WBIW.com News - local

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Former IU Captain Daryl Thomas Dies From Heart Attack At Age 52

Last updated on Thursday, March 29, 2018

(LOMBARD, IL) - The man who set up Keith Smart’s game-winning shot in the 1987 National Championship game is dead.

Indiana University announced Wednesday that former captain Daryl Thomas has passed away at the age of 52 from a heart attack.

Thomas played for the Hoosiers from '83-'87 and grabbed All-Big Ten honors. As a senior in IU's last championship season, he averaged 15.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

His best game ever may have been the title game against Syracuse down in New Orleans. In addition to dropping 20 points, he backed down Orangeman Derrick Coleman and dished the ball out to Keith Smart for the game-winning corner shot.

Thomas hailed from Westchester, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago, and was the current boys' basketball coach at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, Illinois.

He finished his college career with 1,095 points and 419 rebounds over 106 games.

Indiana basketball and Coach Miller shared their condolences on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

"The Indiana men's basketball family is devastated to learn of the passing of 1987 National Champion Daryl Thomas. Our prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and coaches and all others who he had an impact on throughout his life."

"Saddened to hear of the passing of Hoosier legend and National Champion Daryl Thomas. Beloved by his teammates and coaches, our prayers go out to his wife Marta, his children, and the Montini Catholic HS community he served" Archie Miller tweeted

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page