Seattle Pacific University Athletics

For those who discovered Seattle Pacific basketball during the early 1970s, Jim Ballard became the player who established the standard by which all future Falcons would be measured.

A complete player with excellent skills and work ethic, Ballard would have been an impact performer at any position. However, his powerful (6-foot-7, 230-pound) frame made him particularly effective inside.

Ballard’s contributions are rivaled by fellow Falcon Legends Loren Anderson and Howard Heppner. During his final two seasons, Ballard averaged a double-double in points and rebounds, grabbing a record 334 boards as a junior.

Behind Ballard, the Falcons twice qualified for the NCAA tournament, and his best performances were saved for the biggest games. He scored 36 points against Portland and outplayed the top Division I rebounder at Nevada. Perhaps his most impressive award was earning MVP of the 1972 NCAA West Regional, even though Seattle Pacific lost the championship game. Ballard averaged 28.5 points and 11.0 rebounds at regionals.

Ballard’s numbers have stood the test of time. He owns the season rebounding record, is second only to Heppner in career rebounding and is third in scoring. Ballard is a drywall contractor and lives in Littleton, Colo.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (1970-73)

• Three-time team MVP.

• Honorable mention All-American.

• Two-time All-District.

• Owns Falcon single-season rebounding record (334).