Most basketball fans are aware about the vast
majority of NBA players, even if only in passing. The global reach of the NBA
ensures that fans from all around the world are aware of players and their
exploits. However, a lot of college basketball players who do not make it to
the NBA are not given their due. This occurs because of the regional nature of
college basketball, and this leads to some college legends not getting their
fair share of plaudits.
One such player is Melvin McLaughlin. Nicknamed ‘Sugar’
for his sweet shooting skills, McLaughlin was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan
and spent his high school years scoring at will for the Creston High School
Polar Bears, averaging over 33 points per game in his junior and senior
seasons. After a decorated high school career, McLaughlin attended Central
Michigan University, where he would go on to form his legend.
At Central Michgan, McLaughlin broke out in his
sophomore year, averaging 20.8 points per game and being named to the First-team
All-MAC (Mid-American Conference). In the 1981-82 season, his sophomore year, McLaughlin
went one better, leading the MAC in scoring and winning the MAC player of the year.
In his senior season, McLaughlin once again increased his scoring average and
led the MAC in scoring for the second straight year.
McLaughlin ended his highly decorated college career
leading Central Michigan in points per game (20.3), a record which still stands
today, and steals (196), which has since been broken. His number 14 jersey has also been retired by Central Michigan Athletics. Despite being drafted by
the Cleveland Cavaliers in the sixth round with the 119th pick of the
1983 NBA Draft, McLaughlin never played in the NBA, playing a year with the
Detroit Spirits on the Continental Basketball Association.
Melvin McLaughlin is a Central Michigan sports
legend, and his exploits on and off the court are immortalized in the book Sweet
Shot: The Basketball Life and Legacy of Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin
by Rev. Vernon Wendt
Jr.
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