When man bites dog, that’s news. When Monaca
high school produces another outstanding basketball player, that’s
just a fact of life. Bill Zopf is one of a long line of cage greats
from the small but famous school. After graduating from Monaca in
1966, he starred at Duquesne University and then played a season
with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. In his senior season at Monaca,
he led the team to a Section 8 crown with a brilliant 21-1 record.
He scored 391 points during the season and hit 25 more when the
Indians were eliminated by McKeesport in a 67-64 WPIAL playoff
thriller. During his three seasons at Duquesne, Bill scored 999
points. As a junior he was named MVP in the Steel Bowl Tournament as
the Dukes beat St John’s of New York, 72-62, and then slaughtered
Pitt, 100-66. He scored 17 points in the first game and 23 against
the Panthers. As a senior, Bill led the Dukes to a 21-5 record and a
berth in the National Invitational Tournament. He was picked by the
Pittsburgh Basketball Writers as Pittsburgh District Player of the
Year in 1970. Bill graduated magna cum laude and was chosen for the
Academic All American Team. Bill was then drafted by the Milwaukee
Bucks in the second round. During the 1970-1971 season, he scored
118 points in 53 games before being called to duty by his National
Guard Unit. He rejoined the Bucks in the fall for training
camp but was released. After retirement, Bill worked as a business
equipment lease broker.
When man bites dog, that’s news. When Monaca
high school produces another outstanding basketball player, that’s
just a fact of life. Bill Zopf is one of a long line of cage greats
from the small but famous school. After graduating from Monaca in
1966, he starred at Duquesne University and then played a season
with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. In his senior season at Monaca,
he led the team to a Section 8 crown with a brilliant 21-1 record.
He scored 391 points during the season and hit 25 more when the
Indians were eliminated by McKeesport in a 67-64 WPIAL playoff
thriller. During his three seasons at Duquesne, Bill scored 999
points. As a junior he was named MVP in the Steel Bowl Tournament as
the Dukes beat St John’s of New York, 72-62, and then slaughtered
Pitt, 100-66. He scored 17 points in the first game and 23 against
the Panthers. As a senior, Bill led the Dukes to a 21-5 record and a
berth in the National Invitational Tournament. He was picked by the
Pittsburgh Basketball Writers as Pittsburgh District Player of the
Year in 1970. Bill graduated magna cum laude and was chosen for the
Academic All American Team. Bill was then drafted by the Milwaukee
Bucks in the second round. During the 1970-1971 season, he scored
118 points in 53 games before being called to duty by his National
Guard Unit. He rejoined the Bucks in the fall for training
camp but was released. After retirement, Bill worked as a business
equipment lease broker.