Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick's Netflix licks against NFL "slavery" and politicized multiple anthems, 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 promptly selected among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on November 21 in football at the professional level (especially in 1948 plus ex-hoopers with the Giants and Redskins):

NOVEMBER 21

• Todd Bouman (South Dakota State transfer averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg for St. Cloud State MN from 1993-94 through 1995-96) signed as free agent by the Green Bay Packers in 2006 to replace injured Aaron Rodgers as their second-string QB.

• In 1965, Kansas City Chiefs WR Chris Burford (averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Stanford in 1958-59 under coach Howie Dallmar) caught nine passes for 120 yards including second-quarter touchdown reception in his fourth consecutive AFL contest from Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57).

• Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught nine passes in a 24-17 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 2004.

• Chicago Bears B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) provided the decisive score with a 24-yard fumble return for touchdown in 19-13 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1926. He also kicked two field goals and threw a TD pass.

• New York Giants rookie WR Bruce Gehrke (four-year Columbia hoops letterman averaged 9.5 ppg as senior) caught a touchdown pass from Charlie Conerly in 49-3 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1948. Giants rookie DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned an interception 43 yards for TD.

• New York Giants TB Hinkey Haines (Lebanon Valley PA transfer earned hoops letter for Penn State in 1920 and 1921) rushed for two touchdowns in a 21-0 win against the Providence Steam Roller in 1926.

• Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoop games for Clemson in 2010-11) caught two touchdown passes from Deshaun Watson (35 and 30 yards) in a 20-17 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 2019. Three years later with the Arizona Cardinals, Hopkins caught at least nine passes for fourth time in his first five contests of 2022 season after being activated.

• Cleveland Browns RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had nine pass receptions in a 31-17 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 1999.

• New York Giants TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) threw two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-13 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1943.

• Boston Yanks QB Gene Malinowski (three-year hoops letterman for Detroit in mid-1940s) threw two touchdown passes in a 51-17 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1948. A 68-yard strike opened the Yanks' scoring in first quarter.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw four touchdown passes in a 28-6 win against the Washington Redskins in 2004. Six years later with the Washington Redskins, McNabb passed for 376 yards in a 19-16 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2010.

• Brooklyn Dodgers rookie TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) scored two third-quarter touchdowns - including 44-yard punt return - in a 23-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1937.

• Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had two sacks for third game in a row in 2004.

• Washington Redskins B Dick Poillon (Canisius hooper in early 1940s) returned a fumble recovery 93 yards for touchdown in 42-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1948.

• Chicago Rockets B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) scored two touchdowns (one rushing/one receiving) in a 41-16 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1947.

• Washington Redskins CB Lonnie Sanders (averaged 10.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg as Michigan State forward in 1961-62) returned two interceptions a total of 79 yards in 31-3 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1965.

• One of AAFC-leading 11 interceptions for New York Yankees rookie DB Otto Schnellbacher (averaged 11 ppg in four-year Kansas career, earning All-Big Six/Seven Conference honors each season) was returned 40 yards for a touchdown in 34-21 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1948.

• Detroit Lions B Bill Shepherd (Western Maryland hooper) returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in 16-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1937.

• Kansas City Chiefs TE Morris Stroud Jr. (tallest TE in NFL history averaged 7.2 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 1967-68 when 6-10 junior shot team-high 50.9% from floor for Clark Atlanta GA) opened game's scoring with a 39-yard touchdown reception from Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) in 28-10 win against the Denver Broncos in 1971.

• Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 11 pass receptions for 141 yards - including two second-half touchdowns - in a 28-20 AFL setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1965.

• Minnesota Vikings CB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two UTEP games under coach Don Haskins in 1967-68) had two interceptions for second consecutive contest in 1971.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick's Netflix licks against NFL "slavery" and politicized multiple anthems, 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 promptly selected among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on November 19 in football at the professional level (especially in 1967 when QBs Norm Snead and Billy Kilmer combined for six touchdown passes in same game plus multiple ex-hoopers with the Bears):

NOVEMBER 19

• Chicago Bears E Connie Mack Berry (All-Southern Conference second-team hoops selection as North Carolina State center in 1937 and 1938) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Sid Luckman in a 41-21 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1944.

• Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 237 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961.

• Chicago Bears QB Jack Concannon (grabbed one rebound in one Boston College basketball contest in 1961-62) threw three second-quarter touchdown passes totaling 211 yards in a 30-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967. Bears DB Curtis Gentry (averaged 1.8 ppg for Miami of Ohio's 1957 NCAA tourney team) intercepted three passes.

• Boston Yanks QB Bob Davis (Kentucky hoops letterman in 1937 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) opened game's scoring with a four-yard touchdown run in 13-6 win against the Brooklyn Tigers in 1944. A 25-yard pass reception by Yanks E Keith Ranspot (SMU hoops letterman in 1936 and 1937) in fourth quarter accounted for decisive TD.

• Dallas Cowboys TE Billy Joe Dupree (scored four points in total of four basketball games for Michigan State in 1971-72) delivered a career-high 108 receiving yards on five catches in 24-6 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1976.

• Cleveland Browns FS Percy Ellsworth (appeared in all four of Virginia's NCAA tourney contests for 1995 Midwest Regional finalist) returned an interception 33 yards for touchdown in 24-10 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2000.

• Chicago Bears WR George Farmer (teammate of UCLA legend Lew Alcindor in 1968-69) caught an 85-yard touchdown pass from Bobby Douglass in 34-21 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1972.

• Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 21-17 setback against the Buffalo Bills in 2000.

• Washington Redskins DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) returned an interception 33 yards for touchdown in 28-28 tie against the Dallas Cowboys in 1961.

• Cleveland Rams rookie TB Parker Hall (Ole Miss hoops letterman in 1938) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 14-3 win against the Detroit Lions in 1939.

• New Orleans Saints WR Willie Jackson (started five games for Florida in 1989-90) caught two touchdown passes in a 31-22 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 2000.

• New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (UCLA hooper under legendary coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 48-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967. Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 309 yards and four TDs.

• San Diego Chargers LB Bob Laraba (collected eight points and six rebounds in five UTEP basketball games in 1957-58 and 1958-59) returned an interception 61 yards for touchdown in 24-14 AFL win against the Dallas Texans in 1961.

• New York Yanks QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 43-35 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1950.

• Washington Redskins E-P Pat Richter (three-year Wisconsin hoops letterman in early 1960s) averaged 45 yards on eight punts in a 27-20 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1967.

• Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) accounted for their only touchdown on a pass reception with 1:03 remaining to give them a 21-20 win against the Minnesota Vikings. It was the 10th of first 13 games of 2023 season in which he caught a TD pass from QB Russell Wilson.

• Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) returned an interception 51 yards for touchdown in 24-20 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2006.

• Detroit Lions rookie HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) caught three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1950.

• Green Bay Packers P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67) threw a 68-yard touchdown pass in 23-10 win against the Houston Oilers in 1972. Teammate Vernon Vanoy (averaged 6.1 ppg and 4.9 rpg in 1966-67 and 1967-68 as Kansas teammate of Jo Jo White under coach Ted Owens) had personal-foul penalties as DT for whacking opponent on the helmet on back-to-back plays in second quarter.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick's Netflix licks against NFL "slavery" and politicized multiple anthems, 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 promptly selected among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on November 17 in football at the professional level (especially in 1963 plus ex-hoopers with the Browns and Eagles):

NOVEMBER 17

• Philadelphia Eagles LB Connor Barwin (Cincinnati hooper in 2006 NCAA Tournament) contributed five solo tackles in a 24-16 win against the Washington Redskins in 2013.

• Cleveland Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 30-30 tie against the Washington Redskins in 1957.

• Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 154 yards on 22 carries in a 20-14 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963.

• Kansas City Chiefs WR Chris Burford (averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Stanford in 1958-59 under coach Howie Dallmar) managed nine pass receptions for 98 yards in a 24-24 AFL tie with the Boston Patriots in 1963.

• New York Giants rookie E Glenn Campbell (Emporia State KS hooper) opened game's scoring with a 37-yard touchdown catch in 34-0 win against the Chicago Bears in 1929.

• Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes (90, 77 and 43 yards) in a 31-17 AFL win against the Boston Patriots in 1968.

• Green Bay Packers E Lavvie Dilweg (Marquette hoops letterman in 1926) scored all of game's points with two touchdown receptions in a 12-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1929.

• A field goal by Atlanta Falcons rookie PK Bobby Etter (collected 10 points and five rebounds in 11 basketball games for Georgia in 1964-65 and 1965-66) was the difference in 16-13 win against the Chicago Bears in 1968.

• Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw four touchdown passes in a 51-14 win against the Chicago Rockets in 1946.

• Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-21 AFL setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968.

• Oakland Raiders WR Charlie Hardy (played in nine hoops games for San Jose State in 1954-55) had a career-high six pass receptions in 20-17 AFL setback against the Boston Patriots in 1961.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes in a 27-20 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1963.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught 10 passes for 165 yards in a 41-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2013.

• Pittsburgh Steelers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for two touchdowns in a 34-28 win against the Washington Redskins in 1963. Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 424 yards.

• Los Angeles Rams rookie E Lamar Lundy (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg for Purdue in mid-1950s) scored the decisive touchdown in fourth quarter with a 34-yard pass reception from Norm Van Brocklin in 31-27 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1957.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 20-of-25 passes - including four touchdowns - in a 38-14 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2002.

• San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had seven pass receptions for 171 yards - including two touchdowns from Jeff Garcia (32 and 76 yards) - in a 20-17 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2002. The next year, Owens had eight catches for 155 yards in a 30-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2003.

• Brooklyn Dodgers B Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) threw two third-quarter touchdown passes after returning an interception 68 yards for TD in the second period in 29-14 win against the Cleveland Rams in 1940.

• Chicago Bears DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had two sacks and eight tackles in a 23-20 win against the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.

• Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught three second-quarter touchdown passes in a 43-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1990.

• Detroit Lions rookie B Bill Shepherd (Western Maryland hooper) rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 20-10 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1935.

• Catching a touchdown pass in his fifth consecutive contest, New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) had seven pass receptions for 159 yards in 48-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1963.

• Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-half touchdown passes to TE Billy Joe Dupree (scored four points in total of four basketball games for Michigan State in 1971-72) in a 28-21 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1974.

• Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) caught five passes for 113 yards in a 27-23 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 2019.

• B Whizzer White (two-time all-conference first-team hoops selection averaged 6.8 ppg for Colorado from 1935-36 through 1937-38) had two third-quarter rushing touchdowns for the Detroit Lions' first two scores in a 21-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1940.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick's Netflix licks against NFL "slavery" and politicized multiple anthems, 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 promptly selected among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on November 16 in football at the professional level (especially in 1941 and 1947 plus ex-hoopers with the Rams and Steelers):

NOVEMBER 16

• In 1947, Baltimore Colts rookie E Hub Bechtol (Texas Tech hoops letterman in 1944 before transferring to Texas and concentrating on football) had his lone NFL touchdown reception (against Brooklyn Dodgers).

• Los Angeles Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) had two touchdown receptions in a 41-21 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1947.

• Only NFL reception for E Maurice Britt (Arkansas hoops letterman in 1939) was 45-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give the Detroit Lions a 21-17 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941. Lions B Whizzer White (two-time all-conference first-team hoops selection averaged 6.8 ppg for Colorado from 1935-36 through 1937-38) had a 71-yard pass reception for TD.

• Los Angeles Rams rookie E Bob Carey (forward-center averaged 8.8 ppg in three-year Michigan State career in early 1950s) caught a 61-yard touchdown pass from Norm Van Brocklin in 40-24 win against the Chicago Bears in 1952. Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) caught two TD passes - one of them for 84 yards.

• New Orleans Saints DB Chuck Crist (averaged more than 10 ppg last two seasons under Penn State coach John Bach, leading team in FG% as junior and FT% as senior) returned an interception 42 yards in 20-7 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1975.

• New York Giants TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 49-14 win against the Cleveland Rams in 1941. Giants TB Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) logged a rushing TD in his third consecutive contest. Rams TB Parker Hall (Ole Miss hoops letterman in 1938) threw two first-half TD passes.

• Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes to Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M in a 34-16 AFL win against the New York Jets in 1969.

• Atlanta Falcons PK Bobby Etter (collected 10 points and five rebounds in 11 basketball games for Georgia in 1964-65 and 1965-66), in the midst of supplying two field goals in five contests during a seven-game span, converted all six extra points and both FGAs in 48-31 win against the Chicago Bears in 1969.

• Pittsburgh Steelers QB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) threw four second-half touchdown passes in a 29-28 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1952.

• Tennessee Titans WR Justin Gage (averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.9 rpg for Missouri from 1999-00 through 2001-02) caught four passes for 147 yards - including two second-half touchdowns from Kerry Collins - in a 24-14 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008.

• Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three touchdown passes in a 37-14 AAFC win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1947.

• Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven basketball games for Clemson in 2010-11) scored game's only touchdown with a 22-yard pass reception in fourth quarter of 10-6 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015.

