Pioneers: Hoopers Breaking Color Barrier at Predominantly White Institutions
Particularly during Black History Month, every sports fan accepts the cultural significance of Jackie Robinson. But in the aftermath of a series of anniversary celebrations regarding Robinson beginning his major league baseball career, it is easy to forget there was a time when the now 80%-plus black National Basketball Association was 100% white. It's also easy to forget that Robinson was instrumental in college basketball's "civil rights" movement.
Before Robinson arrived on the scene in the National League, however, there was Columbia's George Gregory, who became the first African-American to gain college All-American honors in 1930-31. In an era of low scoring, he was the team's second-leading scorer with a 9.2-point average. But he was proudest of his defense, and a statistic that is no longer kept: "goals against." In 10 games, Gregory held rival centers to only eight baskets. "That's less than one goal a game," he told the New York Times. "I think they should have kept that statistical category. Nowadays, one guy scores 40 points but his man scores 45. So what good is it?
"It's funny, but even though I was the only black playing for Columbia, and there was only one other black playing in the Ivy League - Baskerville of Harvard - I really didn't encounter too much trouble from opponents. Oh, I got into a couple of fights. And one time a guy called me 'Nigger,' and a white teammate said, 'Next time, you hit him high and I'll hit him low.' And we did, and my teammate, a Polish guy named Remy Tys, said to that other player, 'That's how we take care of nigger callers.'"
But Gregory said the worst racial incident he encountered was at his own school. "After our last game in my junior year, the team voted me captain for the next season. Well, there was a hell of a battle when this came out. Columbia didn't want a black captain, or a Jewish captain, either, I learned. The dean was against it, and the athletic director was against it, and even the coach was against it.
"The coach told me, 'Get yourself together, Gregory, or I'll take your scholarship away.' They were worried that if we played a school in the South and met the other captain before the game, the guy would refuse to come out and it would embarrass the school. But the campus was split 50-50 on whether to have a black captain for its basketball team.
"The fight went on for three or four weeks. The school insisted that the team vote again. We did, and I won again. One of my teammates said, 'You forced the school to enter the 20th Century.'"
Harrison "Honey" Fitch, Connecticut's first black player, was center stage during a racial incident delaying a game at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for several hours in late January 1934. Coast Guard officials entered a protest against Fitch, arguing that because half of the Academy's student body was from southern states, they had a tradition "that no Negro players be permitted to engage in contests at the Academy." Eventually, UConn's coach kept Fitch on the bench the entire contest and never explained why.
The first black to appear in the NBA didn't occur until a couple of decades after Gregory graduated and Fitch transferred to American International. UCLA's first basketball All-American Don Barksdale, one of first seven African-Americans to play in NBA, was the first black U.S. Olympic basketball player (1948) as well as the first black to play in an NBA All-Star Game (as a rookie in 1952).
Inspired by the black labor movement in the 1930s, Barksdale said, "I made up my mind that if I wanted to do something, I was going to try to do it all the way, no matter the obstacles."
As a 28-year-old rookie with the Baltimore Bullets, he was paid $20,850 (one of the NBA's top salaries) to play and host a postgame radio show, but that notoriety also put extra pressure on him. Forced to play excessive minutes during the preseason, he sustained ankle injuries that plagued him the remainder of his four-year NBA career (11 ppg and 8 rpg).
Why play so many minutes? "It's Baltimore, which is considered the South," said Barksdale, who wound up back in the Bay Area as a well-known jazz disc jockey. "So the South finally signed a black man, and he's going to play whether he could walk or crawl."
Chuck Cooper, who attended Duquesne on the GI Bill after originally enrolling at West Virginia State College, was the first black player drafted by an NBA franchise. "I don't give a damn if he's striped or plaid or polka-dot," were the history-making words of Boston Celtics Owner Walter Brown when he selected Cooper, who averaged 6.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in six pro seasons. In Cooper's freshman campaign, Duquesne was awarded a forfeit after refusing to yield to Tennessee's refusal to compete against the Dukes if Cooper participated in a game just before Christmas.
In the 1955-56 season, the Hazleton (Pa.) Hawks of the Eastern League became the first professional league franchise to boast an all-black starting lineup - Jesse Arnelle, Tom Hemans, Fletcher Johnson, Floyd Lane and Sherman White. Arnelle (Penn State) and White (Long Island) were former major-college All-Americans.
As for the multi-talented Robinson, UCLA's initial all-conference basketball player 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 was the leading scorer for the Los Angeles Red Devils' barnstorming team in 1946-47.
Seven-time All-Star outfielder Larry Doby, the first black in the American League, was also a college basketball player who helped pave the way for minorities. He competed on the hardwood for Virginia Union during World War II after originally committing to LIU. The four-month lead Robinson had in integrating the majors cast a huge shadow over Doby, who was the first black to lead his league in homers (32 in 1952), first to hit a World Series homer and first to win a World Series title.
There are ramifications when assessing the issue of race and it would be nice if we were all color blind. Nonetheless, it's impossible to properly evaluate the history of college basketball without broaching the sensitive topic.
Julian Abele, a 1902 Penn graduate considered the first major African-American architect in the U.S., designed Duke's famous Cameron Indoor Stadium, which hosted all-white teams and games for decades after opening in 1939. Nonetheless, Cameron's doors were closed to minority players for an extended period as Duke's roster didn't include a black athlete at the varsity level until C.B. Claiborne in 1966-67. The previous year, Maryland's Billy Jones became the first black player in the ACC. The all-white snack bar at the downtown train depot in Durham, N.C., refused to serve the Terrapins' black players following a game at Duke, and the entire squad went hungry.
"You just learn to deal with that stuff," Jones told Barry Jacobs, the author of Across the Line. "It taught me an awful lot in terms of just plain perseverance, just hang tough, do what you have to do to stay focused."
It was difficult for Claiborne to concentrate amid the problems he encountered at school. Some older players harassed him during practice; he wasn't notified of an end-of-the-year athletic awards banquet at the notoriously segregated Hope Valley Country Club; an engineering professor told him it was impossible for him to earn an A in his class. And, perhaps most telling of all: Claiborne spent so much time at nearby North Carolina Central University, a historically black college, that he had his own meal card there.
Two decades before Robinson was UCLA's meal ticket, the first black to play for the Bruins was Ralph Bunche, who earned letters as a guard for three Southern California Conference champions. Legendary Bruins coach John Wooden acknowledged that Bunche, named UCLA's Alumnus of the Year in 1949, was instrumental in helping recruit New York City native Lew Alcindor to his alma mater for multiple national player of the year seasons in the late 1960s.
Bunche became the first black person to win the Nobel Peace Prize (in 1950 for his deft handling of the armistice negotiations as a U.N. envoy leading to the Arab-Israeli truce). In 1945, Bunche said he was "obsessed with a burning desire to excel in everything I undertake," and moved by "a calculated and deliberate interest to prove to (whites) that I am, despite their race, their equal if not their superior in intellect, ability, knowledge, and general savoir-faire."
In the early 1950s, Wayne State (Mich.) became the first non-historically black college to play five African-Americans together at the same time. They defeated major universities such as DePaul, Detroit, Duquesne, Georgetown, Marquette, Memphis State, Niagara, Penn State, St. Francis (Pa.) and St. Mary's (Calif.).
In the mid-1950s, only about 10% of basketball programs for predominantly white institutions recruited black players. "You could count the number of black players on West Coast teams on the fingers of one hand," said Hall of Fame coach Pete Newell, who guided San Francisco (NIT in 1950) and California (NCAA in 1959) to national tournament titles.
In 1954, the year of U.S. Supreme Court's Brown vs. Board of Education desegregation decisions, the pressure escalated for coaches and players alike. No school excelled more than San Francisco, which won 55 consecutive games and back-to-back NCAA titles.
In 1957-58, blacks accounted for five of the six NCAA consensus first-team All-Americans - Seattle's Elgin Baylor, Kansas State's Bob Boozer, Kansas' Wilt Chamberlain, Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson and Temple's Guy Rodgers. All five played at least 11 seasons in the NBA.
USF '55 and fellow kingpin Cincinnati '62 were the first teams to start three and four black players, respectively, in the NCAA Tournament championship game. But Texas Western, now called Texas-El Paso, is credited most for putting the finishing touches on dismantling the prejudiced myth that black athletes couldn't play disciplined basketball by using seven players, all blacks, in winning the 1966 NCAA playoff final against all-white Kentucky.
"Young black players told me that it (the championship) gave them confidence and courage," said Harry Flournoy, a starter for Texas Western. "Some of them, before that game, had been afraid to go to white schools."
In 1956, Texas Western became the first school in the Southern half of the U.S. to integrate its athletic teams. Despite its relative openness, Texas Western did not yet permit blacks to live in campus dorms so the first two African-American basketball players - Air Force veteran Charlie Brown and his nephew, Cecil Brown - lived in a downtown apartment at first after transferring from junior college. George McCarty, the Miners' coach at the time, set aside an empty room in the athletic dormitory for the Browns to dress on game days.
"I wasn't allowed in the movies downtown and things like that, and there were a few minor (racial) incidents with professors," recalled Brown in the book And the Walls Came Tumbling Down. "But there were absolutely no problems with anyone in athletics there. I always said Texas Western was going through integration, I wasn't."
Although UTEP generated much of the integration buzz, Pan American was another school in the state employing numerous black starters while coach Lou Henson broke the color barrier at Hardin-Simmons in his inaugural season as a major-college coach in 1962-63. The next team to win an NCAA major-college title with five black starters was Louisville in 1980. In the first 20 years after the Miners captured their national title, the average number of blacks on college rosters doubled from three to six. About two-thirds of Division I basketball rosters currently are comprised of black players.
In the spring of 1961, Chicago area native Andy Hankins, majoring in medicine, was the first black man to pledge a white Iowa social fraternity before starting swingman was de-pledged six weeks later, apparently under pressure from the fraternity's national organization. Dr. Hankins went on to become a captain in the U.S. Air Force and director of radiology at facility in Detroit.
In 1966-67, Western Kentucky's Clem Haskins, Houston's Elvin Hayes and Louisville's Wes Unseld became the first African-Americans from Southern schools to be named NCAA consensus first-team All-Americans. Haskins, a three-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year, and Dwight Smith were WKU's first two black players, sparking the Hilltoppers to a 66-15 record in their three varsity campaigns. "He (Dwight) needed me and I needed him," said Haskins, who is generally considered the first black to earn a league MVP honor while attending a Southern school. "We leaned on each other's shoulders. We had a lot of wars to fight then with the barrier just broken. The people will never know what we went through then. There were many nights where we cried ourselves to sleep."
In early 1966, Hayes and fellow Louisiana product Don Chaney led UH to a victory at Centenary, where the coach (Orvis Sigler) undertook extraordinary measures meeting the mayor and city council to schedule the game. Laws still on the books at the time in Shreveport, La., forbidding whites and blacks from competing against each other had to be rescinded.
A total of 13 of Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith's 22 All-Americans with North Carolina are African-Americans. Wrote Smith in his autobiography A Coach's Life: "To me, the presence of (All-American) Charles Scott on the court for us (from 1967-68 through 1969-70) was nothing to commemorate or remark on. It was simply past due." However, Scott was more fond of Lefty Driesell ("I was a kid who never had anything. He would give me anything I wanted.") and committed to attend Davidson before a racial slur while dining in Charlotte when the eatery owner said to Lefty: "Coach, I'm sorry but my wife and I don't serve n------ on this side of the restaurant."
Bigotry seemed to still persist in 1968-69 when Scott, the first African-American on Carolina's varsity roster, didn't receive his just due by failing to become a consensus All-ACC first-team selection (22.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 3.4 apg for regular-season champion). He also lost the conference player of the year vote to South Carolina's white sophomore guard John Roche (23.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg for league runner-up) by a significant margin. Scott, a first-team All-American by the NABC and USBWA, was left off a handful of first-team All-ACC ballots while Roche wasn't named an All-American by the coaches, writers and either of the national wire services. "I thought it was a slap in the face," Scott told Jim Sumner of theACC.com. "It definitely was a motivator for me. It's the only time in the ACC I felt slighted."
In the midst of perhaps Scott's greatest triumph, a 40-point performance (hitting 13-of-14 second-half field-goal attempts) in a come-from-behind victory over Duke in the 1969 ACC Tournament final, he could not escape the loneliness of his pioneer status. "You want to know what I did after I scored the 40 points?" Scott told Jacobs. "I was by myself. Who am I going to go out with? I was by myself after I did that. We had great fun in the locker room. After that, we walked out of the locker room; everybody went one way, and I went another way. I had to celebrate it myself."
Scott's final season with UNC was the last time a simple majority of the NCAA consensus All-American first-team selections were white (LSU's Pete Maravich, Purdue's Rick Mount and Kentucky's Dan Issel). Since Scott graduated, whites have accounted for only 20% of the NCAA consensus All-American first- and second-team selections.
In 1970-71, the first season that Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky and South Carolina featured an African-American on their varsity rosters, every member of the NCAA consensus All-American first team was black. In the next 10 years, Alabama (Leon Douglas), Clemson (Tree Rollins), Georgia (Dominique Wilkins) and Kentucky (Jack Givens) had blacks pass the test and become among their all-time best All-Americans.
Douglas' Bama club, coached by C.M. Newton, fielded the first all-back starting lineup in SEC history (also included Charles Cleveland, T.R. Dunn, Ray Odums and Charles Russell) on December 28, 1973, in a 65-55 win at Louisville. The groundbreaking game occurred just over nine years after the Boston Celtics fielded the NBA's first all-black lineup at St. Louis on December 26, 1964, when Willie Naulls replaced injured Tommy Heinsohn, joining regular starters K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Bill Russell and Tom "Satch" Sanders. The Celtics won 12 games in a row with Naulls starting in place of Heinsohn and featuring an all-white bench.
It should be acknowledged that Alabama beat liberal bastion New England to the milestone at the collegiate level. Connecticut, coached by Dee Rowe, became the first New England major college to field a starting lineup comprised of five African-Americans (game at Rutgers late in 1973-74 campaign).
A majority of ACC recruits were African-American by 1975 but it took until 1983 for an all-black starting five (North Carolina State) to win a conference title.
Amid burning crosses and waving Confederate flags, prejudice probably prevented the ACC and SEC from becoming the nation's premier conferences in the 1960s and first half of the 1970s. Blacklisting almost certainly kept the SWC as a "football-only" league. All-Americans, future NBA standouts, Harlem Globetrotter greats, small-college sensations and prize postseason performers who attended high school in Southern states and might have enrolled at universities in the ACC, SEC or SWC if not for being deemed second-class citizens included:
Alabama - Harold Blevins (attended Arkansas AM&N), Tom Boswell (South Carolina State/South Carolina), Dave Bustion (Denver), Carver Clinton (Penn State), Danny Crenshaw (Alabama State), Jimmy Dew (Alabama State), Claude English (Rhode Island), Artis Gilmore (Jacksonville), Travis Grant (Kentucky State), Bill Green (Colorado State), Lamar Green (Morehead State), Elvin Ivory (Southwestern Louisiana), Willie "Hobo" Jackson (Morehead State), Larry Kenon (Memphis State), Bruce King (Morehead State), Sam McCamey (Oral Roberts), Thales McReynolds (Miles AL), Cal Ramsey (NYU), Willie Scott (Alabama State), Isaac "Bud" Stallworth (Kansas), Bennie Swain (Texas Southern) and Bob Veale (Benedictine KS).
Arkansas - Herbert "Geese" Ausbie (Philander Smith), Jim Barnes (Texas-El Paso), Frank Burgess (Arkansas-Pine Bluff/Gonzaga), Larry Ducksworth (Henderson State/Arkansas AM&N), brothers Oliver/Melvin/Wilbert Jones (Albany State GA), Eddie Miles (Seattle), Tom Patterson (Ouachita Baptist), Jackie Ridgle (California), Reece "Goose" Tatum (Harlem Globetrotters) and Jasper Wilson (Southern LA).
Florida - Luke Adams (Lamar), James Mack "Red" Allen (Arkansas AM&N), Johnnie Allen (Bethune-Cookman), Cyril Baptiste (Creighton), Waite Bellamy (Florida A&M), Joe Brunson Jr. (Furman), Pembrook Burrows (Jacksonville), Joe Bynes (Arkansas AM&N), Carl Fuller (Bethune-Cookman), Johnny Jones (Villanova), Greg Lowery (Texas Tech), Sam McCants (Oral Roberts), Stan McKenzie (NYU), Otto Moore (Pan American), Howard Porter (Villanova), Leonard "Truck" Robinson (Tennessee State), Harry Singletary (Florida Presbyterian), Joe Strawder (Bradley), Levern Tart (Bradley), Johnny Thornton (South Carolina State), Walt Wesley (Kansas) and Bob Williams (Florida A&M).
Georgia - Don Adams (Northwestern), Al Beard (Norfolk State), Curtis Bell (Morris Brown), Chuck Benson (Southern Illinois), Mack Daughtry (Albany State GA), Leonidas Epps III (Clark GA), Walt "Clyde" Frazier (Southern Illinois), Walt Gilmore (Fort Valley State GA), James Green (Paine GA), Charles Hardnett (Grambling), Garfield Heard (Oklahoma), Merv Jackson (Utah), Ed Johnson (Tennessee A&I), Julius Keye (South Carolina State/Alcorn A&M), George Knighton (New Mexico State), Lewis "Bubba" Linder (Kentucky State), Lloyd Neal (Tennessee State), Johnny Mathis (Savannah State), Larry "Gator" Rivers (Missouri Western), Elmore Smith (Kentucky State), Pete Smith (Valdosta State GA), Larry Strozier (Morehouse GA), Roman "Doc" Turman (Clark GA), LeRoy Walker (Benedict GA), Butch Webster (New Orleans), Joby Wright (Indiana) and Rayfield Wright (Fort Valley State GA).
Kentucky - Henry Bacon (Louisville), Alfred "Butch" Beard (Louisville), Bill Bradley (Tennessee State), Bobby Carpenter (Iowa), Whaylon Coleman (Idaho), Ralph Davis (Cincinnati), Clarence Glover (Western Kentucky), Joe Hamilton (North Texas State), Clem Haskins (Western Kentucky), Carl Helem (Tennessee A&I), Lou Herndon (Jackson State), Charlie Hunter (Oklahoma City), Max Jameson (Kentucky State), Lou Johnson (Kentucky State), Bobby "Toothpick" Jones (Dayton), Ron King (Florida State), Jim McDaniels (Western Kentucky), Jerome Perry (Western Kentucky), Bob Redd (Marshall), Mike Redd (Kentucky Wesleyan), Jim Rose (Western Kentucky), Dwight Smith (Western Kentucky), Garfield Smith (Eastern Kentucky), Greg Smith (Western Kentucky), George Stone (Marshall), Tom Thacker (Cincinnati), Ron Thomas (Louisville), Dallas Thornton (Kentucky Wesleyan), Felix Thruston (Trinity TX), George Tinsley (Kentucky Wesleyan), Rich Travis (Oklahoma City), Jim Tucker (Duquesne), Ruell Tucker (Rockhurst MO), George Unseld (Kansas), Wes Unseld (Louisville), Bobby Washington (Eastern Kentucky), Jerry Lee Wells (Oklahoma City), Clarence "Cave" Wilson (Tennessee State) and Willie Woods (Eastern Kentucky).
Louisiana - Charlie Anderson (Grambling), Thurman "Zeke" Baptiste (Grambling/Northwestern State), Jerry Barr (Grambling), Charles Bloodworth (Southern/Northwestern State), Emanuel Cannon (Grambling), Don Chaney (Houston), John Comeaux (Grambling), Jim Duplantier (Grambling), Wilbert Frazier (Grambling), Willie Hart (Grambling), Elvin Hayes (Houston), Fred Hilton (Grambling), James Hooper (Grambling), Bob Hopkins (Grambling), Luke Jackson (Texas Southern/Pan American), Aaron James (Grambling), Rich Johnson (Grambling), James Jones (Grambling), Edmond Lawrence (McNeese State), Theodis Lee (Houston), Bob Love (Southern), Tyronne Marioneaux (Loyola of New Orleans), Jesse Marshall (Centenary), Bob McCoy (Grambling), Surry Oliver (Stephen F. Austin State), Cincy Powell (Portland), Willis Reed (Grambling), Bill Russell (San Francisco after moving to California), Melvin Russell (Centenary), Leslie Scott (Loyola of Chicago/Southwestern Louisiana), James Silas (Stephen F. Austin State), Curtis St. Mary (McNeese State), Henry Steele (Northeast Louisiana), Rex Tippitt (Grambling), Dale Valdery (Xavier LA), Abram Valore (Grambling), Hershell West (Grambling) and Howard Willis (Grambling).
Mississippi - Tommie Bowens (Grambling LA), Eddie Brown (Houston Baptist), Cleveland Buckner (Jackson State), Harvey Catchings (Hardin-Simmons TX), E.C. Coleman (Houston Baptist), Rowland Garrett (Florida State), Earl Glass (Mississippi Industrial), Mike Green (Louisiana Tech), Spencer Haywood (Detroit after moving there), Cleveland Hill (Nicholls State LA), A.W. Holt (Jackson State), Joel "McCoy" Ingram (Jackson State), Carl Jackson (St. Bonaventure), George T. Johnson (Dillard LA), Arvesta Kelly (Lincoln MO), Earnest Killum Sr. (Stetson FL), Sam Lacey (New Mexico State), LyVonne "Hoss" LeFlore (Jackson State), Jesse Leonard (St. Louis), Plummer Lott (Seattle), Nate Madkins (Hardin-Simmons TX), Ed Manning (Jackson State), Jerry Nickens (Tougaloo), Willie Norwood (Alcorn A&M), John "Pete" Perry (Pan American), Aaron Sellers (Jackson State), James Ware (Oklahoma City), Cornell Warner (Jackson State), Donald "Slick" Watts (Xavier LA) and Levi Wyatt (Alcorn A&M).
North Carolina - Walt Bellamy (Indiana), Fred Bibby (Fayetteville State), Lee Davis (North Carolina Central), Larry Dunn (North Carolina Central), Reginald "Hawk" Ennis (North Carolina Central), Herm Gilliam (Purdue), Paul Grier (North Carolina A&T), Harold "Happy" Hairston (NYU), Harvey Heartley (North Carolina Central), Lou Hudson (Minnesota), Harold Hunter (North Carolina Central), Sam Jones (North Carolina Central), George "Meadowlark" Lemon (Florida A&M), Henry Logan (Western Carolina), Allen McManus (Winston-Salem State), Fred "Curly" Neal (Johnson C. Smith), Willie Porter (Tennessee State), Oscar Smith (Elizabeth City State), Jimmy Walker (Providence), Bobby Warlick (Pepperdine), Willie Watson (Oklahoma City) and Harthorne Wingo (junior college).
South Carolina - Leon Benbow (Jacksonville), Theodore Chaplin Jr. (Voorhees), Larry Doby (LIU/Virginia Union), Gene Gathers (Bradley), Erwin "Chip" Johnson (Augusta), Lee Monroe (Shaw NC), Lindberg Moody (Morgan State MD/South Carolina State), Clifford Ray (Oklahoma), Art Shell (Maryland-Eastern Shore) and Kenny Washington (UCLA).
Tennessee - Willie Brown (Middle Tennessee State), James Douglas (Memphis State), Jerry Dover (LeMoyne-Owen), L.M. Ellis (Drake/Austin Peay State), Larry Finch (Memphis State), Richie Fuqua (Oral Roberts), Joe Gaines (Belmont), Carl Hardaway (Oral Roberts), Albert Henry (Wisconsin), Paul Hogue (Cincinnati), Les Hunter (Loyola of Chicago), James Johnson (Wisconsin), Rich Jones (Illinois/Memphis State), Ron Lawson Sr. (UCLA/Fisk), Ted McClain (Tennessee A&I, Charlie Paulk (Tulsa/Northeastern Oklahoma State), Ken Riley (Middle Tennessee State), Rick Roberson (Cincinnati), Vic Rouse (Loyola of Chicago), Willie Shaw (Lane), Robert "Bingo" Smith (Tulsa), Dwight Waller (Tennessee State) and Henry Watkins (Tennessee State).
Texas - John Barber (Cal State Los Angeles), Zelmo Beaty (Prairie View A&M), Nate Bowman (Wichita), Charlie Brown (Texas Western), Leroy Chalk (Nebraska), Willie Davis (North Texas State), Henry Dooley (Wiley College), Mitchell Edwards (Pan American), Charles "Tex" Harrison (North Carolina Central), Robert Hughes Sr. (Texas Southern), Eddie Jackson (Oklahoma/Oklahoma City), George E. Johnson (Stephen F. Austin State), David Lattin (Texas Western), Charles Lindsey (New Mexico State), Wilbert Loftin Jr. (Southwestern Louisiana), Guy Manning (Prairie View A&M), Joe Billy McDade (Bradley), Elton McGriff (Creighton), McCoy McLemore (Drake), Howie Montgomery (Texas Southern/Pan American), Billy Joe Price (New Mexico State), Nolan Richardson II (Texas Western), Willie Rogers (Oklahoma), Rubin Russell (North Texas State), John Savage (North Texas State), Dave Stallworth (Wichita), Nate Stephens (Creighton/Long Beach State), Fred Taylor (Pan American), Ernie Turner (New Mexico State), Gene Wiley (Wichita), Leroy Wright (Pacific) and John Henry Young (Midwestern State).
Virginia - Leroy Banks (Virginia State), Walker Banks (Western Kentucky), Charles Bonaparte (Norfolk State), Al Bumbry (Virginia State), Bob Dandridge (Norfolk State), Jesse Dark (Virginia Commonwealth), Roy Ebron (Southwestern Louisiana), Bill English (Winston-Salem State NC), William Franklin (Purdue), Bernard Harris (Virginia Commonwealth), Wheeler Hughes (Kansas State), Junius Kellogg (West Virginia State/Manhattan), Earl Lloyd (West Virginia State), James "Bones" Morgan (Maryland State), Rudolph Peele (Norfolk State), Curtis Pritchett (St. Augustine's NC), Reggie Roach Sr. (Virginia State), Bruce Spraggins (Virginia Union), Harley "Skeeter" Swift (East Tennessee State), Jerry Venable (Kansas State), Walter "Fuzzy" Ward (Hampton Institute) and Charles "Jabo" Wilkins (Fayetteville State NC/Virginia Commonwealth).
Willis Reed (21.7 ppg) and Walt Frazier (20.9), the top two scorers for the New York Knicks' 1969-70 NBA champion, could have helped rewrite SEC basketball history in the mid-1960s if they had been allowed to compete in the league. In 1969-70, Florida State's starting lineup under coach Hugh Durham featured one white player (All-American Dave Cowens) and four black players (Ron Harris/Ken Macklin/Willie Williams/Skip Young). Memphis and FSU were joined by Virginia Commonwealth and Western Kentucky in 1970-71 to comprise group of majority-white Southern universities fielding all-black starting lineups. Contrary to the depictions by some naysayers, the influx of black talent showed it could handle pressure by helping Memphis coach Gene Bartow win more than 70% of the Tigers' games decided by fewer than eight points during his four-season tenure. At his debut, the city was only 2 1/2 years removed from perhaps its lowest point, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the balcony of a local hotel. "Memphis State and the rest of the city was racially divided," said Maxine Smith, former executive director of the NAACP. "Sport played such an overwhelming part in our community breaking down barriers."
As for coaches, it took the ACC, SEC and SWC an extended period to embrace their first African-American bench bosses. In 1974-75, Arizona's Fred Snowden became the first African-American coach to have a major-college team finish in a final wire-service Top 20 poll (17th in UPI with a 22-7 record). Two years earlier, Snowden became the first African-American head coach in the Western Athletic Conference and at a major university. Snowden was 26 games above .500 in WAC competition after his first five seasons, but was 18 games below .500 in his last five years. He won a stunning 70% of his games decided by fewer than four points in his first seven campaigns with the Wildcats (33-14 mark in those close contests during that span). In opening round of 1976 West Regional, Snowden defeated John Thompson-coached Georgetown to earn distinction as initial black coach to win an NCAA playoff contest.
