University of Dayton Athletics

James “Jim” Edward Paxson was born on December 19, 1932. His hometown was Springfield, Ohio and there was where he graduated Springfield Central Catholic High School. After graduating, Jim Paxson decided to attend the University of Dayton in 1950 where he became part of the Monogram Club and was later a letterman. Jim was a 6’6” and 200 lbs guard/forward for the Flyers squad. He wore number 11 and averaged 10.9 point per game in his collegiate career. Jim Paxson helped his freshmen team to a 14-6 record under Don Bolton. Jim Paxson also played baseball at UD. In 1951, the freshmen cage star moved into the line-up midway through the season. In his baseball career at UD he had 101 at bats with 29 hits, 26 runs, 15 RBIs and an average of .287. However, he shined the most in basketball. In the season that followed his freshmen year, he was under the leadership of Tom Blackburn and alongside of future hall of famer, Chuck Grigsby. Jim Paxson helped lead the Flyers squad to two consecutive second place finishes in the NIT. Jim Paxson left after the 1953 season, but returned in 1955. Returning servicemen Jim Paxson landed in the starting line-up. He took over for Horan as forward and the team captain. In 1956 at the University of Kentucky Invitational he scored a tournament record of 35 points. He was one of eight Flyers that won scoring honors. Jim Paxson was nicknamed the “Power Tower” and in 1956 won the White Allen MVP award and the Alex Schoen Memorial Free Throw trophy.  Paxson graduated in 1956 with an education major.  

Paxson went on to go pro and was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers with the third pick in the draft. He was traded in 1957. He played two seasons with the Lakers and Cincinnati Royals. He played in 138 games in his NBA career and average 8 points and 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. 

When his basketball career was over, he entered the insurance world. Jim Paxson’s sons Jim and John both played basketball at the University of Dayton and Norte Dame respectably. Both Jim and John played professional in the NBA and went on to be general managers in the league. Jim Paxson’s other son, Michael played collegiately at the University of Wyoming and Ohio University.  Jim Paxson was inducted into the University of Dayton’s Hall of Fame in 1976 for his outstanding basketball career.