• Chicago Bears rookie E Luke Johnsos (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1927 and 1928) had two touchdown pass receptions in a 20-14 setback against the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1929. Rookie TB Ed Halicki (Bucknell hooper in 1928) scored two TDs for the Yellow Jackets.

• A 25-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter by rookie B Art Jones (averaged 4.9 ppg as starting center for Richmond in 1940-41) propelled the Pittsburgh Steelers to 14-7 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1941.

• Dallas Cowboys DE Too Tall Jones (backup center averaged 1.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Tennessee State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) had three sacks in a 24-21 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1986.

• San Francisco 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) returned a kickoff 101 yards for touchdown in 27-19 win against the Carolina Panthers in 1997.

• Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas letterman in early 1940s) caught two touchdown passes from Paul Christman in a 21-20 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1947.

• Atlanta Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had two interceptions in a 16-7 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1975.

• Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) logged two goal-line plunges for touchdowns in a 31-10 win against the New York Giants in 1958.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 24-of-30 passes for 314 yards in a 28-10 win against the New York Giants in 2003. Five years later, McNabb passed for 339 yards in a 13-13 tie against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008.

• Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a punt 60 yards for touchdown in 23-21 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2003.

• Green Bay Packers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned an interception 52 yards for touchdown in 53-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014.

• Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) returned a punt 65 yards for touchdown and had 10 pass receptions in 37-8 win against the San Diego Chargers in 2003.

• Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) completed 10-of-14 passes - including three touchdowns - in a 34-31 win against the New England Patriots in 1975.

• New York Giants T Jim White (Notre Dame hooper in 1941) returned an interception 16 yards in 24-7 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1947. Steelers DB Charlie Seabright (West Virginia hoops letterman in 1938-39 and 1939-40) returned an INT 39 yards for a touchdown.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick's Netflix licks against NFL "slavery" and politicized multiple anthems, 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 promptly selected among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on November 15 in football at the professional level (especially in 1964 plus ex-hoopers with the Cardinals and Eagles):

NOVEMBER 15

• Detroit Lions TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference hoops choice for Colorado College) rushed for two touchdowns in a 38-0 win against the New York Giants in 1936.

• Rookie E Milan Creighton (All-SWC second-team guard for Arkansas in 1929-30) opened scoring for the Chicago Cardinals with a 27-yard touchdown reception from Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five hoops choice for Stanford in 1924-25) in 21-13 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1931.

• Cleveland Rams TB Parker Hall (Ole Miss hoops letterman in 1938) threw three touchdown passes in a 27-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 1942.

• Chicago Cardinals RB Mal Hammack (played four basketball games with Florida in 1954-55) returned a blocked punt 17 yards for touchdown in 27-17 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1959. It was one of four TDs he scored against Philly in a three-year span from 1958 through 1960.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw two touchdown passes - including a go-ahead 38-yarder to Pete Retzlaff - in 17-14 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1964.

• 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 touchdowns in a 27-24 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 2018.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 345 yards and four touchdowns - three to WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) - in a 49-21 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2004. Five years later, McNabb passed for 450 yards - including two fourth-quarter TDs - in a 31-23 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 2009. The next year with the Washington Redskins, McNabb threw two second-quarter TD passes in a 59-28 setback against the Eagles in 2010.

• Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year hoops letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked four field goals in a 20-19 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1970. It was Percival's third consecutive contest with at least three FGs.

• TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in 1992-93 and 1993-94) caught 14-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning with 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Indianapolis Colts a 24-23 win against the New York Jets in 1998.

• Los Angeles Rams rookie WR Bucky Pope (two-time All-Carolinas Conference pick for Catawba NC averaged 19.4 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) caught two touchdown passes from Roman Gabriel in a 34-24 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1964.

• Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Cotton Davidson in a 20-10 AFL win against the Houston Oilers in 1964.

• Chicago Cardinals B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) returned an interception 37 yards for touchdown in 24-24 tie against the Los Angeles Rams in 1953.

• Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two touchdown passes in a 20-17 win against the Phoenix Cardinals in 1992.

• Washington Redskins DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for Maryland-Eastern Shore) had two interceptions - returning one 15 yards for touchdown - in a 30-0 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1964.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick's Netflix licks against NFL "slavery" and politicized multiple anthems, 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 promptly selected among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on November 14 in football at the professional level (especially in 1971 plus ex-hoopers with the Bears and Lions):

NOVEMBER 14

• Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw four touchdown passes in a 42-20 win against the Detroit Lions in 1943. Five years later, Baugh threw four TD passes in a 46-21 win against the Lions in 1948.

• Chicago Bears E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught two touchdown passes from Sid Luckman in a 56-7 win against the New York Giants in 1943.

• Detroit Lions rookie FB Bill Bowman (fouled out with four points in only basketball game with William & Mary in 1953-54) scored two touchdowns (66-yard pass reception and 43-yard rush) in a 48-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1954. Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two first-half TD passes.

• Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-21 win against the New York Giants in 1965.

• Minnesota Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (averaged 1.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.4 apg for Northwood MI as freshman in 2013-14 before transferring after first semester to Central Michigan to concentrate on football) caught two touchdown passes from Kirk Cousins in a 27-20 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021.

• Oakland Raiders TE Rickey Dudley (averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as senior in 1994-95 when leading Ohio State in rebounding and finishing third in scoring) caught two touchdown passes from Rich Gannon in a 28-9 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1999.

• Frankford Yellow Jackets RB Paul "Bob" Fitzke (hoops letterman for Wyoming and Idaho in first half of 1920s) scored a rushing touchdown against the Pottsville Maroons in 1925.

• Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971. Steelers WR Dave Smith (averaged 15.6 ppg and 11.6 rpg while shooting 51.1% from floor for Indiana PA in 1968-69 and 1969-70) caught two first-half TD passes from Terry Bradshaw.

• Detroit Lions rookie B Vern Huffman (All-American was All-Big Ten Conference selection for Indiana in 1935-36 and 1936-37) threw a 28-yard touchdown pass in 17-0 win against the New York Giants in 1937.

• New York Jets QB Steve Joachim (collected two points and two rebounds in one basketball contest with Penn State in 1971-72 under coach John Bach) appeared in only game of his NFL career in 1976.

• Washington Redskins QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 313 yards in a 35-28 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999.

• New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 141 yards - including 57-yard touchdown - in a 31-17 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 1993.

• B Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) accounted for the Brooklyn Dodgers' lone touchdown with a 54-yard pass to Jeff Barrett in 29-7 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1937.

• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie HB Johnny Lattner (Notre Dame forward in 1951-52) scored a touchdown in his third consecutive contest in 1954.

• Atlanta Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had two interceptions in a 21-16 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1976.

• Arizona Cardinals DB David Macklin (collected 13 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists for Penn State in 15 basketball games as freshman in 1996-97) had a career-high nine solo tackles in 17-14 win against the New York Giants in 2004.

• Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a punt 75 yards for touchdown in 19-17 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2004.

• Houston Texans LB Antwan Peek (made one field goal and grabbed five rebounds in six basketball games for Cincinnati in 2000-01 under coach Bob Huggins) intercepted a pass from QB Peyton Manning in 49-14 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 2004.

• Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year hoops letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) kicked three field goals in a 16-15 win against the Washington Redskins in 1971.

• E Ray Poole (Ole Miss' leading hoops scorer in 1942-43 with 12.3 ppg) opened the New York Giants' scoring with a touchdown reception from QB Charlie Conerly in 52-37 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1948. Later in the first half, Poole registered a safety by tackling Bob Waterfield in the end zone.

• Buffalo Bills QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 27-20 AAFC setback against the Los Angeles Dons in 1948.

• Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 311 yards in a 21-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1965. Eagles DT John Meyers (played in seven basketball games with Washington in 1959-60) chipped in with an interception.

• New York Giants rookie WR Bob Topp (Michigan forward averaged 1.4 ppg in 1951-52 and 1952-53) caught a third-quarter touchdown pass from QB Charlie Conerly for the second straight contest in 1954.

• Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67) punted six times for 275 yards (45.8 average) in a 20-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1971.

• Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught nine passes in a 30-27 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 2013.

Long before kneeling knuckleheads such as GQ poster boy #ColonKrapernick's Netflix licks against NFL "slavery" and politicized multiple anthems, 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 promptly selected among the top 41 selections in same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on November 13 in football at the professional level (especially in 1966 and ex-hooper representation from more than half of NFL's current franchises):

NOVEMBER 13

• TE Martellus Bennett (averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg as Texas A&M freshman in 2005-06 before playing briefly next season under coach Billy Gillispie) managed a season-high seven pass receptions for eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in 31-24 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 2016.

• Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas A&M win Border Conference hoop championship in 1943) caught two 35-yard touchdown passes from Frank Tripucka in a 27-24 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1949.

• Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 173 yards in a 28-27 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1960.

• New York Giants B Chris Cagle (four-year hoops letterman for USL and Army in mid-1920s) scored two touchdowns (pass reception and 70-yard punt return) in a 27-7 win against the Staten Island Stapletons in 1932. Stapletons B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1926) opened game's scoring with a rushing TD.

• Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two first-half touchdowns in a 24-20 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1960. Colts DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had an interception in his third consecutive contest.

• Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught two touchdown passes in a 23-16 setback against the New England Patriots in 2005.

• New England Patriots WR Ray Crittenden (scored four points in four Virginia Tech basketball games in 1988-89) ignited comeback from a 17-point deficit with 31-yard touchdown reception from QB Drew Bledsoe in 26-20 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1994.

• Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three touchdown passes - including an 89-yarder to Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) - in 34-16 AFL win against the Miami Dolphins in 1966. It was Taylor's third TD catch of at least 74 yards in a four-game span.

• Dallas Cowboys E Pete Gent (three-time All-Big Ten Conference selection averaged 17.4 ppg and 8.3 rpg in leading Michigan State in scoring each season from 1961-62 through 1963-64) had career highs of six pass receptions and 93 receiving yards in a 31-30 win against the Washington Redskins in 1966. Redskins E-P Pat Richter (three-year Wisconsin hoops letterman in early 1960s) averaged 47 yards on seven punts.

• Green Bay Packers B Roger Grove (forward led Michigan State in scoring in 1929-30 and 1930-31) opened game's scoring with a 10-yard touchdown pass reception in 21-0 win against the Boston Braves in 1932.

• Minnesota Vikings DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) returned an interception 41 yards for touchdown in 32-31 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1966.

• Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight UTEP basketball games as freshman in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) rushed for 138 yards in a 31-28 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2022.

• Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub in 37-9 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011.

• A 37-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter by TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) gave the Chicago Bears a 28-27 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1977.

• Houston Oilers CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) returned a fumble recovery 66 yards for touchdown in 34-29 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1977.

• Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 24-10 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006.

• Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Tom Flores in a 41-19 AFL win against the San Diego Chargers in 1966.

• Philadelphia Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) opened game's scoring with a four-yard rushing touchdown in 44-21 win against the Washington Redskins in 1949.

• Atlanta Falcons LB Marion Rushing (Southern Illinois hooper from 1954-55 through 1956-57) had an interception in 19-7 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1966.

• Buffalo Bills TE Tom Rychlec (collected four points and six rebounds in one hoops game for American International MA in 1954-55) had a career-high 10 pass receptions in a 20-7 AFL setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1960.

• Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) contributed eight pass receptions in a 24-22 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2023.

• Baltimore Colts RB Carl Taseff (averaged 5.9 ppg for John Carroll OH in 1947-48) rushed 15 times for a career-high 122 yards in 24-13 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1954.

• Jacksonville Jaguars 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 his third touchdown catch in four-game span in 2016.

We are in the midst of week announcing MLB award winners for Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year. Times have changed but it was commonplace for former college basketball players to previously claim a striking number of the awards. In a 20-year span from 1948 to 1968, a total of six MVPs were ex-college hoopers. When St. Louis Cardinal outfielders accounted for back-to-back winners in 1954 (Wally Moon over Ernie Banks and Hank Aaron/71% of vote) and 1955 (Bill Virdon/63% of vote), seven rookies of year in first nine years of award were ex-college hoopers. Subsequently, sports specialization intervened. In aftermath of both AL and NL rookie of year winners in 1974 coming from small-college hoopdom (Mike Hargrove and Bake McBride), there has been only two honorees since then in this multiple-sport athlete category - Mike Flanagan in 1979 and David Justice in 1990 (only such individual in last 45 years).

