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Sweet Shot

Most basketball fans are aware about the vast majority of NBA players, even if only in passing. The global reach of the NBA ensures that fans from all around the world are aware of players and their exploits. However, a lot of college basketball players who do not make it to the NBA are not given their due. This occurs because of the regional nature of college basketball, and this leads to some college legends not getting their fair share of plaudits.

One such player is Melvin McLaughlin. Nicknamed ‘Sugar’ for his sweet shooting skills, McLaughlin was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and spent his high school years scoring at will for the Creston High School Polar Bears, averaging over 33 points per game in his junior and senior seasons. After a decorated high school career, McLaughlin attended Central Michigan University, where he would go on to form his legend.

At Central Michgan, McLaughlin broke out in his sophomore year, averaging 20.8 points per game and being named to the First-team All-MAC (Mid-American Conference). In the 1981-82 season, his sophomore year, McLaughlin went one better, leading the MAC in scoring and winning the MAC player of the year. In his senior season, McLaughlin once again increased his scoring average and led the MAC in scoring for the second straight year.

McLaughlin ended his highly decorated college career leading Central Michigan in points per game (20.3), a record which still stands today, and steals (196), which has since been broken. His number 14 jersey has also been retired by Central Michigan Athletics. Despite being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the sixth round with the 119th pick of the 1983 NBA Draft, McLaughlin never played in the NBA, playing a year with the Detroit Spirits on the Continental Basketball Association.

Melvin McLaughlin is a Central Michigan sports legend, and his exploits on and off the court are immortalized in the book Sweet Shot: The Basketball Life and Legacy of Melvin "Sugar" McLaughlin by Rev. Vernon Wendt Jr.

Comments

  1. Vernon Wendt Jr.December 14, 2021 at 4:23 AM

    Vidyaratnam, thanks for the write up! Indeed, Sugar was and is one of a kind! The greatest long-distance shooter that I've evern seen, as many who have also seen him play will agree. It's not just that Sugar missed out on playing in the NBA, an even greater loss is that the NBA and its fans missed out on seeing Sugar play. Those of us who witnessed him do his thing were truly blessed to see him play! But the best thing I discovered in writing the book is that Sugar is an even better person than he is a player. I was truly honored to write Sugar's story and get to know him, his family, and his inner circles in the process!

    * n addition to print editions in paper back, Sweet Shot is available in hard book, in Kindle, as well as in audio format via Amazon. You may also check your local book store for in person purchases.

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