DENVER - Former University of Denver men's basketball player Paul Hickey, who played for the Pioneers from 1946-50, passed away on Nov. 28.
A native of San Diego, Hickey was born on Sept. 20, 1926, and played basketball at Camp Elliott during World War II, winning the 11th Naval District championship under head coach Ellison Ketchum. After the war ended, Ketchum took the head coaching job at Denver and convinced Hickey and teammates Gene Steinke and Roy Nelson to go with him.
During his career, Hickey helped lead the Pioneers to a 70-49 record, the best four-year stretch in Denver's NCAA Division I history. Included in those wins were DU's first-ever win at Madison Square Garden over St. John's, a victory over Notre Dame and four wins over teams ranked in the Top 15.
Hickey was named All-Skyline Conference honorable mention as a senior in 1950. After graduating, Hickey was drafted in the fifth round of the 1950 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals.
A celebration of Hickey's life will be held at Palisades Presbyterian Church in San Diego on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. PT. Contributions in Paul Hickey's name can be made to the University of Denver men's basketball program.
Visit denverpioneers.com for complete coverage of all DU's Division I athletic programs.
--EXPERIENCE DENVER ATHLETICS-
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