University of South Alabama Athletics

KINGSTON, R.I. --- Former University of South Alabama men’s basketball player Brian McGovern has been selected for induction into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.

McGovern, a two-year letterwinner for the Jags from 1995-97, will be honored at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. on Oct. 9.

“Being inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame is truly an honor, a privilege and humbling experience,” said McGovern. “To be in such a prestigious hall of fame along with such legendary basketball names in New England like Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, Julius Erving, Patrick Ewing, Johnny Most, Ernie DiGregorio and Dave Gavitt is extremely special. Being recognized as one of the best to ever play and come from the New England states is something one only dreams about. Basketball has brought many rewarding moments, joys and accomplishments to my life and the life lessons I have learned from the game I apply in my everyday life. This is a very special time for me and my family.”

In his USA career McGovern scored 246 points and averaged 5.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 46 games. He was a member of the Jaguars’ 1997 NCAA Tournament team that went 23-7 and later served on the coaching staff as a graduate assistant.

As a prep star at Coventry (R.I.) High School, McGovern became the state of Rhode Island’s all-time career leader with 2,404 points and a 32 points-per-game average as a four-year varsity starter.

He was a Gatorade, Nike and Converse Player of the Year, a Street & Smith All-American and two-time first team all-state.

McGovern transferred to South Alabama after an accomplished two-year stint at Champlain (Vt.) Junior College where he led the team in scoring both seasons and was twice tabbed to the all-conference team.

Accompanying McGovern in this year’s class is his father, Dennis, marking the first father-son combo to earn induction in the same year. Dennis starred at Rhode Island and was a 14th-round selection of the New York Knicks in the 1965 NBA Draft.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be awarded with such an honor as the NE Basketball Hall of Fame for I am very proud of my basketball accomplishments,” added McGovern. “However, to be honored and have your accomplishments viewed on the same mantle of greatness as my father, the legend in which me and my brothers all measured ourselves against is truly a wonderful thing. Both my father and I are overjoyed by our selection.”

McGovern and his wife, Jennifer, live in Uxbridge, Mass. and have two girls, Kaylen Rose and Kerrin Marie. He works as a Publisher for TechTarget, Inc. in Needham, Mass.

Established in 2002, the New England Hall of Fame is located in the Institute for International Sport near the campus of the University of Rhode Island. Former inductees include Lenny Wilkins, Rick Pitino, Reggie Lewis, Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, Vinny Del Negro, Jim Calhoun, Mike Gminski, Mike Jarvis, Calvin Murphy, and Billy Packer.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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