Wayland Baptist University’s rich tradition of basketball had its beginnings in the Fifties, shortly after the institution became a four-year senior college. Among the early pioneers of men’s basketball at Wayland was Max Newman, a 6’8” post player from the nearby agricultural community of Hart. Playing for Coach Harley Redin from 1952-56, Newman and his teammates had one of the most successful four-year stints in the program’s history, compiling a combined record of 73-32 and making two trips to the NAIA National Tournament. Newman and teammate Roy Young were the first Wayland athletes to e named to the NAIA District 6 All-Star Team, earning honorable mention recognition following the 1955-56 season. Newman finished his career with 1,800 career points, which still ranked him fifth on Wayland’s all-time scoring list at the time of his induction in 1992.