The best rebounders are not necessarily the
tallest on the court but those dominate the boards with strength, leaping
ability, and position. Jumping Joe Maddrey
was such a basketball player. Joe graduated from Aliquippa High
School in 1959 and held most Quip cage records, including a
44 point game. He was named All WPIAL twice and was selected first
team All State and honorable mention All American his senior year.
After receiving some 50 college offers, Joe chose Niagara
University where the 6'-4" player averaged 18 points a game. The
Purple Eagles were 46-17 in Joe’s three varsity years, including a
trip to the NIT. Joe grabbed an amazing 22 rebounds in one game, and
scored a double-double (22 points and 11 rebounds) in an upset
of No 2 St Bonaventure. Joe was honorable mention All American in
both his junior and senior years. After being drafted by the Chicago
Bulls and receiving an offer from the Harlem Globetrotters, Joe
chose to play hoops in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for six years and after
his basketball career served as a probation officer.