|
2009 Inductee |
|
Allan Pruett
|
Allan Pruett is remembered by many in
Rector as one of, if not the, best basketball players to
ever step on the court. Based upon his career numbers and
accomplishments, it’s doubtful many could argue. The 1966
graduate scored 2,018 points in his three years of high
school basketball, averaging 18.1 points per game. His other
career numbers include a 78.6 free throw percentage, 113
assists and 49.2 field goal percentage. As a senior, Pruett
averaged 27.4 points per game to score 1,041 for the season.
That year, he also made 401 field goals, 239 free throws and
shot 82.5 percent from the line.
Pruett scored career highs of 55, 44
and 41 points as a senior, despite facing many box-and-one
defenses. Pruett was named to the All-State and
All-District Teams in 1965 and 1966. Also in 1966, Pruett
was chosen as an All-American and Arkansas All-Star Team
selection. He was also named state MVP for Rector’s 1963
junior high state championship team.
He also stood out on the baseball
diamond, where he was a pitcher and infielder. Pruett threw
a one-hitter and hit two home-runs in the district
championship game. He batted .400 to lead Rector to the
state tournament.
In college, Pruett lettered at
Mississippi State University in 1967 and 1968, where he set
the freshman scoring record. He transferred to Arkansas
State University in 1970, where he averaged 17.1 points per
game and was named Second Team All-Southland Conference. In
1971, he averaged 19.5 points per game and was named
All-Southland MVP and First Team.
Sadly, Pruett died Dec. 6, 2008.
Before his passing, though, he was present to witness the
creation of the RHS Sports Hall of Fame and the induction of
beloved coach Jess Bucy as its first member. “Allan Pruett
was a special player, the kind that doesn’t come around too
often” Bucy said. “He was naturally gifted and very easy to
coach. He’s remembered as one of the best players to ever
come through here, and rightfully so.”
Allan K. Pruett Memorial
Page
