Red Flash legend Norm Van Lier – and other basketball players from the University’s “Golden Era” – were honored before the men’s basketball team’s game against Wagner on Feb. 15.
University President Father Malachi Van Tassell blessed the Golden Era plaques on display in the lobby of the Stokes Center before tipoff against the Seahawks. SFU’s “Golden Era” spanned from 1947-71.
Many Saint Francis players who played in this era, including former teammates of Van Lier’s, were in attendance for the blessing. The plaques include pictures and information about players from this period of SFU men’s basketball history.
“I’m so pleased that we could honor so many wonderful players and alumni,” said Father Malachi. “It’s fitting that these plaques are where they are – they serve as inspiration to the many student-athletes that walk through this hallway.”
Saint Francis alumnus Bob Moore helped organize the tribute to Van Lier and other Golden Era players. He addressed the gathering of alumni before Father Malachi blessed the plaques.
“It’s great because the people who put it (the event) together actually went to school with Norm,” said Moore, a 1969 graduate of the University.
“Norm had an affection for Saint Francis.”
Van Lier scored 1,410 points during his SFU career (1966-69). As a senior, he averaged 21.0 ppg. As a junior in 1967-68, he set a then school record for assists.
After graduating from SFU, Van Lier played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. Considered by his peers to be one of the toughest guards in the NBA, he averaged 11.8 points per game during his decade of pro ball. He was an NBA all-defense selection eight times.
Van Lier led the league in assists in 1970-71 while playing for the Royals. He retired in 1979 with NBA career totals of 8,770 points and 5,217 assists.
During the game against Wagner, SFU’s players wore warm-up T-shirts honoring Van Lier with his last name printed on the back of them. Tributes to Van Lier were also featured on the video board before tip-off.
Van Lier was inducted into the Saint Francis Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999. His jersey number 12 is retired at the University. He died in 2009.
