The "6-8er from Decatur" was the all time leading scorer at Illinois when he left Illinois. He averaged 20.5 ppg for his UI career. He was a sophomore reserve on a top five national team when the slush fund scandal hit. Illinois lost stars Rich Jones, Ron Dunlap and future Boston Celtic Steve Kuberski. Jimmy Dawson was the best player remaining. He went on to be the Big a Ten MVP that year. Preston Pearson was also on that team. He went on to play in five Super Bowls even though he didn't play football at Illinois.
Scholz stepped up to average over 20 ppg the rest of the season. He had a great turnaround jump shot with range to the top of the circle. Two years later, he was the star of a 19-5 team that finished second in the BT but did not go to the NCAA tourney because only the league champ went in those days. He played power forward with big 6-8, 275 Greg Jackson at center. Jackson was a 16 ppg scorer. Solid frontline with future New York Knick Mike Price and sharp shooter Rick Howat at guard. Purdue won the league that year behind the best shooter to ever play in college, Rick Mount.
Scholz was a great Illini from right down the road in Decatur. One of my early UI heroes.
Scholz stepped up to average over 20 ppg the rest of the season. He had a great turnaround jump shot with range to the top of the circle. Two years later, he was the star of a 19-5 team that finished second in the BT but did not go to the NCAA tourney because only the league champ went in those days. He played power forward with big 6-8, 275 Greg Jackson at center. Jackson was a 16 ppg scorer. Solid frontline with future New York Knick Mike Price and sharp shooter Rick Howat at guard. Purdue won the league that year behind the best shooter to ever play in college, Rick Mount.
Scholz was a great Illini from right down the road in Decatur. One of my early UI heroes.
