A History of High Point University Basketball
The High Point Panthers men's basketball team represents High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, competing in NCAA Division I. As a member of the Big South Conference, the team has a rich history dating back to the late 1920s, encompassing various eras and levels of competition.
Early Years and the NAIA Era (1927-1972)
The program began in the 1927-28 season under coach J.P. Boylin, initially known as High Point College. Their first game on December 10, 1927, resulted in a 37-35 victory over the Carolina Night Hawks, setting the stage for a successful 14-4 inaugural season. Boylin's three-season tenure concluded with a 39-16 record.
The team joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) with the founding of the NAIA men's basketball championship in 1937. During World War II in 1944, the college faced a shortage of male students, making it challenging to fill the basketball roster. Ralph James was hired as the football and basketball coach in 1945. James had previously played for Wake Forrest and served as head coach for Western Carolina in both football and basketball. He finished with a record of 81-45. Bob Davis was hired in 1950 and won two conference titles in three years.
Tom Quinn was announced as the head coach in 1962, coming from Newberry College, where he had previously won the Conference Carolinas title. He served in the capacity for four years compiling a record of 95-22. His teams made the NAIA tournament twice and won the Conference Carolinas tournament twice. The Panthers appeared in the NAIA tournament seven times.
Jerry Steele Era (1972-2003)
Jerry Steele became the 10th head coach in 1972. Steele had previously served as head coach of the professional ABA team the Carolina Cougars. He coached at High Point for 32 years, from 1972 to 2003. Gene Littles played for High Point College from 1965-1969. Records for points, field goals, and free throws still stand. Drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1969 NBA draft and by the Dallas Chaparrals in the 1969 ABA Draft.
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Beginning in the 1993-94 academic year, the school and conference began transitioning to NCAA Division II. During his last decade, Steele earned two trips to the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament. The Panthers appeared in the NCAA Division II tournament two times. The team left Conference Carolinas in 1997 and joined the Big South Conference in 1999, transitioning to NCAA Division I. His record at High Point was 493-412, making him the winningest coach in program history.
Transition to NCAA Division I (1999-Present)
Bart Lundy, who had taken Queens (NC) to the 2003 NCAA Division II Final Four, was hired to be the head coach. Scott Cherry was hired as coach on March 26, 2009. In his fourth year, the team won the Big South north division, earning them a spot in the 2013 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, this was the school's first postseason appearance since joining NCAA Division I. The following year, he again led the Panthers to a Big South north division championship, and the regular season championship, another program first. The Panthers were invited to the 2014 National Invitation Tournament, losing in the first round to Minnesota. Cherry led High Point to the best start in school history in the 2014-15 campaign, starting the season 14-3. They qualified for the 2015 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. The Panthers appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) two times. The Panthers appeared in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) two times.
Former High Point player and 1998 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship coach with Kentucky, Tubby Smith, was hired to be the team's head coach after having been fired by Memphis a few weeks prior. Additionally, a new arena was announced for the school. Smith never had a winning record in his five seasons and resigned in favor of his son G. G. Smith. Creighton assistant coach Alan Huss was hired on March 27, 2023. He won the Big South regular season title in his first season. The Panthers have appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament one time.
Coaches and Key Figures
The High Point Panthers basketball program has been shaped by a number of influential coaches and players. J.P. Boylin set a strong foundation, while Jerry Steele's long tenure established him as the program's winningest coach. Tubby Smith, with his national championship pedigree, brought a high profile to the program. Gene Littles, a standout player in the late 1960s, still holds program records. Alan Huss is the current coach.
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