B.H. Born continued the legacy of Kansas big men following in Clyde Lovellette's footsteps. A native of Medicine Lodge, Kan., Born played for the Jayhawks from 1952-54 and was a member of two teams that advanced to the NCAA championship game.

     Born's accomplishments at Kansas shouldn't be overshadowed by the other two big men during the 1950s -- Clyde Lovellette and Wilt Chamberlain. During the 1952 championship season, Born dwelled in relative obscurity, playing behind the All-American Lovellette. That season, the lanky, 6-9 Born averaged just 1.4 points while Lovellette led the nation in scoring at 28.4 points per game.

     In 1953, however, Born became the center of attention for the Jayhawks and quickly established himself as one of the nation's best centers. Born averaged 18.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per contest and he was selected All-American and first team All-Big Seven. The Jayhawks finished the season 19-6, 10-2 in the Big Seven, and were one basket short of a second consecutive NCAA title, falling to Indiana 69-68 in the finals. Born was selected as the most outstanding performer in the NCAA Tournament, the first player ever to win the award from a non-championship team.

     In Born's senior season, the Jayhawks finished the year at 16-5, and their 10-2 record in the Big Seven was good enough for a share of their third consecutive conference title. Born averaged 18.9 points and was named to the All-Big Seven Team. Born went on to play in the 1954 World Championships along with Jayhawk teammate Allen Kelley.

     Born was taken in the third round of the 1954 NBA Draft by the Fort Wayne Pistons, but never played for them. Instead, Born accepted a job with Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Peoria, Ill. after graduating from KU.

    Born's jersey was retired on February 15, 1992, in a ceremony honoring the 1952 NCAA championship team.

Source:  KU Athletics web site.