Murray State University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1986
Dick Cunningham – Basketball, 1965-1968
A member of the Murray State basketball team from 1965 until 1968, Dick Cunningham was one of the most prolific rebounders in college basketball during that time. He still holds every MSU individual rebounding record, as well as two Ohio Valley Conference marks.
He led the nation in rebounding in 1967 with 21.8 rebounds per game, which established the OVC record. His career average of 18.2 rebounds per game also remains the league’s best.
His single greatest rebounding game as a Racer came on January 2, 1967, when he celebrated the new year with 36 rebounds against visiting Mac-Murray while leading the Racers to a 100-79 victory. Cunningham’s rebounding and quick outlet passes enabled the Racers to successfully play the up-tempo style which was popular then, averaging a school record 89.1 points per game.
Although remembered mostly for his rebounding, Cunningham also was a dependable scorer, currently ranked 19th in MSU career scoring with 981 points. At 6-10 and 240 pounds, he was one of the most respected big men in the OVC while displaying a soft shooting touch. As a sophomore, he shot .512 from the field to lead the Racers in that category.
After leading the Racers to a share of the OVC title in 1968, Cunningham became the second player selected by both the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association and the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association. He ended up in Milwaukee and spent six of his seven professional seasons as back-up to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Cunningham was a member of the 1971 Milwaukee squad which won the league championship.
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| Class of 1986 Jim Moore, Fred Sowerby, Dick Cunningham, Cal Luther & Tony Fioravanti |
Johnny Reagan & Dick Cunningham |
