Parkside To Celebrate 50th Anniversary of 1974-75 Men's Basketball's Success On Saturday

12/3/2025 3:13:00 PM

KENOSHA, Wis. -- Parkside Athletics will honor the 50th anniversary of the historic 1974–75 Parkside men's basketball team on Saturday, December 6, during the Rangers' matchup with Michigan Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The program will recognize one of the most accomplished teams in Parkside history, celebrating a season that remains a cornerstone of the Rangers' basketball legacy.

The 1974–75 Parkside men's basketball team stands as one of the most accomplished groups in program history, a squad whose achievements resonated far beyond its era. Nearly five decades later, their run to the NAIA Elite Eight and the impact of their individual talents continue to shape Parkside's basketball legacy.

Parkside finished the season with a 24–9 record and proved its strength by taking on a demanding schedule that included several NCAA Division I opponents. The Rangers went 1–5 against Division I competition and secured two victories over Wisconsin–Green Bay, which was in the midst of transitioning from the NAIA to the NCAA. The team's overall success led to its induction into the Parkside Hall of Fame in 2014.

The roster featured some of the most celebrated players ever to wear a Parkside uniform. Abdul Jeelani (then Gary Cole) and Leartha Scott showcased professional-level talent and later became NBA Draft selections. Jeelani was picked by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 3^rd round with the 50^th overall pick, playing multiple years in the NBA. He owns the honor of scoring the first points in the Dallas Mavericks history as the new expiation team began play in 1980. Scott was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the fourth round with the 87^th overall pick. Jeelani led the 1974–75 Rangers with 23 points per game, followed by Scott with 20 and Bill Sobanski with 12.

Their postseason performance cemented the team's place in Parkside history. The NAIA National Tournament, a 32-team event held in Kansas City and contested over six consecutive days, demanded consistency, toughness, and depth. Parkside delivered, opening the tournament with a 57–54 win over Morningside behind 25 points from Jeelani and 11 rebounds from Sobanski. In the Sweet Sixteen, the Rangers edged Marymount 51–48, with Sobanski scoring 22 and Jeelani grabbing 12 rebounds. The Elite Eight matchup placed Parkside against eventual national champion Grand Canyon. Jeelani led the Rangers again with 20 points and seven rebounds, but Parkside fell 70–54, concluding one of the finest postseason runs in program history.

The individual legacies of this team's standouts are reflected in their continued recognition within the Parkside Hall of Fame. Head coach Steve Stephens (1997), Jeelani (1980), Sobanski (1995), Jameel Ghuari—then Chuck Chambliss (1999), Rade Dimitrijevic (1999), and Stevie King (2016) have all been honored for their contributions. Their enshrinement underscores how critical the 1974–75 team was in shaping Parkside's competitive standard.

The 1974–75 Rangers combined elite talent, resilience, and a willingness to compete against the nation's best. Their Elite Eight run remains a defining chapter in Parkside men's basketball history and a benchmark for future generations of Rangers.

Parkside will honor the team at halftime of the Parkside men's contest on Saturday December 6^th against Michigan Tech at 3:00pm inside De Simone Arena.

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