Newcomer of the Year and MVP honors. Also played in Venezuela and Turkey before joining his alma mater's staff as an assistant under Lute Olson in 2005. Served as a commentator for ESPN.

1998 - Jeff Sheppard, G, Sr., Kentucky
After playing the 1998-99 season with the Atlanta Hawks, he played professionally in Italy. Married former UK women's player Stacey Reed. They own an apparel company. His son, Reed, was a promising freshman player for his alma mater in 2023-24 before declaring early for the NBA draft.

1999 - Richard Hamilton, F-G, Jr., Connecticut
Averaged 17.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 3.4 apg with the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls in 14 seasons from 1999-00 to 2012-13.

2000 - Mateen Cleaves, G, Sr., Michigan State
Averaged 3.6 ppg and 1.9 apg with four different NBA franchises in six seasons from 2000-01 through 2005-06 before becoming a color commentator for Fox Sports Detroit and the CBS Sports Network prior to being investigated for a sexual assault charge.

2001 - Shane Battier, F, Sr., Duke
Averaged 8.6 ppg and 4.2 rpg with four different NBA franchises in 13 seasons from 2001-02 through 2013-14 before becoming an ESPN color commentator.

2002 - Juan Dixon, G, Sr., Maryland
Averaged 8.4 ppg with five different NBA franchises in seven seasons from 2002-03 through 2008-09 before playing overseas in Greece, Spain and Turkey and subsequently becoming an assistant coach for his alma mater and head coach of Coppin State.

2003 - Carmelo Anthony, F, Fr., Syracuse
Averaged 23.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 2.9 apg with the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers in 17 seasons from 2003-04 through 2019-20.

2004 - Emeka Okafor, C, Jr., Connecticut
Averaged 12 ppg, 9.7 rpg and 1.6 bpg with the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans in 10 seasons from 2004-05 to 2012-13 and 2017-18.

2005 - Sean May, C-F, Jr., North Carolina
Averaged 6.9 ppg and 4 rpg with the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings in four injury-plagued seasons from 2005-06 through 2009-10 before playing overseas. Joined his alma mater's staff under Roy Williams as assistant to the director of player development.

2006 - Joakim Noah, C, Soph., Florida
Averaged 8.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.9 apg and 1.3 bpg with the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks in 11 seasons from 2007-08 to 2017-18.

2007 - Corey Brewer, F, Jr., Florida
Averaged 8.9 ppg and 2.8 rpg with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder in 11 seasons from 2007-08 to 2017-18. He scored 51 points in a single game against the Houston Rockets.

2008 - Mario Chalmers, G, Jr., Kansas
Averaged 8.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.7 apg and 1.5 spg with the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies in nine seasons from 2008-09 through 2015-16 and 2017-18.

2009 - Wayne Ellington, G, Jr., North Carolina
Averaged 8 ppg and 2.1 rpg with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks in 13 seasons from 2009-10 through 2021-22.

2010 - Kyle Singler, F, Jr., Duke
Second-round draft choice by the NBA's Detroit Pistons played overseas two seasons in Spain before averaging 6.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg in six seasons from 2012-13 to 2017-18 with the Pistons and Oklahoma Thunder.

2011 - Kemba Walker, G, Jr., Connecticut
Averaged 19.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 5.5 apg with the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets in eight seasons from 2011-12 through 2018-19. After signing as a free agent with the Boston Celtics, he averaged 19.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 4.8 apg in 2019-20 and 2020-21 prior to disappointing campaign for the New York Knicks in 2021-22 (11.6 ppg and 3.5 apg).

2012 - Anthony Davis, C, Fr., Kentucky
Averaged 23.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 2.4 bpg with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans in seven seasons from 2012-13 through 2018-19, becoming an NBA All-Star in his second season and sparking the Pelicans to the playoffs in 2015. Following a trade, he averaged 24.8 ppg, 11 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.2 spg and 2.2 bpg with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019-20 to midway through 2024-25 when swapped to Dallas Mavericks in blockbuster deal involving Luka Doncic.

2013 - Luke Hancock, G, Jr., Louisville
Averaged 12.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2.2 apg for the Cardinals as a senior, helping defeat 2014 NCAA champion-to-be Connecticut a total of three times. Briefly played professionally in Greece before tearing a muscle in his calf and becoming financial adviser in Louisville.

2014 - Shabazz Napier, G, Sr., Connecticut
Averaged 7.1 ppg and 2.5 apg with six NBA franchises (Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards) in six seasons from 2014-15 through 2019-20. Played for professional team in Russia until its invasion of Ukraine. Subsequently played in Mexico, Italy and Serbia.

2015 - Tyus Jones, G, Fr., Duke
Averaged 6.8 ppg and 3.9 apg with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies in eight seasons from 2015-16 to 2022-23. After trade to the Washington Wizards, he posted career highs of 12 ppg and 7.3 apg in 2023-24.

2016 - Ryan Arcidiacono, G, Sr., Villanova
Played for the San Antonio Spurs' Development League team in Austin in 2016-17 before signing a similar developmental deal with the Chicago Bulls. Averaged 4.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.3 apg for the Bulls from 2017-18 to 2020-21 before playing briefly with the New York Knicks in 2021-22.

2017 - Joel Berry II, G, Jr., North Carolina
Earned All-American status with the Tar Heels in 2017-18 before elimination in second round of NCAA playoffs by 21 points against Texas A&M. Undrafted by the NBA, he played in the G League for a couple different franchises before aligning with BSL (Basketball Super League). Played one season professionally in Turkey before retiring.

2018 - Donte DiVincenzo, G, Jr., Villanova
Missing most of season because of a foot injury, he averaged 4.9 ppg as NBA rookie with the Milwaukee Bucks. He doubled his rookie scoring average the next three years, averaging 9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.1 spg with the Bucks and Sacramento Kings, prior to signing as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors. Enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24 with the New York Knicks after signing with them as a free agent (15.5 ppg/3.7 rpg/2.7 apg/1.3 spg). Traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for 2024-25 campaign.

2019 - Kyle Guy, G, Jr., Virginia
Appeared in only two NBA games in 2019-20 with the Sacramento Kings prior to season being postponed. Averaged 3.1 ppg with the Kings and Miami Heat in three campaigns before going overseas.

2021 - Jared Butler, G, Jr., Baylor
Second-round draft choice averaged 6.5 ppg and 2.8 apg with the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers from 2021-22 to 2024-25.

2022 - Ochai Agbaji, G, Sr., Kansas
Averaged 7.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors from 2022-23 to 2024-25.

2023 - Adama Sanogo, C, Jr., Connecticut
Undrafted after declaring for the NBA draft as an undergraduate. Played briefly with the Chicago Bulls the past two seasons after signing as a free agent.

2024 - Tristen Newton, G, Sr., Connecticut
Second-round draft choice played sparingly with Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA rookie campaign.

2025 - Walter Clayton Jr., G, Sr., Florida
Post-college career to be determined for Iona transfer.

*Schools that did not win NCAA Tournament championship year in question.