Chris Hughes made his mark on the men’s basketball program in his short two-year career for the Lions. A transfer from Clarion, the 6’7 center was uncertain of his playing career and now has become a part of Behrend history.
Known for his quiet dominance, Hughes made a name for himself while helping raise the level of play of his teammates. During his two seasons, he led the Lions to a 47-11 record and an impressive 20-2 mark in the AMCC.
As a junior, Hughes led Behrend to a national ranking of 17th in Division III and its first-ever ECAC South Title. He averaged 13.2 points and 5.1 rebounds en route to being named AMCC Co-Newcomer of the Year, Second Team All-Conference and ECAC Southern Player of the Year.
Hughes had the programs most prolific scoring campaigns in 1999-00. The senior put up 579 points, the most in a season, and ranked as high as 12th in Division III statistics in field-goal percentage with 61.3 percent. He led with 19.3 ppg and 7.0 rpg, while the team won the regular-season AMCC championship and a regional ranking of third in the NCAA Great Lakes. That year, Behrend set a school record for wins with 26.
The accolades continued to pour in his senior year. Hughes was named AMCC Most Valuable Player, First Team All-Conference, First Team NABC All-District, Behrend’s Male Athlete of the Year and John Zahniser Male Scholar Athlete of the Year as well as a Josten’s Trophy Finalist, the most prestigious basketball honor bestowed in Division III.
Hughes finished his career 51 points shy of 1,000 and remains first all-time in field-goal percentage (60.8).