Dedric Willoughby Obituary and dedric willoughby death

Dedric Willoughby Obituary: Remembering a Cyclone Legend

In a somber moment for the Iowa State University and basketball community, we remember Dedric Willoughby, a revered Hall-of-Famer and one of the greatest shooters in Cyclone men's basketball history. At the age of 49, Dedric Willoughby's untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of those who admired his remarkable talent and contributions to the sport.

Early Life and College Career

Dedric Willoughby, hailing from New Orleans, left an indelible mark on the Iowa State basketball program during the 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons. Arriving at Iowa State under the tutelage of coach Tim Floyd, he quickly emerged as a linchpin of the team. In both seasons, he earned first team all-league honors and led the Cyclones in scoring with impressive averages of 20.5 and 18.9 points per game, respectively.

From Underdog to Triumph

During his tenure at Iowa State, Dedric Willoughby played a pivotal role in elevating the team's status. In the 1995-96 season, despite being predicted to finish last in the Big Eight Conference, Willoughby, alongside teammates Kelvin Cato, Kenny Pratt, Shawn Bankhead, and Jacy Holloway, defied all odds and secured an astonishing second-place finish in the conference with a 9-5 record.

One of the most memorable moments of his career was the 1996 Big Eight Conference postseason tournament, where Willoughby's exceptional performance earned him the Big Eight Newcomer of the Year award. He played a crucial role in leading the Cyclones to their first-ever Big Eight Tournament championship, sealing the victory against the formidable No. 5 Kansas with two clutch free-throws in the final seconds.

Senior Season Success

In his senior season (1996-97), Dedric Willoughby's brilliance continued to shine as the Cyclones reached a peak of No. 4 in the AP poll and tied for third in the inaugural season of the Big 12 with a 10-6 record. His impeccable shooting skills were a sight to behold, and he left an enduring legacy with his smooth jump shot and quick release.

Throughout his career, Willoughby displayed an impressive shooting range, making 190 three-pointers at nearly a 40-percent clip. Notably, his exceptional performance against No. 1 Kansas, sinking nine three-pointers in a game, stood as a school record for many years. His senior season saw him setting another record, with 102 three-pointers, which remains the highest number of three-pointers in a single season for Iowa State.

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NCAA Tournament Run

The 1996-97 season culminated with a memorable NCAA Tournament run for Iowa State. In the Sweet Sixteen, Willoughby showcased his scoring prowess, netting an incredible 34 points with eight three-pointers against UCLA. Unfortunately, the Cyclones fell short, losing on a last-second shot, missing the chance to advance to the Elite Eight.

His exceptional performance in the NCAA Tournament solidified his reputation as one of the all-time greats in Cyclone basketball history. Willoughby's 34-point game against UCLA remains an equaling record for a Cyclone player in the NCAA Tournament.

Post-College Career

Following his impressive college career, Dedric Willoughby took his skills to the professional level. Making his NBA debut in the 1999-2000 season with the Chicago Bulls under coach Tim Floyd, he showed glimpses of his talent and averaged 7.6 points during his lone NBA season.

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A Lasting Legacy

Dedric Willoughby's impact on the Iowa State basketball program cannot be overstated. His shooting prowess, scoring ability, and determination made him a beloved figure both on and off the court. As the first player in Cyclone history to reach over 1,000 points in just two seasons, Willoughby carved a place in the hearts of fans that will be cherished forever.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dedric Willoughby's sudden passing has left the sports world mourning the loss of a true legend. From his early days in New Orleans to his remarkable achievements at Iowa State and beyond, he will be remembered for his incredible skill, sportsmanship, and contributions to the game of basketball.

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