Aug. 17, 2006

With the passing Thursday of one of South Carolina’s true basketball legends, Grady Wallace, USC head coach Dave Odom issued a statement Thursday evening.

Statement from Dave Odom “Grady’s passing leaves a tremendous void in Gamecock basketball history. The last couple of years I’ve had the chance to get to know him as a man – something I will always cherish. His accomplishments on the court were many, including leading the nation in scoring in 1957. Still, Grady will long be remembered by all his friends and the Gamecock faithful as a wonderful human being.”

Wallace, a USC letterman from 1955-57, was named All-American in 1957 when he led the nation in scoring with 31.3 ppg. Highlights that season included him scoring 54 points at Georgia on Dec. 21, 1956 – second most in school history (only second to John Roche’s 56 points vs. Furman on 2/4/71).

His No. 42 jersey was the first jersey to be retired at Carolina and he was a member of the South Carolina Hall of Fame (inducted in 1968).

He still holds the school record for career scoring average (28.0 ppg), single season average (31.3, 1957) and the second best mark for career rebound average (12.8 rpg). He also holds the single season school record for most points scored (906, 1957), most field goals made (336, 1957), most field goals attempted (803, 1957) and most free throws made (234, 1957).

Dunbar Funeral Home in Columbia, S.C. is handling Wallace’s funeral arrangements and details have not been released.