University of Michigan Hall of Honor
John Townsend
- Induction:
- 1980
- Class:
- 1938
Considered by many as the greatest basketball player in Michigan's early years, John Townsend was known as "the Houdini of the Hardwood." Coming to Michigan from Indianapolis Arsena Technical High School, the 6-4, 200-pound Townsend did not limit his talents to the basketball floor. While earning high marks in the classroom, Townsend was also a shot putter and discus thrower for the 1937 and 1938 Big Ten Outdoor Track champions. But on the basketball court, Townsend was simply amazing. The leading scorer on the team each of his three years, he was also known for his passing ability to sizeable teammates James Rae (6'5") and John Gee (6'9"). In 1937, he rang up 123 Conference points, placing him second amongst the Big Ten leaders. As a captain his senior year, he averaged 11.3 points per game, accounting for nearly a third of the team's average scoring output. He was named all-conference all three seasons and an All-American in 1938. Following his graduation in 1938, Townsend returned to Indianapolis and went on to practice law with his brother Earl, who had been a letterwinner on the 1936 team. Both Townsends served as Big Ten basketball officials from 1940-47. John was inducted into the Michigan Hall of Honor in 1980.
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