[Doc Holliday]

I just thought I would mention Grady Wallace, many feel he may be one of the best to ever come out of the Mountains.

From the Hearld Leader

Condolences

Grady Wallace, a Betsy Layne High School basketball legend who went on to establish scoring records at the University of South Carolina in 1957, died this month in South Carolina. He was 72.

Wallace was born on Mare Creek in Floyd County. He initially attended Pikeville College and then transferred to South Carolina. He holds the South Carolina records for career scoring average (28.0) and single-season scoring average (31.3). That average of 31.3 points enabled Wallace to beat out Wilt Chamberlain as the nation's leading scorer in 1956-57.

Wallace once held the school single-game scoring record of 54 points. He still holds four of the five highest single-game scoring totals.

There are green roadside signs alongside U.S. 23 in Betsy Layne that identify it as the home of Wallace. He was the first South Carolina player to have his jersey retired.


From the Gamecocks History page


#42 Grady Wallace 1955-57
Wallace, who wore 42, was the first South Carolina player to have his jersey number retired. Wallace averaged an amazing 28.0 points per game in his career and led the NCAA in 1957 with 31.3 points per tilt, edging out Kansas' Wilt Chamberlain. Wallace holds down four of the top six scoring games in school history, scoring 54 points vs. Georgia in his senior year.



Coach Odom reflects on Grady Wallace


Former Gamecock All-American, who led the nation in scoring in 1957, passed away Thursday.













Aug. 17, 2006

With the passing Thursday of one of South Carolina's true basketball legends, Grady Wallace, USC head coach Dave Odom issued a statement Thursday evening.

Statement from Dave Odom "Grady's passing leaves a tremendous void in Gamecock basketball history. The last couple of years I've had the chance to get to know him as a man - something I will always cherish. His accomplishments on the court were many, including leading the nation in scoring in 1957. Still, Grady will long be remembered by all his friends and the Gamecock faithful as a wonderful human being."

Wallace, a USC letterman from 1955-57, was named All-American in 1957 when he led the nation in scoring with 31.3 ppg. Highlights that season included him scoring 54 points at Georgia on Dec. 21, 1956 - second most in school history (only second to John Roche's 56 points vs. Furman on 2/4/71).

His No. 42 jersey was the first jersey to be retired at Carolina and he was a member of the South Carolina Hall of Fame (inducted in 1968).

He still holds the school record for career scoring average (28.0 ppg), single season average (31.3, 1957) and the second best mark for career rebound average (12.8 rpg). He also holds the single season school record for most points scored (906, 1957), most field goals made (336, 1957), most field goals attempted (803, 1957) and most free throws made (234, 1957).