Will Robinson had become the nation's first black major-college head coach in 1971-72 when Illinois State moved up to the NCAA Division I level. It was 10 years before the Redbirds joined the Missouri Valley Conference, where Drake's Gus Guydon is generally considered to be the first African-American assistant at a major university. Guydon was a two-time All-MVC first-team swingman for Drake under coach Maury John in the early 1960s as almost 80% of the first-team choices in "The Valley" during that decade were black. The MVC was dubbed a "black" league when a minimum of four first-team selections annually were African-Americans in 12-yearspan from 1961-62 through the season (1972-73) Mississippi State became the last SEC school to integrate at the varsity level. Guydon was an assistant at his alma mater before leaving with John for Iowa State following the 1970-71 campaign.
The 1970s and 1980s witnessed the following head coaches break the color barrier in major conferences: Harvard's Tom Sanders (Ivy League in 1973-74), Wisconsin's Bill Cofield (Big Ten in 1976-77), Arkansas' Nolan Richardson Jr. (SWC in 1985-86), Oklahoma State's Leonard Hamilton (Big Eight in 1986-87), Maryland's Bob Wade (ACC in 1986-87) and Tennessee's Wade Houston (SEC in 1989-90). It was largely overlooked in 1996-97 when three black coaches won or shared divisional titles in Conference USA (Tulane's Perry Clark, Memphis State's Larry Finch and UNC Charlotte's Melvin Watkins).
By 2008-09, eight of the 12 head coaches in the Mid-American Conference were black. However, just barely over 20% of the head coaches nationwide at the time were minorities.
In 1982, Georgetown's Thompson took umbrage to depictions of him as the initial African-American coach to direct a team to the Final Four. But the injustices in the past against his race were sufficient reason for placing emphasis on Thompson's achievements with predominantly black rosters.
Dr. John Edgar Wideman, a novelist who was the first black player for Penn in the early 1960s, said: "(Thompson's) a talented man and a great coach, but the reason he's the first (Final Four) black coach is not because of his unique and individual talent; it's because he was allowed to be. We always have to keep that in mind when we look at firsts, and bests, among black people in any endeavor."
The integration of college basketball, waiting primarily on the South to emerge from the "Jim Crow" dark ages, wasn't complete until the mid-1970s. For instance, Coolidge Ball didn't become the first black athlete to sign a basketball scholarship with Ole Miss until eight years after James Meredith became the initial black student at the university in 1962. Although overt racism probably wasn't quite as pervasive as in professional sports, many of the African-American players who broke the color barriers at colleges post-World War II faced more than their share of hardships and hostility.
"They (opposing fans) were all just rabid," recalls Perry Wallace, Vanderbilt's standout forward who became the first black varsity player in the all-white Southeastern Conference in 1967-68. "I'm talking racial stuff, people threatening your life ... calling you nigger, coon, shoe polish. The first time I played Ole Miss I got spat on at halftime by four generations of one family."
Wallace, a local product from Nashville who went on to become a law professor at the University of Baltimore and American University, encountered raucous road trips throughout the Deep South, where belligerent spectators drenched him with their drinks and cheerleaders led crowds in racist chants. In Mississippi, he was punched in the eye by an opposing player whom he knew he couldn't fight back.
Wallace, overshadowed in the SEC by Maravich's scoring exploits, told the Nashville Business & Lifestyles that "I'm not one of these historical revisionists who tries to claim he was all-smart and all-seeing back in those days. Everybody knew that what was happening was important. You've got to understand that this was post-legal segregation, but it was de facto segregation."
In an interview with The Tennessean, Wallace spoke of also feeling alienated from classmates at Vandy when being informed by older members of the campus church that elders there would withhold contributions and write the congregation out of their will if he continued to attend.
"I can't say it any other way," confided Wallace, an All-SEC second-team selection as a senior in 1969-70. "I have been there by myself. It's been a very lonesome thing. People knew my name but weren't interested in knowing me. They respected my basketball ability but still considered me as a person who sweeps floors."
In The Walls Came Tumbling Down, Wallace said: "There were times when I felt close to a nervous breakdown. They weren't the worst four years any black man ever had experienced, but it took me a while to learn to deal with the pain. The fact that I did is a credit to my parents. They had eighth-grade educations and they worked as servants and what not. But they emphasized education, decency, and morality. I grew up poor but with strong values. My parents wouldn't let me hate back. They used to say, 'No matter what is done to you, you don't get the chance to hate back.'"
Wallace told the St. Petersburg Times that during his first varsity game at Ole Miss, the crowd cheered when he was punched in the eye and injured going for a rebound.
"Both of the Mississippi schools and both of the (SEC's) Alabama schools - those were the worst," Wallace said. "In other places, you still had prejudice, at Louisiana (State) and the University of Tennessee, those could be bad. But the Mississippi and Alabama schools were the worst. Those people were mobsters, like Klansmen, and were people right from that world. They knew how to destroy a black person. And that's what they tried to do to me. They did what they could to try to induce fear in me and basically make me fail. I had to make sure that I did not succumb to that."
Vandy failed to produce a black All-American until swingman Shan Foster was honored in 2008. Elsewhere in the SEC, hate mail didn't arrive just from whites for Alabama's Wendell Hudson, who earned All-American accolades as a senior. "Some of the mail I got was from black people, that was, 'I can't believe you're going to Alabama. You sold out. You should go to a black school,'" said Hudson, a two-time All-SEC first-team selection. "In my mind, this is what the marching was all about. This is what equality was all about. So now you're mad at me?"
Henry Harris, an All-SEC third-team selection in 1971-72 and Auburn's first black athlete, was for a while the only black Wallace played against in the league. Harris took his own life in the spring of 1974 by jumping from a dormitory window at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he'd been a JV coach and intramural supervisor. And Tom Payne, who broke the color barrier at Kentucky a year after Wallace graduated, was imprisoned an extended period for assaulting females.
"Tom Payne had a tragic life and it wasn't all owing to playing in the SEC, but it didn't help," Wallace asserts. "You have to take the time that it requires to recover from an experience like that. You have to heal right. And fortunately, I think I have. I'm not destroyed. I've wrestled with the emotional effect that experience has had on my life. That was a process that was not easy those first few years, but I did it."
Payne, the son of an Army sergeant, went from pioneer to pariah in the wake of incurring rape convictions in three states (Georgia, Kentucky and California). Some might contend that his view is a convenient crutch. But after growing up in the integrated atmosphere of Army bases, he says that the racism he experienced during his one tumultuous season with UK led him to detest white people and abuse women. Threatening phone calls, broken car windows and eggs smashed on his front door became routine.
"That's the kind of abuse I went through," Payne said. "And people think that's not supposed to affect you? Before I went to college, nothing in my life said I was going to be a criminal. My whole life took a turn going to UK and getting damaged so much. My anger and hatred toward white society came up, and I lashed out."
Elsewhere in the SEC, ugly sentiments expressed in various ways were handled infinitely better. Collis Temple Jr., the son of two educators, never wavered in his determination to rid the stain of Jim Crow from LSU's campus. He insists that, despite being recruited by a "very racist" Press Maravich, his college career was a generally positive experience and, in the process, allowed him to help pave a smoother route for those who came after him - including two sons (Collis III and Garrett) who starred for the Tigers.
"It's the best decision I could have made," Collis Jr. said. "If I had to make that choice again, my choice would be the same."
Choices made by Brigham Young's administration probably would be different if it could make them all again. As late as 1969, BYU administrators discouraged blacks from attending the university, fostering numerous problems with Western Athletic Conference opponents. When BYU played at Arizona in 1970, a group of demonstrators tried to force their way onto the court, resulting in a 10-minute brawl with security police. The Cougars' game at New Mexico was delayed nearly one hour after protestors threw eggs and kerosene-filled balloons onto the court. At Colorado State, BYU's team was met by students carrying "Bigot Young University" signs before protestors hurled eggs, a flaming molotov cocktail and a piece of angle-iron onto the court.
Sports Illustrated observed that BYU was no longer certain whether an opponent would "throw a man-to-man defense, a zone, or a grenade." Cougars coach Stan Watts complained that the team was unable to concentrate because they had to keep "one eye on the crowd and one eye on the game."
Race problems weren't restricted to major universities. Two-time NAIA Tournament MVP Al Tucker, who went on to become an NBA first-round draft choice after averaging 28.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game in three seasons for Oklahoma Baptist, played one year with the College of Knoxville before going home to Ohio because of racial issues. Said Tucker about the last straw that sent him home: "We had what they called the Tennessee Theatre and we would give the lady a dollar or whatever it cost to get in and she said 'Sorry, we don't allow Negroes in.' Next thing they're going to call the paddy wagon and take us to jail."
The old bigotry of the South fades virtually every day, but former Mississippi/Arizona State coach Rob Evans thought the lessons in perseverance shouldn't be forgotten. Every year when Evans coached Ole Miss, he took his players to the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
"I just think it's important to expand kids' knowledge, but I also wanted my kids exposed to what happened in the '60s, and why things are like they are now," Evans said. "I've had a tremendous amount of my white kids say, 'Coach, did this really happen?' They say, 'How did you take this?' I think it bonds the kids together."
In the early 1990s, Michigan's all-black "Fab Five" generated extensive national headlines with back-to-back NCAA Tournament championship game appearances. But their chest-pounding "me generation" era introducing baggy shorts, sullen stares and hip-hop attitudes might have been more style than substance because they never won a Big Ten Conference championship. At that time, the Center for the Study of Sport in Society supplied the following statistics: More than 55% of the varsity Division I players were black; 7% of the students on campus were black, and 1 1/2% of the faculty was black. The dropout rate after four years of eligibility for blacks was three times higher than the 10% for whites. Whether or not soft bigotry still exists, a 2007 report found that only 43% of black male college players graduate.
To be sure, things in society have changed immeasurably for minority groups since slavery and cotton were king. Gregory, Robinson and Wallace among others could only do so much in venturing into unchartered territory. Prejudice dies hard. Among everyone, actually, as lunatic leftists Don Lemon (formerly at CNN) and Rev. Al "Not So" Sharpton plus Joyless Reid (MSNBC) appear as if they hoped the first five Memphis police officers fired in repulsive beating death several years ago turned out to be white cops in black face similar to former VA governor Ralph Northam, Joyless Behar trying to impress colleague "Cloudy" (a/k/a Sunny), ex-comedian Jimmy "Mailman" Kimmel and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Hot Stove League: MLB February Transactions Featuring Ex-College Hoopers
Former Illinois college hoopers Tom Haller (Illinois), Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan), Champ Summers (SIU Edwardsville) and Jay Ward (McKendree) were traded by major-league baseball franchises this month in a 15-year span from 1963 through 1977. Summers, a transfer from Nicholls State, also joined prominent ex-Louisiana college hoopers Joe Adcock (LSU), Zeke Bonura (Loyola New Orleans) and George Stone (Louisiana Tech) in MLB February transactions. They are among the following former college hoopers involved in MLB off-season transactions during the month of February:
FEBRUARY
1: OF Jim Lyttle (led Florida State in free-throw shooting in 1965-66 when averaging 12.4 ppg) traded by the Chicago White Sox to Kansas City Royals in 1973. . . . C Ebba St. Claire (Colgate hoops letterman in 1941-42) traded by the Milwaukee Braves to New York Giants in 1954.
2: INF Billy Harrell (averaged 10.3 ppg in three seasons for Siena in early 1950s) awarded on waivers from the Cleveland Indians to St. Louis Cardinals in 1959.
3: RHP Paul Hartzell (averaged 5.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg as Lehigh forward in 1972-73) traded by the California Angels to Minnesota Twins in 1979. . . . INF Larry Wolfe (Sacramento City College CA letterman in 1971-72 and 1972-73 scored juco game-high 33 points) traded by the Minnesota Twins to Boston Red Sox in 1979.
5: OF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) purchased from the St. Louis Cardinals to Philadelphia Phillies in 1934. . . . OF Sam Mele (NYU's leading scorer in 1943 NCAA playoffs) traded by the Chicago White Sox to Baltimore Orioles in 1954. . . . OF Leon Roberts (played in four basketball games for Michigan in 1970-71 under coach Johnny Orr) traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to Kansas City Royals for 1B Cecil Fielder in 1983.
6: INF Jake Flowers (member of 1923 "Flying Pentagon" championship hoops squad for Washington College MD) purchased from the Brooklyn Dodgers by Buffalo (International) in 1934.
7: INF Charlie Gelbert (scored at least 125 points each of last three seasons in late 1920s for Lebanon Valley PA) purchased from the Boston Red Sox by Brooklyn Dodgers in 1942. . . . 1B-OF Bud Sharpe (hoops letterman for Penn State in 1902) purchased from the Boston Rustlers by Buffalo (Eastern) in 1911.
8: RHP Elden Auker (All-Big Six Conference first five selection with Kansas State in 1931-32) purchased from the Boston Red Sox by St. Louis Browns in 1940. . . . RHP Ownie Carroll (Holy Cross hoops letterman in 1922) traded with INF Jake Flowers (member of 1923 "Flying Pentagon" championship hoops squad for Washington College MD) by the St. Louis Cardinals to Brooklyn Dodgers in 1933. . . . 2B-OF Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg as freshman in 1964-65 and 12.1 ppg as sophomore in 1965-66 before transferring with his coach to Washburn KS where he became All-CIC choice for 1968 NAIA Tournament team) traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers to Oakland Athletics in 1982.
9: RHP Bobby Munoz (scored 35 points in game for Polk Community College FL in 1986-87) traded by the New York Yankees to Philadelphia Phillies in 1994.
10: LHP Al Downing (attended Muhlenberg PA on hoops scholarship but left before ever playing) traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to Los Angeles Dodgers in 1971. . . . OF Les Mann (Springfield MA hooper in 1913 and 1914) purchased from the Chicago Whales by Chicago Cubs in 1916. . . . C-UTL Billy Sullivan Jr. (Portland hoops letterman in 1927-28) traded by the Cleveland Indians to St. Louis Browns in 1938.
11: INF Rob Sperring (averaged 8.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Pacific from 1968-69 through 1970-71) traded by the Chicago Cubs to San Francisco Giants in 1977.
12: 2B Jack Dittmer (Iowa hooper in 1949-50) traded by the Milwaukee Braves to Detroit Tigers in 1957. . . . SS Doc Lavan (Hope MI hooper from 1908 through 1910) purchased from the Philadelphia Athletics by St. Louis Browns in 1914. . . . LHP Joe Ostrowski (leading scorer for Scranton PA in 1942-43) purchased from the New York Yankees by Chicago Cubs in 1953.
13: INF Tim Cullen (starting guard for Santa Clara in 1962-63 when averaging 10 ppg and 3.4 rpg) traded by the Washington Senators to Chicago White Sox in 1968. . . . C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) traded by the San Francisco Giants to Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968.
14: C Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49) traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to St. Louis Cardinals in 1963.
15: 1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola New Orleans in late 1920s and early 1930s) purchased from the Chicago Cubs by Minneapolis (American Association) in 1941. . . . OF Pip Koehler (Penn State hoops letterman in 1921-22 and 1922-23) shipped as player to be designated by the New York Giants to Toledo (American Association) in 1926 to complete swap made the previous summer.
16: 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading scorer in 1945-46 traded by the Cincinnati Reds to Milwaukee Braves as part of a four-team swap in 1953. . . . OF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games for Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to Cleveland Indians in 1982. . . . OF-DH Champ Summers (led SIU-Edwardsville in scoring in 1969-70 after doing likewise with Nicholls State in 1964-65) traded by the Chicago Cubs to Cincinnati Reds in 1977.
18: INF Owen Kahn (basketball letterman for William & Mary in 1924-25 and 1925-26) purchased from Manchester (New England) by the Boston Braves in 1930. . . . INF Jay Ward (attended McKendree IL for one semester as freshman in 1956-57) traded by the Cleveland Indians to Cincinnati Reds in 1970.
19: INF Billy Hunter (multi-sport athlete for Indiana PA post-WWII) traded with OF Irv Noren (1945 player of the year for California community college state basketball champion Pasadena City) and multiple additional players by the New York Yankees to Kansas City Athletics for multiple players in 1957.
20: 1B-OF Buddy Hassett (hooper for Manhattan teams winning school-record 17 consecutive contests in 1930 and 1931) traded by the New York Yankees to Brooklyn Dodgers in 1936.
22: C Art Kusnyer (led Kent State in field-goal percentage in 1965-66 as team's third-leading scorer and rebounder) traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to Kansas City Royals in 1978.
23: LHP Stan Baumgartner (hooper for Western Conference champion University of Chicago in 1914) traded by New Haven (Eastern) to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1924. . . . OF Jerry Martin (Furman's second-leading scorer in 1969-70 and third-leading scorer in 1970-71) traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to Chicago Cubs in 1979. . . . 1B Dick Siebert (Concordia-St. Paul MN hooper in 1929 and 1930) purchased from the Chicago Cubs by St. Louis Cardinals in 1937.
24: 1B Tony Lupien (Harvard hoops captain in 1938-39) purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies by Pittsburgh Pirates in 1946. . . . LHP George Stone (averaged 14.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66) traded by the New York Mets to Texas Rangers in 1976.
MLB OFF-SEASON WHEELING AND DEALING PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS
MLB January Transactions Involving Former College Hoopers
MLB December Transactions Involving Former College Hoopers
MLB November Transactions Involving Former College Hoopers
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling February 1 NFL Super Bowl
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as Colon Krapernick, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-honor shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players Julius Peppers and Rodney Harrison making a name for themselves on February 1 in Super Bowl XXVIII:
FEBRUARY 1
- New England Patriots SS Rodney Harrison (averaged 7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3 apg and 1.6 spg for Western Illinois in 1992-93) registered a team-high eight solo tackles in 32-29 win against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXVIII following 2003 season. Panthers LDE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) provided two solo tackles.
On This Date: February Calendar For Magical Moments in NCAA Hoops History
The three all-time most high-octane outbursts came against small-college competition as highest-scoring games in history by NCAA Division I players occurred in first half of month of February - Furman's Frank Selvy (100 points vs. Newberry SC in 1954), Villanova's Paul Arizin (85 vs. Philadelphia NAMC in 1949) and Portland State's Freeman Williams (81 vs. Rocky Mountain MT in 1978).
Louisiana State's Pete Maravich, the NCAA's career scoring leader who became first player in history to score more than 2,000 points in his first two seasons of eligibility this month along with providing the highest output in a power-conference game (69 at Alabama in SEC play in 1970), wasn't the only prolific point producer in the Pelican State from the guard position. In February 1972, Southwestern Louisiana junior Dwight "Bo" Lamar erupted for 51 points in each of back-to-back Southland Conference road games at Louisiana Tech and Lamar during USL's inaugural season at the major-college level before the school changed its name to Louisiana-Lafayette. For the record, Maravich twice tallied more than 50 in back-to-back SEC contests away from home (end of junior campaign and midway through senior season). This month also featured a third still-existing single-game scoring record by an individual opponent when "Bo Knows (Scoring)" Lamar exploded for 62 points at Northeast Louisiana the previous campaign en route to becoming the only player in NCAA history to lead the nation in scoring average at both the college and university divisions.
Outside Louisiana, existing single-game scoring standards for Bradley (Hersey Hawkins) and Detroit (Archie Tullos) were set in the same February assignment in 1988. In 2017, Bogdan Bliznyuk and Jacob Wiley both established Eastern Washington's single-game scoring record against an NCAA DI opponent with 45 points apiece in same contest (130-124 win against Portland State in triple overtime). As for regal rebounding records, Alabama's Jerry Harper retrieved 28 missed shots in back-to-back SEC contests two days apart in February 1956 and Wayne Embry pulled down 34 boards in back-to-back games for Miami of Ohio in same time frame the next year. February 4 is a special day in South Carolina history as John Roche (56 points) and Lee Collins (33 rebounds) set school single-game standards against NCAA DI in-state opponents on that date. Following is a day-by-day calendar citing memorable moments in February college basketball history:
FEBRUARY
1 - Arkansas State's Don Scaife (43 points vs. Northeast Louisiana in 1975/tied his own mark), Coppin State's Fred Warrick (40 at Howard in 1999/tied standard), Hardin-Simmons' Nate Madkins (52 vs. West Texas State in 1964) and Tulane's Jim Kerwin (45 vs. Southeastern Louisiana in 1961) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . North Carolina State's school-record 38-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Maryland (98-97 in 1975). . . . SEC Eastern Division cellar dweller Florida upset NCAA Tournament champion-to-be Kentucky in 1998. . . . Rudy Tomjanovich (30 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1969) set Michigan's single-game rebounding record.
2 - Brown's Harry Platt (48 points vs. Northeastern in 1938) and Delaware State's Tom Davis (50 vs. Brooklyn in 1989) set school single-game scoring records at the Division I level. . . . Eastern Michigan's Raven Lee (46 vs. Miami OH in 2016) set school single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. Lee's output came in only 24 minutes of playing time. . . . In 2014, Oakland's Travis Bader set an NCAA Division I record for most career three-pointers, surpassing the previous mark of 457 established by Duke All-American J.J. Redick. . . . Arizona's Bob Elliott (25 vs. Arizona State in 1974) set school single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent (subsequently tied). . . . Eventual MLB shortstop and manager Don Kessinger scored a career-high 49 points for Mississippi vs. Tulane in 1963.
3 - Buffalo's Mike Martinho (44 points vs. Rochester NY in 1998), Dayton's Donald Smith (52 at Loyola of Chicago in 1973), Grambling State's Brion Rush (53 vs. Southern in overtime in 2006), Portland State's Freeman Williams (81 vs. Rocky Mountain MT in 1978) and Wyoming's Joe Capua (51 vs. Montana in 1956) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Andre Spight (41 vs. Montana State in 2018) established Northern Colorado's single-game scoring mark at NCAA Division I level. . . . Florida Atlantic's DeAndre Rice (39 at Troy State in 2007) and Long Beach State's Gabe Levin (45 vs. UC Davis in 2OT in 2018) tied school single-game scoring standards. . . . Walt Lysaght (35 vs. North Carolina in 1953) set Richmond's single-game rebounding record.
4 - La Salle's Kareem Townes (52 points vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1995), Monmouth's Rahsaan Johnson (43 vs. St. Francis NY in 2001), Purdue Fort Wayne's Max Landis (44 at South Dakota in 2016), Rhode Island's Tom Harrington (50 vs. Brandeis MA in 1959/subsequently tied), South Carolina's John Roche (56 vs. Furman in 1971) and Western Michigan's Gene Ford (46 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1969) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Eastern Washington's Bogdan Bliznyuk and Jacob Wiley (both with 45 vs. Portland State in triple overtime in 2017) and Denver's Dan Cramer (50 vs. Southern Mississippi in 1974) set school single-game scoring records against a DI opponent. . . . Illinois' school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Penn State (66-65 in 2006). . . . Alabama's Jerry Harper (28 vs. Georgia Tech in 1956/tied his own mark), Fordham's Ed Conlin (36 vs. Colgate in 1953), Georgia Tech's Eric Crake (27 vs. Georgia in 1953), South Carolina's Lee Collins (33 vs. The Citadel in 1956) and Wake Forest's Dickie Hemric (36 vs. Clemson in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
5 - Akron's Joe Jakubick (47 points vs. Murray State in 1983), UC Santa Barbara's Orlando Johnson (39 vs. UC Davis in 2011/tied), East Tennessee State's Tom Chilton (52 vs. Austin Peay in 1961), Kent State's Dan Potopsky (49 vs. Western Michigan in 1955), Prairie View A&M's Paul Queen (46 vs. Alabama State in 1994) and Troy State's Detric Golden (45 at Jacksonville in 2000) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Yale's Brandon Sherrod extended his NCAA record of consecutive successful field-goal attempts to 30 covering five 2016 games before misfiring against Columbia. . . . Kenny Davis (25 vs. Arizona State in 1977) tied Arizona's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Eventual MLB Hall of Fame OF Tony Gwynn (18 vs. UNLV in 1980) set San Diego State's single-game assists record against a DI opponent.
6 - Ernie McCray (46 points vs. Los Angeles State in 1960) set Arizona's single-game scoring record. . . . Southeast Missouri State's Tyler Stone (37 at SIU-Edwardsville in 2014), Southern Mississippi's John White (41 at Virginia Tech in double overtime in 1988) and Tulane's Calvin Grosscup (41 vs. Mississippi State in 1956) tied school single-game scoring records against a major-college opponent. . . . Virginia Tech sophomore guard Bimbo Coles set Metro Conference single-game scoring record with 51 points in a 141-133 double overtime victory against visiting Southern Mississippi in 1988. . . . Bradley's school-record 46-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Drake (86-76 in 1961). . . . Belmont erased an 18-point deficit with 3:22 remaining (75-57) to defeat Campbell, 87-84, in 2009. . . . Alabama's Jerry Harper (28 vs. Vanderbilt in 1956/tied his own mark), American University's Kermit Washington (34 vs. Georgetown in 1971), West Virginia's Jerry West (31 vs. George Washington in 1960/tied) and Wichita State's Terry Benton (29 vs. North Texas State in 1971) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
7 - Dartmouth's Jim Barton (48 points at Brown in overtime in 1987), Louisiana State's Pete Maravich (69 at Alabama in 1970) and South Dakota State's Nate Wolters (53 at IPFW in 2013) set school single-game scoring records. Maravich's output is also a SEC record in league competition. . . . Phil Hicks (41 at Samford in 1974) tied Tulane's single-game scoring record against a Division I opponent. . . . In 1976, Purdue (25) and Wisconsin (22) combined to convert all 47 of their free-throw attempts, an NCAA record for two teams in a single game. . . . Duquesne's Dick Ricketts (28 vs. Villanova in 1955) and Southern's Jervaughn Scales (32 vs. Grambling in 1994) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
8 - Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson (62 points vs. North Texas State in 1960) and UNC Charlotte's George Jackson (44 at Samford in 1975) set school single-game scoring records. Robertson's output is also a Missouri Valley Conference record in league competition. . . . Buzz Wilkinson (45 vs. North Carolina in 1954) set Virginia's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Iowa State's Melvin Ejim (48 vs. TCU in 2014) set Big 12 Conference single-game scoring mark in league competition. . . . Kentucky established an NCAA single-game record by grabbing 108 rebounds against Mississippi in 1964. . . . Wofford set an NCAA three-point percentage single-game record (minimum of 20 attempts) by hitting 17-of-21 shots from beyond the arc (81% against VMI in 2016 game). . . . Niagara's school-record 51-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Syracuse (60-55 in 1950). . . . Boston College's Terry Driscoll (31 vs. Fordham in 1969), Davidson's Fred Hetzel (27 vs. Furman in 1964), Eastern Michigan's Kareem Carpenter (27 vs. Western Michigan in 1995), Harvard's Bob Canty (31 vs. Boston College in 1955), Long Island's Ty Flowers (27 vs. Merrimack in 2020), Marquette's Pat Smith (28 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1967), Oklahoma City's Willie Watson (32 vs. Denver in 1969) and Seattle's John Tresvant (40 vs. Montana in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records. Flowers' output is also a Northeast Conference contest mark. . . . Gene Estes (24 vs. Oklahoma City in 1961) set Tulsa's single-game rebounding record against a major-college opponent. . . . Utah State All-American Wayne Estes, after scoring 48 points vs. Denver to eclipse 2,000-point plateau, was electrocuted following home game in 1965 when the 6-6 forward brushed against downed high-power line upon stopping at scene of an auto accident near campus. . . . Dayton center Chris Daniels, who finished the season as nation's leader in field-goal shooting (68.3%), died in his sleep because of a heart ailment during 1995-96 campaign.
9 - UALR's Carl Brown (46 points at Centenary in overtime in 1989), Butler's Darrin Fitzgerald (54 vs. Detroit in 1987), Canisius' Larry Fogle (55 vs. St. Peter's in 1974), Clemson's J.O. Erwin (58 vs. Butler Guards at Greenville in 1912), Colorado State's Bill Green (48 vs. Denver in 1963), Hofstra's Justin Wright-Foreman (48 vs. William & Mary in 2019) and Loyola of Chicago's Alfredrick Hughes (47 vs. Detroit in 1985) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Brown's output is also an Atlantic Sun Conference record in league competition. . . . DePaul's Tom Kleinschmidt set the Great Midwest Conference single-game scoring record in league play with 37 points against UAB in 1994. . . . Charleston Southern's Tony Fairley set an NCAA single-game record against a DI opponent with 22 assists against Armstrong State GA in 1987. . . . Dartmouth ended Penn's Ivy League-record 48-game winning streak (54-53 in 1996) and Duke's school-record 46-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Maryland (98-87 in 2000). . . . Southern Mississippi's Wendell Ladner (32 vs. Pan American in 1970) and Syracuse's Frank Reddout (34 vs. Temple in 1952) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Canisius' Larry Fogle (22 vs. St. Peter's in 1974) and Idaho's Gus Johnson (31 vs. Oregon in 1963) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent.
