Thanksgiving Trivia
I have a guess for #2 - Scott Davis (football)?
illynifan34
That's a winner!!
- OH
Larry Bird only had 1 NBA season between being drafted and making his debut right?
Correct, he was drafted as a junior in 1978 but did not sign until 1979, and was allowed to play as a senior for Indiana State. The NCAA disallowed the practice in subsequent years.
Scott Davis may be correct, but I think he played as a freshman in 1983. I know at one point in his career he made the transition from TE to DE, so he may have redshirted in 1984. The official football rosters do list RS players and Davis is nowhere to be found in 1984, so I am not sure if that is an omission (mistake) by the DIA or something happened.
One more for sure that I know of for #2.
illynifan34
That's a winner!!
- OH
Leon Smith (King Chicago) drafted in 1999 NBA debut in 2002.
Correct!
The tragic story of Leon Smith from ML King HS in Chicago. Struggled with mental health and made his first (brief) appearances in 2002.
#3 has been answered.
One more for #2 and then #5.
Answer to #2:
Kevin Hardy. The second highest NFL draft-pick in Illini history redshirted his freshman year (1991) and proceeded to complete his eligibility playing a full 4 seasons (92-95) before becoming the 2nd pick in the 1996 NFL draft. His decision to come back for the 1995 season surprised the coaching staff, as Kevin Hardy had already completed his degree and was projected to be drafted in the 1995 NFL draft. The risk paid off for Hardy who significantly elevated his draft stock.
Kevin Hardy. The second highest NFL draft-pick in Illini history redshirted his freshman year (1991) and proceeded to complete his eligibility playing a full 4 seasons (92-95) before becoming the 2nd pick in the 1996 NFL draft. His decision to come back for the 1995 season surprised the coaching staff, as Kevin Hardy had already completed his degree and was projected to be drafted in the 1995 NFL draft. The risk paid off for Hardy who significantly elevated his draft stock.