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RE: The Wilfong era was before my time. My Dad told me stories
Posted on: January 25, 2017 at 11:43:48 CT
FIJItiger MU
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#85 - Win Wilfong
Letterman – 1953
At 6’2 dynamo from Puxico Missouri, Wilfong had one of the most storied high school basketball careers in Missouri state history. His Puxico team went 79-2 over a two year period and 19 times topped the 100 point mark in an era when scores typically ended in the 50’s. His first year on varsity with MU, he would average 11.1 ppg and be named First Team All Big 7. In the Big 7 tournament against the jayhawks Wilfong would score a team high 17 but after falling to the floor attempting to grab a rebound would be stomped on by ku All American Clyde Lovellette who was ejected. A near brawl erupted with the booing lasting past the end of the game. He left MU for military duty after the season and was voted the most valuable player in the Pan American games. After his military stint he transferred rather than returning to Missouri for Memphis State where he became an All-American and Memphis’s all time leading scorer and rebounder under future Tiger coach Bob Vanetta. For his Memphis career Wilfong averaged 21.5 points and 12.3 rebounds a game, and 11 times topped the 30 point mark. Wilfong would go on to lead the nation in rebounding as a senior in 1957 despite being only 6’2, and after becoming the 4th overall pick in the NBA draft would earn an NBA championship with St. Louis in 1958. Had he not transferred there is a good chance he would be remembered as one of MU’s all time greats.
Letterman – 1953
At 6’2 dynamo from Puxico Missouri, Wilfong had one of the most storied high school basketball careers in Missouri state history. His Puxico team went 79-2 over a two year period and 19 times topped the 100 point mark in an era when scores typically ended in the 50’s. His first year on varsity with MU, he would average 11.1 ppg and be named First Team All Big 7. In the Big 7 tournament against the jayhawks Wilfong would score a team high 17 but after falling to the floor attempting to grab a rebound would be stomped on by ku All American Clyde Lovellette who was ejected. A near brawl erupted with the booing lasting past the end of the game. He left MU for military duty after the season and was voted the most valuable player in the Pan American games. After his military stint he transferred rather than returning to Missouri for Memphis State where he became an All-American and Memphis’s all time leading scorer and rebounder under future Tiger coach Bob Vanetta. For his Memphis career Wilfong averaged 21.5 points and 12.3 rebounds a game, and 11 times topped the 30 point mark. Wilfong would go on to lead the nation in rebounding as a senior in 1957 despite being only 6’2, and after becoming the 4th overall pick in the NBA draft would earn an NBA championship with St. Louis in 1958. Had he not transferred there is a good chance he would be remembered as one of MU’s all time greats.
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RE: The Wilfong era was before my time. My Dad told me stories - FIJItiger MU - 1/25 11:43:48