Southeastern Oklahoma State University Athletics

Basketball (1962-63)

Connie McGuire was one of a long line of great post men coached by legendary Hall of Fame Coach Bloomer Sullivan.

Born January 29, 1940 in Stigler, Oklahoma, Connie attended high school there and attracted the attention of many college coaches. He selected Oklahoma University and signed with the Sooners. By NCAA rules, freshmen were not eligible, but during his sophomore season he started several games. Injuries limited his playing time and he decided to transfer to Southeastern in January 1961.

McGuire was a good fit for Coach Sullivan’s Savages. He was a 6’8’’ center, tall for that period in our history, and he was a great shooter away from the basket, unusual in that time for tall players. In 1962, he joined a starting line-up that included Marvin Adams, Richard Muldrew, Vernie Walker, and Denver Bearden, and the team posted a 27-9 record and won third place in the thirty-two team NAIA National Tournament. McGuire was named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team.

His two years as a Savage were outstanding. He averaged over 19 points per game shooting a high percentage both from the field and from the free throw line. He was a two time All-Oklahoma Collegiate Conference selection, as well as an all-tournament selection in both the Pan America and McNeese Holiday Tournaments. He was named to the NAIA team to play in Russia, but missed the games due to injuries. Selection to the NAIA All-America Basketball team capped his collegiate career. Following his senior season, he was selected by the Boston Celtics in the fifth round of the NBA draft.

McGuire was an outstanding player on one of Coach Bloomer Sullivan’s best teams. His basketball career as a Savage brought prestige to the university. Southeastern Oklahoma State University honored Connie McGuire with membership in the Athletic Hall of Fame on February 23, 2002.