Art McZier, a 1954 Evanston graduate who went on to star for the Loyola of Chicago men’s basketball team, died on Oct. 20 at the age of 82 in Washington D.C.
McZier played at Loyola from 1955-58 and averaged 12.0 rebounds per game, which ranks fourth in the program’s record book.
As a senior, he averaged 15.7 rebounds per game. That is the third best single-season rebounding average in Ramblers history.
He is likely best remembered by Ramblers fans for hitting a game-winning hook shot at the buzzer to beat 12th-ranked Kentucky 57-56 on Feb. 15, 1959.
McZier was one of the first African-American players recruited by Loyola coach George Ireland.
“Art was a mentor to me and all the African-Americans who came to Loyola to play basketball,” former Loyola basketball star Jerry Harkness said in a statement released by the school. “I owe a lot to Art. He took me under his wing and made the transition into college easier.”
McZier worked for the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration before opening a food service management company.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at Evanston Township High School.
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