10 - Morehead State's Brett Roberts (53 points vs. Middle Tennessee State in 1992), Ohio State's Gary Bradds (49 vs. Illinois in 1964), Larry Lewis of Saint Francis PA (46 vs. St. Vincent PA in 1969) and Savannah State's Alante Fenner (46 vs. Morgan State in overtime in 2018) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Detroit's school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Wisconsin-Green Bay (65-61 in 2002), Oral Roberts' school-record 52-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Marshall (106-103 in 1973) and Virginia Commonwealth's school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Virginia Tech (71-63 in 1978). . . . Georgetown's Charlie Adrion (29 vs. George Washington in 1968), Houston's Elvin Hayes (37 vs. Centenary in 1968) and Rider's Jason Thompson (24 vs. Siena in 2008) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Eventual Chicago White Sox RHP Dave DeBusschere scored a career-high 44 points for Detroit against Dayton in a 1962 game.
11 - East Carolina's Oliver Mack (47 points vs. South Carolina-Aiken in 1978), Florida State's Ron King (46 at Georgia Southern in 1971), Hartford's Vin Baker (44 vs. Lamar in overtime in 1992), Southern California's John Block (45 vs. Washington in 1966) and Wisconsin-Green Bay's Tony Bennett (44 at Cleveland State in 1989) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Mal Graham (46 at Holy Cross in 1967) set New York University's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Morehead State (53) and Cincinnati (35) combined for an NCAA single-game record of 88 successful free throws in 1956. . . . Indiana State set an NCAA single-game record for most three-pointers without a miss by making all 12 attempts from beyond the arc (against Southern Illinois in 2012). . . . Weber State's school-record 44-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Idaho (68-67 in 1967). . . . Andrew Nicholson (23 vs. Duquesne in 2012) tied St. Bonaventure's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
12 - Marist's Izett Buchanan (51 points at Long Island University in 1994), Northern Iowa's Cam Johnson (40 at Drake in 1994) and Villanova's Paul Arizin (85 vs. Philadelphia NAMC in 1949) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Wake Forest's Len Chappell (50 vs. Virginia in 1962) set ACC single-game scoring record in league competition. . . . Gonzaga's school-record 50-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Santa Clara (84-73 in 2007). . . . Drake's Ken Harris (26 vs. Tulsa in 1977) and Navy's David Robinson (25 vs. Fairfield in 1986) set school single-game rebounding records.
13 - Colorado's Cliff Meely (47 points vs. Oklahoma in 1971), Furman's Frank Selvy (NCAA-record 100 vs. Newberry SC in 1954), Portland's Matt Houle (43 vs. San Francisco in 1993), St. Peter's Rich Rinaldi (54 vs. St. Francis NY in 1971) and San Francisco's Keith Jackson (47 at Loyola Marymount in 1988) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Alabama's Bob Andrews (46 vs. Tulane in 1965), East Carolina's Gus Hill (43 at Navy in 1988), UNC Asheville's Andrew Rousey (41 at Radford in 2014/tied) and Virginia's Buzz Wilkinson (45 vs. Georgetown in 1954/tied his own mark) set school single-game scoring records against a Division I opponent. . . . In 1985, Connecticut became the first school to be ranked No. 1 in the men's and women's national polls at the same time. . . . Syracuse's school-record 57-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Georgetown (52-50 in 1980). . . . Kentucky's Bill Spivey (34 vs. Xavier in 1951), New Mexico's Tom King (26 vs. Wyoming in 1960), Northwestern's Jim Pitts (29 vs. Indiana in 1965) and Western Michigan's Frank Ayers (25 vs. Loyola of Chicago in 1973) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Dan Roundfield (25 vs. Bowling Green State in 1974) set Central Michigan's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
14 - Auburn's John Mengelt (60 points vs. Alabama in 1970), Central Connecticut State's Kyle Vinales (42 at Wagner in 2013), College of Charleston's Grant Riller (43 vs. Hofstra in 2019), Coppin State's Larry Stewart (40 vs. South Carolina State in 1991/subsequently tied), Mount St. Mary's Sam Prescott (44 vs. Bryant in 2013), South Alabama's Eugene Oliver (46 at Southern Mississippi in 1974), Southwestern Louisiana's Bo Lamar (51 at Louisiana Tech in 1972/subsequently tied by him) and Tennessee's Tony White (51 vs. Auburn in 1987) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Lamar's output also set a Southland Conference record in league competition. . . . Villanova's Larry Hennessy (45 vs. Boston College in 1953) and Virginia's Buzz Wilkinson (45 vs. Clemson in 1955/tied his own mark) set school single-game scoring records against a DI opponent. . . . William & Mary's Bill Chambers, standing a mere 6-4, grabbed an NCAA single-game record 51 rebounds against Virginia on Valentine's Day in 1953. . . . Miami of Ohio's Wayne Embry (34 vs. Eastern Kentucky in 1957/subsequently tied by him), Texas Tech's Jim Reed (27 vs. Texas in 1956), Towson's Dennis Tunstall (21 vs. Delaware in 2019/tied), Wagner's Mike Aaman (23 vs. Fairleigh Dickinson in 2015) and West Virginia's Mack Isner (31 vs. Virginia Tech in 1952/subsequently tied) set school single-game rebounding records against a major-college opponent. . . . Jacksonville junior-college recruit Artis Gilmore, the only player in major-college history to average more than 22 points and 22 rebounds per game in his career, had his only DI contest retrieving fewer than 10 missed shots (8 caroms at Loyola LA in 1970). . . . Massachusetts' school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by George Washington (80-78 in 1995). . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach to compile 600 victories the fastest with a 71-52 win over Notre Dame at Chicago in 1959 (705 games in 27th season).
15 - Coastal Carolina's Tony Dunkin (43 points vs. UNC Asheville in 1993), Columbia's Leonard "Buck" Jenkins (47 at Harvard in 1991), Maryland-Baltimore County's Derell Thompson (43 at Towson State in 1992) and Wake Forest's Charlie Davis (51 vs. American University in 1969) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Kentucky tied an NCAA record by erasing a 31-point, second-half deficit at Louisiana State (99-95 UK victory in 1994). . . . In 1969, Pete Maravich passed Bob Pettit (1,970 points from 1951-52 through 1953-54) to become LSU's all-time scoring leader and first player in NCAA history reaching 2,000-point plateau in his first two seasons of eligibility. . . . Princeton's Bill Bradley (51 points vs. Harvard in 1964) set Ivy League scoring record in conference competition. . . . Oregon State ended UCLA's Pacific-8 Conference-record 50-game winning streak (61-57 in 1974). . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach to compile 400 victories the fastest with a 90-50 win over Mississippi in 1950 (477 games in 20th season). . . . Kansas' Wilt Chamberlain (36 vs. Iowa State in 1958), Oregon State's Swede Halbrook (36 vs. Idaho in 1955) and Rice's Joe Durrenberger (30 vs. Baylor in 1955) set school single-game rebounding records. Halbrook also grabbed 32 rebounds the previous night against the Vandals. . . . Paul Millsap (29 vs. San Jose State in 2006) set Louisiana Tech's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Eventual MLB All-Star RHP Sonny Siebert scored a career-high 31 points for Missouri against Oklahoma in a 1958 game.
16 - Illinois' Dave Downey (53 points at Indiana in 1963), Tennessee Tech's Jimmy Hagan (48 vs. East Tennessee State in 1959) and Texas-Pan American's Marshall Rogers (58 vs. Texas Lutheran in 1976) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Dikembe Dixson (40 at Youngstown State in 2OT in 2016) set Illinois-Chicago's single-game scoring record against an NCAA Division I opponent. . . . Wichita State ended Cincinnati's school-record 37-game winning streak (65-64 in 1963) and South Carolina's school-record 34-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Notre Dame (72-68 in 1974). . . . Cincinnati's Connie Dierking (33 vs. Loyola New Orleans in 1957), Miami of Ohio's Wayne Embry (34 vs. Kent State in 1957), NYU's Cal Ramsey (34 vs. Boston College in 1957) and Texas Christian's Goo Kennedy (28 vs. Arkansas in 1971) set school single-game rebounding records. It was the second time in three days for Embry to corral 34 caroms. . . . Texas-El Paso's Jim Barnes (27 vs. Hardin-Simmons in 1963) and Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair (23 vs. Connecticut in 2009) set single-game rebounding records against major-college opponents. . . . Eventual 13-year N.L. LHP Joe Gibbon grabbed a career-high 24 rebounds for Mississippi against Georgia in 1957.
17 - George Washington's Joe Holup (49 points vs. Furman in 1956), Holy Cross' Jack Foley (56 vs. Connecticut in 1962), Quinnipiac's Cameron Young (55 at Siena in triple overtime in 2019), Southwestern Louisiana's Bo Lamar (51 at Lamar in 1972/tied his own mark) and Wofford's Fletcher Magee (45 at Chattanooga in 2018) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Young's outburst set a MAAC single-game standard and Lamar's output tied his own Southland Conference mark in league competition established three days earlier. . . . Antoine Gillespie (45 at Hawaii in 1994) set Texas-El Paso's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Dartmouth's school-record 38-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Army (44-36 in 1940). . . . Fresno State's Larry Abney (35 vs. Southern Methodist in 2000), Loyola of Chicago's LaRue Martin (34 vs. Valparaiso in 1971) and Toledo's Ned Miklovic (27 vs. Ohio University in 1958/subsequently tied) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. Abney's total is the highest among all schools at the DI level since 1973.
18 - Scott Haffner (65 points vs. Dayton in 1989) set Evansville's single-game scoring record. Haffner's output is also a Horizon League record in conference competition. . . . Freeman Williams (50 at UNLV in 1978) set Portland State's single-game scoring record against an NCAA Division I opponent. . . . Gonzaga and Loyola Marymount each scored 86 points after intermission in 1989 to set an NCAA record for highest offensive output in a half by both teams (172). . . . Louisiana State's school-record 42-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Mississippi (23-22 in 1921). . . . Florida's Jim Zinn (31 vs. Mississippi in 1957), McNeese State's Henry Ray (27 vs Texas-Arlington in 1974), New Orleans' Ervin Johnson (27 vs. Lamar in 1993), Penn's Barton Leach (32 vs. Harvard in 1955), Southern Illinois' Joe C. Meriweather (27 vs. Indiana State in 1974) and Xavier's Bob Pelkington (31 vs. St. Francis PA in 1964) set school single-game rebounding records.
19 - Delaware's Liston Houston (52 points vs. Lebanon Valley PA in 1910), Liberty's Matt Hildebrand (41 vs. Charleston Southern in 1994/subsequently tied), Longwood's Tristan Carey (40 vs. Liberty in 2013), Mississippi Valley State's Alphonso Ford (51 vs. Texas Southern in overtime in 1990), Morgan State's Tiwian Kendley (41 vs. Bethune-Cookman in OT in 2018), Oral Roberts' Anthony Roberts (66 vs. North Carolina A&T in 1977), Stetson's Mel Daniels (48 vs. UNC Wilmington in 1977) and Texas Tech's Dub Malaise (50 at Texas in 1966) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Gonzaga's Kyle Wiltjer (45 at Pacific in 2015) and Lafayette's Bobby Mantz (44 vs. Lehigh in 1958) set school single-game scoring records against a DI opponent. . . . Holy Cross' Rob Feaster (46 vs. Navy in overtime in 1994) set Patriot League scoring record in conference competition. . . . Creighton's Paul Silas (38 vs. Centenary in 1962), Northern Illinois' Jim Bradley (31 vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1973) and Purdue's Carl McNulty (27 vs. Minnesota in 1951) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell (24 vs. Seton Hall in 1977) set Charlotte's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
20 - Baylor's Vinnie Johnson (50 points vs. Texas Christian in 1979), Idaho State's Willie Humes (53 at Montana State in 1971), Illinois State's Robert "Bubbles" Hawkins (58 vs. Northern Illinois in 1974), North Florida's Parker Smith (46 vs. Mercer in 2012), San Diego State's Anthony Watson (54 vs. U.S. International in 1986) and South Carolina State's Jackie Robinson (40 at Morgan State in 1993) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Humes' output is also a Big Sky Conference record in league competition. . . . Delaware State's Tom Davis (47 vs. Florida A&M in 1989) set MEAC scoring record in league competition at DI level. . . . Rhode Island's Art Stephenson (28 vs. Brown in 1968) and Tennessee Tech's Jimmy Hagan (30 vs. Morehead State in 1959) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Kansas' 28-17 victory at Drake in 1924 triggered an NCAA-record 35-game road winning streak.
21 - Boston College's John Austin (49 points vs. Georgetown in 1964), Rutgers' Eric Riggins (51 vs. Penn State in double overtime in 1987) and Virginia Tech's Allan Bristow (52 vs. George Washington in 1973) set school single-game scoring records. Riggins' output is also an Atlantic 10 Conference record in league competition. . . . LSU's Pete Maravich (64) and Kentucky's Dan Issel (51) each scored more than 50 points in the same SEC game in 1970. . . . UCLA's school-record 98-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Oregon (65-45 in 1976). . . . Clemson's Tommy Smith (30 vs. Georgia in 1955) and North Carolina's Rusty Clark (30 vs. Maryland in 1968) set school single-game rebounding records.
22 - Bradley's Hersey Hawkins (63 points at Detroit in 1988), California's Ed Gray (48 at Washington State in 1997), Detroit's Archie Tullos (49 vs. Bradley in 1988), Manhattan's Bob Mealy (51 vs. CCNY in 1960), Missouri-Kansas City's Michael Watson (Summit League-record 54 at Oral Roberts in double overtime in 2003), Oklahoma State's Bob Kurland (58 vs. St. Louis in 1946) and Oregon State's Gary Payton Sr. (58 vs. Southern California in overtime in 1990) set school single-game scoring records. . . . High Point's Nick Barbour (44 vs. Campbell in 2012), Long Island's Antawn Dobie (53 vs. St. Francis NY in 2003), Mississppi State's Bailey Howell (45 vs. Louisiana State in 1958) and Western Illinois' Kobe Webster (40 vs. Omaha in 2020) set school single-game scoring records against a Division I opponent. Dobie's output is also a Northeast Conference record in league competition. . . . Drexel set NCAA record by erasing a 34-point deficit late in the first half (53-19) to defeat visiting Delaware, 85-83, in 2018. . . . Nebraska stunned Wilt Chamberlain-led Kansas, 43-41, in 1958 to avenge a 56-point defeat four games earlier. . . . Memphis' school-record 47-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Tennessee (66-62 in 2008). . . . Massachusetts' Julius Erving (32 vs. Syracuse in 1971) and Mississippi's Ivan Richmann (25 vs. Tulane in 1958) set school single-game rebounding records. . . . Hakim Shahid (25 vs. Jacksonville in 1990) set South Florida's single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent.
23 - Boston University's Jim Hayes (47 points vs. Springfield MA in 1970), Indiana's Jimmy Rayl (56 vs. Michigan State in 1963/tied his own mark), Louisiana Tech's Mike McConathy (47 vs. Lamar in 1976), Miami's Rick Barry (59 vs. Rollins FL in 1965), Providence's Marshon Brooks (52 vs. Notre Dame in 2011/tied Marvin Barnes' mark) and Texas Southern's Harry "Machine Gun" Kelly (60 vs. Jarvis Christian TX in 1983) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Brooks' output is also a Big East Conference record in league competition. . . . Los Angeles State's Raymond Lewis set Pacific Coast Athletic Association (now Big West) single-game scoring record with 53 points vs. Long Beach State in double overtime in 1973. . . . Kentucky's Adolph Rupp became the coach compiling 700 victories the fastest with a 99-79 win over Auburn at Montgomery in 1964 (836 games in 32nd season). . . . Jimmie Baker (26 vs. San Francisco in 1973) set UNLV's single-game rebounding record before transferring to Hawaii. . . . Eventual 13-year N.L. LHP Joe Gibbon scored a career-high 46 points for Mississippi in 1957 game against Louisiana State.
24 - Houston's Elvin Hayes (62 points vs. Valparaiso in 1968), Iowa's John Johnson (49 vs. Northwestern in 1970), Northwestern's Rich Falk (49 vs. Iowa in 1964), St. Bonaventure's Bob Lanier (51 vs. Seton Hall in 1969) and Utah's Billy McGill (60 at Brigham Young in 1962) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Alcorn State's DeCarlos Anderson (41 vs. Southern in 1996), East Tennessee State's Tom Chilton (47 vs. Western Kentucky in 1961), Florida A&M's Jerome James (38 at Delaware State in overtime in 1997) and Ohio University's Dave Jamerson (52 at Kent State in 1990) set school single-game scoring records against a DI opponent. . . . Washington & Lee's Jay Handlan hoisted up an NCAA single-game record 71 field-goal attempts vs. Furman in 1951. . . . Alabama A&M's Mickell Gladness set an NCAA single-game record with 16 blocked shots against Texas Southern in 2007. . . . Temple's school-record 33-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by West Virginia (64-61 in 1987). . . . Ed Corell (30 vs. Oregon in 1962) set Washington's single-game rebounding record.
25 - Detroit's Antoine Davis (46 points vs. Robert Morris in 2021 Horizon League first round) and Austin Peay's Bubba Wells (43 vs. Morehead State in 1997 Ohio Valley quarterfinals) set conference tournament single-game scoring records. . . . Alabama A&M's Desmond Cambridge (50 at Texas Southern in 2002), Central Florida's Jermaine Taylor (45 vs. Rice in 2009), Cleveland State's Frank Edwards (49 at Xavier in 1981), Indiana State's Larry Bird (49 vs. Wichita State in 1979), Texas' Raymond Downs (49 at Baylor in 1956/tied Slater Martin's mark), Virginia Military's QJ Peterson (46 vs. Mercer in 2016) and William & Mary's Jeff Cohen (49 vs. Richmond in 1961) set school Division I single-game scoring records. . . . Lew Alcindor (61 vs. Washington State in 1967) set UCLA and Pac-12 Conference single-game scoring record. . . . Jim Christy (44 at Maryland in 1964) set Georgetown's single-game scoring record against a DI opponent. . . . Southwestern Louisiana's Sydney Grider set the American South Conference single-game scoring record in league competition (40 vs. Louisiana Tech in 1989). . . . St. Bonaventure's 99-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Niagara (87-77 in 1961). . . . Appalachian State's Tony Searcy (23 vs. The Citadel in 1978), Memphis' Ronnie Robinson (28 vs. Tulsa in 1971) and Northern Iowa's Jason Reese (21 vs. Illinois-Chicago in 1989) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
26 - Denver's Matt Teahan (61 points vs. Nebraska Wesleyan in 1979), Florida Atlantic's Earnest Crumbley (39 vs. Campbell in 2004/subsequently tied), Richmond's Bob McCurdy (53 vs. Appalachian State in double overtime in 1975), Texas' Slater Martin (49 vs. Texas Christian in 1949/subsequently tied by Raymond Downs) and Yale's Tony Lavelli (52 vs. Williams MA in 1949) set school Division I single-game scoring records. McCurdy established mark on his birthday in final home game. . . . Kansas' Isaac "Bud" Stallworth set Big Eight Conference single-game scoring record in league competition with 50 points vs. Missouri in 1972. . . . New Mexico's school-record 41-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Brigham Young (83-62 in 1998). . . . Cornell's George Farley (26 vs. Brown in 1960), Montana State's Doug Hashley (24 vs. Nevada-Reno in 1982), Old Dominion's Clifton Jones (23 vs. UNC Wilmington in 2001), Rutgers' George "Swede" Sundstrom (30 vs. Army in 1954) and Saint Joseph's Cliff Anderson (32 vs. La Salle in 1967) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent.
27 - Bowling Green's Jim Darrow (52 points vs. Marshall in 1960/tied his own mark), George Mason's Carlos Yates (42 vs. Navy in 1985), Georgetown's Jim Barry (46 at Fairleigh Dickinson in 1965), San Diego's Duda Sanadze (38 vs. Portland in 2016), Texas State's J.B. Conley (42 at Northwestern State in 2010/tied), Towson's Devin Boyd (46 at Maryland-Baltimore County in double overtime in 1993) and UAB's Robert Vaden (41 at Texas-El Paso in 2008/tied Andy Kennedy's mark) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Darrow's output is also a Mid-American Conference record and Boyd's output is a Big South Conference record in league competition. . . . Houston's Robert McKiver (52 vs. Southern Mississippi in 2008) set C-USA scoring record in league competition. . . . Connecticut's Toby Kimball (34 vs. New Hampshire in 1965), Maryland's Len Elmore (26 vs. Wake Forest in 1974) and Tulsa's Michael Ruffin (24 vs. Texas Christian in 1997/tied) set school single-game rebounding records against a DI opponent. . . . Holy Cross' school-record 47-game homecourt winning streak snapped by Connecticut (78-77 in 1954).
28 - Army's Kevin Houston (53 points vs. Fordham in overtime of MAAC Tournament opener in 1987), Eastern Michigan's Ray Lee (50 at Central Michigan in 2017), Long Island's Sherman White (63 vs. John Marshall in 1950), Northern Illinois' Paul Dawkins (47 at Western Michigan in overtime in 1979) and Purdue's Rick Mount (61 vs. Iowa in 1970) set school Division I single-game scoring records. Houston's output is also a MAAC Tournament single-game record and Mount's uprising is a Big Ten Conference record in league competition. Lee's outburst was accumulated in only 26 minutes. . . . Ronshad Shabazz (47 at Louisiana-Monroe in 2019) set Appalachian State's single-game scoring record against an NCAA DI opponent. . . . The first basketball game telecast occurred when W2XBS carried a doubleheader from Madison Square Garden in 1940 (Pittsburgh vs. Fordham and NYU vs. Georgetown). . . . Ron Weilert (21 vs. Tulane in 1970) set Air Force single-game rebounding record against a DI opponent. . . . Eventual MLB All-Star 1B Joe Adcock contributed 15 field goals for Louisiana State in a 74-29 first-round victory against Tulane in 1946 SEC Tournament.
29 - Air Force's Bob Beckel (50 points vs. Arizona in 1959) and Florida's Tony Miller (54 vs. Chicago State in 1972) set school single-game scoring records. . . . Paul Marigney (40 vs. Pepperdine in 2004) tied Saint Mary's single-game scoring record against a major-college opponent. . . . Pittsburgh's school-record 40-game homecourt winning streak was snapped by Syracuse (49-46 in 2004). . . . Bernie Janicki (31 vs. North Carolina in 1952) set Duke's single-game rebounding record. . . . Eventual eight-time N.L. All-Star SS Dick Groat scored a career-high 48 points for Duke against North Carolina in a 1952 game.
Memorable Moments in January College Basketball History
Memorable Moments in December College Basketball History
Memorable Moments in November College Basketball History
Happy Birthday! February Celebration Dates Regarding A-As & HOF Coaches
Four Indiana standouts (Archie Dees, Trayce Jackson-Davis plus twins Dick Van Arsdale and Tom Van Arsdale) are among a striking number of 12 All-Americans born on 22nd of February. Two Kansas All-Americans (Ben McLemore and Jacque Vaughn) were born on the 11th but North Carolina has the most A-As born this month with six. Following is a day-by-day calendar of All-Americans and HOF coaches born in February:
FEBRUARY
1: All-Americans Theodore "T.R." Dunn (born in 1955/Alabama), Malik Sealy (1970/St. John's), Dick Snyder (1944/Davidson) and Robert "Tractor" Traylor (1977/Michigan).
2: All-Americans Dan Callandrillo (1959/Seton Hall), Sean Elliott (1968/Arizona), Ed "Moose" Krause (1913/Notre Dame), Bill Ridley (1934/Illinois) and Orson "Kent" Ryan (1915/Utah State).
3: All-American Darnell Valentine (1959/Kansas).
4: All-Americans Vern Fleming (1962/Georgia), Malik Monk (1998/Kentucky) and Blake Stepp (1982/Gonzaga).
6: All-Americans Shawn Respert (1972/Michigan State) and Carlos Rogers (1971/Tennessee State).
7: All-Americans Juwan Howard (1973/Michigan), James "Banks" McFadden (1917/Clemson), Mike O'Koren (1958/North Carolina) and Ed Shaver (1913/Purdue).
8: All-Americans Rui Hachimura (1998/Gonzaga), JaJuan Johnson (1989/Purdue), Marques Johnson (1956/UCLA) and Alonzo Mourning (1970/Georgetown).
9: All-Americans Kenny Fields (1962/UCLA), Phil Ford (1956/North Carolina), Ricky Frazier (1958/Missouri), Jameer Nelson (1982/St. Joseph's) and John Wallace (1974/Syracuse).
10: All-Americans Cornell Green (1940/Utah State), Tom LaGarde (1955/North Carolina), Bobby Portis (1995/Arkansas) and John "Cat" Thompson (1906/Montana State) plus Hall of Fame coach John Calipari (1959/Massachusetts, Memphis and Kentucky).
11: All-Americans Eric "Hank" Gathers (1967/Loyola Marymount), Ben McLemore (1993/Kansas), Alando Tucker (1984/Wisconsin) and Jacque Vaughn (1975/Kansas).
12: All-Americans Arthur James "A.J." Guyton (1978/Indiana), Larry Nance (1959/Clemson), Bill Russell (1934/San Francisco) and Ralph Vaughn (1918/Southern California).
13: All-American Jaden Ivey (2002/Purdue) and Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski (1947/Army and Duke).
14: All-Americans Richard "Rip" Hamilton (1978/Connecticut), Walter "Wali" Jones (1942/Villanova), Reggie King (1957/Alabama) and Carl McNulty (1930/Purdue).
15: All-Americans Nate Blackwell (1965/Temple), Jimmy Hull (1917/Ohio State), Mark Price (1964/Georgia Tech) and Tony White (1965/Tennessee).
16: All-Americans Larry Finch (1951/Memphis State), Dave Gambee (1937/Oregon State), Hasheem Thabeet (1987/Connecticut), Kelly Tripucka (1959/Notre Dame) and Herb Williams (1958/Ohio State).
17: All-American Michael Jordan (1963/North Carolina) plus Hall of Fame coach Rick Majerus (1948/Marquette, Ball State, Utah and Saint Louis).
18: All-Americans Jimmy Hagan (1936/Tennessee Tech), Maurice Lucas (1952/Marquette), Roland Minson (1929/Brigham Young) and James "Fly" Williams (1953/Austin Peay State).
19: All-Americans Elliott Loughlin (1910/Navy), Durand "Rudy" Macklin (1958/Louisiana State), John Pinone (1961/Villanova) and Mark Sears (2002/Alabama).
20: All-Americans Charles Barkley (1963/Auburn), Ambrose "A.L." Bennett (1924/Oklahoma A&M), Jarrett Culver (1999/Texas Tech), Stephon Marbury (1977/Georgia Tech) and Frank Oleynick (1955/Seattle).
21: All-Americans Steve Francis (1977/Maryland) and Julius McCoy (1932/Michigan State) plus Hall of Fame coach Jack Ramsay (1925/St. Joseph's).
22: All-Americans Dennis Awtrey (1948/Santa Clara), Archie Dees (1936/Indiana), Julius Erving (1950/Massachusetts), Devonte' Graham (1995/Kansas), Trayce Jackson-Davis (2000/Indiana), George Kaftan (1928/Holy Cross), Adam Keefe (1970/Stanford), Lewis Lloyd (1959/Drake), Lee Nailon (1975/Texas Christian), twins Dick Van Arsdale and Tom Van Arsdale (1943/Indiana) plus Chester "Chet" Walker (1940/Bradley).
23: All-Americans Mal Graham (1945/NYU), Gary Gray (1945/Oklahoma City), Roger Kaiser (1939/Georgia Tech), Vic Molodet (1933/North Carolina State), Jamal Murray (1997/Kentucky), Phil "Red" Murrell (1933/Drake), D'Angelo Russell (1996/Ohio State), Lee Shaffer (1939/North Carolina) and Andrew Wiggins (1995/Kansas).
