Flying Dutchmen Fans

John Irving, probably the best big man in Hofstra history passed away this weekend. John came to Hofstra from the University of Arizona where he started as a freshman. He came to Hofstra and helped the Flying Dutchmen win two ECC Championships and go on to the school's first ever NCAA Tournament appearances in 1976 and 1977. John led the country in rebounding in 1976 and just missed out on a repeat in 1977 finishing second.

The Baton Rouge native was a great warrior, friend and teammate. He will be missed. Our condolences to John's entire family.

One of the greats of our mens basketball program. R.I.P John.

I remember John well, one of the best rebounders we ever had. Way too young to leave us.

Arnold Coleman, who was point guard on those NCAA teams also died recently.

Sorry to hear about John Irving...if I remember correctly the starting 5 for the NCAA tourney team were Irving, Richie Laurel, Pat Kammerer [probably spelled wrong], Coleman, & Bernard Tomlin

Ken rood started for us both NCAA years. Tomlin started in 76 and graduated. Willie Vickers was the starting PG in 76-77.

That is right...forgot about Ken Rood....good shooter

garyg wrote:That is right...forgot about Ken Rood....good shooter

He would have been one of our all-time leading scorers if there was a three point line in those days...was also drafted by the Nets...Real good player...What Bernardi should become

Found this online:

Former Howard basketball star John Irving, 61, died Sunday in Atlanta. A first-team All-State pick in 1971-72, Irving led Howard in scoring and rebounding as the Wildcats reached the state semifinals. The 6-foot-9 Irving spent one season at Arizona, then transferred to Hofstra and averaged 13.2 points and 15.4 rebounds per game over three seasons. He led the nation in rebounding (15.3 per game) in 1975 and helped Hofstra reach the NCAA Tournament twice. He was selected by Detroit in the third round of the 1977 NBA draft, but never played in the NBA. He played professionally in England, France and Belgium, and is a member of the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame and Delaware High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/spo ... /25750049/

Irving was a great player for us. Anyone know the cause of death?

When Willis Reed was coach of the Knicks he visited Hofstra and my wife told him to look into John Irving. I believe it was a year after John graduated. That recommendation also got coverage in Newsday.

Jojogunne wrote:Found this online:

Former Howard basketball star John Irving, 61, died Sunday in Atlanta. A first-team All-State pick in 1971-72, Irving led Howard in scoring and rebounding as the Wildcats reached the state semifinals. The 6-foot-9 Irving spent one season at Arizona, then transferred to Hofstra and averaged 13.2 points and 15.4 rebounds per game over three seasons. He led the nation in rebounding (15.3 per game) in 1975 and helped Hofstra reach the NCAA Tournament twice. He was selected by Detroit in the third round of the 1977 NBA draft, but never played in the NBA. He played professionally in England, France and Belgium, and is a member of the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame and Delaware High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/spo ... /25750049/

Irving was a great player for us. Anyone know the cause of death?

I know he had some heart issues but can't confirm or deny it as cause of death