Hall of Fame
Chad Scott was a dominant post-player for the Vulcans’ men’s basketball team from 1990-94.
Virtually unstoppable from the floor, Scott led all NCAA players in field-goal percentage in 1992-93 by converting 178-of-245 attempts for a 72.7 shooting percentage. Since then, only two NCAA Division II men’s basketball players have achieved higher single-season field goal percentages and Scott’s mark ranks 10th best in NCAA Division II history heading into 2009-2010.
During his senior season, Scott shot 70.6 percent from the floor (173-of-245) and these two single-season field-goal percentages still rank first and third respectively in PSAC history.
For his career, Scott shot a superb 70 percent from the floor with 465 field goals in 664 attempts. This percentage ranks third among all NCAA Division II players 15 years later.
He joins Kenney Toomer and Ray Gutierrez as Cal U Hall of Fame basketball players from the 1990s.
“I feel very proud and it’s quite an honor,” Scott said. “I recently spoke to Kenney who was a true All-American as was Ray. Frankly I am a bit surprised I made it because I can think of so many great players at Cal U. But I am very happy and just taking it all in.”
Playing under 2005 Cal U Hall of Fame inductee Coach Jim Boone, Scott helped the Vulcans compile a 100-20 (.833) cumulative record from 1991-94 and a 42-6 (.875) PSAC West mark.
“Coach Boone did a really excellent job of bringing everyone along and understanding their roles to play together as a team,” he said. “I thought the majority of the teams we played had more individual talent than us but collectively we were able to do it.”
During this four-year stretch, the Vulcans won three-straight PSAC West titles (1991-93), made three NCAA tourney appearances (1992-94), three PSAC title game appearances (1992-94) and won two PSAC championships (1992, 1994).
In 1991-92, Scott and the Vulcans compiled a program-best 31-2 overall record and 29-game win streak. The Vulcans attained the school’s first-ever number one raking in NCAA Division II and advanced all the way to the national semifinals.
The following year a supposed rebuilding season became another banner year as the Vulcans won their third-straight PSAC West title with an 11-1 divisional mark.
He was the Vulcans’ team captain his senior season. The 1994 Vulcans compiled a 25-5 overall record and won their second state title in three years by defeating previously unbeaten Indiana (Pa.) twice in one week. Cal U reached the NCAA round of the Sweet 16 that season with Scott being named to the East Regional all-tourney team.
Understandably, Scott fondly remembers his senior year despite a tough four-point loss to Indiana in the Regional title game.
“We really matched up equally with IUP and playing them four times that season was something,” Scott said. “The games were like chess matches all the way through and we were at the same talent level. We split the games, won the conference but they got to go to the Elite Eight. That’s just how things go but I was proud of our team. We accomplished a lot.”
A two-time all-conference selection, Scott finished with 1,141 career points which at the time was the 14th highest career point total team history. He explained his consistently effective play with straightforward basketball terminology.
“I was always thinking what I could do next on the court and always knew where everyone was supposed to be,” he said. “One thing I would say I did more than anything was setting screens and coming back off to the ball and just beating people down court defensively. I just out-hustled people and mostly thought about rebounds because of my height.”
He received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Cal U in 1993. One faculty member Scott praised for his help was emeritus professor Larry Lancaster, whose son, Paul, was one of Scott’s collegiate teammates.
“Larry Lancaster was definitely a help and I always remember him pushing me,” Scott said. “He inspired me to do well but I always think I have had that drive in me and appreciated his support.”
Originally from Monessen, Pa., and a graduate of Monessen High School, Scott was a star on Monessen’s 19887-88 and 1988-89 boys’ basketball team that won consecutive PIAA Class A championships. He averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds his senior season while being named to numerous all-star teams. Scott was also a football standout for the Greyhounds. He was an all-conference defensive end and tight end who received many collegiate scholarship opportunities but opted for basketball.
Without doubt he believes he made the right sports choice and is glad he stayed nearby at Cal U.
“Cal U was definitely a good fit for me,” said Scott. “It was a place that helped you academically and I did better there than in high school. Also I wanted to go and play for a winning program. That always helps your morale and how you feel. I’m just glad we were able to succeed and that I was too.”
Chad resides in White Oak, Pa., with his wife, former Cal U women’s basketball player, Erin Tortorice, and three-month-old daughter, Journee. Scott works as a sales representative with Davison Research and Development Firm. He previously was a mission representative with the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and a youth counselor. He coaches several youth sports.
Though work and family consume the majority of his time, Scott still follows the Vulcans and frequently returns for Cal U Basketball Alumni Day, a tradition initiated by current Cal head coach Bill Brown. He also went to school at Cal under current President Angelo Armenti, Jr., and emeritus President John Watkins.
“I sure do follow the program and wish I could be more involved but there’s just not much time these days,” said Scott. “The Alumni Game and day is a great tradition Coach Brown started. It’s also great to see the school doing so well.”
