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SI Vault Article On Coach McCallum From 1983

DETROIT -- As NBA prospects wait for their name to be called tonight, an interesting fact surfaced in that University of Detroit Mercy head men's basketball coach Ray McCallum is one of 32 active NCAA Division I head basketball coaches that has been drafted by the NBA. That information was provided by Collegehoopedia.com.

“We really all knew I was going to get drafted, but we didn't know when,” said McCallum. “I was watching the draft at the beginning, but didn't see my name called. I had to go work a basketball camp so I left and then I was told by our SID that I was drafted by the Pacers.”

McCallum was tabbed by the Indiana Pacers in the 8th round of the 1983 draft, a draft that included the likes of Ralph Sampson, Clyde Drexler and Doc Rivers.

“It was a dream come true. I grew up a Pacers' fan in the days of them winning ABA Championships so it was just an exciting day," added McCallum.

A four-year letterwinner at Ball State, McCallum ended his career with 2,109 points – which is currently seventh in the history of the Mid-American Conference, but was tops in the league when he graduated. He was a three-time All-MAC First Team selection and earned MAC Freshman of the Year as a rookie and Player of the Year and conference tournament MVP as a senior.

He also won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the nation's best senior under six-feet tall in 1983 and became the first BSU athlete to have his jersey retired in any sport.

He led the Cardinals in scoring in all four of his years, including a career-best 20.7 average as a senior. He shot 50.7% from the field in his career hitting 847-of-1670 field goals. He was also an 80.4% shooter at the free throw line (414-of-515) and handed out 276 assists.

McCallum graduated from Ball State in 1983 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Technology.