Saint Francis University Athletics Hall of Fame
Larry Lewis was an undersized forward/center who matched perfectly with teammate Norm Van Lier to give Saint Francis College a fine inside/outside combination. Lewis’ play was labor intensive and team-oriented and what he gave up in comparative height at his position, he made up for in strength and timely jumping ability. Sheer physical force was a central element of his style and once he had his hands on the basketball there was no taking it from him.
Lewis finished second in the nation in rebounding in 1969, taking down a whopping average of 20.6 boards a game. For his career, he totaled 1,324 caroms for a 17.6 career mark. He was an equally effective scorer close to the basket and against St. Vincent College he tossed in 46 points surpassing the legendary Maurice Stokes for most points in a game for Saint Francis.
Upon graduation, he was honored to be drafted by both the NBA and the newly-formed ABA.
