Through the Phog
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8 Things Every Kansas Jayhawks Fan Should Know

By Ryan Noel

Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawk cheerleaders perform a cheer during a game against the Chaminade Silverswords at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawk cheerleaders perform a cheer during a game against the Chaminade Silverswords at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 14, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; An exterior view of Allen Fieldhouse before the game between the Baylor Bears and Kansas Jayhawks. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; An exterior view of Allen Fieldhouse before the game between the Baylor Bears and Kansas Jayhawks. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Fred Pralle

Before Clyde Lovellette and Wilt Chamberlain, there was Fred Pralle, the star of the late 1930s for Kansas. Pralle was named to the NCAA All-American team twice, but was the first Jayhawk to be a consensus All-American in 1938.

American basketball player Fred Pralle with the Phillips 66ers c. 1944
American basketball player Fred Pralle with the Phillips 66ers c. 1944 /

Pralle played three varsity seasons at Kansas, and led them to three straight conference championships in those years. At the time, there was no NCAA tournament, so he did not get the chance to lead the Jayhawks to an NCAA tournament title.

In addition to his All-America honors, Pralle was also named to the Big Six All-Conference team in each year he played, making him arguably the most successful guard to ever play for Kansas. He led the team in scoring during his final two years, averaging just over 10 points per game.

In the book, Kansas Jayhawks: History-Making Basketball, Bob Allen called him the greatest guard to ever play at Kansas.

"“They won the Big 6 conference championship with a bunch of no-names and Pralle, who was an absolute great. In my personal opinion, he was the greatest guard that KU ever had.”"

Next: Kansas' Lone Dual-Sport All-American

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