Virdon is one of three individuals winning Manager of Year awards in both the American League and National League. Following is a summary of MLB major award winners who previously competed on the hardwood in college (listed alphabetically):

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

CY YOUNG

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

MANAGER OF THE YEAR
(TSN issued award prior to 1983)

College basketball aficionados occasionally cite achievements they think never will be duplicated. During Veterans Day week, they should be reminded about truly incredible comebacks likely never to be matched. In 1946-47, Andy Phillip (Illinois) and Gerry Tucker (Oklahoma) returned to first-team All-American status after missing three seasons while serving in the U.S. military during World War II. Charles Black (Kansas) and Kenny Sailors (Wyoming) also returned to All-American acclaim after missing two seasons serving in similar capacities. Such significant sacrifice is an off-the-chart achievement worthy of praise in stark contrast to soulless supporters of Hamas barbarians, unpatriotic NFL players stemming from #ColonKrapernick-inspired kneeling knuckleheads taking a National Anthem TO or sitting on their sorry butt; NeverTrump protesters donning pink caps or Halloween holdovers affiliated with Antifa toppling historic statues; #BoweKnowsDesertion avoiding jail time; one-sided voting fraud, and the incoherent hunger striker/professional student at Missouri majoring in Extortion 101 eight years ago despite enjoying the black privilege of one-percenter father/executive VP for Union Pacific Railroad earning nearly $8.4 million in compensation.

Amid veterans draped in honor (including a striking number of memorialized former college hoopers), the follow-the-pack press dwelt more several years ago on the cultural idiocy of boycott-threatening Mizzou football players and their "Black Mobs Matter" anarchy-supportive $4.1 million-a-year former coach. But the diaper-donning dissidents and clueless cowering former Democratic governor Jay Nixon flailing around again comparable to the Ferguson fiasco pale in comparison to the honor, dignity and courage exhibited by military veterans. Actually, many Mizzou football fans thought the sheep-like players' subsequent performances show the "entitled" already had quit. What's next in "containing" this rank self-absorbed nonsense from amateur-hour "cry-bullies" annoyed how terrorism carnage in Paris and elsewhere diverted media attention? It was surprising the Tigers' social scholars in solidarity with other professional protesters didn't boycott a game vs. BYU because the Cougars boast an honor code "discriminating" significantly more percentage-wise against African-Americans.

Infinitely more important, numerous truly honorable hoopers had their college playing careers interrupted by WWII; not sensitivity training to handle widdle feelings of self-proclaimed know-it-alls such as Ambassador Yovanowitch and Col. Vindman. For instance, Malcolm "Buck" Pitt Jr., Richmond's leader in scoring average in 1941-42, was skipper of a U.S. Navy landing craft during the Normandy invasion, where he was severely wounded by shrapnel. Elsewhere, Bob Dro served in the U.S. Navy after starting for Indiana's NCAA titlist in 1940 and Denny O'Shea served under General Patton during WWII, surviving the Battle of the Bulge before becoming member of Holy Cross' back-to-back Final Four teams in 1947 and 1948.

A couple of decades later, Al Kroboth, The Citadel's leading rebounder in back-to-back seasons in the late 1960s, was a U.S. Marine Lieutenant POW for nine months during the Vietnam War. Navigator on A-6 plane was shot down on July 7, 1972. He was forced to march barefooted for three months from jungles to prison in Hanoi. Following U.S. air raids, old women would come into local-village huts where he was confined to excrete on him and yank out hunks of his hair. He lost 80 pounds during captivity.

While many of the misguided #MessMedia misfits are egg-faced after Plagiarist Biledumb's Afghan withdrawal debacle and #TheDonald's political resurrection, even the toy department (sports) should be reminded about authentic American heroes and doing everything possible to implore bureaucrats to acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice and continue to improve conditions at many Veterans hospitals. The press puke could focus on the following list of greatest-generation All-Americans - three each from Illinois, Kentucky and Notre Dame - who deserve to be honored, at least for a day amid the snowflake campus whining, after having their college careers interrupted in the mid-1940s while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces:

Air Force - Charles Black (Kansas) and Jack Parkinson (Kentucky).

Army - Don Barksdale (UCLA), Lew Beck (Oregon State), A.L. Bennett (Oklahoma A&M), Gale Bishop (Washington State), Vince Boryla (Notre Dame/Denver), Harry Boykoff (St. John's), Bob Brannum (Kentucky), Arnie Ferrin (Utah), Alex Groza (Kentucky), Ralph Hamilton (Indiana), Walt Kirk (Illinois), Allie Paine (Oklahoma), Don Rehfeldt (Wisconsin), Jack Smiley (Illinois), Odie Spears (Western Kentucky) and Gerry Tucker (Oklahoma).

Marine Corps - Aud Brindley (Dartmouth), John Hargis (Texas), Mickey Marty (Loras IA), Andy Phillip (Illinois), Gene Rock (Southern California) and Kenny Sailors (Wyoming).

Navy - Bobby Cook (Wisconsin), Howie Dallmar (Stanford/Penn), Dick Dickey (North Carolina State), Bob Faught (Notre Dame), Harold Gensichen (Western Michigan), Wyndol Gray (Bowling Green State), Hal Haskins (Hamline MN), Leo Klier (Notre Dame), Dick McGuire (St. John's) and John Oldham (Western Kentucky).

Much is written about college basketball in the daily newspaper sports pages, weekly/monthly specialty magazines and on the internet. But you might be surprised the extent to which the written word beyond The Audacity of Hoop, much of it outside the world of sports, emanates from former college basketball players who became politicians. For instance, former college hoopers Pete Hegseth (played for Princeton against North Carolina in 2001 NCAA Tournament) and John Thune (Biola CA) continue to generate national political headlines as Secretary of War and Senate Majority Leader, respectively.

Back in the day, politician extraordinaire Dean Rusk, Davidson's most noted alumnus pre-Stephen Curry, wrote his memoirs in the book As I Saw It after being a star center in the late 1920s and early 1930s with former Davidson President Dr. D. Grier Martin (1957 until 1968).

"Basketball at Davidson reminds me of the old French proverb, 'Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose,'" said Rusk, who served as Secretary of State under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson during the Vietnam War era. "The game itself has been revolutionized since I played it. We once beat North Carolina 17-12; it was not a slowdown game. We both were trying like everything. What has remained the same has been the sheer fun of it, the stimulation of competition, the experience of losing as well as winning and the recognition that basketball is a sport in which a small college can take on the big fellows."

Former Princeton All-American Bill Bradley, a three-term U.S. Senator (Democrat-N.J.) until 1995, took on the "big fellows" as a presidential candidate in 2000 and wrote a book called We Can All Do Better. Bradley, a tax and trade expert with a strong voice on race issues and campaign finance reform, authored two basketball volumes (Life on the Run in 1976 and Values of the Game in 1998).

"The lessons learned from it (basketball) stay with you," Rhodes Scholar Bradley wrote of the sport he still loves. "I was determined that no one would outwork me."

