Eastern Connecticut State University

Ronald D. Pires enjoyed one of the finest basketball careers in program history. A four-year member of the program and a varsity starter on Hall of Fame coach Clyde Washburne’s first team in 1968-69, the 5-foot-11 inch Norwich native scored 1,342 points in 78 career games and keyed Eastern to two New England State College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) post-season divisional titles, three conference post-season appearances and to its winningest three-year period (58-17) to date. A two-time captain and most valuable defensive player, Pires put together a brilliant junior season in 1969-70, averaging 25.1 ppg. and helping Eastern to a program-record 21 wins against just four losses.