Greg Hansen
HURLEY “BULLDOGS” – 1970
It didn’t take long for Hurley’s basketball opponents to recognize that Greg was a player to be aware of when they faced the Bulldogs.
As a freshman, with Hurley going 20-5, he averaged 13 points and 13 rebounds per game. Greg progressed each season until as a senior he averaged 24 points and 21 rebounds with the Bulldogs finishing 24-5.
Greg concluded his Hurley career with 1,989 points and 1,663 rebounds. His single-game highs were 62 points and 34 rebounds. Coached by Lowell Claussen, he was all-state two years. Greg also received all-conference recognition eight consecutive seasons, four as a Bulldog and four while playing collegiately for Dakota Wesleyan University.
Recruited by colleges for both his football and basketball ability, Greg started each of DWU’s 92 games during his four seasons and had career averages of 23.3 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. His season free throw accuracy of 92 percent is still a record at Wesleyan. The 6-foot-7 forward totaled 2,146 points and 1,047 rebounds for DWU playing for Gordon Fosness. He was captain of the Tigers as a junior and senior.
Greg played on four conference championship teams, two at Hurley and two at Wesleyan, with guards Merle Reiners and Greg Farrar being his teammates in both high school and college. He was also inducted into the DWU Hall of Fame, the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference Hall of Fame, and the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. Wesleyan began its basketball program in 1917 and Greg became only the third Tiger so honored when DWU retired his jersey No. 54.
Greg lives in Sioux Falls. He and his wife Debra have three children: Tucker, Larissa and Brady. The South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to induct Greg as a member of its Class of 2012.
Comments (7)
Corky Simpson
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As great as his athletic ability was, Greg Hansen is an even better human being. He’s one of the finest men I ever met in half a century of sportswriting, and although I’m not a South Dakotan, I’m as proud of Greg and his achievements as anyone. My congratulations, not only to my friend Greg, but to the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame for honoring such a fine man.
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Greg Farrar
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Greg made everyone he played with a better player. By the attention he recieved from opponents our jobs were easier. I had the honor of being Greg’s teammate in grade school, jr. high, high school and college. In my opinion Greg was the best Big Man inside, outside and the most gifted passer. Greg took greater pride in an assist than scoring himself. You have been a trusted and loyal friend for over 50 years. Congratulations, enjoy it, you earned it.
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Chris Miller
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Greg was a tremendous all around basketball player and very supportive of his teammates. He was very skilled in all facets of the game and one of South Dakota’s finest. Congratulations my friend! – God bless and I hope all is going well!
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Jon Hilton
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What a fantastic player and an even better person. Greg had one of the softest shots I have ever seen. When Hans released the ball it seemed to just float. It was a thrill to play basketball with Greg, and I am fortunate to have him as a friend. Congratulations, a great honor, and well deserved.
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Mike Flyger
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Thanks, Greg. Many memories of ballgames, fellowship, family, too many to mention. One word comes to me: teamwork! Also a big thanks for being husband to my sister Deb! God Bless.
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Craig Bak
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I played against Greg in Grade School, HS, and College. He was the best player I’ve ever played with or against. After more than 4 decades, I still haven’t seen anyone better!
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Daryl Fletcher
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Having played against Greg in high school I know what a great player he was representing the Hurley Bulldogs. I enjoyed watching him in college as well. He certainly has to be one of South Dakota’s greatest sportswriters of all time. I have great respect for him for all he has done for SD sports.
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