2017 GCBLA inductee
ALONZO “Nicky” CONNER
ALONZO “Nicky” CONNER
PLAYER
2017 GCBLA INDUCTEE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Category: PLAYER
Recognition
Nick Conner passed away at the age of 55 from a long battle with lung cancer. The Nick Conner legend began long before he ever stepped foot on the University of Illinois campus. Playing for Columbus East High School in Ohio, Conner was a part of what many consider to be one of the greatest Ohio high school basketball teams of all-time. Conner’s Columbus East team lost just once in three years on their way to capturing two straight Class AAA state championships in 1968 and 1969. The 1969 team was so good that all five starters went on to play college basketball. Standing 6-6, Conner played most of his collegiate career in Champaign out of position in the center spot, but he more than made up for it with his incredible leaping ability. There is no doubt his greatest game in an Illinois uniform came on December 30, 1972 against the top-ranked UCLA Bruins in the Sugar Bowl Classic in New Orleans. Going up against the virtually unstoppable Bill Walton, Conner did more than hold his own against one of the best players in college basketball history as he frustrated Walton with his quickness and leaping ability on his way to scoring 17 points on 8-of-14 from the field.
Career Highlights
- Played for Columbus East High School in Ohio
- Conner’s Columbus East team lost just once in three years on their way to capturing two straight Class AAA state championships in 1968 and 1969.
- Standing 6-6, Conner was known for his incredible leaping ability.
- Noted Sugar Bowl Classic in New Orleans, Connor scored 17 points on 8-of-14 from the field, going up against Bill Walton.
Greater Columbus Basketball Legend Association