Players

Walter Downing

Year Inducted: 1993

Category: Players

Schools / Organizations:

(New Lenox) Providence Catholic High School

DePaul University

Marquette University

Biography:

Walter Downing holds the honor of being the first Mr. Basketrball of Illinois.  He was presented the award in 1981.  Walter who was 6’8″ and weighed 215 lbs., played center for Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.  He was a 4-year varsity player.  Three of his teams made it to the IHSA Elite Eight, winning the state title in 1979, placing 3rd in 1978 and losing to the eventual state champion Madison HS team in the 1981 quarter-finals.  In 1980, his team lost to eventual state champion Luther South HS in the sectional.  For Walter’s career, the teams were a combined 108-19.  Walter averaged 20.5 ppg, 10 rpg, and 6 blocked shots per game as a senior.  As a junior he once blocked 21 shots in a game.  Walter was described as “..a gentleman, very friendly on and off the court.  There was always something nice about Walter Downing.”

After high school Walter played for 2 years each with DePaul University and Marquette University.  After college, he was drafted by the Lakers of the NBA.

Walter gave back to his community by becoming a high school English teacher.