University of Michigan Basketball
All-Americans
John Townsend
1938, Forward
Michigan's 1937-38 team captain John Townsend led coach Franklin Cappon's squad to a 12-8 overall record and 6-6 conference mark enroute to earning All-American recognition. Known for his spectacular passing, Townsend led the team in scoring each of his three seasons. His 11.3 points per game in 1937-38 accounted for nearly one-third of the team's scoring.
The 6-4, 200 pound Indianapolis native was also an outstanding track athlete, competing in both the shot-put and discus on two conference championship teams. He earned five varsity letters in basketball and track. Townsend attended law school and established a practice in Indianapolis with his brother Earl who was a letter winner on the 1936 basketball team. John Townsend was inducted into the Michigan Hall of Honor in 1980.
| Year | GP | FG | FT | Pts | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | 20 | 59 | 36 | 154 | 7.7 |
| 1937 | 20 | 65 | 61 | 191 | 9.6 |
| 1938 | 20 | 81 | 64 | 226 | 11.3 |
| Totals | 60 | 205 | 161 | 571 | 9.5 |