One of the all-time Marauder basketball greats,
John Fox is considered by many media experts and 'Ville fans as the finest "big man" ever to wear the Black and Gold. His rise to fame is unique because he honed his basketball skills playing in the Catholic Youth Organization in his native Delaware County, Pa., rather than in high school competition.
The 6-9 Fox helped elevate Millersville to unprecedented heights during his career in the mid-1980s and put MU on the NCAA-II hoop map.
During his four-year reign "in the paint," Fox led Millersville to 27-4 records in 1984-85 and 1986-87. Overall, the Marauder cagers compiled a 95-25 mark (.792); and, in PSAC Eastern Division play, the Marauders dominated their foes with a 52-7 record (.881).
In Fox's senior season (1986-87), the Marauders earned their first PSAC tournament championship in a stirring 100-94 victory over Western Division rival California before a packed Pucillo Gymnasium audience. That '86-'87 squad advanced to the NCAA-II East Regional final and was tied for No. 1 in the nation in the final Division II coaches' poll.
Fox helped lead Coach John Kochan's cagers to three consecutive PSAC East titles (1985, 1986, 1987), and the '84-'85 team posted a perfect 14-0 conference record, a feat unmatched in club history. In addition, Fox was instrumental in pacing MU to two exceptional win streaks in back-to-back seasons: 20 in 1984-85, and 21 (current club record) in 1985-86.
On the Marauder career charts, Fox is number-one in blocked shots (163) and third both in scoring (1,804 points) and rebounding (1,214 caroms). He also holds the 'Ville season and career marks for field goal percentage with outstanding .642 (1984-85) and .610 figures, respectively.
Fox was accorded numerous honors for his court exploits. He was a two-time NCAA Division II All-American second team selection (1985-86, 1986-87), and earned four consecutive All-ECAC Division II certificates, including Rookie of the Year honors in 1984 and Player of the Year kudos in 1987. Fox also became only the second Marauder cager, following MU Athletic Hall of Famer Phil Walker, to receive All-PSAC Eastern Division first team distinction in each of his four varsity seasons.
The Clifton Heights, Pa. native was a dean's list student at MU his senior year and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and marketing.
Fox was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the third round of the 1987 NBA Draft. He began his professional career in 1987-88 with the Continental Basketball Association's Rockford Lightning, where he earned CBA All-Rookie Team status.
For 10 years, Fox enjoyed a lucrative playing career in Europe, including nine campaigns in the Italian Basketball League. He was the league's leading rebounder in 1994. John retired from competitive basketball following the 1997-98 campaign.
John lives in nearby Red Lion (York County), where he lives with his wife, Bonnie (an MU alumna) and their two children, Matthew (7) and Michael (3).
During the off-season, John has contributed his time and knowledge helping youngsters learn the game as a guest clinician at the Millersville Boys' Basketball Camp.