24: All-Americans Charley Brown (1936/Seattle), Tommy Burleson (1952/North Carolina State), Mike Robinson (1952/Michigan State) and Al Tucker (1943/Oklahoma Baptist).
25: All-Americans Vernon Carey Jr. (2001/Duke), Jimmer Fredette (1989/Brigham Young), Matt Guokas (1944/St. Joseph's), E'Twaun Moore (1989/Purdue), Joakim Noah (1985/Florida), Fred VanVleet (1994/Wichita State), Malcolm "Sparky" Wade (1910/Louisiana State) and Frank Williams (1980/Illinois) plus Hall of Fame coach Fred "Tex" Winter (1922/Marquette, Kansas State, Washington, Northwestern and Long Beach State).
26: All-Americans Rolando Blackman (1959/Kansas State), Joe Capua (1934/Wyoming), Tom Churchill (1907/Oklahoma), Joe Holup (1934/George Washington), Bob McCurdy (1952/Richmond) and Robert "Bingo" Smith (1946/Tulsa).
27: All-Americans Johnny Davis (2002/Wisconsin), Gus Doerner (1922/Evansville), Charles "Chick" Halbert (1919/West Texas A&M), Devin Harris (1983/Wisconsin), Lloyd Sharrar (1936/West Virginia), Terence Stansbury (1961/Temple) and James Worthy (1961/North Carolina) plus Hall of Fame coach Mike Montgomery (1947/Montana, Stanford and California).
28: All-Americans Luther "Ticky" Burden (1953/Utah), Adrian Dantley (1956/Notre Dame), Chuck Hyatt (1908/Pittsburgh), Tayshaun Prince (1980/Kentucky), Tom Riker (1950/South Carolina), Jamaal Tinsley (1978/Iowa State), Max Williams (1938/Southern Methodist) and Cassius Winston (1998/Michigan State) plus Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith (1931/North Carolina).
Birthdays in January for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in February for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in March for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in April for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in May for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in June for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in July for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in August for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in September for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in October for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in November for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in December for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Do As I Did? Breakdown of Active DI Bench Bosses As Major-College Players
Fourteen of the last 17 individual coaches capturing an NCAA tourney crown were former NCAA Division I players (sans Jim Calhoun/American International MA, Scott Drew/Valparaiso and Roy Williams/UNC JV player). But there is no guarantee that a good player automatically can navigate his way into becoming a good pilot. There does, however, appear to be a trend where more and more ex-standout players are at least willing to test their potential of transferring those skills to the coaching profession. Gifted players-turned-coaches Tony Bennett, Juan Dixon, Patrick Ewing, Juwan Howard, Jim Larranaga, Jerry Stackhouse and Mike Woodson bid adieu as DI bench bosses in recent seasons. However, Mike Bibby, Nolan Smith and Damon Stoudamire (Arizona) returned to the collegiate ranks to help offset their departures.
A dozen current Division I coaches are on the checklist of nearly 1,500 All-American selections from the nation's most prestigious honor squads (AP, Converse, NABC, UPI and USBWA). Blue-blood program at Duke accounts for nine active coaches who were former players. Nearly half of the more than 350 DI head coaches played major-college hoops (nearly 40 for their alma mater. About 20% of the mentors earned all-league honors at least one season. Following three newbies from Richmond becoming bench bosses this season, here is an unofficial Coaches' All-American Team, featuring a breakdown of active NCAA Division I head coaches who have firsthand knowledge of competing at the major-college level:
FIRST TEAM
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Alford | Nevada | Indiana '87 | 19.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.4 spg, 53.3 FG%, 89.8 FT% |
| Mike Bibby | Sacramento State | Arizona '98 | 15.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.3 spg, 45.6 FG%, 73 FT%, 39 3FG% |
| Johnny Dawkins | UCF | Duke '86 | 19.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 4.2 apg, 50.8 FG%, 79 FT%, 35.2 3FG% |
| Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway | Memphis | Memphis State '93 | 20 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 5.9 apg, 2.5 spg, 45.6 FG%, 71.7 FT%, 34.6 3FG% |
| Rod Strickland | Long Island | DePaul '88 | 16.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 6.4 apg, 2.3 spg, 53.4 FG%, 62.6 FT%, 46.4 3FG% |
SECOND TEAM
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Hurley Jr. | Arizona State | Duke '93 | 12.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 7.7 apg, 1.5 spg, 41 FG%, 77.6 FT%, 40.5 3FG% |
| Gerry McNamara | Siena | Syracuse '06 | 15.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 spg, 37.5 FG%, 88.8 FT%, 35.4 3FG% |
| Nolan Smith | Tennessee State | Duke '11 | 13.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1 spg, 44.8 FG%, 80 FT%, 36.8 3FG% |
| Damon Stoudamire | Georgia Tech | Arizona '95 | 15 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.4 spg, 45.7 FG%, 80.4 FT%, 40.2 3FG% |
| Mo Williams | Jackson State | Alabama '03 | 13.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 40.5 FG%, 84.7 FT%, 29.4 3FG% |
THIRD TEAM
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hubert Davis | North Carolina | North Carolina '92 | 11.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.8 spg, 49.8 FG%, 81.9 FT%, 43.5 3FG% |
| Bryce Drew | Grand Canyon | Valparaiso '98 | 17.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 44.9 FG%, 83.4 FT%, 43.5 3FG% |
| Cuonzo Martin | Missouri State | Purdue '95 | 13.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2 apg, 0.6 spg, 47.2 FG%, 77.7 FT%, 45.1 3FG% |
| Reggie Theus | Bethune-Cookman | UNLV '78 | 12.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1 spg, 46.9 FG%, 81 FT% |
| Darrell Walker | Little Rock | Arkansas '83 | 14.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.9 spg, 0.6 bpg, 51.7 FG%, 63.5 FT% |
FOURTH TEAM
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craig "Speedy" Claxton | Hofstra | Hofstra '00 | 16.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.4 spg, 46.8 FG%, 74.8 FT%, 32.2 3FG% |
| Fred Hoiberg | Nebraska | Iowa State '95 | 15.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 51.1 FG%, 84.4 FT%, 40 3FG% |
| Shaheen Holloway | Seton Hall | Seton Hall '00 | 13.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 5.9 apg, 2 spg, 37.4 FG%, 64 FT%, 30.5 3FG% |
| Mark Madsen | California | Stanford '00 | 10.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 58.7 FG%, 59.6 FT% |
| Charlie Ward Jr. | Florida A&M | Florida State '94 | 8.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 44.4 FG%, 66.4 FT%, 43.5 3FG% |
FIFTH TEAM
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Amaker | Harvard | Duke '87 | 8.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 5.1 apg, 1.9 spg, 46.1 FG%, 79.1 FT% |
| Adrian Autry | Syracuse | Syracuse '94 | 12.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.8 spg, 41.6 FG%, 74.8 FT%, 33.3 3FG% |
| Justin Gray | Coastal Carolina | Wake Forest '06 | 16.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 39.9 FG%, 80.5 FT%, 37.1 3FG% |
| Marty Simmons | Eastern Illinois | Evansville '88 | 24.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.8 apg, 53.1 FG%, 77 FT%, 43.6 3FG% |
| Larry Stewart | Coppin State | Coppin State '91 | 20 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.6 bpg, 64.6 FG%, 73.7 FT% |
SIXTH TEAM
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Jensen | Utah | Utah '00 | 9.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.8 spg, 53.2 FG%, 72.9 FT%, 41.3 3FG% |
| Andy Kennedy | UAB | UAB '91 | 15.4 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.6 spg, 44 FG%, 87 FT%, 43.9 3FG% |
| Saah Nimley | Charleston Southern | Charleston Southern '15 | 16.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1 spg, 36.7 FG%, 77.4 FT%, 34.4 3FG% |
| Jon Scheyer | Duke | Duke '10 | 14.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.4 spg, 40.6 FG%, 86.1 FT%, 38.1 3FG% |
| Byron Smith | Prairie View | Houston '91 | 15.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.7 spg, 47.2 FG%, 74.2 FT%, 41.8 3FG% |
MULTIPLE ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Earl | William & Mary | Princeton '99 | 12.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 47.5 FG%, 78 FT%, 41.6 3FG% |
| Dan Earl | Chattanooga | Penn State '99 | 10.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.4 spg, 44.3 FG%, 73.4 FT%, 39.5 3FG% |
| Kim English | Providence | Missouri '12 | 11.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.1 spg, 42 FG%, 72.7 FT%, 39.4 3FG% |
| Gene "Geno" Ford | Stony Brook | Ohio University '97 | 14.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 41.4 FG%, 79.6 FT%, 38.9 3FG% |
| Michael Huger | Bowling Green | Bowling Green '93 | 11.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 3.3 apg, 0.7 spg, 46.7 FG%, 79.8 FT%, 39.9 3FG% |
| Matt Logie | Montana State | Lehigh '03 | 13.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.7 spg, 42.8 FG%, 90.9 FT%, 39.3 3FG% |
| Chris Mooney | Richmond | Princeton '94 | 10 ppg, 2 apg, 0.8 spg, 49.5 FG%, 69.1 FT%, 41.2 3FG% |
| Tony Skinn | George Mason | George Mason '06 | 11.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.1 spg, 39.8 FG%, 76.6 FT%, 34.1 3FG% |
| Wayne Tinkle | Oregon State | Montana '89 | 12.6 ppg, 7 rpg, 56.6 FG%, 1.6 apg, 1 spg, 53.9 FG%, 71 FT%, 31.6 3FG% |
| Andy Toole | Robert Morris | Penn '03 | 13.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.3 spg, 44.6 FG%, 85.4 FT%, 39.7 3FG% |
| Brian Wardle | Bradley | Marquette '01 | 14.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 39.9 FG%, 81.1 FT%, 35.6 3FG% |
ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTION
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solomon Bozeman | Arkansas-Pine Bluff | Little Rock '10 | 15.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.8 spg, 41 FG%, 81.1 FT%, 39.6 3FG% |
| Alvin Brooks Jr. | Lamar | Lamar '81 | 10.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 6.9 apg, 44.2 FG%, 76.6 FT% |
| Mark Byington | Vanderbilt | UNC Wilmington '98 | 9.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1 spg, 38.5 FG%, 77.3 FT%, 38 3FG% |
| Jeff Capel III | Pittsburgh | Duke '97 | 12.4 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.4 apg, 42.6 FG%, 67.2 FT%, 39.8 3FG% |
| Chris Collins | Northwestern | Duke '96 | 9.1 ppg, 2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 0.9 spg, 41.2 FG%, 71.2 FT%, 38.8 3FG% |
| Donald Copeland | Wagner | Seton Hall '06 | 7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.7 spg, 37.1 FG%, 80.5 FT%, 36.3 3FG% |
| Jamie Dixon | Texas Christian | Texas Christian '87 | 8.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 45.5 FG%, 71.8 FT%, 45.1 3FG% |
| Kevin Giltner | Wofford | Wofford '12 | 7.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg, 0.5 spg, 41 FG%, 74.3 FT%, 38.2 3FG% |
| John Griffin III | Bucknell | Bucknell '08 | 8.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.1 spg, 39 FG%, 79.9 FT%, 37 3FG% |
| Mitch Henderson | Princeton | Princeton '98 | 9.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 45.7 FG%, 71.5 FT%, 29.3 3FG% |
| Darrin Horn | Northern Kentucky | Western Kentucky '95 | 8.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 45.7 FG%, 80.8 FT%, 36.7 3FG% |
| George Ivory | Mississippi Valley State | Mississippi Valley State '87 | 14.6 ppg, 44.8 FG%, 74.1 FT%, 51.6 3FG% |
| Cornelius Jackson | Marshall | Marshall '01 | 8.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.1 spg, 40.5 FG%, 64.7 FT%, 33.4 3FG% |
| Kevin Johnson | Southern | Texas-Pan American '88 | 10.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.7 spg, 47.8 FG%, 77.6 FT%, 50 3FG% |
| Mike Jones | Old Dominion | Old Dominion '95 | 10.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 41.5 FG%, 76.6 FT%, 40.6 3FG% |
| Dru Joyce III | Duquesne | Akron '07 | 8.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 40.5 FG%, 72.3 FT%, 38.9 3FG% |
| Matt Langel | Colgate | Penn '00 | 11 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.7 spg, 42.6 FG%, 74.3 FT%, 40.4 3FG% |
| Shantay Legans | Portland | Fresno State '04 | 10.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.4 spg, 40.2 FG%, 83.9 FT%, 36.7 3FG% |
| Jim Les | UC Davis | Bradley '86 | 9.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 7.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 47.5 FG%, 77.3 FT% |
| Erik Martin | South Carolina State | Cincinnati '93 | 9.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.5 bpg, 57.4 FG%, 61.7 FT% |
| Bashir Mason | Saint Peter's | Drexel '07 | 9.4 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.9 spg, 37.3 FG%, 72.3 FT%, 30.7 3FG% |
| Greg McDermott | Creighton | Northern Iowa '88 | 9.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.7 apg, 58.1 FG%, 74.3 FT% |
| Sean Miller | Texas | Pittsburgh '92 | 10 ppg, 2 rpg, 5.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 43 FG%, 88.5 FT%, 41.6 3FG% |
| Mark Montgomery | Detroit | Michigan State '92 | 5.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.3 spg, 41.2 FG%, 63.6 FT%, 29.4 3FG% |
| Jake Morton | Alcorn State | Miami FL '93 | 7.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.5 spg, 38.3 FG%, 73.9 FT%, 34.9 3FG% |
| Greg Paulus | Niagara | Duke '09 | 8.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 41.5 FG%, 77.5 FT%, 39.8 3FG% |
| John Pelphrey | Tennessee Tech | Kentucky '92 | 11 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.5 spg, 45.6 FG%, 76.5 FT%, 37 3FG% |
| Levell Sanders | Binghamton | Seton Hall '98 | 12.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 spg, 36.3 FG%, 74.7 FT%, 36 3FG% |
| Joe Scott | Air Force | Princeton '87 | 8.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 46.4 FG%, 75.4 FT%, 41.5 3FG% |
| Danny Sprinkle | Washington | Montana State '99 | 13.4 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2 apg, 0.7 spg, 47.3 FG%, 85 FT%, 41.9 3FG% |
| Jaret Von Rosenberg | Texas A&M-Commerce | Hartford '09 | 10.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.7 spg, 39.7 FG%, 83.1 FT%, 30 3FG% |
HONORABLE MENTION
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Boals | Ohio University | Ohio University '95 | 6.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.6 spg, 47.1 FG%, 62.4 FT%, 27.3 3FG% |
| Matt Braeuer | Stephen F. Austin | Wichita State '08 | 6.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.8 spg, 41 FG%, 67.6 FT%, 35.7 3FG% |
| Rashon Burno | Northern Illinois | DePaul '02 | 5.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.7 spg, 34.8 FG%, 66.8 FT%, 32.9 3FG% |
| Rick Cabrera | Northwestern State | Tennessee Tech '98 | 6.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.4 spg, 36.3 FG%, 71.8 FT%, 29.1 3FG% |
| Jamion Christian | Bryant | Mount St. Mary's '04 | 6.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.9 spg, 34.1 FG%, 78.8 FT%, 29.2 3FG% |
| Jim Christian | Canisius | Rhode Island '88 | 4.7 ppg, 1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 41 FG%, 70.2 FT%, 29.1 3FG% |
| Ed Conroy | The Citadel | The Citadel '89 | 8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.7 spg, 43.4 FG%, 81.5 FT%, 39.5 3FG% |
| Scott Cross | Troy | Texas-Arlington '98 | 9.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.2 FG%, 68.1 FT%, 37.9 3FG% |
| Travis DeCuire | Montana | Montana '94 | 6.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5 apg, 0.9 spg, 36.4 FG%, 64.7 FT%, 34.2 3FG% |
| Darian DeVries | Indiana | Northern Iowa '98 | 10 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 41.2 FG%, 82.3 FT%, 40.8 3FG% |
| Jake Diebler | Ohio State | Valparaiso '09 | 5.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2 apg, 1.1 spg, 36.5 FG%, 82 FT%, 35.3 3FG% |
| Ali Farokhmanesh | Colorado State | Northern Iowa '10 | 9.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.6 spg, 39.4 FG%, 81 FT%, 37.5 3FG% |
| Ethan Faulkner | Youngstown State | Northern Kentucky '13 | 6.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1 spg, 34 FG%, 84.2 FT%, 29.2 3FG% |
| Dan Geriot | Iona | Richmond '11 | 10.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2 apg, 0.5 spg, 45.9 FG%, 67.6 FT%, 37.2 3FG% |
| Corey Gipson | Austin Peay State | Austin Peay State '04 | 7.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1 spg, 34.4 FG%, 75.2 FT%, 34.1 3FG% |
| Todd Golden | Florida | Saint Mary's '08 | 5.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.7 spg, 39.2 FG%, 83.2 FT%, 39.5 3FG% |
| Doug Gottlieb | Green Bay | Oklahoma State '00 | 5.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 7.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 36.8 FG%, 45.7 FT%, 24 3FG% |
| Anthony Grant | Dayton | Dayton '87 | 8.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg, 0.7 spg, 46.2 FG%, 65.9 FT%, 23.3 3FG% |
| Matthew Graves | Indiana State | Butler '98 | 8.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1 apg, 0.4 spg, 39.6 FG%, 84.6 FT%, 37.9 3FG% |
| A.W. Hamilton | Eastern Kentucky | Marshall '05 | 8.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 5 apg, 1.3 spg, 38.4 FG%, 83.7 FT%, 38.6 3FG% |
| Ray Harper | Jacksonville State | Texas '82 | 7.6 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 42.2 FG%, 84.2 FT% |
| Jonas Hayes | Georgia State | Georgia '04 | 8.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.6 spg, 52.8 FG%, 66.5 FT% |
| Ron Hunter | Tulane | Miami (Ohio) '86 | 6.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 45.7 FG%, 69.4 FT% |
| Danny Hurley | Connecticut | Seton Hall '96 | 8.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 37.2 FG%, 72.5 FT%, 29.7 3FG% |
| Martin Ingelsby | Delaware | Notre Dame '01 | 6.8 ppg, 2 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 42.5 FG%, 81.7 FT%, 42.4 3FG% |
| Jon Judkins | Utah Tech | Utah State '88 | 5.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.6 spg, 44.8 FG%, 78.8 FT%, 36.6 3FG% |
| Brad Korn | Southeast Missouri State | Southern Illinois '04 | 5.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.4 spg, 41.1 FG%, 75 FT%, 32.8 3FG% |
| Rob Lanier | Rice | St. Bonaventure '90 | 7.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 40.8 FG%, 73.1 FT%, 39.7 3FG% |
| Michael Lewis | Ball State | Indiana '00 | 7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 47.8 FG%, 79.8 FT%, 35.8 3FG% |
| Jai Lucas | Miami FL | Texas '11 | 5 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.3 spg, 42.5 FG%, 68.9 FT%, 38.4 3FG% |
| Chris Mack | College of Charleston | Xavier '93 | 6.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.7 spg, 45.1 FG%, 72 FT%, 34.3 3FG% |
| Tony Madlock | Alabama State | Memphis State '92 | 7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.9 spg, 46.4 FG%, 77.1 FT%, 16.7 3FG% |
| Chris Markwood | Maine | Maine '05 | 6.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 3 apg, 0.8 spg, 39.5 FG%, 60.6 FT%, 31.7 3FG% |
| Mike Martin | Brown | Brown '04 | 7.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 40.3 FG%, 82.5 FT%, 38.5 3FG% |
| Thad Matta | Butler | Butler '90 | 6.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, 45.9 FG%, 80 FT%, 44.4 3FG% |
| Matt McKillop | Davidson | Davidson '06 | 8.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.6 spg, 39.2 FG%, 75.8 FT%, 39.3 3FG% |
| Matt McMahon | Louisiana State | Appalachian State '00 | 5.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.5 spg, 38.7 FG%, 73.1 FT%, 37.6 3FG% |
| Bucky McMillan | Texas A&M | Birmingham-Southern '06 | 5.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.7 spg, 43.6 FG%, 67.6 FT%, 41.5 3FG% |
| Ryan "Archie" Miller | Rhode Island | North Carolina State '02 | 7.7 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 2 apg, 0.7 spg, 42.4 FG%, 84.6 FT%, 42.8 3FG% |
| Porter Moser | Oklahoma | Creighton '90 | 4.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.8 spg, 36.6 FG%, 57.4 FT%, 37.5 3FG% |
| Darris Nichols | La Salle | West Virginia '08 | 7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.9 spg, 45.1 FG%, 78.6 FT%, 37.5 3FG% |
| Matt Painter | Purdue | Purdue '93 | 4.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.4 spg, 44.1 FG%, 65.5 FT%, 35.8 3FG% |
| Leonard Perry | Pacific | Idaho '91 | 5.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.8 spg, 44.5 FG%, 70.7 FT%, 33.3 3FG% |
| Bryan Petersen | South Dakota State | Iowa State '09 | 6.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 39.4 FG%, 83.6 FT%, 38 3FG% |
| Antoine Pettway | Kennesaw State | Alabama '04 | 6.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 spg, 43.5 FG%, 76.6 FT%, 39.1 3FG% |
| Rick Pitino | St. John's | Massachusetts '74 | 4.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 5.6 apg, 43.9 FG%, 76.1 FT% |
| Mark Pope | Kentucky | Kentucky '96 | 9.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.9 bpg, 52.6 FG%, 77.4 FT%, 41.4 3FG% |
| Roger Powell Jr. | Valparaiso | Illinois '05 | 9.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.5 spg, 57.2 FG%, 66.2 FT%, 39.8 3FG% |
| King Rice | Monmouth | North Carolina '91 | 6.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 42.7 FG%, 76.4 FT%, 34.9 3FG% |
| Ed Schilling Jr. | Pepperdine | Miami of Ohio '88 | 4.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 6 apg, 1.5 spg, 37.3 FG%, 66 FT%, 29.5 3FG% |
| Bill Self | Kansas | Oklahoma State '85 | 6.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 2.9 apg, 0.7 spg, 46.5 FG%, 69.9 FT% |
| Takayo Siddle | UNC Wilmington | Gardner-Webb '09 | 5.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2 apg, 0.6 spg, 36 FG%, 69.9 FT%, 33.8 3FG% |
| Duane Simpkins | American University | Maryland '96 | 9.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1 spg, 44.6 FG%, 81.2 FT%, 40.6 3FG% |
| Dwayne Stephens | Western Michigan | Michigan State '93 | 7.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.6 spg, 50.1 FG%, 68.5 FT%, 40.2 3FG% |
| Billy Taylor | Elon | Notre Dame '95 | 5.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.5 spg, 39.8 FG%, 64.9 FT%, 32.4 3FG% |
| Carlton "Drew" Valentine | Loyola of Chicago | Oakland '13 | 7.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 spg, 50.8 FG%, 66.7 FT%, 35.5 3FG% |
| Michael White | Georgia | Mississippi '99 | 5.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3.2 apg, 0.8 spg, 40.2 FG%, 69.1 FT%, 35.7 3FG% |
| Quannas White | Louisiana | Oklahoma '03 | 8.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 44.4 FG%, 66.4 FT%, 43.5 3FG% |
| Andrew Wilson | Virginia Military | Florida State '06 | 4.6 ppg, 2 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.3 spg, 39.1 FG%, 76.6 FT%, 36.7 3FG% |
DO AS I SAY, NOT SO MUCH AS I DID
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Baggett | Rider | St. Joseph's '89 | 2.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.5 spg, 38.5 FG%, 51.7 FT%, 50 3FG% |
| Brian Barone | SIU Edwardsville | Marquette '01 | 2.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.1 spg, 32.2 FG%, 62.5 FT%, 27.7 3FG% |
| Grant Billmeier | NJIT | Seton Hall '07 | 3.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.6 bpg, 56.5 FG%, 64.1 FT% |
| Kenny Blakeney | Howard University | Duke '95 | 3.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.4 spg, 45.9 FG%, 63.8 FT%, 33.9 3FG% |
| Tad Boyle | Colorado | Kansas '85 | 3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 2.9 apg, 41.3 FG%, 73.6 FT% |
| Jerrod Calhoun | Utah State | Cleveland State '03 | 3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.5 spg, 41.1 FG%, 78.3 FT%, 41.9 3FG% |
| Flynn Clayman | High Point | Troy '11 | 2.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.1 spg, 35.6 FG%, 65.5 FT%, 30.6 3FG% |
| Rob Ehsan | Illinois-Chicago | UC Davis '05 | 3.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.4 spg, 44 FG%, 74.4 FT%, 26.3 3FG% |
| Dennis Gates | Missouri | California '02 | 3.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg, 34.2 FG%, 77.2 FT%, 27.4 3FG% |
| Jon Jaques | Cornell | Cornell '10 | 3.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.6 spg, 46.1 FG%, 82.4 FT%, 43.2 3FG% |
| Stan Johnson | Loyola Marymount | Southern Utah '02 | 2.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.9 spg, 47.7 FG%, 67.6 FT%, 34.2 3FG% |
| Johnny Jones | Texas Southern | Louisiana State '85 | 4.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 39.4 FG%, 63.3 FT% |
| Mike Jones | UNC Greensboro | Howard University '87 | 5.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 45.4 FG%, 67.4 FT%, 9.1 3FG% |
| Fran McCaffery | Penn | Penn '82 | 2.9 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 3 apg, 1.8 spg, 37.7 FG%, 51.2 FT% |
| Wes Miller | Cincinnati | North Carolina '07 | 3.8 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.5 spg, 37.7 FG%, 69.8 FT%, 37.4 3FG% |
| Jordan Mincy | Jacksonville | Kent State '09 | 3.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.9 spg, 38 FG%, 55.4 FT%, 32.9 3FG% |
| Steve Pikiell | Rutgers | Connecticut '91 | 3.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.3 spg, 38.0 FG%, 66 FT%, 36.4 3FG% |
| Daniyal Robinson | North Texas | UALR '98 | 4.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.3 spg, 39.6 FG%, 60.5 FT% |
| Patrick Sellers | Central Connecticut State | Central Connecticut State '91 | 3.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 39.4 FG%, 57.1 FT%, 16.7 3FG% |
| Rob Summers | Cleveland State | West Virginia '07 | 3.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.4 spg, 50.5 FG%, 50 FT% |
| Brad Underwood | Illinois | Kansas State '86 | 3.9 ppg, 1 rpg, 37.4 FG%, 73.2 FT% |
| Kevin Willard | Villanova | Pittsburgh '97 | 3.4 ppg, 1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.7 spg, 34.5 FG%, 67.2 FT%, 29.7 3FG% |
20/20 CLUB STUDENTS OF GAME FROM END OF BENCH (PLAY WHEN 20 POINTS AHEAD AND 20 SECONDS LEFT)
| Head Coach | College | Alma Mater | NCAA DI Career Playing Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Armstrong | McNeese | UAB '01 | 0.7 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.1 spg, 19.4 FG%, 66.7 FT%, 16.7 3FG% |
| Jeremy Ballard | Florida International | Colgate '03 | 1.5 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.3 spg, 41.2 FG%, 81 FT%, 39.3 3FG% |
| Kory Barnett | Oral Roberts | Indiana '12 | 0.2 ppg, 0.2 rpg, 0.1 apg, 21.2 FG%, 25 FT%, 14.3 3FG% |
| John Calipari | Arkansas | UNC Wilmington '80 | 1 ppg, 0.8 apg, 21.1 FG%, 84.4 FT% |
| Jack Castleberry | Fairleigh Dickinson | Virginia Military '07 | 1.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.6 spg, 27.5 FG%, 51.9 FT%, 18.4 3FG% |
| Zach Chu | Radford | Richmond '15 | 1.8 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 66.7 FG% |
| John Gallagher | Manhattan | St. Joseph's '99 | 0.6 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.2 apg, 26.7 FG%, 60 FT%, 27.4 3FG% |
| Stan Heath | Eastern Michigan | Eastern Michigan '88 | 1.3 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 1 apg, 37.9 FG%, 59.6 FT% |
| Shane Heirman | Incarnate Word | Tulsa '11 | 0.8 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.2 spg, 28.6 FG%, 63.6 FT%, 31.8 3FG% |
| Kevin Hovde | Columbia | Richmond '11 | 2 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.3 spg, 56.6 FG%, 60.6 FT%, 42.9 3FG% |
| Donte Jackson | Alabama State | Milwaukee '98 | 1.1 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.7 spg, 66.7 FG%, 66.7 FT% |
| Greg Kampe | Oakland | Bowling Green '78 | 1.8 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1 spg, 25.2 FG%, 47.8 FT% |
| Pat Kelsey | Louisville | Xavier '98 | 1.5 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 0.4 spg, 27.6 FG%, 76.5 FT%, 29.6 3FG% |
| Dwayne Killings | Albany | Massachusetts '02 | 0.5 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg, 50 FG% |
| Jay Ladner | Southern Mississippi | Southern Mississippi '88 | 0.8 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg, 44.4 FG%, 33.3 FT% |
| Jeremy Luthern | Gardner-Webb | Liberty '95 | 1.5 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.2 spg, 23.6 FG%, 72.7 FT%, 23 3FG% |
| Phil Martelli Jr. | Virginia Commonwealth | Saint Joseph's '01 | 0.2 ppg, 0.1 rpg, 0.1 apg, 0.1 spg, 27.3 FG%, 66.7 FT% |
| Grant McCasland | Texas Tech | Baylor '99 | 0.6 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.5 apg, 26.3 FG%, 40 FT%, 30 3FG% |
| Nick McDevitt | Middle Tennessee State | UNC Asheville '01 | 1 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.5 apg, 39.1 FG%, 61.5 FT%, 46.7 3FG% |
| Eric Musselman | Southern California | San Diego '87 | 1.3 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 1 apg, 0.4 spg, 26.9 FG%, 66 FT%, 25 3FG% |
| Josh Pastner | UNLV | Arizona '00 | 1 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 32.5 FG%, 72.7 FT%, 33.3 3FG% |
| Steven Pearl | Auburn | Tennessee '11 | 1.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.4 spg, 48.3 FG%, 34.1 FT% |
| Jon Perry | Navy | East Tennessee State '02 | 1 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.2 apg, 0.2 spg, 35.7 FG%, 75 FT%, 33.3 3FG% |
| Alex Pribble | Idaho | California '07 | 0.7 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.2 spg, 39 FG%, 60 FT%, 27.3 3FG% |
| Mark Prosser | Winthrop | Marist '02 | six points, seven rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot in seven games |
| Richie Riley | South Alabama | Eastern Kentucky '05 | made one free throw in nine games |
| Mark Schmidt | St. Bonaventure | Boston College '85 | 1.2 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.5 apg, 33.3 FG%, 68 FT% |
| Mike Schwartz | East Carolina | Texas '99 | played in one game under Rick Barnes |
| Scott Spinelli | Chicago State | Boston University | 1.1 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.8 apg 0.3 spg, 35.4 FG%, 60 FT%, 10 3FG% |
| Keith Urgo | Fordham | Fairfield '02 | 0.8 ppg, 0.4 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.2 spg, 45.5 FG%, 90 FT% |
| Stan Waterman | Delaware State | Delaware '89 | 1.2 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.4 spg, 40.9 FG%, 63.6 FT% |
NOTE: Barone (Texas A&M), Bozeman (South Florida), Brooks (Sam Houston State), Christian (Boston University), Clayman (Colorado State), Gottlieb (Notre Dame), Hamilton (Wake Forest), Hayes (Western Carolina), Jackson (Tennessee), B. Johnson (Northwestern), Kelsey (Wyoming), Kennedy (North Carolina State), Legans (California), Les (Cleveland State), Lucas (Florida), Luther (Robert Morris), Mack (Evansville), Markwood (Notre Dame), E. Martin (Texas Christian), Matta (Southern Illinois), McCaffery (Wake Forest), W. Miller (James Madison), Owens (Murray State), Pope (Washington), Schwartz (Sonoma State CA), Simmons (Indiana), B. Smith (Northwestern State), Summers (Penn State), Toole (Elon), Underwood (Hardin-Simmons) and Willard (Western Kentucky) began their college playing careers at other four-year DI universities.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 31 NFL Super Bowls
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before spurring politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 31 in Super Bowl competition:
JANUARY 31
Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy (earned hoops letter with Coe IA in 1949-50) lost his third consecutive Super Bowl (52-17 against Dallas Cowboys in XXVII following 1992 season). Bills TEs Keith McKeller (starting center for Jacksonville State's 1985 NCAA Division II championship team led Gulf South Conference in rebounding each of his first three seasons and finished second as senior) and Pete Metzelaars (1982 NCAA Division III Tournament MOP for Wabash IN in 1982) combined for three pass receptions. Bills WR Don Beebe (Aurora College IL junior varsity hooper in 1983-84) caught a touchdown pass in his second straight Super Bowl but is best known for his iconic hustle play chasing down and stripping Leon Lett of the ball just before the showboating Cowboys DE crossed the goal line following running more than 60 yards after fumble recovery.
Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from John Elway midway through second quarter in 34-19 win against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII following 1998 season. Broncos DL Marvin Washington (averaged 1 ppg and 1.3 rpg for Texas-El Paso in 1984-85 and 1985-86 under coach Don Haskins before transferring to Idaho and averaging 2.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg in 1987-88 under coach Tim Floyd) and Alfred Williams (briefly played hoops for Colorado in 1989-90) combined for three solo tackles. Falcons rookie Ephraim Salaam (scored 22 points in five games for San Diego State in 1996-97) started at RT in their first-ever trip to NFL title tilt.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 30 NFL Super Bowls
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before spurring politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 30 in football at the professional level (especially Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVIII):
JANUARY 30
St. Louis Rams MLB London Fletcher (started two basketball games as St. Francis PA freshman in 1993-94 before transferring home to Cleveland to play hoops for John Carroll OH in 1995-96) recorded a game-high seven solo tackles in 23-16 win against the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV following the 1999 season.
Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy (earned hoops letter with Coe IA in 1949-50) lost his fourth consecutive Super Bowl game (30-13 against Dallas Cowboys in XXVIII following 1993 season). Bills TE Keith McKeller (starting center for Jacksonville State's 1985 NCAA Division II championship team led Gulf South Conference in rebounding each of his first three seasons and finished second as senior) had at least one pass reception in his fourth straight Super Bowl while teammate Pete Metzelaars (1982 NCAA Division III Tournament MOP for Wabash IN in 1982) did likewise in his third consecutive SB.
George Starke (averaged 2.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Columbia in 1968-69 and 1969-70) was starting RT for Washington Redskins in their 27-17 win against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII following 1982 season.
NFL Pro Bowl Features Former SMU College Hooper Sutton For Second Time
An average of eight ex-college cagers annually participated the first decade of the NFL Pro Bowl in the 1950s with a high of 10 following the 1959 campaign. Midwest universities Purdue (five of six in 16-year span from 1956 through 1971), Michigan State (four) and Notre Dame (four) have had the most former hoopers become NFL Pro Bowl choices. High fives go to five major-university basketball All-Americans who wound up becoming NFL Pro Bowlers (Northwestern's Otto Graham, Utah State's Cornell Green, Michigan's Ron Kramer, Kansas' Otto Schellbacher and Tennessee's Ron Widby).
Pencil-necked puke politician didn't incur his brain damage from helmet collisions competing in masculine football activity but, unless you're "dazzled" by effeminate Adam Sack-of-Schiff's Russian collusion, impeachment idiocy and obnoxious cabinet nominee questioning resembling anal CNN connivers and MSNOWNews misfits, following is an alphabetical list of more than 100 Pro Bowlers who previously played hoops at varsity level for a four-year college:
| NFL Pro Bowl Selection | Pos. | NFL Team(s) | 4-Year Hoop College(s) | Pro Bowl Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Anderson | QB | Cincinnati Bengals | Augustana (Ill.) | 1975-76-81-82 |
| Doug Atkins | RDE | Chicago Bears | Tennessee | 1957-58-59-60-61-62-63-65 |
| Al Baker | RDE | Detroit Lions | Colorado State | 1978-79-80 |
| Erich Barnes | RDH | Chicago Bears/New York Giants/Cleveland Browns | Purdue | 1959-61-62-63-64-68 |
| Connor Barwin | OLB | Philadelphia Eagles | Cincinnati | 2014 |
| Sammy Baugh | QB | Washington Redskins | Texas Christian | 1951 |
| Bobby Bell | LLB | Kansas City Chiefs | Minnesota | 1970-71-72 |
| Martellus Bennett | TE | Chicago Bears | Texas A&M | 2014 |
| Cloyce Box | E | Detroit Lions | West Texas A&M | 1950 and 1952 |
| Ordell Braase | RDE | Baltimore Colts | South Dakota | 1966 and 1967 |
| Pete Brewster | LE | Cleveland Browns | Purdue | 1955 and 1956 |
| Marlin Briscoe | WR | Buffalo Bills | Nebraska-Omaha | 1970 |
| Jim Brown | FB | Cleveland Browns | Syracuse | 1957-58-59-60-61-62-63-64-65 |
| Junious "Buck" Buchanan | RDT | Kansas City Chiefs | Grambling | 1970 and 1971 |
| Jordan Cameron | TE | Cleveland Browns | Brigham Young/Southern California | 2013 |
| Harold Carmichael | WR | Philadelphia Eagles | Southern (La.) | 1973-78-79-80 |
| Fred Carr | RLB | Green Bay Packers | Texas Western | 1970-72-75 |
| John Carson | LE | Washington Redskins | Georgia | 1957 |
| Rick Casares | FB | Chicago Bears | Florida | 1955-56-57-58-59 |
| Chris Chambers | WR | Miami Dolphins | Wisconsin | 2005 |
| Lynn Chandnois | RH | Pittsburgh Steelers | Michigan State | 1952 and 1953 |
| Ben Coates | TE | New England Patriots | Livingstone (N.C.) | 1994-95-98 |
| George Connor | LT | Chicago Bears | Holy Cross/Notre Dame | 1950-51-52-53 |
| Charley Cowan | RT | Los Angeles Rams | New Mexico Highlands | 1968-69-70 |
| Billy Cundiff | PK | Baltimore Ravens | Drake | 2010 |
| Glenn Davis | LH | Los Angeles Rams | Army | 1950 |
| Len Dawson | QB | Kansas City Chiefs | Purdue | 1971 |
| Mike Ditka | TE | Chicago Bears | Pittsburgh | 1961-62-63-64-65 |
| Billy Joe Dupree | TE | Dallas Cowboys | Michigan State | 1976-77-78 |
| Bobby Etter | PK | Atlanta Falcons | Georgia | 1969 |
| Jim Finks | QB | Pittsburgh Steelers | Tulsa | 1952 |
| London Fletcher | LB | Washington Redskins | St. Francis (Pa.)/John Carroll (Ohio) | 2009-10-11-12 |
| Len Ford | DE | Cleveland Browns | Morgan State | 1951-52-53-54 |
| Jean Fugett | TE | Washington Redskins | Amherst (Mass.) | 1977 |
| Antonio Gates | TE | San Diego Chargers | Eastern Michigan/Kent State | 2004-05-06-07-08-09-10-11 |
| Tony Gonzalez | TE | Kansas City Chiefs/Atlanta Falcons | California | 1999 and 2000-01-02-03-04-05-06-07-08-10-11-12-13 |
| Jimmy Graham | TE | New Orleans Saints/Seattle Seahawks | Miami (Fla.) | 2011-13-14-16-17 |
| Otto Graham | QB | Cleveland Browns | Northwestern | 1950-51-52-53-54 |
| Cornell Green | DB | Dallas Cowboys | Utah State | 1965-66-67-71-72 |
| Bob Griese | QB | Miami Dolphins | Purdue | 1970-71-73-74-77-78 |
| Rodney Harrison | SS | San Diego Chargers | Western Illinois | 1998 and 2001 |
| Todd Heap | TE | Baltimore Ravens | Arizona State | 2002 and 2003 |
| Harlon Hill | LE | Chicago Bears | Florence State (Ala.) | 1954-55-56 |
| Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch | RE | Los Angeles Rams | Michigan | 1951-52-53 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | WR | Houston Texans/Arizona Cardinals | Clemson | 2015-17-18-19-20 |
| Paul Hornung | LH | Green Bay Packers | Notre Dame | 1959 and 1960 |
| Vincent Jackson | WR | San Diego Chargers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Northern Colorado | 2009-11-12 |
| Dave Jennings | P | New York Giants | St. Lawrence (N.Y.) | 1978-79-80-82 |
| Brad Johnson | QB | Washington Redskins | Florida State | 1999, 2000 and 2002 |
| John Henry Johnson | RB | San Francisco 49ers/Pittsburgh Steelers | Saint Mary's | 1954-62-63-64 |
| Johnny Johnson | RB | Phoenix Cardinals | San Jose State | 1990 |
| Aaron Jones | RB | Green Bay Packers | Texas-El Paso | 2020 |
| Ed "Too Tall" Jones | LDE | Dallas Cowboys | Tennessee State | 1981-82-83 |
| Jacoby Jones | KR | Baltimore Ravens | Lane (Tenn.) | 2012 |
| Joe Kapp | QB | Minnesota Vikings | California | 1969 |
| Billy Kilmer | QB | Washington Redskins | UCLA | 1972 |
| Ron Kramer | TE | Green Bay Packers | Michigan | 1962 |
| Gary Larsen | DT | Minnesota Vikings | Concordia (Minn.) | 1969 and 1970 |
| Johnny Lattner | RH | Pittsburgh Steelers | Notre Dame | 1954 |
| Joe Lavender | RCB | Washington Redskins | San Diego State | 1979 and 1980 |
| Rolland Lawrence | CB | Atlanta Falcons | Tabor (Kan.) | 1977 |
| Bobby Layne | QB | Detroit Lions/Pittsburgh Steelers | Texas | 1951-52-53-56-58-59 |
| Marcedes Lewis | TE | Jacksonville Jaguars | UCLA | 2010 |
| Ronnie Lott | DB | San Francisco 49ers | Southern California | 1981-82-83-84-86-87-88-89-90-91 |
| Johnny Lujack | QB | Chicago Bears | Notre Dame | 1950 and 1951 |
| Lamar Lundy | LDE | Los Angeles Rams | Purdue | 1959 |
| John Mackey | TE | Baltimore Colts | Syracuse | 1963-65-66-67-68 |
| Jack "Cy" McClairen | E | Pittsburgh Steelers | Bethune-Cookman | 1957 |
| Donovan McNabb | QB | Philadelphia Eagles | Syracuse | 2000-01-02-03-04-09 |
| Joe Mihal | L | Chicago Bears | Purdue | 1940 and 1941 |
| Zeke Moore | CB | Houston Oilers | Lincoln (Mo.) | 1969 and 1970 |
| Elbie Nickel | RE | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati | 1952-53-56 |
| Karl Noonan | SE | Miami Dolphins | Iowa | 1968 |
| Terrell Owens | WR | San Francisco 49ers/Dallas Cowboys | UT-Chattanooga | 2000-01-02-03-04-07 |
| Julius Peppers | DE-LB | Carolina Panthers/Chicago Bears/Green Bay Packers | North Carolina | 2004-05-06-08-09-10-11-12-15 |
| Ray Poole | RDE | New York Giants | Mississippi | 1950 |
| Ulmo "Sonny" Randle | WR | St. Louis Cardinals | Virginia | 1960-61-62-65 |
| Garet "Jerry" Reichow | WR | Minnesota Vikings | Iowa | 1961 |
| Andre Rison | WR | Atlanta Falcons/Kansas City Chiefs | Michigan State | 1990-91-92-93-97 |
| Dave Robinson | LB | Green Bay Packers | Penn State | 1966-67-69 |
| Otto Schnellbacher | RS | New York Giants | Kansas | 1950 and 1951 |
| Tom Scott | LDE | Philadelphia Eagles | Virginia | 1957 and 1958 |
| Joe Senser | TE | Minnesota Vikings | West Chester (Pa.) State | 1981 |
| Bob Shaw | E | Chicago Cardinals | Ohio State | 1950 |
| Art Shell | LT | Oakland Raiders | Maryland-Eastern Shore | 1973-74-75-76-77 |
| Del Shofner | RH-SE | Los Angeles Rams/New York Giants | Baylor | 1958-59-61-62-63 |
| John "Jack" Simmons | OL | Chicago Cardinals | Detroit | 1956 |
| Rod Smith | WR | Denver Broncos | Missouri Southern State | 2000-01-05 |
| Norm Snead | QB | Washington Redskins/Philadelphia Eagles/New York Giants | Wake Forest | 1962-63-65-72 |
| Ed Sprinkle | DE | Chicago Bears | Hardin-Simmons (Tex.) | 1950-51-52-54 |
| Roger Staubach | QB | Dallas Cowboys | Navy | 1971-75-76-77-78-79 |
| Greg Stemrick | CB | Houston Oilers | Colorado State | 1980 |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | Denver Broncos | Southern Methodist | 2019 and 2025 |
| Hugh "Bones" Taylor | LE | Washington Redskins | Tulane/Oklahoma City | 1952 and 1954 |
| Jason Taylor | RDE | Miami Dolphins | Akron | 2000-02-04-05-06-07 |
| Otis Taylor | WR | Kansas City Chiefs | Prairie View A&M | 1971 and 1972 |
| Adalius Thomas | LB | Baltimore Ravens | Southern Mississippi | 2003 and 2006 |
| John Thomas | LG | San Francisco 49ers | Pacific | 1966 |
| Julius Thomas | TE | Denver Broncos | Portland State | 2013 and 2014 |
| Emlen Tunnell | DB | New York Giants | Toledo | 1950-51-52-53-54-55-56-57-59 |
| Brad Van Pelt | LLB | New York Giants | Michigan State | 1976-77-78-79-80 |
| Doak Walker | LH | Detroit Lions | Southern Methodist | 1950-51-53-54-55 |
| Ron Widby | P | Dallas Cowboys | Tennessee | 1971 |
| Norm Willey | RDE | Philadelphia Eagles | Marshall | 1954 and 1955 |
| Alfred Williams | RDE | Denver Broncos | Colorado | 1996 |
| Billy Wilson | RE | San Francisco 49ers | San Jose State | 1954-55-56-57-58-59 |
| Rayfield Wright | RT | Dallas Cowboys | Fort Valley State (Ga.) | 1971-72-73-74-75-76 |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 29 NFL Super Bowl
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is example of exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players making a name for themselves on January 29 with the Chargers in Super Bowl competition:
JANUARY 29
- Bobby Ross (averaged 3 ppg as VMI freshman in 1955-56) coached the San Diego Chargers when they lost against the San Francisco 49ers, 49-26, in Super Bowl XXIX following 1994 season. Chargers SS Rodney Harrison (averaged 7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3 apg and 1.6 spg for Western Illinois in 1992-93) recorded one solo tackle.
Change in Midstream: AF May Be Latest School Switching Coach in Mid-Year
What usually happens to a team encountering a head coaching departure in mid-season such as Air Force, where Joe Scott was suspended indefinitely with 3-14 mark pending an investigation into his treatment of cadet-athletes? Maryland transitioned from Mark Turgeon four seasons ago despite ranking #4 in the country only six years ago. A total of 44 different schools in the past 29 seasons (including Charlotte twice in previous 11 years and Wisconsin twice this century) had a coach relieved of his duties, retire or pass away after the start of the season but before the second half of the campaign. Three years ago, Texas' Rodney Terry (22-8) became only the ninth "successor" coach piloting a club more than half of a campaign since the NCAA playoffs expanded to at least 64 entrants in 1985 to post a winning record the remainder of the season. Terry joined Jeff Dittman (10-8 with Sam Houston State in 1988-89), Dave Fehte (9-8 with Saint Mary's in 1990-91), Greg Gard (15-8 with Wisconsin in 2015-16), Max Good (13-9 with UNLV in 2000-01), Ray Harper (11-8 with Western Kentucky in 2011-12), Mike Perry (10-9 with Georgia State in 2002-03), Brad Soderberg (16-10 with Wisconsin in 2000-01) and Derek Waugh (14-8 with Stetson in 2000-01). Gard, Harper, Soderberg and Terry guided the squads they inherited to an NCAA playoff berth.
Two seasons ago marked the fifth time this decade a power-league member pulled the plug on a head coach by mid-January when DePaul, in the throes of missing NCAA playoffs for the 20th consecutive campaign, dismissed Tony Stubblefield. At the power-conference level, Beard joined Turgeon and Stubblefield along with John Brady (Louisiana State in 2007-08), Lou Campanelli (California in 1992-93), Gale Catlett (West Virginia in 2001-02), Jim Dutcher (Minnesota in 1985-86), Dennis Felton (Georgia in 2008-09), Larry Glass (Northwestern in 1968-69), Mark Gottfried (Alabama in 2008-09), Joe Harrington (Colorado in 1995-96), Bob Knight (Texas Tech in 2007-08), Ward "Piggy" Lambert (Purdue in 1945-46), Shelby Metcalf (Texas A&M in 1989-90), Kevin O'Neill (Southern California in 2012-13), Charlie Parker (Southern California in 1995-96), Steve Patterson (Arizona State in 1988-89) and Quin Snyder (Missouri in 2005-06) to comprise the list of coaches departed in mid-season when their tenures ended for one reason or another. There is no consensus as to whether the timing of their dismissals was fairer than "biased" jury fore-person amid numerous gutless wonders demonstrating self-righteous vindictiveness in Roger Stone trial.
It's a shame self-absorbed Sen. Mitt "Pierre Defecto" Romney, perhaps disoriented by Mormon underwear being on too tight, couldn't have received a "you're fired" notice from Utah patriots in mid-term instead of him wandering off at his pleasure. Following is an alphabetical list of universities in the pre-midseason coaching turnover category since the start of national postseason competition and the records of their coaches that season:
| NCAA Division I School | Season | Successor/Interim (Mid-Year Record) | Departing Coach (Record) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State | 1974-75 | Russ Bergman (2-12) | Peter "Press" Maravich (1-11) |
| Boise State | 1972-73 | Doran "Bus" Connor (6-7) | Murray Satterfield (5-8) |
| Boston College | 2020-21 | Scott Spinelli (1-3) | Jim Christian (3-13) |
| Brigham Young | 1996-97 | Tony Ingle (1-25) | Roger Reid (1-6) |
| Buffalo | 1999-00 | Reggie Witherspoon (3-20) | Tim Cohane (2-3) |
| Cal Poly | 2000-01 | Kevin Bromley (3-12) | Jeff Schneider (5-7) |
| Centenary | 1977-78 | Tommy Canterbury (6-9) | Riley Wallace (4-8) |
| Central Connecticut State | 1987-88 | C.J. Jones (8-15) | Bill Detrick (2-3) |
| Charleston Southern | 2023-24 | Saah Nimley (8-15) | Barclay Radebaugh (2-5) |
| Charlotte | 2014-15 | Ryan Odom (8-11) | Alan Major (6-7) |
| Charlotte | 2017-18 | Houston Fancher (3-17) | Mark Price (3-6) |
| Chicago State | 1996-97 | Phil Gary (4-17) | Craig Hodges (0-6) |
| The Citadel | 1939-40 | Ben Parker (4-5) | Absalon "Rock" Norman (4-4) |
| Coastal Carolina | 2023-24 | Benny Moss (6-17) | Cliff Ellis (3-5) |
| Colgate | 1997-98 | Paul Aiello (10-12) | Jack Bruen (0-6) |
| Connecticut | 1946-47 | Hugh Greer (12-0) | Blair Gullion (4-2) |
| Connecticut | 1962-63 | George Wigton (11-4) | Hugh Greer (7-3) |
| Dartmouth | 1966-67 | Dave Gavitt (2-15) | Alvin "Doggie" Julian (5-2) |
| Dartmouth | 2009-10 | Mark Graupe (2-13) | Terry Dunn (3-10) |
| Denver | 1948-49 | Hoyt Brawner (11-6) | Ellison Ketchum (6-9) |
| DePaul | 2009-10 | Tracy Webster (1-15) | Jerry Wainwright (7-8) |
| DePaul | 2023-24 | Matt Brady (0-14) | Tony Stubblefield (3-15) |
| Detroit | 1987-88 | John Mulroy (7-20) | Don Sicko (0-3) |
| Detroit | 2007-08 | Kevin Mondro (3-13) | Perry Watson (4-10) |
| East Carolina | 2017-18 | Michael Perry (8-16) | Jeff Lebo (2-4) |
| Eastern Kentucky | 1961-62 | Jim Baechtold (6-3) | Paul McBrayer (4-3) |
| Eastern Michigan | 1985-86 | Ben Braun (5-10) | Jim Boyce (4-8) |
| Fordham | 2009-10 | Jared Grasso (1-22) | Dereck Whittenburg (1-4) |
| Fordham | 2020-21 | Mike DePaoli (1-5) | Jeff Neubauer (1-7) |
| Georgetown | 1998-99 | Craig Esherick (8-10) | John Thompson Jr. (7-6) |
| Georgia State | 1984-85 | Mark Slonaker (1-24) | Tom Pugliese (1-2) |
| Georgia State | 2002-03 | Mike Perry (10-9) | Charles "Lefty" Driesell (4-6) |
| Howard University | 1999-00 | Billy Coward (1-18) | Kirk Saulny (0-9) |
| Idaho State | 1967-68 | Dan Miller (10-12) | Claude Retherford (3-1) |
| Idaho State | 2011-12 | Deane Martin (7-13) | Joe O'Brien (2-8) |
| Iowa | 1949-50 | Frank "Bucky" O'Connor (6-5) | Lawrence "Pops" Harrison (9-2) |
| Jacksonville | 1996-97 | Buster Harvey (5-17) | George Scholz (0-6) |
| Kent State | 1977-78 | Mike Boyd (5-11) | Rex Hughes (1-10) |
| Long Island | 2001-02 | Ron Brown (5-13) | Ray Martin (0-9) |
| Louisiana-Lafayette | 2024-25 | Derrick Zimmerman (9-12) | Bob Marlin (3-9) |
| Louisville | 1970-71 | Howard Stacey (12-8) | John Dromo (8-1) |
| Louisville | 2021-22 | Mike Pegues (7-11) | Chris Mack (6-8) |
| Maryland | 2021-22 | Danny Manning (10-14) | Mark Turgeon (5-3) |
| Miami FL | 2024-25 | Bill Courtney (3-16) | Jim Larranaga (4-8) |
| Monmouth | 1986-87 | Ron Krayl (7-13) | Ron Kornegay (1-6) |
| UNC Greensboro | 2011-12 | Wes Miller (11-11) | Mike Dement (2-8) |
| North Carolina State | 1964-65 | Peter "Press" Maravich (20-4) | Everett Case (1-1) |
| UNC Wilmington | 2019-20 | Rob Burke (5-8) | C.B. McGrath (5-14) |
| Northern Illinois | 2000-01 | Andy Greer (4-16) | Brian Hammel (1-6) |
| Oral Roberts | 1982-83 | Dick Acres (11-9) | Ken Hayes (3-5) |
| Penn | 2009-10 | Jerome Allen (6-15) | Glen Miller (0-7) |
| Portland | 2020-21 | Ben Johnson (0-4) | Terry Porter (6-11) |
| Princeton | 1944-45 | Leonard Hattinger (5-8) | William Logan (2-4) |
| Princeton | 1960-61 | Jake McCandless (9-6) | Franklin "Cappy" Cappon (9-2) |
| St. John's | 2003-04 | Kevin Clark (4-17) | Mike Jarvis (2-4) |
| Saint Mary's | 1990-91 | Dave Fehte (9-8) | Paul Landreaux (4-9) |
| Sam Houston State | 1988-89 | Jeff Dittman (10-8) | Gary Moss (2-8) |
| San Francisco | 1970-71 | Bob Gaillard (10-12) | Phil Vukicevich (0-4) |
| San Francisco | 2007-08 | Eddie Sutton (6-13) | Jessie Evans (4-8) |
| South Alabama | 1994-95 | Judas Prada (8-15) | Ronnie Arrow (1-3) |
| South Carolina | 1942-43 | Rex Enright (10-6) | Frank Johnson (2-0) |
| South Florida | 1979-80 | Gordon Gibbons (2-13) | Hunter "Chip" Conner (4-8) |
| Southeast Missouri State | 2008-09 | Zac Roman (0-18) | Scott Edgar (3-9) |
| Southeastern Louisiana | 1987-88 | Leo McClure (4-12) | Newton Chelette (3-9) |
| Southern California | 2004-05 | Jim Saia (11-15) | Henry Bibby (2-2) |
| Stetson | 2000-01 | Derek Waugh (14-8) | Murray Arnold (4-4) |
| Tennessee State | 1984-85 | Ed Meyers (6-13) | Ed Martin (3-6) |
| Tennessee State | 2002-03 | Hosea Lewis/Teresa Phillips (0-20) | Nolan Richardson III (2-5) |
| Tennessee Tech | 1988-89 | Frank Harrell (8-17) | Tom Deaton (2-3) |
| Texas | 2022-23 | Rodney Terry (22-8) | Chris Beard (7-1) |
| Texas-El Paso | 2017-18 | Phil Johnson (10-15) | Tim Floyd (1-5) |
| Tulsa | 2004-05 | Alvin "Pooh" Williamson (7-15) | John Phillips (2-5) |
| UCLA | 2018-19 | Murry Bartow (10-10) | Steve Alford (7-6) |
| UNLV | 2000-01 | Max Good (13-9) | Bill Bayno (3-4) |
| Western Kentucky | 2011-12 | Ray Harper (11-8) | Ken McDonald (5-11) |
| Wisconsin | 2000-01 | Brad Soderberg (16-10) | Dick Bennett (2-1) |
| Wisconsin | 2015-16 | Greg Gard (15-8) | William "Bo" Ryan (7-5) |
| Wofford | 2022-23 | Dwight Perry (12-12) | Jay McAuley (5-4) |
NOTE: UConn's Hugh Greer passed away.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 28 NFL Super Bowls
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following are former college basketball players making a name for themselves on January 28 in Super Bowl competition:
JANUARY 28
Baltimore Ravens TE Ben Coates (Livingstone NC hooper) caught three passes for 30 yards in a 34-7 victory against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV following 2000 season. Ravens backup LB Brad Jackson (Cincinnati hooper in 1997-98 under coach Bob Huggins) collected one solo tackle and one fumble recovery. Giants RCB Jason Sehorn (averaged 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg for Shasta Community College CA in 1990-91) tied for team high with six solo tackles.
