Aug. 20, 2015

SPOKANE, Wash. – Former Gonzaga men’s basketball All-American Gary Lechman passed away in mid-July. Funeral services will take place Thursday, Aug. 20 in his hometown of Roseville, Calif.

Lechman suited up for Gonzaga from 1964-1967, putting together a fantastic career that included honors as not only a Helms Foundation All-American, but also the program’s first-ever Academic All-American.

The Roseville, Calif., native was named a First Team All-Big Sky Conference performer three times and was named to the Big Sky silver anniversary basketball team in 1988.

Despite standing just 6-foot-3, Lechman played forward and center for the Zags, ending his career ranked fourth in scoring at 1,452 points (now ranks 16th) and second in rebounding with 910 (now ranks third). As a senior, Lechman averaged 23.1 points per game, which still stands as the sixth-highest single season average in program history. He also holds the school record for consecutive made field with 23.

During his three seasons, Lechman helped Gonzaga to a combined record of 57-21, including a 20-6 mark in 1966-67 and a pair of tied first-place finishes in the Big Sky Conference. The NCAA automatic berth began for the Big Sky one year after Lechman concluded his playing career.