Hall of Fame
A native of Columbia, S.C., Xavier McDaniel became the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in scoring (27.2) and rebounding (14.8) in the same season (1984-85). At his collegiate career’s conclusion, he had 2,152 points and 1,359 rebounds, becoming the third MVC player and the 45th player in NCAA history to register 2,000 points and 1,000 boards.
McDaniel, who also led the nation in rebounding (14.4) in 1983, was the Valley’s Player of the Year in 1983-84 and 1984-85. In 1985, he became only the second player in WSU basketball history to be named first-team All-America – Dave Stallworth (1964).
When WSU retired his jersey #34, he became the third player to be so honored – Stallworth (#42) and Antoine Carr (#35). Following his college career, he played in the NBA for the Seattle Supersonics (1985-90), Phoenix Suns (1990-91), New York Knicks (1991-92), Boston Celtics (1992-95) and New York Nets (1996-97).