San Francisco 49ers FS Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper in 1979-80) contributed a solo tackle in 55-10 victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV following 1989 season. Starting LT for the Broncos was Gerald Perry (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg for South Carolina in 1983-84 under coach Bill E. Foster before transferring and averaging 2 ppg and 1.5 rpg with Southern LA in 1986-87 under coach Ben Jobe).
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 27 NFL Playoff Games
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before spurring politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players Keith McKeller and Tommy Polley starting for teams on January 27 in NFL postseason:
JANUARY 27
Buffalo Bills TE Keith McKeller (four-time All-Gulf South Conference selection for Jacksonville State averaged 12.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg from 1982-83 through 1985-86) caught two passes for 11 yards from QB Jim Kelly in 20-19 setback against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV following 1990 season.
St. Louis Rams rookie LB Tommy Polley (played in one basketball game for Florida State in 1996-97 under coach Pat Kennedy) provided seven solo tackles in 29-24 win in NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles following 2001 campaign.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 26 NFL Super Bowls
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before spurring politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 26 in football at the professional level in Super Bowl competition:
JANUARY 26
Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) coached Chicago Bears to a 46-10 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX following 1985 season. Patriots TE Derrick Ramsey (grabbed three rebounds in two Kentucky games in 1975-76) caught two passes for 16 yards and ROLB Don Blackmon (Tulsa hooper in 1977-78) contributed five solo tackles.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) completed 18-of-34 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-21 win against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII following 2002 season. Raiders rookie MLB Napoleon Harris (averaged 4.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Northwestern in 1997-98 and 1998-99 under coach Kevin O'Neill) recorded two solo tackles.
Buffalo Bills TE Pete Metzelaars (averaged 19.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg for Wabash IN while setting NCAA Division III field-goal shooting records for single season as senior in 1981-82 and career) caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Jim Kelly in 37-24 setback against the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXVI following 1991 season. Teammate and fellow TE Keith McKeller (four-time All-Gulf South Conference selection for Jacksonville State averaged 12.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg from 1982-83 through 1985-86) caught two passes for 29 yards while WR Don Beebe (Aurora College IL junior varsity hooper in 1983-84) capped off game's scoring with a TD catch.
Green Bay Packers WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) opened game's scoring with a 54-yard touchdown reception from Brett Favre in 35-21 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI following 1996 season. Patriots TE Ben Coates (Livingstone NC hooper) had a TD reception among his six catches.
Worst of Times: Been Worse For Power-League Members in Midst of Bad Year
What goes around comes around. Among the power-conference teams struggling mightily of late are Boston College (bound for 15th season in a row with at least 16 defeats overall and losing record in ACC), Florida State (fifth straight season posting non-winning mark in ACC), Georgetown (11th consecutive non-winning record in Big East Conference play), Marquette (headed for lowest winning percentage in 38 years after needing pair of one-point victories to avoid 12-game losing streak), Maryland (third losing overall worksheet in last five campaigns after dropping eight of first nine Big Ten Conference contests by double digits) and Penn State (17th non-winning ledger in last 18 seasons in Big Ten competition). Nevertheless, it's been worse for them.
For instance, Patrick Ewing was unable to come anywhere close to duplicating as coach his All-American success with Georgetown in the mid-1980s. In fact, the Hoyas set an all-time school record of 21 defeats after bowing in 2022 Big East Conference Tournament (only four of setbacks by fewer than seven points). At least they didn't match or surpass the all-time longest losing streak by a current power-conference member - 27 by Syracuse in the early 1960s. Hoya Paranoia reached 29 consecutive Big East competition reversals until GU prevailed against DePaul. Ewing's longest losing streak while manning the middle four seasons for GU was three setbacks in a row midway through his freshman season in 1981-82 (at Syracuse/home game vs. Connecticut/at Providence).
Jim O'Brien was the only individual to coach two current power-league members (Boston College and Ohio State) when they incurred their longest existing losing streak until BC dropped 20 in a row extending to the opener several seasons ago. Former Big East Conference rival Rutgers incurred 15 consecutive reversals to end the 2014-15 season before St. John's bowed in 16 straight decisions in 2015-16. In the middle of previous decade, Missouri wasn't the only Tigers' program in SEC sidelined by tranquilizing-inducing losing streak (13). LSU dropped 15 consecutive contests when former Tigers coach Johnny Jones frequently looked as strategically befuddled as a chief recruiter losing a satchel full of cash on a recruiting trip. Mizzou broke its all-time losing mark in 2023-24 by dropping all 18 of the Tigers' SEC regular-season outings.
Miserable season six years ago for North Carolina (14-19) included seven straight ACC setbacks en route to registering 12 reversals in a 14-game span. But at least the Tar Heels didn't set a school standard for most defeats in a row. Utah also set a new mark for futility three years ago, leaving the following list of elite basketball schools such as Creighton, Duke, Iowa, Kentucky, Carolina, Purdue, UNLV and West Virginia never reaching double figures in consecutive setbacks:
| School (Longest Losing Streak) | Coach(es) | Date Started | Date Ended | Opponent Beaten Ending Streak | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (15) | C.M. Newton | 1-11-69 | 12-1-69 | Southern Mississippi | 104-74 |
| Arizona (16) | Fred Enke | 12-19-58 | 2-14-59 | Hardin-Simmons | 66-64 |
| Arizona State (15) | Herb Sendek | 12-22-2006 | 2-18-2007 | Southern California | 68-58 |
| Arkansas (10) | Lanny Van Eman | 1-9-71 | 2-20-71 | at Texas | 88-87 in OT |
| Auburn (13) | V.J. Edney | 12-13-46 | 2-8-47 | Florida | 36-30 |
| Baylor (17) | Harry Miller | 1-2-99 | 11-20-99 | Eastern Washington | 68-61 |
| Boston College (20) | Jim Christian | 1-2-2016 | 11-15-2016 | Maryland-Eastern Shore | 73-57 |
| Brigham Young (21) | Roger Reid/Tony Ingle | 12-13-96 | 11-14-97 | at San Diego State | 73-59 |
| Butler (14) | Joe Sexson | 1-31-81 | 12-12-81 | Valparaiso | 85-76 |
| California (16) | Wyking Jones | 12-29-2018 | 2-28-2019 | Washington | 76-73 |
| Cincinnati (10) | Mick Cronin | 1-24-2007 | 2-28-2007 | Seton Hall | 70-67 in OT |
| Clemson (15) | Banks McFadden | 12-14-54 | 2-21-55 | Georgia | 105-94 |
| Colorado (17) | Tom Apke | 1-8-86 | 11-28-86 | Weber State | 73-57 |
| Connecticut (10) | John Donahue | 1918 | 1919 | Boston College | 46-27 |
| Connecticut (10) | Burr Carlson | 11-30-68 | 1-8-69 | Syracuse | 103-84 |
| Creighton (9) | Dana Altman | 1-23-95 | 2-23-95 | at Wichita State | 50-47 |
| Creighton (9) | Greg McDermott | 12-21-2014 | 1-28-2015 | St. John's | 77-74 |
| DePaul (21) | Tony Stubblefield/Matt Brady | 1-2-2024 | 11-4-2024 | Southern Indiana | 80-78 in OT |
| Duke (8) | James Baldwin | 2-13-22 | 3-?-22 | Durham YMCA | 37-26 |
| Florida (14) | Don DeVoe | 1-17-90 | 2-27-90 | Louisiana State | 76-63 |
| Florida State (13) | Don Loucks | 1-10-48 | 2-21-48 | Florida Southern | 55-48 |
| Georgetown (21) | Patrick Ewing | 12-18-2021 | 11-8-2022 | Coppin State | 99-89 in OT |
| Georgia (13) | Harbin "Red" Lawson | 12-28-51 | 2-6-52 | Georgia Tech | 72-64 |
| Georgia Tech (26) | John "Whack" Hyder | 2-7-53 | 2-18-54 | South Carolina | 58-53 |
| Gonzaga (10) | Dan Fitzgerald | 1-19-90 | 2-23-90 | at San Francisco | 76-75 |
| Houston (13) | Alvin Brooks | 12-7-93 | 2-5-94 | at Rice | 69-67 |
| Illinois (11) | Harv Schmidt | 1-12-74 | 2-23-74 | Iowa | 91-84 |
| Indiana (11) | Harry Good | 1-8-44 | 2-19-44 | at Minnesota | 48-47 |
| Indiana (11) | Tom Crean | 1-24-2010 | 3-6-2010 | Northwestern | 88-80 in OT |
| Iowa (8) | Rollie Williams | 2-15-30 | 12-23-30 | at Creighton | 28-22 |
| Iowa (8) | Dick Schultz | 1-7-74 | 2-11-74 | Purdue | 112-111 in 3OT |
| Iowa State (14) | Louis Menze | 1-2-37 | 12-3-37 | Simpson IA | 41-37 |
| Kansas (10) | Phog Allen | 1-21-48 | 3-12-48 | Iowa State | 61-54 |
| Kansas State (15) | E.C. Curtiss | 2-28-22 | 2-17-23 | at Nebraska | 17-14 |
| Kentucky (9) | George Buchheit | 1-25-23 | 2-23-23 | Sewanee TN | 30-14 |
| Louisiana State (15) | Johnny Jones | 1-7-2017 | 3-1-2017 | Tennessee | 92-82 |
| Louisville (19) | Laurie Apitz | 2-18-39 | 2-22-40 | Berea TN | 56-55 |
| Marquette (15) | Eddie Hickey | 1-8-64 | 3-7-64 | at Xavier | 98-95 |
| Maryland (22) | Howard Shipley | 3-1-40 | 2-22-41 | Washington College MD | 26-18 |
| Memphis (20) | Zach Curlin | 1-7-38 | 1-26-39 | Arkansas State | 53-45 |
| Miami FL (17) | Leonard Hamilton | 1-8-94 | 11-25-94 | Northeastern Illinois | 66-48 |
| Michigan (11) | Bill Frieder | 12-12-81 | 1-28-82 | Ohio State | 62-60 in OT |
| Michigan State (11) | Forddy Anderson | 1-9-65 | 3-1-65 | Purdue | 110-92 |
| Minnesota (17) | Clem Haskins | 1-10-87 | 11-30-87 | Western Illinois | 84-52 |
| Mississippi (16) | Robert "Cob" Jarvis | 12-30-75 | 3-1-76 | Vanderbilt | 81-72 |
| Mississippi State (14) | Paul Gregory | 1-7-55 | 2-26-55 | at Louisiana State | 84-80 |
| Missouri (20) | Dennis Gates | 1-6-2024 | 11-8-2024 | Howard University | 77-62 |
| Nebraska (17) | Fred Hoiberg | 1-11-2020 | 11-25-20 | McNeese State | 102-55 |
| North Carolina (8) | Tom Scott | 12-20-50 | 1-11-51 | Wake Forest | 65-56 |
| North Carolina State (9) | Les Robinson | 1-25-92 | 2-22-92 | at North Carolina | 99-94 |
| North Carolina State (9) | Sidney Lowe | 2-9-2008 | 11-15-2008 | at New Orleans | 65-59 |
| Northwestern (20) | Maury Kent | 3-3-23 | 12-22-24 | Michigan State | 26-17 |
| Notre Dame (13) | Johnny Dee | 12-18-65 | 2-9-66 | Butler | 84-61 |
| Ohio State (17) | Jim O'Brien | 12-28-97 | 2-25-98 | at Wisconsin | 61-56 |
| Oklahoma (10) | Bob Stevens | 1-6-64 | 2-21-64 | Missouri | 86-84 |
| Oklahoma State (13) | James Pixlee | 1-24-20 | 1-14-21 | Oklahoma Baptist | 34-19 |
| Oklahoma State (13) | John Maulbetsch/George Roddy | 1-12-29 | 1-7-30 | Oklahoma | 28-22 |
| Oklahoma State (13) | George Roddy | 1-10-30 | 1-5-31 | Grinnell IA | 23-16 |
| Oregon (22) | George Bohler | 12-22-21 | 2-20-22 | Nevada | 33-29 |
| Oregon State (25) | Jay John/Kevin Mouton/Craig Robinson | 12-22-2007 | 11-30-2008 | at Fresno State | 62-54 |
| Penn State (17) | Bruce Parkhill | 1-21-84 | 12-5-84 | Navy | 66-63 |
| Pittsburgh (10) | Charles "Buzz" Ridl | 12-7-68 | 1-28-69 | West Virginia | 90-87 |
| Providence (12) | Lawrence Drew | 2-5-49 | 3-9-49 | Clark MA | 46-45 |
| Purdue (8) | Ray Eddy | 1-12-52 | 2-11-52 | Wisconsin | 78-67 |
| Purdue (8) | Ray Eddy | 1-5-63 | 2-4-63 | Michigan State | 103-81 |
| Rutgers (16) | Craig Littlepage | 12-23-87 | 2-18-88 | Penn State | 65-61 |
| St. John's (16) | Chris Mullin | 12-18-2015 | 2-17-2016 | DePaul | 80-65 |
| Seton Hall (15) | John Colrick/Honey Russell | 2-5-36 | 1-22-37 | St. Peter's | 30-23 |
| Seton Hall (15) | P.J. Carlesimo | 1-2-85 | 3-2-85 | Connecticut | 85-80 |
| South Carolina (15) | Absalon "Rock" Norman | 1-12-31 | 1-8-32 | Clemson | 31-23 |
| Southern California (16) | Bob Boyd | 1-8-76 | 12-1-76 | Idaho | 104-64 |
| Southern Methodist (16) | Forrest "Whitey" Baccus | 1945-46 | 12-12-46 | Missouri at Kansas City | 56-53 |
| Stanford (11) | John Bunn | 1-15-32 | 12-23-32 | at Utah | 41-37 |
| Syracuse (27) | Marc Guley | 2-22-61 | 3-3-62 | at Boston College | 73-72 |
| Temple (11) | Don Casey | 12-10-75 | 1-26-76 | Dickinson PA | 89-55 |
| Tennessee (14) | W.H. Britton | 2-21-27 | 12-28-28 | South Carolina | 29-20 |
| Texas (15) | Thurman "Slue" Hull | 12-4-54 | 2-5-55 | Arkansas | 75-74 |
| Texas A&M (17) | Melvin Watkins/Billy Gillispie | 1-10-2004 | 11-19-2004 | North Carolina A&T | 89-56 |
| Texas Christian (24) | Johnny Swaim/Tim Somerville | 12-11-76 | 12-3-77 | Wayland Baptist TX | 67-53 |
| Texas Tech (20) | Gerald Myers | 1-4-90 | 11-25-90 | Nevada | 81-69 at Anchorage |
| UCLA (14) | Pierce "Caddy" Works | 12-28-37 | 1938-39 opener | L.A. City College | 44-28 |
| UNLV (9) | Michael Drakulich | 12-5-58 | 1-14-59 | at Nellis AFB | 52-47 |
| Utah (10) | Craig Smith | 12-30-21 | 2-3-22 | Oregon State | 84-59 |
| Vanderbilt (14) | Josh Cody | 2-15-35 | 1-9-36 | Auburn | 47-27 |
| Villanova (10) | John "Rube" Cashman | 1927-28 | season finale | Alumni at Rosemont | 33-18 |
| Virginia (13) | Billy McCann | 1-9-60 | 2-27-60 | Washington & Lee VA | 86-59 |
| Virginia Tech (18) | Gerald "Red" Laird | 12-29-54 | 2-21-55 | The Citadel | 88-53 |
| Wake Forest (22) | Murray Greason | 1-26-43 | 1944-45 | Catawba NC | 41-38 |
| Washington (13) | Lorenzo Romar | 1-21-2017 | 11-10-2017 | Belmont | 86-82 |
| Washington State (18) | Kelvin Sampson | 12-30-89 | 11-28-90 | BYU-Hawaii | 112-81 |
| West Virginia (9) | Marshall Glenn | 1-12-37 | 2-17-37 | Penn State | 36-31 |
| West Virginia (9) | Gale Catlett | 12-28-2001 | 1-30-2002 | Providence | 89-81 |
| West Virginia (9) | Drew Catlett/John Beilein | 2-2-2002 | 11-22-2002 | Delaware State | 59-46 |
| Wichita State (14) | Kenneth Gunning | 1-10-50 | 12-5-50 | Oklahoma Baptist | 53-45 |
| Wisconsin (14) | John Powless | 1-8-76 | 3-1-76 | at Ohio State | 91-79 |
| Xavier (13) | Dick Campbell | 1-29-73 | 12-1-73 | Aquinas MI | 88-48 |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 25 NFL Playoff Games
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before spurring politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players turned defensive ends making a name for themselves on January 25 in the NFL's Super Bowl:
JANUARY 25
Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg for Southern in 1969-70) caught five passes for 83 yards in 27-10 setback against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XV following 1980 season. Fellow HBCU product Art Shell (two-year hoops letterman for Maryland-Eastern Shore) was starting LT with the Raiders.
New York Giants LDE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) tackled John Elway for a safety for only second-quarter score in 39-20 win against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI following 1986 season.
Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper briefly in 1989-90) was starting RDE for the Denver Broncos in their 31-24 victory against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII following 1997 season.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 24 NFL Playoff Games
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before spurring politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 24 in NFL (especially receivers in both conference championship contests following 2015 season):
JANUARY 24
QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) accounted for all three of the Cincinnati Bengals' touchdowns (two passing/one rushing in second half) in a 26-21 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XVI following 1981 season. Bengals WR David Verser (Kansas hooper in five games in 1977-78 under coach Ted Owens) returned five kickoffs for 52 yards. Niners LCB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper in 1979-80) contributed three solo tackles.
Green Bay Packers LB Fred Carr (played for defending NCAA champion Texas Western in 1967 playoffs under coach Don Haskins) shared the NFL Pro Bowl MVP award following 1970 season.
Arizona Cardinals TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UC Irvine in rebounding each of last three seasons) caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer in 49-15 setback against the Charlotte Panthers in NFC championship game following 2015 season.
Green Bay Packers TE Marcedes Lewis (collected nine points and four rebounds in seven UCLA basketball contests in 2002-03 under coach Steve Lavin) caught three passes for 28 yards from Aaron Rodgers in a 31-26 setback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in NFC Championship following 2020 season.
Denver Broncos WR Jordan Norwood (Penn State hooper in four games in 2006-07) caught two passes from Peyton Manning and returned three punts for 21 yards in a 20-18 win against the New England Patriots in AFC Championship following 2015 season.
Home Sour Home: Prominent Programs Failing to Win 30 in a Row at Home
Very few programs have assembled homecourt winning streaks of more than 20 straight games this season. Purdue's homecourt winning streak ended at 26 last season when the Boilermakers bowed against Ohio State four victories short of matching school record of 30. The following question lingers at a time when no power conference member boasts a homecourt winning streak close to 30 in a row: Which institutions are on dubious list of prominent programs - including six former NCAA titlists - never winning as many as 30 straight on their home floor? Did you know power-conference members Arizona State, Baylor, Butler, California, Clemson, Colorado, Creighton, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Kansas State, Louisville, Maryland, Miami FL, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern, Oregon State, Rutgers, Southern California, Stanford, Texas, Texas Christian, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Washington State never have won as many as 30 consecutive home contests?
A year ago, Iowa State showed signs of challenging its all-time mark of 39 consecutive triumphs at home before the Cyclones' streak was eclipsed at 29 by bowing to Kansas State, 80-61, in early February when the Wildcats became the first sub-.500 team to defeat a top five foe on the road by more than 15 points in AP poll history. Which opponents broke school-record home-court winning streaks of at least 30 games? Oddly, more than half of the aforementioned power-league schools are in this category, including Texas on three occasions (ended school-record HC streaks for Arkansas, Kansas and Texas A&M). Following is an alphabetical list including schools crossing the 30-game homecourt winning streak threshold:
| School | Record Streak | Date Started | Date Ended | Opponent Ending School-Record Streak | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 54 | 1929 | 1934 | Vanderbilt | 44-33 |
| Arizona | 81 | 12-14-45 | 12-8-51 | Kansas State | 76-57 |
| Arkansas | 32 | 1-17-76 | 1-12-79 | Texas | 66-63 |
| Auburn | 36 | 1-26-57 | 1-7-61 | Mississippi State | 56-48 |
| Austin Peay | 31 | 1-25-75 | 3-5-77 | Middle Tennessee State | 77-65 in OVC Tournament final |
| Bradley | 46 | 1-23-58 | 2-6-61 | Drake | 86-76 |
| Brigham Young | 53 | 11-26-05 | 1-3-09 | Wake Forest | 94-87 |
| Charlotte | 60 | 2-28-74 | 12-5-77 | Appalachian State | 71-64 |
| Cincinnati | 86 | 12-6-57 | 12-7-63 | Kansas | 51-47 |
| College of Charleston | 38 | 1-9-95 | 12-28-97 | Rider | 65-58 |
| Columbia | 34 | 1949 | 1-16-52 | Penn | 66-64 |
| Connecticut | 31 | 2-21-05 | 1-10-07 | Marquette | 73-69 |
| Coppin State | 42 | 12-19-92 | 1-15-97 | North Carolina A&T | 76-70 |
| Dartmouth | 38 | 2-3-37 | 2-17-40 | Army | 44-36 |
| Davidson | 57 | 2-12-62 | 12-11-72 | Furman | 93-86 |
| Dayton | 30 | 3-8-08 | 1-26-10 | Rhode Island | 65-64 |
| DePaul | 36 | 1-21-83 | 1-21-85 | Dayton | 67-63 |
| Detroit | 39 | 1-28-99 | 2-10-02 | Wisconsin-Green Bay | 65-61 |
| Duke | 46 | 1-13-97 | 2-9-00 | Maryland | 98-87 |
| Florida | 33 | 11-11-12 | 11-17-14 | Miami FL | 69-67 |
| Gonzaga | 76 | 1-27-18 | 1-19-23 | Loyola Marymount | 68-67 |
| Houston | 59 | 1-13-64 | 12-21-68 | Illinois | 97-84 |
| Idaho | 43 | 1-17-80 | 2-12-83 | Montana | 80-61 |
| Illinois | 33 | 1-17-04 | 2-4-06 | Penn State | 66-65 |
| Illinois State | 31 | 1-25-77 | 1-27-79 | DePaul | 87-69 |
| Indiana | 35 | 11-23-73 | 12-6-76 | Kentucky | 66-51 |
| Iowa State | 39 | 2-16-99 | 1-12-02 | Oklahoma State | 69-66 |
| Jacksonville | 35 | 1-13-69 | 12-7-71 | Florida State | 90-83 |
| Kansas | 69 | 2-7-07 | 1-22-11 | Texas | 74-63 |
| Kentucky | 129 | 1-4-43 | 1-8-55 | Georgia Tech | 59-58 |
| Lamar | 80 | 2-18-78 | 3-10-84 | Louisiana Tech | 68-65 in SLC Tournament |
| Long Beach State | 75 | 11-20-68 | 12-4-74 | San Francisco | 94-84 in OT |
| Louisiana State | 42 | 2-??-16 | 2-18-21 | Mississippi | 23-22 |
| Louisiana Tech | 39 | 12-6-82 | 11-25-85 | Stephen F. Austin | 67-58 |
| Louisiana Tech | 39 | 12-7-13 | 1-7-16 | Old Dominion | 56-53 |
| Loyola of Chicago | 41 | 2-25-61 | 12-31-64 | St. Louis | 90-57 |
| Marquette | 81 | 12-17-66 | 1-13-73 | Notre Dame | 71-69 |
| Massachusetts | 33 | 1-16-93 | 2-14-95 | George Washington | 80-78 |
| Memphis | 47 | 1-4-06 | 2-22-08 | Tennessee | 66-62 |
| Michigan State | 53 | 11-13-98 | 1-12-02 | Wisconsin | 64-63 |
| Middle Tennessee State | 33 | 12-11-73 | 1-7-76 | UT Chattanooga | 83-72 |
| Minnesota | 40 | 2-9-01 | 1-20-05 | Nebraska | 22-21 |
| Mississippi State | 35 | 1-14-57 | 1-2-60 | Auburn | 64-48 |
| Missouri | 34 | 3-3-88 | 12-8-90 | Arkansas | 95-82 |
| Murray State | 47 | 11-23-96 | 1-15-00 | Southeast Missouri State | 84-78 |
| New Mexico | 41 | 2-10-96 | 2-26-98 | Brigham Young | 83-62 |
| New Mexico State | 34 | 12-16-68 | 12-1-71 | Angelo State TX | 77-71 |
| New Orleans | 38 | 12-12-69 | 2-28-72 | Louisiana Tech | 80-73 |
| Niagara | 51 | 1943 | 2-8-50 | Syracuse | 60-55 |
| North Carolina A&T | 37 | 1985-86 | 11-30-88 | North Carolina Central | 66-54 |
| North Carolina Central | 38 | 1-8-13 | 12-7-15 | Howard University | 71-69 |
| North Carolina State | 38 | 2-19-72 | 2-1-75 | Maryland | 98-97 |
| North Dakota State | 31 | 2-14-13 | 1-7-16 | Omaha | 91-82 |
| Notre Dame | 45 | 3-4-06 | 1-24-09 | Connecticut | 69-61 |
| Ohio State | 50 | 12-1-59 | 12-11-63 | Davidson | 95-73 |
| Oklahoma | 51 | 11-28-87 | 12-22-90 | Duke | 90-85 |
| Oklahoma State | 49 | 1-9-36 | 12-21-40 | Southern California | 28-25 |
| Old Dominion | 32 | 2-27-14 | 1-14-16 | UAB | 72-71 in OT |
| Oral Roberts | 52 | 2-17-69 | 2-10-73 | Marshall | 106-103 |
| Oregon | 46 | 1-10-15 | 12-1-17 | Boise State | 73-70 |
| Pacific | 45 | 3-8-69 | 1-7-73 | Long Beach State | 91-85 |
| Penn | 34 | 2-7-69 | 12-18-71 | Temple | 57-52 |
| Penn State | 45 | 1-20-51 | 3-2-55 | Penn | 85-79 |
| Pepperdine | 30 | 11-27-84 | 12-11-86 | Long Beach State | 86-77 |
| Pittsburgh | 40 | 1-19-02 | 2-29-04 | Syracuse | 49-46 in OT |
| Providence | 55 | 2-13-71 | 12-28-74 | St. John's | 91-79 |
| Purdue | 30 | 12-22-67 | 2-28-70 | Iowa | 108-107 |
| St. Bonaventure | 99 | 1948 | 2-25-61 | Niagara | 87-77 |
| St. John's | 30 | 11-30-84 | 2-14-87 | Providence | 79-78 |
| Saint Joseph's | 34 | 1956-57 | 12-16-66 | Fairfield | 82-68 |
| Seton Hall | 46 | 1-10-51 | 1-1-54 | William & Mary | 57-55 |
| Siena | 38 | 2-29-08 | 11-13-10 | Vermont | 80-76 |
| South Carolina | 34 | 1-12-72 | 2-16-74 | Notre Dame | 72-68 |
| Southern Illinois | 33 | 1-11-04 | 2-1-06 | Indiana State | 63-54 |
| Southern Methodist | 44 | 2-??-54 | 3-1-58 | Texas A&M | 43-42 |
| Stephen F. Austin | 34 | 2-18-12 | 11-18-14 | Northern Iowa | 79-77 in OT |
| Syracuse | 57 | 3-5-76 | 2-13-80 | Georgetown | 52-50 |
| Temple | 33 | 1-21-84 | 2-24-87 | West Virginia | 64-61 |
| Tennessee | 37 | 11-10-06 | 1-7-09 | Gonzaga | 89-79 in OT |
| Tennessee Tech | 33 | 12-2-00 | 1-4-03 | Morehead State | 72-70 |
| Texas A&M | 30 | 1959 | 2-5-63 | Texas | 70-59 |
| Texas-El Paso | 31 | 1-23-88 | 12-16-89 | Indiana | 69-66 |
| Texas Tech | 35 | 2-9-94 | 1-11-97 | Colorado | 80-78 |
| Tulane | 42 | 2-20-46 | 12-10-49 | Arkansas | 42-41 |
| Tulsa | 36 | 2-23-80 | 12-7-82 | Oklahoma State | 93-75 |
| UCLA | 98 | 12-4-70 | 2-21-76 | Oregon | 65-45 |
| UNLV | 72 | 2-8-74 | 1-7-78 | New Mexico | 102-98 |
| Utah | 54 | 1-4-97 | 12-9-00 | Weber State | 79-77 |
| Utah State | 37 | 11-9-07 | 12-5-09 | Saint Mary's | 68-63 |
| Villanova | 72 | 12-6-47 | 3-4-58 | Saint Francis PA | 70-64 |
| Virginia | 34 | 2-6-80 | 1-15-83 | North Carolina | 101-95 |
| Virginia Commonwealth | 33 | 12-18-76 | 2-10-78 | Virginia Tech | 71-63 |
| Virginia Military | 35 | 2-5-76 | 1-17-79 | Appalachian State | 73-58 |
| Washington | 32 | 1-29-04 | 12-31-05 | Arizona | 96-95 in 2OT |
| Weber State | 44 | 2-8-63 | 2-11-67 | Idaho | 68-67 |
| Western Kentucky | 67 | 2-5-49 | 1-10-55 | Xavier | 82-80 in OT |
| West Virginia | 39 | 12-10-80 | 1-20-83 | St. Bonaventure | 64-63 |
| Wichita State | 43 | 11-9-13 | 2-13-16 | Northern Iowa | 53-50 |
| Wisconsin | 38 | 12-7-02 | 1-25-05 | Illinois | 75-65 |
| Xavier | 30 | 12-31-08 | 12-31-10 | Florida | 71-67 |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 23 NFL Playoff Games
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before spurring politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former NCAA DI basketball players Rodney Harrison (Western Illinois), Donovan McNabb (Syracuse) and Antwaan Randle El (Indiana) making a name for themselves on January 23 in conference championship games following 2004 season:
JANUARY 23
New England Patriots SS Rodney Harrison (averaged 7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3 apg and 1.6 spg for Western Illinois in 1992-93) returned an interception 87 yards for touchdown in 41-27 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC Championship following 2004 campaign. Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team coached by Bob Knight) caught three passes for 52 yards, returned four kickoffs for 75 yards and returned three punts for 40 yards.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two touchdown passes in a 27-10 NFC Championship win against the Atlanta Falcons following 2004 season.