The information is as difficult to pry loose as liberal lunatics in #MessMedia acknowledging Rush Limbaugh was infinitely more talented than them for decades, transcripts of #ShrillaryRotten's overpaid speeches before Wall Street benefactors and ledger detailing Congressional slush-fund payouts regarding representatives trafficking in creepy stuff. You might not know it, but there is a striking number of luminaries who displayed determination in the political arena and wrote books after "working the crowd" in a college basketball arena. Majority of them boasted a mite more dignity than disgraced New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and backtracking press puke previously fawning over him before Smiley Mamdani won their hearts. Essentially, the following lineup represents a rebuttal to the chronic complainers who cite politicians generally and writers specifically as individuals who don't know anything about sports generally and college hoops specifically. In deference to #TheDonald trying to drain DC Swamp as government shutdown concludes, following is an alphabetical list of additional politicians-turned-authors who played the game:

SCOTT BROWN, Tufts (Mass.)
Stunning upset victory in special election in January 2010, becoming the first Republican elected to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate since 1979. Brown, filling the Senate seat that opened when Ted Kennedy died the previous August, drove his GMC Canyon pickup with over 200,000 miles on it everywhere during a savvy campaign. Authored a book Against All Odds released in 2011.

At Tufts (class of '81), he was known as "Downtown" Scotty Brown because of his long-range marksmanship. Averaging 9 ppg as a freshman in 1977-78, he earned an ECAC Rookie of the Week award that season. As a sophomore, he averaged 9.9 ppg and scored 35 points in a victory against Bowdoin. As a junior, he made 54.3% of his shots and had back-to-back games of 26 and 25 points against Curry and Trinity, respectively, en route to averaging 10.8 ppg. Senior co-captain capped his career with a 10.3-point scoring average, including a 35-point outburst against Brandeis. "He was not born with great basketball attributes," said his coach (John White) in a feature about Brown during his senior season. "He has gone beyond his limitations, which is very admirable." Converted more than half of his career field-goal attempts (422 of 853). Brown's 6-0 daughter, Ayla, was a starting guard most of her career with Boston College from 2006-07 through 2009-10, posting career highs of 18 points against Clemson and 14 rebounds against Wake Forest. Ayla has also released three albums after being a semifinalist in the fifth season of "American Idol," impressing the judges with her rendition of Christina Aguilera's "Reflection."

ROBERT CASEY SR., Holy Cross
Pennsylvania's 42nd governor served two terms from 1987 to 1995 after winning in his fourth attempt for the office. Casey, a coal miner's son, ran in the Democratic presidential primary in 1996. Pro-life candidate suffered from a rare hereditary disease that caused him to become a heart-liver transplant recipient. He died in late May, 2000, at the age of 68. His son was a PA Senator from 2007 through 2024.

He was a 6-2 freshman in 1949-50 when Holy Cross senior Bob Cousy was an NCAA unanimous first-team All-American. The 6-2 Casey averaged 1.3 ppg in 1950-51 and 1952-53. Excerpt from Casey's 1996 autobiography Fighting for Life: "I remember best the moments I was on the court with Cousy. He was an icon in the making - a genius with a basketball. Our freshman team provided cannon fodder for Cousy and the rest of the varsity team in practice. What I remember most about Cousy was that he was always the first guy on the court at night, refining his moves a hundred times before practice even started."

WILLIAM COHEN, Bowdoin (Maine)
Moderate Republican was Secretary of Defense in President Clinton's administration after serving as a Senator from Maine. He moonlighted as an author and had a stint in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 to 1979. Cohen's first bask in the national spotlight came when he voted, as a House member, to impeach President Nixon. In 1992, he pushed to reauthorize the "independent counsel" law and became a founder of the Republican Majority Coalition. "In team sports, there's a game plan," Cohen said in Ira Berkow's Court Vision. "When you're talking military it's still a game plan, but it's a war plan.

It's either how to prevent a war from taking place or what happens if you have to go to war and how you structure your forces, what happens if, what are the contingency plans, what is the escalation. All of that is not identical to a game plan, but it's training and practice." Cohen wrote The New Art of the Leader among several books, including mysteries, poetry and (with George Mitchell) an analysis of the Iran-contra affair. His second wife is author Janet Langhart, who was known as "First Lady of the Pentagon" during Cohen's tenure as Secretary.

The New England Basketball All-Star Hall of Fame inductee led Bowdoin in scoring all three varsity seasons from 1959-60 through 1961-62 (career-high 16 ppg as a junior). "A two-handed set shot was obsolete in college when I was playing, but I shot it," Cohen said. "I was able to shoot it from very far and get it off very fast. Dolph Schayes was kind of a role model for me."

ROBERT J. DOLE, Kansas
Represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1997. Senate majority leader from 1985 to 1987 and again starting in 1995 when he began his third quest for the Republican presidential nomination. He was the Republican nominee for Vice President as Gerald Ford's running mate in 1976.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Ben Cramer described Dole as a good player who "could handle the ball, shooting that newfangled one-hand push shot, and big and tough under the boards." Member of Kansas freshman basketball team in 1942-43 for one semester before enlisting in the Army during World War II, where his right shoulder was destroyed in a mortar barrage in the Italian mountains. He spent 39 months in and out of hospitals, returning to his hometown of Russell, Kan., to recuperate from the wound that also cost him a kidney. A book about his recovery, A Soldier's Story, was published in 2005.

JOHN H. GLENN JR., Muskingum (Ohio)
U.S. Senator (Democrat from Ohio) for 24 years and former astronaut. In 1962, Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. Nearly 40 years later, he became the oldest human to enter space when he joined the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998. Among the seven candidates who lost to Walter Mondale for the 1984 Democratic Party nomination.

In Glenn's memoir, he wrote: "I went out for the freshman basketball squad and made that, but I noticed that while I had not gotten any faster or grown any taller, the other players had." He also played freshman football in college before World War II interrupted his career. "Each individual has to prepare himself to do his very best, whether it's in an individual or team sport," Glenn said. "In team sports, you have to have great teamwork to reach any goal, which is exactly what we have to do in life after athletics and college."

AL GORE, Harvard
Democratic Presidential nominee against George W. Bush in 2000 waged a long-shot campaign for president in 1988, when he was 39. Vice President in Bill Clinton's administration was a Senator from Tennessee after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 1985. Shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize after his film An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary on global warming, won an Academy Award. Gore's book with the same title was published concurrently with the theatrical release. For the "Unabomber" crowd that believes dinosaurs became extinct because they burped and farted too much, he subsequently wrote similar environmental-related books called The Assault on Reason, Our Choice and Earth in the Balance.

