American · Washington DC · Born 10 March 1948Austin Carr set the NCAA tournament career scoring-average record and won 1971 national player of the year for Notre Dame.
Austin George Carr was born in Washington DC in 1948. He attended the University of Notre Dame and became the most prolific scorer in NCAA Tournament history — a record that stands to this day. He averaged 34.6 points per game across his three varsity seasons. In the 1970 and 1971 NCAA Tournaments he produced extraordinary performances: 61 points against Ohio University in 1970, 52 against Kentucky and 45 against Texas Christian — averaging 52.7 points per game across three 1970 tournament games. His overall tournament scoring average remains the highest in tournament history. He was a two-time All-American. Cleveland Cavaliers selected him third overall in the 1971 NBA Draft. His professional career was disrupted by a serious knee injury in his third season that permanently affected his mobility. His Notre Dame career — producing the most stunning individual tournament scoring run in the event's history — is one of the great what-might-have-been stories of college basketball. His tournament records have never been approached.
NCAA tournament single-game scoring record (61 points vs. Ohio, 1970); 1971 National Player of the Year
How They Played
Carr was an explosive offensive player known for his ability to score from anywhere on the court. He possessed excellent shooting range, quick release, and the athleticism to finish at the rim despite being undersized for his era.
Lasting Impact
Carr's NCAA Tournament scoring records stood for decades and helped establish Notre Dame as a national basketball power during his era.
Career Honours
- Naismith/AP/UPI/Helms Foundation Player of the Year 1971
- Consensus first-team All-American
- NCAA tournament career scoring average record holder
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 1968–1971 | 74 | 2560 |
American Athletes