University of Dayton Athletics

John Horan came to the University of Dayton from Minneapolis, Minn. With his faking and feeding, his spinning jump and his swinging hook and proved time after time to opponents that he’s a dangerous man in that pivot. Horan was a 6’8 big man who was both a defensive and offensive threat for Coach Blackburn. 

A quote from Tom Blackburn; “He seems to play his best ball under pressure and he has made an ordinary team a really good team. One of the most amazing of his features is the fact that, despite his 6’8”, he can play all three positions on the team and has played guard, forward, and center for us. In some crucial games we’ve used him as a guard to bring the ball down the court because he handles it so well.” 

Horan earned a starting spot on a veteran team as a freshman for his defensive ability but was able to handle himself on the offensive side. Horan’s most deadly shot was a right-hand push from the corners or out off the free throw circle. Horan finished his career as the AP and United Press All-Tournament teams for his 1954-55 NIT performances.