Answers usually prompt more questions, especially on college
campuses. So when Ian Bonzani led the 2001 WPI men's basketball
team in scoring as a freshman, it prompted the question, "When was
the last time a freshman achieved that distinction?" Indeed, had it
ever happened? So the statisticians searched, and searched some
more-finally stopping as the pages were turned to the 1949-50
season.
There they found Harry Brown. It turns out, Harry Brown is the
answer to a lot of questions.
Yes, it was he who last led WPI in scoring as a freshman; his
1949-50 average was a more than respectable 13.9 points per game.
Bonzani now has the potential to lead WPI in scoring for four
years. Has that ever occurred? The answer is "twice." When was the
last time? From 1949 to 1953. It was Harry Brown who did it.
Here's another significant question: Who was the leading scorer
in WPI's first half century of basketball? Answer: Harry Brown,
with 964 points. And who was the first WPI player ever to average
as many as 16 points per game in a single season? With his 16.9
points-per-game average in 1952-53, we believe you know who it was.
Harry, you led WPI into its second half-century of basketball
with distinction. You averaged 14.2 as a sophomore, 14.2 again as a
junior, and 16.9 as a senior. Those were exceptional figures in
that day and age. In 1952-53, your 287 points also established a
WPI single-season record.
To top it all off, following that '52-'53 season, you were named
honorable mention All-New England. Those were the days when both
the university division and college division post-season awards
were lumped together, making it difficult for a small college
player to receive recognition.
Of particular pride is the fact that in your four years,
including the final season during which you were a co-captain, WPI
never once lost to Clark or Assumption.
While on campus, you were a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, serving
as president your senior year. You were also your class president
as a freshman, sophomore and junior, and were a member of Skull,
the Varsity Club and the AeroClub. You also played baseball for
four years and soccer for one.
A semi-retired sales engineer, you now reside in Great
Barrington, Mass.
Harry Brown, for your unique accomplishments as a WPI basketball
player, it is with great honor that the University inducts you into
its Athletic Hall of Fame.