New York Jets DL Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) contributed two solo tackles in a 24-19 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC Championship following 2010 season.
Juco Jewels: Impact of JC Recruits Continues to Diminish as Years Go By
Isaac Garrett (Snow UT) is averaging more than 15 ppg and team-high 7 rpg for Oakland but there has been little impact from junior college recruits this season renewing juco influence on Division I basketball. It wasn't long ago when only a splinter group of maverick coaches were sufficiently bold to liberally dot their rosters with junior-college recruits stereotyped as discipline problems, academic risks or simply unsuitable to go directly from high school to major-college programs. "Jucoland" was labeled by misguided observers as little more than basketball rehabilitation where free-lance players enjoyed free rein to make Great Plains arenas their own personal H-O-R-S-E stables.
However, major colleges aren't nearly so reluctant any longer to bring "quick-fix" junior college players aboard. But due to an almost complete absence of academic standards, the recruits don't attend jucos to prove themselves these days and simply go straight to a four-year institution.
Back in the "dinosaur age" prior to academic exemptions, the talent pool in the NJCAA Tournament might have never been greater than in 1968, when eight of the 10 members of the All-Tournament Team either eventually played or were at least drafted by the NBA and/or ABA, and a ninth All-Tournament Team member played several years with the Harlem Globetrotters. In 1982, an all-time high of five ex-jucos were named NCAA All-Americans - Oregon State guard Lester Conner (Los Medanos CA & Chabot CA), UC Irvine forward Kevin Magee (Saddleback CA), Idaho guard Ken Owens (Treasure Valley CA), Rice forward Ricky Pierce (Walla Walla WA) and Tulsa swingman Paul Pressey (Western Texas).
The misconceptions regarding junior college basketball aren't helped when network TV pulls a snafu such as in the early 1990s when it was mistakenly inferred that Kentucky guard Dale Brown was the first instance of the Wildcats recruiting a junior college player. Actually, legendary coach Adolph Rupp, a Kansas native, regularly attended the NJCAA Tournament at Hutchinson, Kan., in the 1950s and recruited four tournament MVPs or leading scorers. Two of the four didn't play much for Kentucky or transferred, but the other two - Bob Burrow (Lon Morris TX) and Sid Cohen (Kilgore TX) - proved to be pivotal players for the Wildcats and were selected in the NBA draft. Burrow, an NCAA consensus second-team All-American in 1956, still holds the school record for rebound average in a career (16.1 rpg). Guard Adrian "Odie" Smith, a key member of Kentucky's 1958 NCAA champion, was also a junior college recruit (Northeast Mississippi). Ditto Doug Pendygraft, who joined UK after setting an NJCAA record with 63 points in a national tournament game for Lindsey Wilson KY.
Two decades earlier, Alabama, after finishing 12th in the 13-team SEC in 1937-38 with a 4-12 record, topped the league's regular-season standings the next year with a 13-4 mark. Bama's squad included three junior college graduates, led by center George Prather, who was named to the SEC All-Tournament first five.
In the early to mid-1930s, John Tarleton Agricultural College (Tex.) reeled off 86 consecutive victories and won 112 of 113 contests over a six-year span. Tarleton coach W.J. Wisdom attended a Texas A&M/Texas game and five of the starters were JTAC grads he previously coached.
Coach John Wooden's first center with UCLA was Carl Kraushaar, a transfer from Compton (Calif.) Community College who led the Bruins in scoring in 1948-49 and was an All-PCC selection the next season. Often overlooked amid UCLA's amazing run of nine NCAA Tournament titles in a 10-year span from 1964 through 1973 was the impact of junior college products. The Bruins had six J.C. recruits, including 1970 Final Four Most Outstanding Player Sidney Wicks, who were part of multiple NCAA championships.
The Big Ten Conference never has had an abundance of junior college players, but J.C. transfer Dick Garmaker (Hibbing) scored 37 points for Minnesota in his first league game in 1954 before becoming an NCAA consensus All-American the next year.
Burrow (1954) and Garmaker (1952) are two of five players - including Furman's Darrell Floyd (1951), Tulsa's Pressey (1980) and St. John's Walter Berry (1984) - who were named NJCAA Tournament MVP before becoming NCAA All-Americans.
Five of the top six scorers for Oklahoma's 2002 Final Four team were former junior college players. Former Sooners coach Kelvin Sampson (now at Houston) is fond of the realistic view junior college recruits offer a roster.
"A lot of their egos are broken down already," Sampson said. "They've been through a lot on and off the court. High school kids sometimes have egos that you have to work through. Their bubble hasn't burst yet. A high school kid sometimes gets faced with, `I thought I was better than this.' Also, juco kids only have two years left. They're hungry."
There are usually about 40 to 45 active Division I head coaches who previously served in a similar capacity at a junior college. Among the major-college mentors who guided teams to the NCAA Tournament after coaching at the J.C. level are Denny Crum (Pierce CA), Mike Deane (Delhi NY), Benny Dees (Abraham Baldwin GA), Bobby Dye (Santa Monica CA), Cliff Ellis (Cumberland TN), Jack Hartman (Coffeyville KS), Maury John (Moberly MO), Gene Keady (Hutchinson KS), Jim Killingsworth (Cerritos CA), Dick Motta (Weber UT), Lute Olson (Long Beach City CA), Ted Owens (Cameron OK), Nolan Richardson Jr. (Western Texas), Roy Skinner (Paducah KY), Charlie Spoonhour (Moberly MO and Southeastern IA), Eddie Sutton (Southern Idaho), Jerry Tarkanian (Riverside CA and Pasadena CA), Stan Watts (Dixie UT) and Jim Williams (Snow UT).
Hartman took two of his J.C. stars (Paul Henry and Lou Williams) with him to Southern Illinois, where he toiled eight years before becoming Kansas State's all-time winningest coach. Keady signed three J.C. recruits, a high number by a Big Ten institution, for his final season (2004-05) with Purdue.
Southern Idaho has produced more NCAA Division I head coaches than any other junior college. Joining recently-deceased Sutton at that level were Boyd Grant (Fresno State and Colorado State), Jerry Hale (Oral Roberts) and Fred Trenkle (San Diego State). Hale brought point guard Arnold Dugger with him and Dugger became ORU's all-time assists leader. Trenkle won a national-record 137 consecutive home games during his J.C. tenure.
At least one junior college product was among the top seven NBA draft choices six straight years from 1970 through 1975. Following is an All-Time Juco Team emphasizing two-time major-college All-Americans, top seven NBA draft choices, leading scorer for an Olympic team, more than 2,000 points at major-college level or MVP of a power conference:
FIRST TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artis Gilmore | C | Gardner-Webb (N.C.) | Jacksonville | Led NCAA in rebounding in 1969-70 and 1970-71 with JU. Only player in NCAA history to average more than 22 ppg and 22 rpg in his career. |
| Spencer Haywood | F-C | Trinidad State (Colo.) | Detroit | Leading scorer for 1968 U.S. Olympic team. Paced nation in rebounding (22.1 rpg) and finished fourth in scoring (32.1 ppg) with Titans in 1968-69. |
| Bob McAdoo | F-C | Vincennes (Ind.) | North Carolina | Leading scorer and rebounder for third-place team in 1972 NCAA playoffs before NCAA consensus first-team All-American became second pick overall in NBA draft. |
| Mitch Richmond | F-G | Moberly (Mo.) | Kansas State | Averaged 23.3 ppg and 9.2 rpg in six NCAA playoff games in 1987 and 1988. NCAA consensus second-team All-American was fifth pick overall in 1988 NBA draft. |
| Sidney Wicks | F-C | Santa Monica (Calif.) | UCLA | Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 1970 and NCAA player of year in 1971. Leading scorer and rebounder for NCAA champions in 1970 (28-2 record) and 1971 (29-1) before becoming second pick overall in NBA draft. |
SECOND TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College(s) | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Brown | G | Southeastern (Iowa) | Iowa | Two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection was sixth pick overall in 1971 NBA draft. Ranked 10th in nation in scoring in 1971 with 27.6 ppg. |
| Steve Francis | G | San Jacinto (Tex.) & Allegany (Md.) | Maryland | Second pick overall in 1999 NBA draft after All-ACC first-team selection averaged 17 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 4.5 apg in his lone season with Terrapins. |
| Armon Gilliam | F-C | Independence (Kan.) | UNLV | Leading scorer and rebounder for 1987 Final Four team (37-2 record) before Big West Conference MVP became second pick overall in NBA draft. |
| Larry Johnson | F | Odessa (Tex.) | UNLV | Top pick in 1991 NBA draft after leading Rebels to two Final Fours. Two-time Big West Conference MVP ranked among nation's top 11 in field-goal percentage both seasons. |
| Alvin Robertson | G | Crowder (Mo.) | Arkansas | Seventh pick overall in 1984 NBA draft. Two-time All-SWC selection averaged six steals in four NCAA Tournament games. |
THIRD TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College(s) | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Hollins | G | Dixie (Utah) | Arizona State | Sixth pick overall in 1975 NBA draft. Two-time All-WAC first-team selection averaged 17 ppg in two seasons with Sun Devils. |
| John Johnson | F | Northwest (Wyo.) | Iowa | All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection ranked 14th in nation in scoring with 28 ppg in 1969-70 before becoming seventh pick overall in NBA draft. |
| Vinnie Johnson | G | McLennan (Tex.) | Baylor | Ranked among NCAA's top 25 scorers in 1977-78 and 1978-79 before becoming seventh pick overall in NBA draft. Two-time SWC Player of the Year averaged 24.1 ppg with Bears. |
| Isaiah "J.R." Rider | F | Allen County (Kan.) & Antelope Valley (Calif.) | UNLV | NCAA runner-up in scoring in 1992-93 with 29.1 ppg for the Rebels before Big West Conference MVP became fifth pick overall in NBA draft. |
| Flynn Robinson | G | Casper (Wyo.) | Wyoming | Averaged more than 25 ppg each of three seasons from 1962-63 through 1964-65 with Cowboys. Three-time All-WAC first-team selection twice finished among nation's top six scorers. |
FOURTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim "Bad News" Barnes | C | Cameron (Okla.) | Texas Western | First pick overall in 1964 NBA draft. Averaged 17.8 rpg, ranking among nation's top seven rebounders both of his seasons with Miners. |
| Ron Behagen | F | Southern Idaho | Minnesota | All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection was seventh pick overall in 1973 NBA draft after averaging 17.4 ppg and 10 rpg in two seasons with Gophers. |
| Dick Garmaker | F | Hibbing (Minn.) | Minnesota | NCAA consensus first-team All-American in 1954-55. Averaged 22.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg in two season with Gophers. |
| Rickey Green | G | Vincennes (Ind.) | Michigan | Leader in scoring and assists for 1976 NCAA playoff runner-up. Averaged 18.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5 assists in eight NCAA Tournament games. |
| Jamaal Tinsley | G | Mount San Jacinto (Calif.) | Iowa State | Big 12 Conference MVP in 2000-01. Averaged 12.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 6.3 apg and 2.6 spg in two seasons with Cyclones. |
FIFTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walter Berry | F-C | San Jacinto (Tex.) | St. John's | Big East Conference MVP in 1985-86 after appearing in 1985 Final Four. Leading rebounder and second-leading scorer for Final Four team (31-4 record). |
| Ron Brewer | G | Westark (Ark.) | Arkansas | Southwest Conference MVP was leading scorer for the Razorbacks' 1978 Final Four team. Averaged 19.2 points and 4 rebounds in six NCAA Tournament games. |
| Tom Henderson | G | San Jacinto (Tex.) | Hawaii | Seventh pick overall in 1974 NBA draft. Averaged 20 ppg and 6.4 apg in two seasons with Rainbows. |
| Bobby Jackson | G | Western Nebraska | Minnesota | Big Ten Conference MVP when leading 1997 Final Four team in scoring and assists. Averaged 20.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in five NCAA Tournament games. |
| Lewis Lloyd | F | New Mexico Military Institute | Drake | NCAA runner-up in scoring and rebounding in 1979-80. Two-time Missouri Valley Conference MVP averaged 28.2 ppg and 12.4 rpg in two seasons with Bulldogs. |
SIXTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College(s) | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerry Chambers | F-C | Trinidad State (Colo.) | Utah | Final Four Most Outstanding Player for Utes in 1966 when he ranked fourth in nation in scoring with 28.8 ppg. |
| Lester Conner | G | Los Medanos (Calif.) & Chabot (Calif.) | Oregon State | Pacific-10 Conference MVP in 1981-82 for Beavers. Averaged 14.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.3 steals in four NCAA Tournament games. |
| Darrell Floyd | G-F | Wingate (N.C.) | Furman | Two-time Southern Conference MVP led NCAA in scoring in 1954-55 (35.9 ppg) and 1955-56 (33.8) for Paladins. |
| Cliff Meely | C-F | Northeastern (Colo.) | Colorado | Led Buffaloes in scoring and rebounding three seasons before Big Eight Conference MVP became seventh pick overall in 1971 NBA draft. Ranked among nation's top 18 scorers as a sophomore and senior. |
| George Trapp | F-C | Pasadena City (Calif.) | Long Beach State | Two-time MVP in PCAA was fifth pick overall in 1971 NBA draft after averaging 17.7 ppg and 9 rpg. |
SEVENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Burrow | C | Lon Morris (Tex.) | Kentucky | Two-time All-American averaged 26.3 ppg in four NCAA playoff games in 1955 and 1956. |
| Ed Gray | G | Southern Idaho | California | Pacific-10 Conference MVP for Cal in 1996-97 when ranking second in nation in scoring with 24.8 ppg. Tennessee transfer scored school-record 48 points at Washington State before suffering season-ending broken foot on dunk attempt. |
| John Rudometkin | C-F | Allan Hancock (Calif.) | Southern California | Two-time All-American ranked 15th in nation in scoring as junior with 23.9 ppg. Averaged 25 ppg and 12.8 rpg in four NCAA playoff games in 1960 and 1961. |
| Willie Smith | G | Seminole (Okla.) | Missouri | Big Eight Conference MVP for the Tigers in 1975-76 when he set school single-season scoring record with 25.3 ppg. Averaged 31.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists in three NCAA Tournament games. |
| Sam Williams | F | Burlington (Iowa) | Iowa | Big Ten Conference MVP in 1967-68 for Hawkeyes. Ranked among nation's top 24 scorers in both of his seasons with Hawkeyes. |
EIGHTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nate "Tiny" Archibald | G | Arizona Western | Texas-El Paso | Averaged 20 ppg for Miners from 1967-68 through 1969-70. Scored 36 points in his only NCAA Tournament game as senior. |
| Daron "Mookie" Blaylock | G | Midland (Tex.) | Oklahoma | Leader in assists and steals and third-leading scorer for 1988 NCAA Tournament runner-up (35-4 record). Two-time All-Big Eight Conference selection ranked among nation's top three in steals both of his seasons. |
| Mel Daniels | C | Burlington (Iowa) | New Mexico | Three-time All-WAC selection led Lobos in scoring and rebounding all three seasons from 1964-65 through 1966-67. |
| Orlando Lightfoot | F | Hiwassee (Tenn.) | Idaho | Two-time Big Sky Conference MVP is second-leading all-time J.C. scorer at DI level (2,102 points from 1991-92 through 1993-94). |
| Kevin Magee | F | Saddleback (Calif.) | UC Irvine | Ranked among NCAA's top seven in points, rebounds and FG% in 1980-81 and 1981-82. Two-time Big West Conference MVP averaged 26.3 ppg and 12.3 rpg for UCI. |
NINTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College(s) | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Allen | G | Butler County (Kan.) & Wabash Valley (Ill.) | Oklahoma State | Big 12 Conference MVP was leading scorer for 2004 Final Four team. |
| Lee Nailon | F | Southeastern (Iowa) & Butler County (Kan.) | Texas Christian | All-American and WAC Player of the Year as junior ranked among the NCAA's top eight scorers in 1997-98 (24.9 ppg) and 1998-99 (22.8 ppg). |
| Ken Norman | F | Wabash Valley (Ill.) | Illinois | All-American as senior in 1986-87 after two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection finished runner-up in nation in field-goal shooting the previous season (64.1%). |
| Ricky Pierce | F-G | Walla Walla (Wash.) | Rice | All-American as senior in 1981-82 when finishing NCAA runner-up in scoring (26.8 ppg). Three-time All-SWC first-team selection led the Owls in scoring and rebounding all three seasons. |
| Grady Wallace | F | Pikeville (Ky.) | South Carolina | NCAA consensus second-team All-American as senior in 1956-57 when leading nation in scoring with 31.2 ppg after finishing 17th the previous season. |
TENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College(s) | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell Green | F | Contra Costa (Calif.) | Utah State | All-American as senior averaged 22.5 ppg and 12.7 rpg from 1959-60 through 1961-62. He was a three-time All-Mountain States Conference first-team selection. |
| Gus "Honeycomb" Johnson | F | Boise (Idaho) | Idaho | Ranked second in NCAA in rebounding with 20.3 rpg in 1962-63. |
| Larry Kenon | F | Amarillo (Tex.) | Memphis State | All-American and Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1972-73 was leading rebounder and second-leading scorer for NCAA Tournament runner-up. |
| Dalton Knecht | F | Northeastern Colorado | Northern Colorado/Tennessee | All-American as a senior with the Volunteers averaged 16.9 ppg and 5.2 rpg from 2021-22 through 2023-24. |
| Phillip "Red" Murrell | F | Chillicothe (Mo.) & Moberly Area (Mo.) | Drake | All-American as senior ranked among nation's top 13 scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58. |
ELEVENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howie Dallmar | G | Menlo (Calif.) | Stanford & Penn | NCAA consensus first-team All-American as senior with Penn in 1944-45. Final Four MOP for Stanford's 1942 NCAA titlist. |
| Don Lofgran | F-C | Grant Tech (Calif.) | San Francisco | NIT MVP for 1949 champion. Averaged 18 ppg in five NIT contests in 1949 (champion) and 1950 (eliminated in first round by eventual champion CCNY). |
| Willie Murrell | F | Eastern Oklahoma A&M | Kansas State | All-American as senior when he was leading scorer (22.3 ppg) for fourth-place team in 1964 NCAA Tournament. |
| Nick Van Exel | G | Trinity Valley (Tex.) | Cincinnati | All-American as senior (18.3 ppg and 4.5 apg) after being leader in assists and third-leading scorer for 1992 Final Four team. |
| Lloyd Walton | G | Moberly Area (Mo.) | Marquette | All-American as senior in 1975-76 after leading Marquette's 1974 NCAA Tournament runner-up in assists. |
TWELFTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aron Stewart | G-F | Essex County (Md.) | Richmond | Two-time All-Southern Conference first-team selection averaged 28.1 ppg in 1972-73 (league MVP) and 1973-74, ranking fourth in NCAA in scoring each season. |
| Ollie Taylor | F | San Jacinto (Tex.) | Houston | Averaged 22 ppg, 10.3 rpg and 3.3 apg for the Cougars in 1968-69 and 1969-70. |
| Martin Terry | G | Hutchinson (Kan.) | Arkansas | Ranked among NCAA's top 22 scorers in 1971-72 and 1972-73 while averaging 26.3 ppg. SWC Player of the Year as senior scored 46 points in a game against Texas A&M. |
| John "Cat" Thompson | F | Dixie (Utah) | Montana State | NCAA consensus first-team All-American in 1929 and 1930. |
| John Vallely | G | Orange Coast (Calif.) | UCLA | All-American as senior (16.3 ppg) was named to All-NCAA Tournament team as third-leading scorer for 1969 titlist and second-leading scorer for 1970 champion. |
THIRTEENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Butler | G | Western Texas | Idaho State | Averaged 27 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 2.9 apg with ISU in 1977-78 and 1978-79. As a senior All-American, Big Sky Conference MVP led the nation with 30.1 ppg. |
| Harvey Grant | F | Independence (Kan.) | Oklahoma | All-American as senior in 1987-88 when he was leading rebounder for NCAA Tournament runner-up. |
| Shaler Halimon | F | Imperial Valley (Calif.) | Utah State | Averaged 25.2 ppg in 1966-67 and 1967-68, ranking among nation's top 18 scorers both seasons before becoming 14th pick overall in NBA draft. |
| Simmie Hill | F | Cameron (Okla.) | West Texas State | Ranked seventh in nation in scoring with 27.3 ppg in 1967-68 before becoming an All-American the next season. |
| Willie Humes | F | Vincennes (Ind.) | Idaho State | Ranked among nation's top five scorers in 1969-70 and 1970-71 while averaging 31.5 ppg. He set ISU's single-game scoring record with 53 points against Montana State. |
FOURTEENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College(s) | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raymond "Sonny" Downs Jr. | F-C | Del Mar (Tex.) | Texas | Two-time All-SWC first-team selection led the Longhorns in scoring three straight seasons from 1954-55 through 1956-57. Tied school single-game scoring mark with 49 points against Baylor. |
| Jack Gray | F | North Texas Agricultural | Texas | NCAA consensus All-American in 1935 for Longhorns. |
| Bobby Joe Hill | G | Burlington (Iowa) & Hutchinson (Kan.) | Texas Western | All-American in 1965-66 when he was leading scorer for NCAA Tournament champion. |
| Paul Pressey | G-F | Western Texas | Tulsa | NCAA consensus second-team All-American as a senior in 1981-82 when averaging 13.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg. He was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection. |
| Darrell Walker | G | Westark (Ark.) | Arkansas | All-American and SWC Player of the Year as senior averaged 17.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals in six NCAA Tournament games from 1981 through 1983. |
FIFTEENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Cassell | G | San Jacinto (Tex.) | Florida State | Two-time All-ACC second-team selection averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists in seven NCAA Tournament games in 1992 and 1993. |
| Cleanthony Early | F | Sullivan County (N.Y.) | Wichita State | All-American in 2013-14 for Shockers' team that was unbeaten entering the NCAA playoffs after reaching Final Four the previous season. |
| Chris Porter | F | Chipola (Fla.) | Auburn | All-American and SEC Player of the Year as junior in 1998-99 when two-time all-conference selection averaged 16 ppg and 8.6 rpg. |
| Ray Williams | G-F | San Jacinto (Tex.) | Minnesota | Two-time All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection averaged 18.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 5.7 apg in 1975-76 and 1976-77. He was the 10th pick overall in 1977 NBA draft. |
| Sam Worthen | G | McLennan (Tex.) | Marquette | All-American as senior in 1979-80 when averaging 16.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 6.5 apg and 1.4 spg. |
SIXTEENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Barry | G | Paris (Tex.) | Georgia Tech | Pacific transfer averaged 16.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 4.9 apg and 1.9 spg with Yellow Jackets in 1990-91 and 1991-92 (All-ACC third-team selection). |
| Walter "Corky" Devlin | F | Potomac State (W. Va.) | George Washington | Two-time All-Southern Conference first-team selection ranked among nation's top 14 in FG% and FT% in 1953-54 and 1954-55 en route to averaging 20.1 ppg and 6.9 rpg in three-year career. |
| Ledell Eackles | G-F | San Jacinto (Tex.) | New Orleans | Averaged 23 ppg and 4.5 rpg for UNO in 1986-87 and 1987-88. American South Conference MVP as a senior set school DI single-game scoring record with 45 points against Florida International. |
| Eugene "Goo" Kennedy | F-C | Fort Worth (Tex.) | Texas Christian | Averaged 20.4 ppg and 16.6 rpg in 1970-71 as SWC Player of the Year. |
| Jerome Whitehead | C | Riverside City (Calif.) | Marquette | All-American as senior after becoming second-leading rebounder and third-leading scorer for 1977 NCAA Tournament champion. |
SEVENTEENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terry Catledge | F | Itawamba (Miss.) | South Alabama | USA's career average leader in scoring (21.7 ppg) and rebounding (10.8 rpg) as three-time All-Sun Belt Conference first-team selection from 1982-83 through 1984-85. |
| John Fairchild | C-F | Palomar (Calif.) | Brigham Young | Two-time All-WAC first-team selection was an All-American in 1964-65 when averaging 21.5 ppg and 12.4 rpg. |
| Larry Friend | G-F | Los Angeles CC | California | All-American in 1956-57 when averaging 18.9 ppg and 6 rpg before becoming 13th pick overall in NBA draft. |
| Dennis "Mo" Layton | G | Phoenix (Ariz.) | Southern California | All-American as senior averaged 17.1 ppg with USC in 1969-70 and 1970-71. |
| Elnardo Webster | F | Wharton (Tex.) | St. Peter's | The Peacocks' career average leader in scoring (24.5 ppg) and rebounding (14.1 rpg) played for them in 1967-68 and 1968-69. |
EIGHTEENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theodore "Blue" Edwards | G | Louisburg (N.C.) | East Carolina | Averaged 20.6 ppg and 6.3 rpg with ECU in 1986-87 and 1988-89. Colonial Athletic Association MVP as a senior when he ranked fifth in nation in scoring with 26.7 ppg. |
| Robert Elmore | C | Wharton County (Tex.) | Wichita State | Three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection ranked third in nation in rebounding with 15.8 rpg as senior in 1976-77. He was a younger brother of Maryland All-American Len Elmore. |
| Danny Schultz | G | Hiwassee (Tenn.) | Tennessee | All-American as senior in 1963-64 when averaging 18.3 ppg. Two-time All-SEC selection ranked among NCAA's top five in FT% both seasons. |
| Marcus Thornton | G | Kilgore (Tex.) | Louisiana State | SEC Most Valuable Player as senior in 2008-09. Averaged 20.4 ppg and 5.5 rpg in his two seasons with LSU. |
| Delon Wright | G | CC of San Francisco | Utah | All-American as senior averaged 15 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.2 apg and 2.3 spg for the Utes in 2013-14 and 2014-15. |
NINETEENTH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Barksdale | C | Marin (Calif.) | UCLA | All-American in 1946-47 when averaging 14.7 ppg with the Bruins. |
| Al Green | G | Arizona Western | Louisiana State | All-American as LSU senior in 1978-79 (averaging 17.7 ppg) after transferring from North Carolina State. |
| Bob Harris | C | Murray State (Okla.) | Oklahoma A&M | All-American in 1948-49 when he was leading scorer for NCAA Tournament runner-up. |
| Darington Hobson | F | Eastern Utah | New Mexico | All-American and Mountain West Conference MVP in 2009-10 when averaging 15.9 ppg and 9.3 rpg. |
| Ken Owens | G | Treasure Valley (Calif.) | Idaho | All-American and Big Sky Conference MVP in 1981-82 when averaging 15.6 ppg and 4.2 apg. |
TWENTIETH TEAM
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Flower | G | Menlo Park (Calif.) | Southern California | All-American in 1952-53 when two-time All-PCC selection averaged 13.8 ppg and 6.7 rpg. |
