Steve Stipanovich
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The most heralded big man in MU history, "Stipo" changed the face of Big Eight Conference basketball during his four-year career. Playing on teams that won four-straight conference championships from 1979-83, and twice reached the final 16 of the NCAA Tournament, the seven-footer from St. Louis finished his career as MU's second leading scorer (1,836 points) and all-time leading rebounder (984). He began his career winning Big Eight `newcomer of the year" honors, and ended it as the league's "player of the year." He also received all-America and Academic All-America honors as a senior. He twice was named to the all-conference, all-district, and all-Big Eight Tournament teams. Stipanovich was the second player taken in the 1983 NBA draft and played six seasons for the Indiana Pacers. At the time of his induction, he was one of four MU basketball players to have his jersey number (40) retired.
