UNDER THE BANNER
What's Going On In and Around Black College Sports
EUGENE LOST FOR SEASON: Grambling State all-American QB Bruce Eugene, who went out of
the Tigers' game
Saturday against Alcorn State in the third quarter with a knee
injury, will miss the remainder of the season. Eugene was to have
surgery either Tuesday or Wednesday to repair a torn anterior
cruciate ligament in his left knee. An MRI Monday confirmed the
G-Men's worst fears. The Grambling football staff was to consult
with school officials Tuesday to see if Eugene could be sent to Dr.
James Andrews, the leading expert on the operation, in Birmingham. If not, the procedure was to
be done locally. Eugene has led NCAA Div. I-AA in
total offense in each of the last two seasons and was a finalist
each year for the Walter Payton Award given to the best
I-AA offensive performer. Eugene entered the season
as Grambling's all-time record holder in pass
completions, attempts, yards and total offense while being ranked
second in passing touchdowns. Eugene had thrown for over
8,200 yards and 79 touchdowns in the last two seasons.
MVSU'S FORD SUCCUMBS: One of the all-time leading scorers in Mississippi Valley State University, black college and NCAA basketball history has died from complications from lupus. Alphonso Ford, who starred at MVSU between 1989 and 1993, died last Friday in a Memphis, Tenn. hospital. The funeral for the 32-year-old Greenwood, Miss. native will be held at 11 a.m. Friday on the MVSU campus. Ford averaged 29.0 points during an illustrious career that saw him score 3,165 points, both school records. Among the other school records he owns include most points scored in a single game (51 vs. Texas Southern on Feb. 19, 1990), most points scored in a single season (915 in 1990-91), best season scoring average (32.9 ppg. in 1990-91), most field goals scored in a single season (325 in 1990-91), most field goals attempted in a single game (35 vs. Jackson State in 1993), most field goals attempted in a single season (668 in 1990-91), most career field goals attempted (2,469) and most free throws made in a single game (18 vs. Southern Univ. on Feb. 8, 1993). Nationally, Ford's 29.9 scoring average in 1989-90 was tops in the NCAA among freshmen. He sophomore average of 32.9 points ranked second among all Division I players. His 3,165 career points is fourth best in the history of Div. I college basketball and fifth all-time amongst black college scorers. Following completion of his senior year, Ford was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. He went on to star professionally while playing basketball oversees. Lafayette Stribling, Ford's college head coach, said his former pupil was a model student both on and off the court.
© 2004 Azeez Communications, Inc.