Sam Richardson was undoubtedly one of the finest basketball players in the Midwest during his era of the early and mid-50's, and certainly one of the greatest ever to wear the Blue and White of Indiana State University.
A native of South Bend, Sam played three seasons for John Longfellow and was the mainstay of Duane Klueh's first Indiana State team during the 1955-56 season.
Twice in his distinguished career Sam was voted to the All-Indiana Collegiate Conference Team and was team and Midwest Collegiate Basketball Tournament Most Valuable Player. Sam still rates as the 11th leading scorer in Indiana State's basketball history, having tallied 1,211 points.
At the time of his graduation he was third on ISU's all-time list, trailing only Coach Duane Klueh and Don McDonald. His name dots the Indiana State record book several other times. Sam was the leading scorer in 1956 with a 16.7 average and he played in several NAIA National and Regional Tournaments. Additionally he is in the top ten list of career field goals made and free throws made.
After graduation Sam was a teacher and coach at Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School and assisted Coach Bill Garrett's 1959 team, which won the Indiana High School basketball title. He also played AAU basketball during that period.
After moving to New Jersey, Sam was a teacher and became involved in the restaurant business. He was involved in site location for potential eating establishments and later owned a restaurant for several years in New York City. He kept close to athletics as an employee of the NBA Players' Association where his main responsibility was marketing.
At the time of his induction Sam Richardson was the Dean of Students of I.S. 195 in New York City and Assistant Director of the Adult Education Evening Program sponsored by the Municipal Unions. He and his wife have four grown children and a new grandson.
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Two-time All-Indiana Collegiate Conference (1952, 1956)
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Scored 1,211 career points
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Distinguished career in Education, Restaurant Business, National Basketball Association Players’ Association Marketing Division
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Inducted into Hall of Fame October 24, 1986
