Cyclone Hank Whitney: Iowa Time Machine April 5, 2020

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On April 5, 2020, Cyclone Hall of Famer Hank Whitney passed away. A lanky 6-foot-7 forward, rebounding machine, Whitney grabbed boards in Ames before crashing ABA glass as the first Cyclone pro grad.

Brooklyn streets forged Whitney's hoops fire during post-World War II waves of migration, channeling raw talent to Iowa State amid expanding college integration. Born April 28, 1939, he arrived at ISU in 1958, joining a squad in the evolving Big Eight Conference. Under coach Glen Miller, Whitney powered the 1959 Holiday Tournament champions, then exploded in 1961 with First-Team All-Big Eight honors. His 672 career rebounds stood as the school record. Drafted 37th by the Syracuse Nationals, he pioneered Cyclone paths to pro leagues.

Whitney's career highs came that 1961 season, averaging 17.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game for a double-double, shattering the single-season rebound record with 302. Those boards propelled ISU deep into conference play, marking his status as the top Cyclone rebounder ever. Decades later, he was inducted into the Cyclone Hall of Fame in 2018.

Pro ball beckoned with American Basketball League stints for Los Angeles Jets, Chicago Majors, Pittsburgh Rens, and Allentown Jets before ABA shine. With the New Jersey Americans in 1967-68, he posted 16.0 points and 12.9 rebounds, later suiting up for the New York Nets and Houston Mavericks. The New York City Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed him in 2013. #Iowa #OTD #History #Basketball #Hoops