Gore averaged 2.8 ppg for Harvard's 12-4 freshman team in 1965-66. In the biography Inventing Al Gore, he was described as "rarely playing but working on his game incessantly." His competitive drive led him to challenge roommates "out of the blue" to push-ups, a vestige of the boyhood regimen imposed by his Senator father. He "wanted to challenge you or himself, intellectually or physically. He was always, 'I bet I can beat you at the last thing you did.'"

LEE H. HAMILTON, DePauw (Ind.)
Vice Chairman of 9/11 Commission and co-chair of Iraq Study Group in 2006 was a leading Democratic voice on foreign policy and a steadying force in the House of Representatives for 34 years from 1965 through 1998. He chaired three committees - Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Joint Economic - and was the ranking minority member of the House International Relations Committee. Representing Indiana's Ninth District, he retained not only his crew cut but also his moderate, common-sense approach and a Methodist work ethic that got him to his office nearly every day before 6 a.m. Wrote a book called How Congress Works and Why You Should Care.

Ranked fourth on DePauw's career scoring list when he graduated in 1952. The 6-4 Hamilton led the team in scoring as a junior (11.4 ppg) and was the second-leading scorer as a sophomore (9.8 ppg) and senior (10.9 ppg).

VANCE HARTKE, Evansville
Mayor of Evansville before serving as U.S. Senator from Indiana (1959-77). Democrat ran for President in 1972 as an anti-war candidate, finishing as high as fifth in the New Hampshire Primary. He wrote four books, including "The American Crisis in Vietnam."

Graduated in 1940.

HENRY "HANK" HYDE, Georgetown/Duke
Starting out as a Democrat, he became a 12-term Republican Congressman from Illinois and eventual chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. His towering stature as a lawmaker made him the ideal GOP point-man to lead an impeachment inquiry of President Clinton. Wrote books called Moral Universe and Forfeiting Our Property Rights.

He was a forward-center for Georgetown's 1943 NCAA Tournament runner-up that compiled a 22-5 record. The 6-3 Hyde scored two points in a 53-49 victory over a Chicago hometown team, DePaul, and fellow freshman George Mikan in the Eastern Regional final (playoff semifinals) before going scoreless in a championship game loss against Wyoming. "I can only say about the way I guarded him (Mikan scored one point in the second half) that I will burn in purgatory," Hyde deadpanned. "The rules were considerably bent." The next season as a Naval trainee at Duke, he earned a letter but was scoreless in the Blue Devils' 44-27 Southern Conference championship game victory over North Carolina. Hyde served as an ensign in the Asiatic and Pacific Theaters during World War II before re-enrolling at Georgetown, where he graduated in 1947. Twenty-one years later, Clinton earned his diploma from the same university. Sketch of Hyde in Georgetown guide: "Possesses a pivot shot, difficult to stop, and a shot made while cutting from the bucket to give his scoring threats a double edge."

TOM McMILLEN, Maryland
Co-chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness under Bill Clinton. Elected in 1987 as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland. From 1991 to 2003, he served on the Knight Foundation's Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics investigating abuses within college sports. He is co-author of Out of Bounds, a book on sports and ethics in America.

The 6-11 center averaged 20.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in three seasons for Maryland from 1971-72 through 1973-74. Member of 1972 U.S. Olympic team is the only player in Terrapins history to have a career scoring average above 20 ppg. Averaged 8.1 points and four rebounds in 11 NBA seasons (1975-76 through 1985-86) with four different franchises.

GEORGE MITCHELL, Bowdoin (Maine)
Devout Democrat assumed position as Majority Leader in 1989 after arriving in the Senate from Maine in 1980. The son of a janitor received more than 80% of the vote in 1988. He served as independent chairman of talks that culminated in the signing of the Northern Ireland peace accord in April, 1998 and was tapped by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to spearhead an investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs by players. Mitchell served as Disney Chairman of the Board from March 2004 until January 2007. He has written several books - Not For America Alone, World on Fire and Making Peace.

Wiry point guard was a senior in 1953-54 when he scored eight points in eight games.

SAM NUNN, Georgia Tech
Democratic Senator from Georgia retired in 1996 after four six-year terms. Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, who served in the Coast Guard, helped defeat President Clinton's intention to allow open gays and lesbians in the military. He authored books on working to reduce the global threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

His sketch is included in the 1957-58 Georgia Tech guide as a non-scholarship sophomore. However, Nunn is not included in the 1957-58 school scoring statistics, which include all players who scored, and is not listed on the 1958-59 roster. His son, Brian, played for Emory University in Atlanta.

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, Occidental (Calif.)
U.S. Senator from Illinois outlasted Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination in the 2008 presidential election before defeating Republican John McCain to become the nation's first African-American commander-in-chief. Authored a book entitled Audacity of Hope.

The 6-1 1/2 lefthander played on Occidental's junior varsity squad in 1979-80 before transferring to Columbia and subsequently attending Harvard Law School. In Dreams From My Father, Obama described basketball as a comfort to a boy whose father was mostly absent, and who was one of only a few black youths at his school in Hawaii. "At least on the basketball court I could find a community of sorts," he wrote. Pickup basketball was his escape from the sport of politics. Brother-in-law Craig Robinson, a two-time Ivy League MVP with Princeton, was Oregon State's coach when Obama was elected.

PAUL SARBANES, Princeton
Democrat served as a member of House of Representatives from 1971 to 1977 and Maryland Senator from 1977 to 2007. Consistent and staunch advocate for Greek-American issues. His son, John, held dad's old House seat.

Teammate of eventual MLB pitcher Dave Sisler scored 19 points in 12 games in 1951-52, including a made free throw against Dayton in East Regional third-place game.

ALAN K. SIMPSON, Wyoming
U.S. Senator from Wyoming (1978-96) was a staunch conservative and loyal lieutenant to Republican leader Bob Dole. Simpson's father, Milward, served in the same capacity (1962-67). The younger Simpson, who garnered 78% of the vote in 1984, served as chairman of Veterans' Affairs and Social Security and Family Policy. He charmed the Washington establishment with his earthy wit and folksy wisdom, becoming somewhat of a media darling because of his pithy quotes. Simpson authored a book Right in the Old Gazoo - a lifetime of scraping with the Press.

Forward-center earned a letter in 1952-53 after scoring seven points in six games for a team that went on to participate in the NCAA Tournament. He also played football for the Cowboys.

JOHN THUNE, Biola (Calif.)
South Dakota member of House of Representatives from 1997 to 2003 until the Republican defeated Democratic Senate leader Tom Daschle in 2004.

The 6-4 Thune played two seasons (1979-80 and 1982-83), averaging 1.9 ppg and 1.6 rpg in 37 games while shooting 40% from the floor and 73.3% from the free-throw line.

