Hall of Fame
Mark Andrew Klein, a 1976 graduate of Malone, was inducted into the Malone Athletics Hall of Fame on February 6, 1988. While at Malone, he was recognized by Sports Illustrated for making twenty-six consecutive field goals, an NAIA Collegiate Basketball record, over a three-game span (all road games) in 1974. In March 1975, Klein scored forty-one points in leading Malone to an upset victory over Associated Press' #1 ranked small college team, Kentucky State University at the NAIA National Basketball Tournament in Kansas City. Malone finished in the Elite 8 at that 1975 NAIA National Basketball Tournament and Klein was one of the ten players selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Nationals. For that season as well, Klein was named a Second-Team NAIA All-American.
Klein was a smooth glider-type player with both body control and grace. He was both an outstanding shooter and an explosive scorer with unlimited range. He helped his teammates get better shots as the defense tried to key on stopping him. Klein was a very good passer and had a good post game as well. He was always known for his great offense as he developed into an all-around complete player.
Klein was chosen, in 1975, to play with the USA NAIA All-Stars when they faced the Mexican National Team in Mexico City, and led the team in scoring over the three-game series.
In 1976, Klein was chosen in the seventh round of the NBA draft by the Seattle Supersonics, He also had free agent NBA tryouts with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks, When Klein left Malone, he had established 11 school basketball records, including most points scored in one game (47), and most career points (2,270). This was accomplished before the three-point shot rule was implemented in collegiate basketball. He graduated Malone with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Education. Klein was inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
