BOSSIER CITY – One of three men whose Northwestern State basketball jersey is retired, 1951 first-round NBA Draft pick John McConathy, passed peacefully early Tuesday morning at the age of 86.

Visitation for McConathy is Friday evening from 4-7 at First Baptist Church of Bossier City, with the funeral set for 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

McConathy, father of NSU basketball coach Mike McConathy, rose from a walk-on under coach H. Lee Prather to an All-American in 1950-51 who was the fifth selection overall in the NBA Draft, chosen by the Syracuse Nationals. He became a teacher, coach and educational administrator, guiding Bossier High School to a state championship in 1960 and retiring after a 31-year career in 1983 as the longtime Bossier Parish Superintendent of Schools.

He was a driving force behind the design and acquisition of funding for the $55 million Bossier Parish Community College campus, and was a founding member of Citizens National Bank and served as chairman of the board for 25 years.

McConathy was a 2005 inductee in the Long Purple Line, the university's Hall of Distinction for former students. He was enshrined in the N-Club Hall of Fame, which honors the top athletes, coaches and staff members in NSU history, in 1972. Among many other honors, he was a 1982 inductee in the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame and a member of the Ark-La-Texas Museum of Champions in Shreveport.

"We have lost a great one," said Northwestern State president Dr. Jim Henderson. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and Connie and the entire McConathy family. The impact of John McConathy on athletics, on education, on his community, and on Northwestern State cannot be overstated. He personifies the best characteristics and values of our greatest generation. We all can learn from the example of Godly life he gave us."

Henderson's father Clem was a high school basketball coaching colleague of McConathy's, winning a 1964 state championship across the Red River at Shreveport's Fair Park High School. Their teams met many times in that era of hotly-contested prep basketball in Shreveport-Bossier.


"A few years ago, I brought my father to a function where he saw Big John for the first time in decades," recalled Henderson. "They shook hands and warmly embraced each other, but their eyes betrayed that competitive fire, still burning some 50 years after they last met on the court. In moments like that, you just watch quietly knowing you are in the presence of greatness."

Surviving are McConathy's wife of 61 years, Corene, along with a daughter, Melinda Guest of Bossier City, and sons Pat, of Bossier City; Bill, of Haughton; and Mike, in Natchitoches. There are 11 grandchildren, including three who played as third-generation Demons:  Mike's sons Michael and Logan, and Melinda's son Paxton Guest. Already there are seven great-grandchildren.

The family suggested memorial contributions to causes dear to McConathy and his family:

The Demons Unlimited Foundation for the John and Corene McConathy Men's Basketball Scholarship, 468 Caspari Street, Natchitoches, 71497, online via www.nsudemons.com/mcconathyscholarship

The Northwest Louisiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes Sports Camp for Junior High-Senior High Student-Athletes, online at nwlafca.org

The First Baptist Church of Bossier City, Freedom Fields.

McConathy was the second of three brothers who became basketball stars at NSU. His older brother J.L. preceded him in death, while his younger brother George lives in Sailes, La.  All three brothers are in the N-Club Hall of Fame.

McConathy's No. 14 Demon jersey was brought out of retirement for four seasons when Michael began his playing career in 2006-07.  
From 1947-51, McConathy averaged 16.3 points in 67 games while also competing in track and field.

He came to what was then known as Louisiana Normal in 1947, leaving the family farm near Bryceland in rural Bienville Parish to follow the path of his older brother. McConathy hitchhiked to Natchitoches, was told by legendary coach H. Lee Prather that no basketball scholarship was available for him, but stayed around and was able to join the team several days later.

The McConathy brothers teamed up on the 1948-49 squad that is considered Prather's finest, going 23-5 and reaching the NAIA Tournament semifinals.

As a senior, McConathy set single-season school records by scoring 562 points and averaging 21.6 per game, with a pair of career-best 35-point games against Centenary and Southern Mississippi. He was invited to play in the College All-Star Game in Chicago and caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his high selection in the 1951 draft.

His pro career was stymied by his involvement with the Louisiana National Guard during the Korean Conflict, recalled teammate and future Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member Tynes Hildebrand.

"His pro career was interrupted because of having to always return home for National Guard meetings. You could not miss the meetings or you would be drafted and likely serve overseas," said Hildebrand, who said McConathy's athleticism made him a standout.

"Johnny was one of the first big dunkers in the area to play college basketball. At that time, not many people were that big (6-5) or could jump that well, and Johnny was always doing it in practice and in the games."

A 60-year resident of Bossier City, McConathy kept the family farm in Bienville Parish and was a cattleman. Known as "Big John," "Mr. John" and "Hound" to many, and as "Pappy" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he remained very active until relatively recently, and attended most of the Demons' home games and some road contests in the 17 years his son Mike has been head coach at NSU.

Several current and former players took to social media to express their respect and condolences Tuesday, along with basketball programs at McNeese State and Centenary, the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches, and Southland Conference commissioner Tom Burnett.

"He believed in me more than I believe in myself!" said Demons' senior point guard Jalan West, a Bossier High product, in a Tweet on Tuesday.