Ruben Brown

Ruben Brown, now living in Chicago, Ill., played high school basketball in Charleston, Mo.. In the fall of 1968 he entered Freed-Hardeman College where he immediately made an impact on the strength of slightly more than 16 points per game.

As a sophomore, the 6-4 center/guard led the Lions to the finals of the Region VII National Junior College Athletic Association tournament. He was named to the All-Region VII team and the All-Tournament team. He was also elected to the Tennessee Junior College Athletic Association's All-Conference team. Brown, who averaged more than 20 points per game, was also named to the All-Tournament team at the Harding Invitational. A rugged rebounder, he was also known for his aggressive board play and his defensive skills. Despite his relative size disadvantage, he was the team's leading rebounder.

After completing two years at Freed-Hardeman, Brown transferred to Lambuth College where he continued his outstanding basketball career.

Coach Hoyt Kirk, has called Brown a "congenial, hard-working person with great talent and lots of natural instincts" He praised his versatility and his ability to succeed under pressure. "He was the one I wanted with the ball," Kirk said.