| Jesse "Cab" Renick | G | Murray State (Okla.) | Oklahoma A&M | NCAA consensus second-team All-American in 1939-40 when he was a member of U.S. Olympic team. |
| George Stanich | C | Sacramento (Calif.) | UCLA | All-American in 1949-50 for coach John Wooden's first NCAA tourney team. |
| Ray Steiner | G | Moberly (Mo.) | St. Louis | All-American in 1951-52 when averaging 12.2 ppg for the Billikens' first NCAA playoff team. |
| Vic "Slick" Townsend | G-F | Compton (Calif.) | Oregon | All-American in 1940-41 when averaging 10.1 ppg. |
TOP 60 HONORABLE MENTION
| Player | Pos. | Junior College | Four-Year University | Summary of NCAA DI Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richie Adams | C-F | Massachusetts Bay | UNLV | Two-time MVP in Pacific Coast Athletic Association (1983-84 and 1984-85) averaged 12.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 spg and 1.4 bpg in three seasons.. |
| Rafer Alston | G | Ventura (Calif.) & Fresno CC | Fresno State | Averaged 11 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 7.3 apg for the Bulldogs in 1997-98. |
| Harold Arcenceaux | F | Eastern Utah | Weber State | Two-time Big Sky Conference MVP, ranking among nation's top 10 scorers in 1998-99 (22.3 ppg) and 1999-00 (23 ppg). |
| Tim Bassett | C | Southern Idaho | Georgia | Averaged 14.4 ppg, 13.6 rpg and 2.5 apg with the Bulldogs in 1971-72 and 1972-73. |
| John Baum | F | Pierce (Pa.) | Temple | Averaged 17.9 ppg and 12 rpg for the Owls from 1966-67 through 1968-69. |
| Ralph "Stork" Bishop | C-F | Yakima Valley (Wash.) | Washington | All-American in 1936 when he was member of U.S. Olympic team. |
| Terry Boyd | G | Southern Union State (Ala.) | Western Carolina | Averaged 23.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.2 apg and 1.7 spg in 1990-91 and 1991-92. As a senior, he was Southern Conference MVP. |
| Steve Bracey | G | Kilgore (Tex.) | Tulsa | All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection as senior averaged 21.3 ppg and 4.9 rpg for the Golden Hurricanes in 1970-71 and 1971-72. |
| Denver Brackeen | F | East Central (Miss.) | Mississippi | Two-time All-SEC selection averaged 24.8 ppg and 12.1 rpg for the Rebels in 1953-54 and 1954-55. |
| Alonzo Bradley | F | Utica (Miss.) | Texas Southern | Two-time All-SWAC second-team selection averaged 25 ppg and 8.1 rpg for TSU in 1975-76 and 1976-77. |
| Don Burness | F | Menlo Park (Calif.) | Stanford | All-American when he was third-leading scorer for 1942 NCAA Tournament titlist. |
| David Burns | G | Navarro (Tex.) | St. Louis | Averaged 19.4 ppg and 4.2 apg with the Billikens in 1979-80 and 1980-81. He was Metro Conference MVP as a senior. |
| Mack Calvin | G | Long Beach City College | Southern California | Averaged 12.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg for USC in 1967-68 and 1968-69 (All-Pac-8 Conference first-team selection). |
| Harvey Catchings | C | Weatherford (Tex.) | Hardin-Simmons | Averaged 16.7 ppg and 11.1 rpg for the Cowboys from 1971-72 through 1973-74. |
| Jae Crowder | F | South Georgia Tech & Howard (Tex.) | Marquette | Averaged 14.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 1.9 spg in 2010-11 and 2011-12. Big East Conference MVP as a senior. |
| Mel Daniels | F | Brevard (Fla.) | Stetson | Averaged 19.3 ppg and 9.8 rpg for the Hatters in 1976-77 and 1977-78. |
| Sammy Drummer | F | DeKalb South (Ga.) | Georgia Tech | Averaged 22.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg with the Yellow Jackets in 1977-78 (All-Metro Conference first-team selection) and 1978-79. |
| Michael Edwards | F | Weatherford (Tex.) | Pan American | Averaged 22.3 ppg and 4.5 rpg for PAU in 1976-77 and 1977-78. |
| Ozie Edwards | G | Eastern Oklahoma A&M | Oklahoma City | Ranked among nation's top 33 scorers in 1971-72 (22.9 ppg) and 1972-73 (28.4 ppg). |
| Denny Fitzpatrick | G | Orange Coast (Calif.) | California | Leading scorer for 1959 NCAA champion when All-PCC first-team selection ranked second in nation in free-throw accuracy (85.4%). |
| Ernie Fleming | F | Gardner-Webb (N.C.) | Jacksonville | Averaged 20.6 ppg and 7.5 rpg with JU in 1970-71 and 1971-72. Set school single-game scoring record with 59 points against St. Peter's. |
| Winston Garland | G | Southeastern (Iowa) | Missouri State | Averaged 18.9 ppg, 3 rpg, 4.4 apg and 2.1 spg in 1985-86 and 1986-87. As a senior, he was Mid-Continent Conference MVP. |
| Alton Lee Gipson | C | Utica (Miss.) | Florida State | Two-time All-Metro Conference selection averaged 19.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 1.7 bpg for the Seminoles in 1983-84 and 1984-85. |
| Neil Gordon | F | Wingate (N.C.) | Furman | Two-time All-Southern Conference selection averaged 22.4 ppg for the Paladins in 1951-52 and 1952-53. |
| Kenneth Green | F | Ranger (Tex.) | Pan American | Averaged 20.3 ppg and 11.5 rpg for PAU in 1979-80 and 1980-81. |
| Sydney Grider | G | Aquinas (Tenn.) | Southwestern Louisiana | Two-time All-American South Conference first-team selection averaged 24.5 ppg with USL in 1988-89 (16th in nation with 25.5 ppg) and 1989-90, leading the league in scoring both seasons. |
| Jeff Halliburton | G | San Jacinto (Tex.) | Drake | Two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection averaged 17.1 ppg and 7.5 rpg for the Bulldogs in 1969-70 and 1970-71. |
| Carl Herrera | F | Jacksonville (Tex.) | Houston | Venezuelan native averaged 16.7 ppg and 9.2 rpg for the Cougars in 1989-90 before declaring early for the NBA draft (30th pick overall in second round). |
| Bill Hewitt | F | Mt. San Antonio (Calif.) | Southern California | Two-time All-AAWU first-team selection averaged 19.1 ppg and 11.3 rpg for the Trojans in 1966-67 and 1967-68. |
| Greg "Stretch" Howard | F | Hartnell (Calif.) | New Mexico | Two-time All-WAC selection averaged 16.6 ppg and 10.1 rpg for the Lobos in 1967-68 and 1968-69. He led them in rebounding average both seasons and in scoring average as a senior. |
| Lester Hudson | G | Southwest Tennessee | Tennessee-Martin | Two-time Ohio Valley Conference MVP ranked among nation's top five scorers in 2007-08 and 2008-09 while averaging 26.6 ppg. He also contributed 7.8 rpg and 4.4 apg. |
| Avery Johnson | G | New Mexico JC | Southern (La.) | Led NCAA in assists in 1986-87 (10.7 apg) and 1987-88 (13.3 apg). SWAC Player of the Year as senior dished out at least 20 scoring feeds in four league games. |
| Marvin Johnson | F | Howard (Tex.) | New Mexico | Two-time All-WAC selection averaged 21.9 ppg and 6 rpg with the Lobos in 1976-77 and 1977-78. Set school single-game scoring record with 50 points against Colorado State. |
| Frankie King | G | Brunswick (Ga.) | Western Carolina | Two-time All-Southern Conference first-team selection averaged 26.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.8 spg in 1993-94 and 1994-95. As a senior, he was league MVP. |
| Tom King | F | Cameron (Okla.) | New Mexico | Ranked among NCAA's top 32 in rebound percentage in 1959-60 (15 rpg) and 1960-61 (16.3 rpg). |
| Jim Loscutoff | F | Grant Tech (Calif.) | Oregon | Ranked 19th in NCAA in rebounding with 17.2 per game in 1954-55 after missing two seasons while serving in U.S. Army. |
| Ollie Mack | G | San Jacinto (Tex.) | East Carolina | Averaged 23 ppg and 4.3 rpg for the Pirates in 1977-78 and 1978-79. Ranked fourth in NCAA in scoring as junior with 28 ppg. |
| Shawn Marion | F | Vincennes (Ind.) | UNLV | All-WAC first-team selection averaged team highs of 18.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.5 spg and 1.9 bpg for the Rebels in 1998-99 before declaring early for NBA draft (ninth pick overall). |
| De'Teri Mayes | G | Wallace-Hanceville (Ala.) | Murray State | Two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team selection averaged 21.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg for the Racers in 1996-97 and 1997-98. As a senior, he was OVC MVP when leading league in scoring. |
| Stan Mayhew | F | Trinidad (Colo.) | Weber State | Big Sky Conference's top scorer in 1976-77 when averaging 22 ppg and 10.2 rpg. Scored 45 points in a single game against Utah State (school record for more than 41 years). |
| Von McDade | G | Iowa Lakes | Milwaukee | Oklahoma State transfer averaged 29.6 ppg (third in nation), 5.4 rpg, 3.7 apg and 3.5 spg with Milwaukee in 1990-91. He set school single-game record with 50 points at Illinois. |
| McCoy McLemore | F | Moberly Area (Mo.) | Drake | Averaged 14.2 ppg and 11.2 rpg for the Bulldogs in 1962-63 and 1963-64 (All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection). |
| Tim Moore | F | Lee (Tex.) | Houston | Two-time All-SWC selection led the Cougars in scoring and rebounding all three seasons from 1993-94 through 1995-96, ranking among NCAA's top 20 in rebounding as junior and senior. |
| Rex Morgan | G | Lake Land (Ill.) | Jacksonville | Averaged 22 ppg and 6.8 rpg for the Dolphins in 1968-69 and 1969-70. As a senior, he was runner-up to All-American Artis Gilmore in scoring for JU's NCAA playoff runner-up. Ranked 10th in nation in scoring with 26.7 ppg as a junior. |
| Charles "Bo" Outlaw | F-C | South Plains (Tex.) | Houston | Two-time all-league selection led NCAA in field-goal shooting in 1991-92 (68.4%) and 1992-93 (65.8%) while ranking among nation's top 10 in blocked shots both seasons. SWC Player of the Year as a senior. |
| Robert "Sonny" Parker | F | Mineral Area (Mo.) | Texas A&M | Two-time SWC Player of the Year averaged 17.7 ppg and 7.1 rpg for the Aggies in 1974-75 and 1975-76. |
| Timothy Pollard | G | Coahoma (Miss.) | Mississippi Valley State | Two-time All-SWAC third-team selection led NCAA in three-point field goals made per game in 1987-88 (4.7) and 1988-89 (4.4). |
| Hector Romero | F | Independence (Kan.) | New Orleans | Venezuelan native averaged 19.3 ppg and 10 rpg in 2001-02 and 2002-03. He was Sun Belt Conference MVP as a junior. |
| Ollie Shannon | G | Minneapolis CC | Minnesota | Averaged 19.7 ppg in 1969-70 and 1970-71, leading the Gophers in scoring average both seasons. Tied school single-game scoring record with 42 points against Wisconsin. |
| Curt Smith | G | Compton (Calif.) | Drake | Averaged 21.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.6 apg and 2.7 spg as Missouri Valley Conference MVP in 1992-93. |
| Mike Smith | G-F | Bossier Parish (La.) | Louisiana-Monroe | Two-time All-Southland Conference first-team selection averaged 19.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 2.7 apg for ULM in 1998-99 and 1999-00. As a senior, he was league MVP before becoming an NBA draft selection. |
| Riley Smith | C-F | Odessa (Tex.) | Idaho | Averaged 19.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 1.4 spg in 1988-89 and 1989-90. As a senior, he was Big Sky Conference MVP. |
| Ryan Stuart | F | Lon Morris (Tex.) | Northeast Louisiana | Two-time Southland Conference MVP averaged 21.3 ppg and 9.2 rpg in 1991-92 and 1992-93. |
| Henry Taylor | F | South Plains (Tex.) | Pan American | Averaged 20 ppg and 12.8 rpg for the Broncs in 1976-77 and 1977-78. |
| Gary Turner | F-C | Paris (Tex.) | Texas Christian | Three-time All-SWC selection led the Horned Frogs in scoring and rebounding each season from 1963-64 through 1965-66. |
| Shaun Vandiver | F | Hutchinson (Kan.) | Colorado | Three-time All-Big Eight Conference selection averaged 20.6 ppg and 10.6 rpg for the Buffs from 1988-89 through 1990-91. |
| Obet Vazquez | F | Trinidad State (Colo.) | Central Connecticut State | Averaged 22 ppg and 7.6 rpg for CCSU in 1990-91. |
| Dave Wagnon | G | Boise (Idaho) | Idaho State | Averaged 25.5 ppg and 4.9 rpg for the Bengals in 1964-65 and 1965-66. As a senior, he narrowly finished national runner-up to Purdue All-American Dave Schellhase in scoring with 32.5 ppg. |
| "Jo Jo" Walters | G | Essex County (Md.) | Manhattan | Averaged 20.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg for the Jaspers in 1977-78 and 1978-79. |
| Mitchell Wiggins | F | Truett-McConnell (Ga.) | Florida State | Clemson transfer ranked among NCAA's top 23 scorers with the Seminoles in 1981-82 (23.8 ppg) and 1982-83 (22.7 ppg). |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 22 NFL Playoff Games
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 22 in football at the professional level (especially Green Bay Packers defense in NFC championship contest following 2016 season):
JANUARY 22
Baltimore Ravens PK Billy Cundiff (played in nine basketball contests with Drake in 1999-00 and 2000-01) converted two field goals but missed a 32-yard attempt with 15 seconds remaining that could have knotted the score in 23-20 setback against the New England Patriots in AFC championship game following 2011 season.
San Francisco 49ers FS Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper in 1979-80) contributed four solo tackles in a 20-16 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII following 1988 season.
Oakland Raiders RB Greg Pruitt (freshman squad hooper for Oklahoma in 1969-70) rushed five times for 17 yards, returned one kickoff for 17 yards and returned one punt return for eight yards in a 38-9 victory against the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII following the 1983 season. George Starke (averaged 2.9 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Columbia in 1968-69 and 1969-70) was starting RT for the Redskins.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team coached by Bob Knight) caught four passes for 52 yards in a 34-17 win against the Denver Broncos in AFC Championship following 2005 season.
Green Bay Packers CB Quinten Rollins (led Miami OH in steals all four seasons from 2010-11 through 2013-14 including Mid-American Conference as senior) had four tackles in a 44-21 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in NFC championship game following 2016 season. Packers LB Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) chipped in with two tackles.
Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught four passes for 61 yards in a 34-17 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC Championship following 2005 season.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 21 NFL Playoff Games
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 21 in football at the professional level (including touchdown catches by tight ends Billy Joe Dupree and Marcedes Lewis from power-conference members):
JANUARY 21
TE Marcedes Lewis (collected nine points and four rebounds in seven UCLA basketball contests in 2002-03 under coach Steve Lavin) opened the Jacksonville Jaguars' scoring with a touchdown reception in 24-20 setback against the New England Patriots in AFC Championship following 2017 season.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-31 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIII following 1978 season. One of the TD passes was in fourth quarter to TE Billy Joe Dupree (scored four points in total of four basketball games for Michigan State in 1971-72). Cowboys RB Preston Pearson (averaged 5.2 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Illinois from 1964-65 through 1966-67) rushed once for six years and caught two of Staubach's passes for 15 yards, LDE Ed "Too Tall" Jones (averaged 1.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Tennessee State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) registered five solo tackles plus recovering a fumble and Rayfield Wright (All-SIAC hooper with Fort Valley State GA) started at RT for them. Steelers DB Tony Dungy (averaged 2.6 ppg with Minnesota in 1973-74) recorded a solo tackle.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 20 NFL Playoff Games
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 20 in playoff football at the professional level (especially San Diego Charger wide receivers in AFC Championship following 2007 season):
JANUARY 20
San Diego Chargers WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) had a playoff career-high seven pass receptions in 21-12 AFC Championship setback against the New England Patriots following 2007 season. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) had six receptions for game-high 93 receiving yards.
Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) had eight pass receptions - including touchdown - in a 28-24 NFC championship game setback against the San Francisco 49ers following 2012 season.
Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games for Texas-El Paso in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) rushed for 108 yards, including a 53-yarder, in 24-21 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in NFC Divisional Round playoff game following 2023 season.
San Francisco 49ers LCB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper in 1979-80) contributed a solo tackle in 38-16 victory against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX following 1984 season.
DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) had an interception in his third consecutive playoff game to help the New York Giants reach Super Bowl XLII following 2007 season.
St. Louis Rams rookie LB Tommy Polley (played in one basketball game for Florida State in 1996-97 under coach Pat Kennedy) had two interceptions, returning one 34 yards for a touchdown, in 45-17 NFC divisional-round win against the Green Bay Packers following 2001 campaign.
Former College Hoopers For NCAA Football Playoff Champion IU Hoosiers
In an era of specialization, two-way athletes are becoming a dying breed. In the "good old days," a striking number of versatile athletes participated in both college basketball and football. Amid this multi-sport mosaic, sports history buffs might want to know former Indiana football players who also played hoops for the Hoosiers prior to capturing this year's College Football Playoff National Championship since the early 1930s:
| FB-BKB Player | Summary of Football Career | Summary of IU Basketball Career |
|---|---|---|
| Quinn Buckner | Selected by the Washington Redskins in 14th round of 1976 NFL draft. He was a starting safety as a freshman for the Hoosiers' football squad, leading it in interceptions and fumble recoveries. | Three-time All-American averaged 10 ppg and 4.8 apg from 1972-73 through 1975-76. Member of 1976 U.S. Olympic team led IU in steals and was fourth-leading scorer and rebounder with undefeated 1976 champion. |
| Cam Cameron | Assistant coach of the NFL's San Diego Chargers for five years before he was named head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2007 (1-15 mark was the worst in team history). Offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens from 2008 to mid-December 2012 when he was replaced by former Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell. Head coach at his alma mater for five years from 1997 through 2001 (18-37 record). Class of '83 member played quarterback for the Hoosiers' football squad. Assistant coach at Michigan under Bo Schembechler before becoming an assistant for three years with the Washington Redskins. Stepfather Tom Harp was Indiana State's head football coach in the mid-1970s. | Collected 33 points and 12 rebounds in 30 games for the Hoosiers' basketball squad in 1981-82 and 1982-83. Teammate of All-Americans Ted Kitchel and Randy Wittman scored two points in 1982 NCAA Tournament Mideast Regional first-round 94-62 win over Robert Morris. Played briefly vs. Oklahoma team featuring Wayman Tisdale in 1983 playoffs. Said coach Bob Knight: "He was a kid who really understood his role on the team. He did everything he possibly could to help the team become better, in practice, the times that he played, and the way he handled himself in the locker room. Has a real understanding of what it takes, from a variety of directions, to be good." |
| Bob Cowan | Back caught 21 passes for five touchdowns and made three interceptions with two AAFC franchises (Cleveland and Baltimore) in three years from 1947 through 1949. | Averaged 1.7 ppg in 19 basketball contests for IU in 1942-43. |
| Jordan Fuchs | Tight end caught seven passes for 69 yards and three touchdowns in 2014 and 2015 before suffering a season-ending dislocated ankle in 2016 opener against Florida International. | The 6-6 Fuchs grabbed five rebounds in three basketball games in 2014-15 under coach Tom Crean. |
| Ross Hales | Tight end had 51 receptions for 580 yards and two touchdowns in 1992 and 1993, catching a 34-yard pass in the second quarter of a 45-20 loss against Virginia Tech in the 1993 Independence Bowl. | The 6-7 Hales collected 3 points and 4 rebounds in 13 basketball games under coach Bob Knight in 1993-94, making a token appearance in the Hoosiers' 67-58 second-round victory over Temple in the NCAA playoffs. |
| James Hardy III | Second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2008 NFL draft (41st pick overall) had two touchdown receptions among his nine catches in five games as a rookie. The only wide receiver in IU history to surpass 2,500 yards, 175 receptions and 35 touchdowns. Second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection as a freshman in 2005 when he caught 61 passes for 893 yards and 10 touchdowns, including a career-high 12 receptions for 203 yards at Iowa. First player in school history to catch at least one TD pass in six straight games. As a sophomore in 2006, he led IU with 51 catches for 722 yards and 10 TDs, including a school-record four TDs against Michigan State. In 2007, he set school season-records with 79 receptions for 1,125 yards and 16 receiving TDs (2nd in nation). | The 6-6 Hardy started three basketball games under coach Mike Davis for the Hoosiers in 2004-05 when averaging 1.7 ppg and 1.8 rpg. |
| Vern Huffman | Quarterback-defensive back passed for 484 yards and rushed for 368 yards with the Detroit Lions in 1937 and 1938. Third-round draft choice (27th pick overall) scored one touchdown and passed for two touchdowns each season. | The 6-2, 215-pound guard was a two-time All-Big Ten Conference basketball selection (first-team pick in 1935-36 as an All-American and second-team choice in 1936-37). |
| John Isenbarger | Triple threat standout was the Hoosiers' leading rusher each of his three varsity seasons, including 1,217 yards as an All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection senior. He was the starting tailback as a sophomore IU's only Rose Bowl team (lost to top-ranked USC following 1967 campaign). RB-WR played four years with the San Francisco 49ers (rushing 27 times for 80 yards and catching 21 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns from John Brodie and Steve Spurrier) after being their second-round pick in 1970 NFL draft. | Made 1-of-6 field-goal attempts in three basketball games in 1967-68. Brother of Phil Isenbarger, a backup senior forward for the Hoosiers' 1981 NCAA title team under coach Knight. |
| Ralph "Ken" Johnson | Defensive lineman with the Cincinnati Bengals for seven years from 1971 through 1977. | The 6-6 Johnson averaged 13.1 ppg and 9.8 rpg for the Hoosiers from 1967-68 through 1969-70. All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection as a junior led them in rebounding his last two seasons and grabbed a career-high 21 boards in a game at Minnesota. |
| Don Luft | The 6-5, 225-pounder played one season (1954) as an end with the Philadelphia Eagles, catching three passes for 59 yards. Defensive end in the CFL in 1955 and 1956. | Backup center to All-American Bill Garrett for the Hoosiers' basketball team as a junior in 1950-51, scoring 15 points in 17 games. In the final contest of Garrett's career with the Hoosiers, Luft replaced IU's first African-American player. |
| Antwaan Randle El | Big Ten Conference freshman of the year in 1998 became the first conference player to accumulate 5,000 total yards as a sophomore. The 5-11 quarterback compiled 3,000 passing yards and 1,500 yards rushing through his 19th game, faster than anyone in NCAA Division I-A history. His brother, defensive back Curtis, played with him his first two seasons with the Hoosiers. Finished sixth in 2001 Heisman Trophy voting. Second-round draft choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a wide receiver. Key kick returner caught more than 30 passes each of his first four years in the NFL, including a career-high 47 as a rookie in 2002. Signed seven-year, $31 million contract with the Washington Redskins as an unrestricted free agent after throwing a flea flicker touchdown pass in Super Bowl XX. Returned to the Steelers and played in Super Bowl XXV in Dallas. | Collected 16 points and 11 assists in 11 games for IU's 1999 NCAA Tournament team, including two points in each of the Hoosiers' playoff contests (against George Washington and St. John's). He scored 69 points in a single basketball game for Thornton High School in Harvey, Ill. |
| Trent Smock | Caught 36 passes for five touchdowns as a sophomore when he was an AP All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection. Split end was a 15th-round draft choice by the Detroit Lions in 1976 after leading IU in pass receptions three straight years. | Collected 51 points and 49 rebounds in 34 games in coach Knight's first two 20-win seasons with the Hoosiers. Played briefly as a freshman forward at the 1973 Final Four. His teammates included All-Americans Quinn Buckner, Steve Downing and Steve Green. |
| Joe Zeller | End scored two touchdowns for the Chicago Bears during his six years with them from 1933 through 1938 after playing one season with the Green Bay Packers. | The 6-1, 200-pounder averaged 4.1 ppg as a three-year basketball letterman from 1929-30 through 1931-32. |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling January 19 NFL Playoff Games
Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ cover boy #ColonKrapernick tried to pinpoint where Iran is on a map before politicized multiple anthems and hug-a-thug NFL funding anti-cop activist groups, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoops selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on January 19 in NFL postseason competition (especially tight ends):
JANUARY 19
Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games for Texas-El Paso in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) scored two second-half touchdowns in a 37-20 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in NFC Championship contest following 2019 season. Packers TEs Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09 under coach Frank Haith) and Marcedes Lewis (collected nine points and four rebounds in seven UCLA basketball contests in 2002-03 under coach Steve Lavin) combined to catch six passes for 73 yards from Aaron Rodgers.
Oakland Raiders RB Terry Kirby (averaged 2.8 ppg for Virginia's NCAA tourney teams in 1989-90 and 1990-91 under coaches Terry Holland and Jeff Jones) returned four kickoffs for 91 yards in a 16-13 setback against the New England Patriots in AFC divisional-round playoff game following 2001 season.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two touchdown passes in a 33-19 NFC divisional-round playoff win against the Chicago Bears following 2001 season.
Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas (averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 66.3% from floor with Portland State from 2006-07 through 2009-10) had team-high eight pass receptions in a 26-16 AFC Championship game win against the New England Patriots following 2013 season.
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