PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore lost another member of the Hawks Hall of Fame this week when James 'Bones' Morgan passed away.
A 6-foot-7 center who was known for his leaping ability and soft touch, Morgan was a prolific rebounder whose 1,741 boards top not only Eastern Shore's career record book, but also that of the storied Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
"James 'Bones' Morgan is a key piece to our institution's athletic history because his accomplishments helped lay the foundation Hawks basketball is built on," Director of Athletics Keith Davidson said. "He was a standout who played when we competed in the CIAA and his records — which still stand today — remain a reminder of his work ethic and the way he played the game.
"As much of a standout athlete as 'Bones' was, he was better person and one of the great personalities in Hawk Athletic history."
Morgan was part of the last Maryland State team as the college changed its name to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 1970. The school left the CIAA and became one of the founding members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, starting athletic competition in the league in 1971.
In his four years in Princess Anne, Morgan averaged a double-double each season. He also ranks ninth in school history with 1,554 points. He was part of the Hawks team that was 29-2 in the 1969-70 season — the most wins of any team since 1948.
He averaged 23.6 points per game in 1967 and pulled down 37 rebounds in a single game that season and he led the CIAA in rebounding each of his last two seasons.
He remains 77 rebounds ahead of No. 2 on the CIAA list, former NBA standout Charles Oakley (Virginia-Union, 1981-85). No. 2 on the Hawks all-time list is fellow Hawks Hall of Famer Talvin Skinner with 1,200.
After his college career, he was drafted in the seventh round and 108th overall by the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA Draft. He later would play in the Continental Basketball Association.
He was inducted into the Hawks Hall of Fame in 1984 and he was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame on March 14, 2011.
Ever humble, upon his induction to the CIAA Hall of Fame in 2011 he said "I feel very honored to be selected. I was told my job was to rebound, and I played in a brilliant system."
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21 at Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church Street, Norfolk, Virginia.
You may also send condolences to his sisters Vivian Chadwick and Beverly Anderson c/o 1620 Elm Ave, Chesapeake, Virginia 23325-4022.
