John Shumate, Who Helped Notre Dame End UCLA’s 88-Game Win Streak, Dies at 72
Early Life and College Career
John Shumate, who sparked Notre Dame to the 1974 upset of UCLA that snapped the Bruins’ record 88-game winning streak, has died at the age of 72. Shumate played at Notre Dame from 1971-74 and was a first-team Associated Press All-America selection in 1974. Despite dealing with health issues throughout his college career, Shumate averaged 22.6 points and 11.6 rebounds while at Notre Dame.
The Historic Game
Shumate played a crucial role in the upset of UCLA, collecting 24 points and 11 rebounds while dueling with Bill Walton. The game was won by Notre Dame 71-70 on January 19, 1974. Shumate recalled calling his father, a Pentecostal minister, to express his concerns about the task ahead, and after his father prayed for him over the phone, Shumate felt like he could compete against the world. He made a game-clinching rebound in the closing seconds and then threw the ball in the air as a celebration ensued.
Professional Career
The Phoenix Suns made Shumate the No. 4 overall pick in the 1974 draft, and he remained in the NBA through 1981. Shumate averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds while playing for the Suns, Buffalo Braves, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Seattle SuperSonics. He made the NBA all-rookie team in 1975-76.
Coaching Career
Shumate went on to become a coach, posting a 78-118 record at SMU from 1988-95. SMU’s 1992-93 team went 20-8 and reached the NCAA Tournament. Shumate also coached the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury in 2003 and was an assistant coach at Notre Dame (1981-82 and 1986-88) and with the Suns (2009-10).
Quotes and Reflections
In 2022, Shumate reflected on the historic game, saying, "I appreciate that. When you pay the price and do things the right way and you take care of yourself — your body, your mind — and stay true to yourself, good things can happen for you and to you." He also recalled feeling proud of his team and the upset, saying, "I’m still very proud of it, our guys and our team, the fact we could go out and pull off something that was so vital and important for, I think, college basketball."
Conclusion
John Shumate was a remarkable athlete and coach who left a lasting impact on the game of basketball. His contributions to Notre Dame’s historic upset of UCLA will always be remembered, and his dedication to his craft is an inspiration to all.
FAQs
Q: What was John Shumate’s college career average?
A: Shumate averaged 22.6 points and 11.6 rebounds during his college career at Notre Dame.
Q: What was the outcome of the historic game between Notre Dame and UCLA?
A: Notre Dame won the game 71-70, snapping UCLA’s record 88-game winning streak.
Q: What was John Shumate’s NBA career average?
A: Shumate averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds during his NBA career.
Q: What teams did John Shumate coach?
A: Shumate coached at SMU, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and was an assistant coach at Notre Dame and the Phoenix Suns.