William "Bill" Gaines
| Sport(s): | Men's Basketball |
| Years at HCJC/TVCC: | 1964-66 |
More than 40 years later, Gaines, who died earlier this decade, is still the most prolific scorer in Cardinal basketball history. Averaging more than 30 points a game, he helped the Cardinals to their first conference championship in 1965 scoring catalyst, the Cardinals captured their first conference championship
He became the conference’s all-time leading scorer with a month left in the 1965 season. He scored 1,110 points in his two-year Cardinal career. He rarely scored less than 20 points.
Gaines went on to play at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce) and was captain in the 1967-68 season. During that season, he led the conference in scoring and set a school record with a 25.1 scoring average. He was twice named all-conference and was inducted into the college’s hall of fame in 2007.
He was a 15th round draft selection in the NBA by the San Diego Rockets. He also played with the Houston Mavericks in the ABA.
Gaines went on to play at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce) and was captain in the 1967-68 season. During that season, he led the conference in scoring and set a school record with a 25.1 scoring average. He was twice named all-conference and was inducted into the college’s hall of fame in 2007.
He was a 15th round draft selection in the NBA by the San Diego Rockets. He also played with the Houston Mavericks in the ABA.
