A sad day for Bearcats Nation and the blog today. Cincinnati basketball legend Jack Twyman passed away at the age of 78.
Here is the AP story.
Personally, I never interviewed Twyman nor did I meet him. But the first thoughts that come from people who did know the man wasn't about his impact on the court. No, the talk wasn't about being among the top ten scorers in UC history despite playing prior to the invent of the 3-point line. No, they didn't mention his 11-year career that included a prolific four-year stretch in which he averaged at least 22 points per season. No, they didn't mention the 1959-'60 year in which he posted 31.2 points per game. They didn't open with his six NBA All-Star appearances.
All that came second.
Most people when mentioning Twyman, opened with his humanitarianism. And Maurice Stokes.
If you don't know the story of their friendship, take the time to read this piece here. It's well worth your time and provides the truest glimpse to what Twyman represented. (H/t Tommy G)
--- As for the numbers of Twyman's career, he scored 1,598 points with the Bearcats over his four seasons. He ranks fifth all-time in points per game at 17.8.
His senior season averaging 24.6 points per game ranks second behind Oscar Robertson for average points in a single season.
Don't forget, Twyman is one of the most prolific rebounders in school history as well. He averaged 16.5 rebounds per game his junior and senior seasons. Only Connie Dierking in 56-57 averaged more boards in a season (18.8).
That's right, his senior season he averaged 24.6 points and 16.5 rebounds. I'd argue, likely without much resistance, it's the best non-Big O season in the history of the program.
His No. 27 hangs in the rafters as one of three retired numbers at UC between Robertson and Kenyon Martin.
--- This from Mick Cronin:
"Jack Twyman was the first former player to greet me six years ago when I returned to Cincinnati. I enjoyed our lunches together and the wisdom he spoke with so kindly. He was a first-class man and obviously, one of the greatest to ever put on the Bearcats jersey. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss him greatly."
--- This from AD Whit Babcock:
"The Bearcat family lost one of our legends yesterday with the passing of Jack Twyman. He was a true gentleman, a great man who loved UC. He will be missed. He supported his alma mater in every facet. He was an icon. The name "Jack Twyman" will forever be associated with our University and a golden era of UC Athletics."
--- UC lost one of the great representatives of the program. A sad day, indeed. Prayers go out to his family. RIP.
Here is the AP story.
Personally, I never interviewed Twyman nor did I meet him. But the first thoughts that come from people who did know the man wasn't about his impact on the court. No, the talk wasn't about being among the top ten scorers in UC history despite playing prior to the invent of the 3-point line. No, they didn't mention his 11-year career that included a prolific four-year stretch in which he averaged at least 22 points per season. No, they didn't mention the 1959-'60 year in which he posted 31.2 points per game. They didn't open with his six NBA All-Star appearances.
All that came second.
Most people when mentioning Twyman, opened with his humanitarianism. And Maurice Stokes.
If you don't know the story of their friendship, take the time to read this piece here. It's well worth your time and provides the truest glimpse to what Twyman represented. (H/t Tommy G)
--- As for the numbers of Twyman's career, he scored 1,598 points with the Bearcats over his four seasons. He ranks fifth all-time in points per game at 17.8.
His senior season averaging 24.6 points per game ranks second behind Oscar Robertson for average points in a single season.
Don't forget, Twyman is one of the most prolific rebounders in school history as well. He averaged 16.5 rebounds per game his junior and senior seasons. Only Connie Dierking in 56-57 averaged more boards in a season (18.8).
That's right, his senior season he averaged 24.6 points and 16.5 rebounds. I'd argue, likely without much resistance, it's the best non-Big O season in the history of the program.
His No. 27 hangs in the rafters as one of three retired numbers at UC between Robertson and Kenyon Martin.
--- This from Mick Cronin:
"Jack Twyman was the first former player to greet me six years ago when I returned to Cincinnati. I enjoyed our lunches together and the wisdom he spoke with so kindly. He was a first-class man and obviously, one of the greatest to ever put on the Bearcats jersey. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss him greatly."
--- This from AD Whit Babcock:
"The Bearcat family lost one of our legends yesterday with the passing of Jack Twyman. He was a true gentleman, a great man who loved UC. He will be missed. He supported his alma mater in every facet. He was an icon. The name "Jack Twyman" will forever be associated with our University and a golden era of UC Athletics."
--- UC lost one of the great representatives of the program. A sad day, indeed. Prayers go out to his family. RIP.
