University Athletic Department To Host Reunion of 1983 Men's Basketball National Title Team Feb. 4
The 1982-83 Men's Basketball Team. Standing, from left: Assistant Coach Bob Walsh, Bill Maile, Mickey Banas, Bill Bessoir, Rich Para, Jeff Jones, Steve Joseph and Head Coach Bob Bessoir. Kneeling, from left: Floyd Wood, Mark Hutchinson, Tom Kosin, Todd Bailey and Dan Polacheck.Forty years after a historic 29-3 season that culminated in winning the national title, The University of Scranton will welcome back the 1982-83 men's basketball team for a reunion that will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at halftime of the Royals' game versus Catholic in the John Long Center. Opening tip is slated for 4 p.m.
It marked the second national title in eight seasons for the Royals, who were led by legendary head coach Bob Bessoir for both championship runs.
"We are excited to welcome back the 1983 championship men's basketball team and celebrate them on the 40th Anniversary of their historic National Championship run!", Executive Director of Athletics Dave Martin said.
The 1983 Royals won their final 19 games of the year and defeated Wittenberg in thrilling fashion by a score of 64-63 in front of 3,700 people at Calvin University (Mich.). Ironically, the Tigers were also on the losing end when the Royals won their first title in 1976. Scranton also defeated Moravian (73-59), Widener (74-69 in 3OT), Potsdam State (65-64) and Roanoke (82-67) en route to capturing the program's second national title, with the first three of those victories coming in the Long Center.
Coach Bessoir's son, Bill, earned Most Outstanding Player honors after scoring 27 points in the national title game victory over Wittenberg, and Mickey Banas was also named to the All-Tournament Team.
The team included Bessoir, Banas, Todd Bailey, Mark Hutchinson, Jeff Jones, Steve Joseph, Tom Kosin, Bill Maile, Rich Para, Dan Polacheck and Floyd Wood. Coach Bessoir was joined on the sidelines by assistant coach Bob Walsh and assistant coach Oriey Glenn.
Visit In A Dallas Minute's YouTube page for a look back at some of the best memories from the unforgettable 1983 National Championship run.
Scranton's women's basketball team will open the action on Feb. 4 by taking on the Cardinals at 2 p.m.
Admission for the doubleheader is $7 for adults (18-61), $4 for seniors 62+ and children 10+, while University of Scranton faculty, staff, students and children ages nine and under are free of charge.
