5 things to know about Hamilton’s Greg Stokes, one of the area’s top NCAA tournament heroes

As the first big day of the NCAA tournament begins, it’s worth remembering one hoops legend from Hamilton whose play at the local and college levels — and in the NCAA tournament — will never be forgotten.

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Greg Stokes graduated from Hamilton High School in 1981 following the merger of Garfield and Taft high schools. He dominated local play during his two years on the varsity, was named Ohio’s High School Class AAA Player of the Year by both the Associated Press and United Press International and was selected as a Parade Magazine All-American in 1981.

Here are five things to know about Stokes:

High school career

He tallied 635 points for a 24.4-point scoring average and compiled 389 rebounds during his high school career and is in the school’s hall of fame. His jersey, No. 41, is retired.

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College career at Iowa

The 6-foot-10 Stokes attended the University of Iowa, where he recorded 229 blocked shots, which is second in school history. He scored 1,768 points, which is third on the school’s all-time list, and had 807 rebounds.

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Impressive in the NCAA tournament

In 1983, his 20.4 scoring average was best in the NCAA tournament.

Record-setting player

After he graduated in 1985, Stokes left Iowa as its all-time leader in scoring, blocked shots and in field goal percentage for single game and career.

Hall of Fame inductions

Stokes has been inducted into the Hamilton High School Hall of Fame and the Butler County Hall of Fame. His daughter, Kiah, plays in the WNBA.

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