Lamar University Athletics

Don Bryson became the first basketball All-American at Lamar University in 1965, when the stylish southpaw capped a brilliant career with a fantastic season.

In 1964-65, Bryson led the Southland Conference in scoring with 533 points, averaging 23.2 points per game. He also led the conference in rebounding with 343 caroms for a superb average of 14.9 per game. He had a blistering .611 field-goal percentage as well.

A three-year starter, Bryson was the complete player. He was an excellent shooter, a fierce rebounder, a tough defender and a team player. Lamar posted a 59-17 record during Bryson’s career, and Bryson starred on a Lone Star Conference championship outfit in 1962-63 and a Southland Conference title winner in 1963-64.

At the conclusion of his career, Bryson held several school records. The average of 23.2 points per game in 1965, remained the single-season best until 1981, as did his average of 310 rebounds per season. Bryson also held the career rebound mark of 931 and the single-game high of 26 rebounds in a contest against Southern Mississippi.

In scoring, Bryson tallied 1,240 career points, ranking third in that category in 1965. His all-time high was a 36-point effort against Abilene Christian. Bryson returned to Lamar in 1971 to spend six seasons as assistant basketball coach.