The 1980-1981 men’s basketball team was the first UD basketball team to qualify for the NCAA Championships. A last second shot, made by Ray Kantowski (C’82) from 45 feet, gave UD a 60 to 59 win over William Penn College.
UD was assigned to the West Regional playoffs in Whittier, California. UD lost 71 to 65 in their initial game against Muskingum University from Ohio. In the consolation game against California State University Stanislaus, UD won 86 to 73. UD finished the season with a 20-8 overall record and went 10-4 in the Iowa Conference to finish second.
The 1980-1981 basketball team had four All-Conference players: Roland McCorkle (C’82), First Team; Chad Steckel (C’81), Second Team; Lester Johnson (C’81), Honorable Mention; and Kantowski, Honorable Mention.
1980-1981 NCAA Tournament Qualifiers: Ron Buckner (C’82), Geoff Cutter (C’82), Dean Donaldson (C’84), Lester Johnson (C’81), Ray Kantowski (C’82), Roland McCorkle (C’82), Mike McGee (C’83), Chad Steckel (C’81), Wade Steckel (C’84), Mark Thada (C’82), Jeff Usher (C’83), Coach Jon Davison (C’61), Assistant Coach Jon West (C’73), Manager Larry Smith (C’84), and Manager Craig Stephens (C’83).
- Team High: 16.8 Average Points Per Game, Roland McCorkle
- 15.9 Average Points Per Game, Chad Steckel
- 197 Rebounds, Lester Johnson
- Team High: 57.1% Shooting from the Field, Lester Johnson (56-98)
- Team High: 108 Free Throws, Chad Steckel
