John Bates

Class of 1981

The Norristown, PA native and dominant forward was named the 1979 West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year and earned All-American honors. During his time here, he averaged 17 points, over 10 rebounds and three assists per game. Under head coach Gary Hess, he was a four-time All-Conference selection and is second in rebounding and third in scoring on Wesleyan's all-time list. The Bobcats posted a 73-43 record during Bates' four years, compiling an impressive 24-8 record during the 1978-79 season. He is the only NAIA player to participate on the USA Olympic team. In 1980, he was a draft pick of the Indiana Pacers.