Norm Van Lier made an indelible mark on the men’s basketball program at Saint Francis College and left the school as one of the most complete players to ever don the Red and White. He scored 1,410 points during his collegiate career from 1966-69, a total which ranks him ninth on the school’s all-time scoring list. As a senior, Mr. Van Lier averaged 21.0 points a game, and for his career he averaged 18.8 markers per contest.
His greatest asset, though, was his ability to excel at all aspects of the game. Mr. Van Lier averaged 10.3 rebounds a game for his career, ranking him tenth all-time at Saint Francis. As a junior in 1967-68, he set a then school record for assists. “Stormin” Norman coupled his scoring, rebounding and passing skills with a defensive tenacity and a knack for making the big play under pressure.
After graduating from Saint Francis in 1969, Mr. Van Lier was drafted by the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association. He played 10 seasons in the NBA, with Chicago, the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks, and averaged 11.8 points per game in his professional career.During that time, Mr. Van Lier appeared in three NBA All-Star games and 38 playoff contests.
Saint Francis College is proud to honor Norm Van Lier with induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame on this date, Friday, July 30, 1999.