MORRIS "MO" UDALL, Arizona
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1961 to 1991) and candidate for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. Brother of former Secretary of the Interior Stew Udall served as Chairman of the House Interior and Insular Affairs. Stemming from his wit, columnist James J. Kilpatrick labeled him "too funny to be president," which wound up being the title of his autobiography.

He was the Wildcats' captain and second-leading scorer with an average of 10 points per game for the 1946-47 Border Conference titlist finishing with a 21-3 record. The next year, he was the leading scorer (13.3 average) on an Arizona squad that successfully defended its league crown. The 6-5, 200-pound forward-center was named to the first five on the 1947-48 Border Conference all-star team and finished second in the league in scoring. He played with Denver in the National Basketball League in 1948-49.

"Holy shadows of the dead, I am not to blame for your cruel and bitter fate, but the accursed rivalry which brought sister nations and brother people to fight one another. I do not feel happy for this victory of mine. On the contrary, I would be glad, brothers, if I had all of you standing here next to me, since we are united by the same language, the same blood and the same visions." - Alexander the Great

There is nothing better than natural rivalry competition. This year's game doesn't live up to expectations, but the best back-to-back non-conference games of two of the previous 10 seasons may have been when Maryland came from behind to upend Georgetown both times. Where was this rivalry for more than three decades? We missed out on Patrick Ewing and David Wingate vs. Adrian Branch in the early 1980s, Reggie Williams vs. Len Bias in mid-1980s, Alonzo Mourning vs. Tony Massenburg and Walt Williams in late 1980s and early 1990s, Allen Iverson vs. Joe Smith in mid-1990s and Mike Sweetney vs. Juan Dixon at the turn of 21st Century. Instead of grand games giving us a shot of adrenalin, we got to overdose on cupcakes with the Hoyas and Terrapins combining to win all 66 of their mismatches against in-state weaklings UMBC, UMES, Morgan State and Towson from the early 1980s through 2003-04. It is way past time for both schools to commit to opposing each other like they did from 1946-47 to 1979-80. If so, the "Duel in D.C." immediately becomes annual must-see TV in pre-conference competition comparable to "Greatest Shows on Earth" such as Kentucky/Louisville, Illinois/Missouri and Cincinnati/Xavier.

Making about as much sense as creepy Plagiarist Biledumb securing 13 million more votes than suave #AudacityOfHype (Bathhouse Barry Obama) or hideous Hunter's amazing artistry, it was shortsighted of KU and Mizzou to let their rivalry end for any length of time prior to resuming it last year. Other great natural non-league match-ups their fans previously weren't able to enjoy on a regular basis needing to be renewed include DePaul/Illini, Pitt/West Virginia, Texas/Texas A&M and Cincinnati/Ohio State.

We nearly required self-absorbed former Secretary of State John Kerry to bring James Taylor for a "You've Got a Friend" sing-along to ease the stress after Utah cancelled its game against BYU for a year before re-engaging. After bruised egos were healed, Mizzou opposed KU in Kansas City much like it does in St. Louis against Illinois. But Mizzou couldn't complain when the Jayhawks acted like a jilted lover because the self-centered Tigers, hit-and-running away from problem akin to Beto O'Rourke DWI episode, fail to compete against competent in-state foes such as Missouri State and Saint Louis. Ditto LSU shying away from Louisiana (formerly Southwestern Louisiana).

By almost any measure including Alexander the Great's perspective, KU has a superior program to Mizzou, which was at its lowest ebb in more than 50 years after mess-maker Frank Haith left the Tigers' program in tatters. But Jayhawks coach Bill Self should have reined in his rhetoric as the divorce dialogue intensified or at least take a crash course in college basketball history. When comparing the significance of the Kentucky/Louisville rivalry to the termination of KU's home-and-home conference conflicts with the Tigers, Self said: "Well, they've always played every year (out of league). That's all they know."

Well, Self needs to "always know" that UK and Louisville went 61 years from 1923 through 1983 without a regular-season matchup before they came to their senses and saw the light. Speaking of light, KU and Mizzou simply had to shed one lightweight apiece to keep a good thing going for the sport in general and for their fans specifically like the entertaining Philly Big 5. KU shouldn't also deny hoop fans a Top 20 match-up with Wichita State.

By toning down picking on patsies, there is plenty of room on their respective non-league schedules to keep playing each other. Ditto for Indiana and Kentucky duplicating Memphis and Tennessee resuming their rivalries this year. If consistent, they would definitely be among the top 10 such confrontations in the country. The century-old KU/Mizzou spectacle could surpass Kentucky/Louisville and go atop the following list of the nation's top 25 non-conference rivalries if only because of longevity:

1. Kentucky/Louisville
2. Illinois/Missouri
3. Cincinnati/Xavier
4. Iowa/Iowa State
5. Indiana/Notre Dame
6. Brigham Young/Utah
7. St. Joseph's/Villanova
8. Georgia/Georgia Tech
9. Florida/Florida State
10. Marquette/Wisconsin
11. Clemson/South Carolina
12. New Mexico/New Mexico State
13. Marshall/West Virginia
14. Utah/Utah State
15. Temple/Villanova
16. La Salle/Villanova
17. Florida/Miami (FL)
18. Iowa/Northern Iowa
19. Colorado/Colorado State
20. Drake/Iowa
21. Penn/Villanova
22. Providence/Rhode Island
23. Creighton/Nebraska
24. La Salle/Temple
25. Idaho/Idaho State

Amid a dismal non-conference performance with eight road setbacks by at least 44 points in season openers, HBCU teams still had a couple of chances for some Aretha R-E-S-P-E-C-T. But visiting Bethune-Cookman and Maryland-Eastern Shore succumbed in overtime at Auburn and Georgia Tech, respectively. These couple of scares were not exactly what power-conference members had in mind when scheduling a HBCU opponent. In redlining terms, it is there goes the neighborhood when a HBCU leaves a historically black mark by defeating a power-conference club. Grabbing your attention like a slap-happy pope (woman must have been climate-change denier or Trump supporter), no HBCU institution ever has reached Sweet 16 of an NCAA Tournament. Sans significant NIL deals, it appears players from some HBCU schools (Alabama State, Coppin State, Mississippi Valley State and North Carolina A&T) resort to illegal gambling activity to generate funds along with striking number of other mid-major institutions. However, following are HBCU road victories on a power-league member's homecourt or neutral court during regular-season competition since South Carolina State stunned Miami (Fla.) and Penn State in 2004-05:

*Neutral court (Milwaukee).