I have finally been able to track down and verify a career total for rebounds for Crispus Attucks high flyer, Willie Merriweather. The Big O's team mate's career total is second only to Kent Benson. It's interesting that while rebounding was very valued as an important aspect of our game during the 1950's era, it was seldom listed in the box scores. Meriweather was a prime example. Time and again Coach Crowe would be quoted in game stories lauding his rebounding prowess and specifically mentioning its impact on the Tigers' win. However, specific numbers have been tough to come by.
I am still trying to run down exact year-by-year totals.
Funny thing - he is listed some places to be as tall as 6-4, but consensus is the high-flyer was far closer to 6-2. His Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame entry splits the difference and has him at 6-3. Truly didn't matter as he was one of the greatest rebounders Indiana has ever known.
Oscar Robertson #43 in back row was reportedly just a shade under 6-5 in high school. Will Merriweather standing to his right #24. 6-2?
Most Rebounds in a Season
(B) 720 Kent Benson - New Castle 1972-73
(B) 672 Willie Merriweather - Crispus Attucks 1954-55
(B) 583 Tom Cutter - Lafayette Catholic 1972-73
(B) 556 Wayne Bright - Bell Union 1964-65
(B) 525 Kent Benson - New Castle 1971-72
(B) 525 Tim Saylor - White’s 1970-71
(B) 516 Larry Bird - Springs Valley 1973-74
(B) 505 Don Halton - Merrillville 1955-56
(B) 497 Charlie Core - Noblesville 1963-64
(B) 491 John Hoover - Gary Tolleston 1967-68
(B) 476 Landon Turner - Tech 1975-78
(B) 468 Mike Erwin - South Spencer 1971-72
(B) 457 Glenn Robinson - Gary Roosevelt 1990-91
I am still trying to run down exact year-by-year totals.
Funny thing - he is listed some places to be as tall as 6-4, but consensus is the high-flyer was far closer to 6-2. His Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame entry splits the difference and has him at 6-3. Truly didn't matter as he was one of the greatest rebounders Indiana has ever known.
Oscar Robertson #43 in back row was reportedly just a shade under 6-5 in high school. Will Merriweather standing to his right #24. 6-2?
Most Rebounds in a Season
(B) 720 Kent Benson - New Castle 1972-73
(B) 672 Willie Merriweather - Crispus Attucks 1954-55
(B) 583 Tom Cutter - Lafayette Catholic 1972-73
(B) 556 Wayne Bright - Bell Union 1964-65
(B) 525 Kent Benson - New Castle 1971-72
(B) 525 Tim Saylor - White’s 1970-71
(B) 516 Larry Bird - Springs Valley 1973-74
(B) 505 Don Halton - Merrillville 1955-56
(B) 497 Charlie Core - Noblesville 1963-64
(B) 491 John Hoover - Gary Tolleston 1967-68
(B) 476 Landon Turner - Tech 1975-78
(B) 468 Mike Erwin - South Spencer 1971-72
(B) 457 Glenn Robinson - Gary Roosevelt 1990-91
