Len Bias
Born in Landover, MD in 1963, Len attended Northwestern High School (Hyattsville, MD). In 1982, the 6' 8", 195 pound center lead the Wildcats into the Maryland State AA Finals. He averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds per game average, hitting 68 percent from the floor, for Coach Bob Wagner's club. He was a Washington Post First Team All-Met choice and was selected to the Capital All-Stars Team for the 9th Annual Capital Classic.
In the 1982 Capital Classic, Len and fellow teammate Johnny Dawkins (Mackin High) took charge and led the Capital All-Stars to an 82-79 victory over the U.S. All-Stars lead by Brad Daugherty and Brad Lohaus. Bias totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds, as the local team won for the fourth time in nine years. Bias and Dawkins were named co-MVP’s for the Capital All-Stars.
Bias went on to a storied career at the University of Maryland. Playing for fellow Washington Metropolitan Basketball Hall of Fame member, Charles "Lefty" Driesell, as a freshman he was viewed as "raw and undisciplined." By the time he graduated, he developed himself into an All-American player (1st team, 1986; 2nd team 1985). The two time ACC Player of the Year (1986, 1985) led the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring in 1985. His senior season was highlighted by his performance in an overtime victory against top-ranked North Carolina in which he scored 35 points, including 7 in the last 3 minutes of regulation and 4 in overtime. He was voted ACC Athlete of the Year in 1986
Bias impressed basketball fans with his amazing leaping ability, his physical stature and his ability to create plays, and was considered one of the most dynamic players in the nation. By his senior year, scouts from various National Basketball Association teams viewed Bias as the most complete forward in the Class of 1986. According to Celtics scout Ed Badger, "He's maybe the closest thing to (Chicago guard) Michael Jordan to come out in a long time. I'm not saying he's as good as Michael Jordan, but he's an explosive and exciting kind of player like that." Len was drafted 2nd overall in the 1986 draft by fellow Washington Metropolitan Basketball Hall of Fame member, Arnold "Red" Auerbach, Boston Celtics president and general manager, but passed away tragically shortly thereafter.