Malone University Athletics

A native of Wadesboro, North Carolina, Ben Tillman was a standout high school athlete who competed in football, baseball, and his favorite sport, basketball. He earned North Carolina All-State recognition on the hardwood as a senior and then attended Kittrell Junior College on a basketball scholarship following graduation. Upon completing his associate degree in education at Kittrell, Tillman transferred to Malone where he was a key contributor for head coach Jay Bowerman’s 1973-74 and 1974-75 squads that posted a combined overall record of 49 wins and 13 losses.

During his senior season, Tillman helped Malone reach the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in program history. The Pioneers’ impressive postseason run in the spring of 1975 was then made even more memorable when Malone opened tournament play with an 85-77 upset win over top-seeded Kentucky State University. Tillman was named All-Tournament Team Honorable Mention in recognition of his strong performance at the national event.

Despite the fact that he played at Malone for just two seasons, Tillman still ranks among the Top 50 on the Pioneers’ all-time scoring and rebounding lists. His 905 career points currently place him 50th in all-time scoring while his 498 career rebounds rank as the 25th highest total in Malone basketball history.

Tillman’s leadership and strong work ethic were apparent throughout his two seasons as a starter for the Pioneers. 2001 Malone Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Phil Hodge, who played alongside Tillman during the 1973-74 season and then served as an assistant on Coach Bowerman’s staff the following year, commented that “from the very beginning Ben was the hardest working basketball player I had ever met. He was a force to be reckoned with on the court while being a positive influence and role model off of it.”

1980 Malone graduate Craig Hershberger also appreciated Tillman’s attitude and approach to the game. “He was the first player I was introduced to when Coach Bowerman invited me to a recruiting visit in the spring of 1975,” noted Hershberger. “He left a huge impact on my visit that day. Upon enrolling at Malone and participating in workouts, Ben pulled me to the side and always encouraged me to work hard and be humble. Ben Tillman was a fierce competitor who led by example and by his blue-collar mentality.”

Tillman graduated from Malone in 1976 with an Education degree and currently resides in Canton with his wife, Beth. They have five grown children – Erica, Danielle, B.J., Josh, and Caleb. Tillman is currently employed as a technician for the Dominion East Ohio Gas Company.