- Name
- Gene Neff
- Position
- Forward
- Class
- Sophomore
- Hometown (Last School)
- Eaton, OH (HIgh)
- Ht
- 6'2"
- Wt
- 185
- Seasons
- 1951-52
- Birthday
- February 28, 1932
Gene Neff was born Cecil Eugene Neff, Jr. on February 28, 1932, in Eaton, Ohio, to Methyl Caswell Neff and Cecil Eugene Neff, Sr.
Neff attended Eaton High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, earning more than 15 sports-related letters. He led Eaton to a state championship in 1948 and to a second-place finish in 1950. Neff was a three-time All-Ohio basketball forward and made the Associated Press All-State team in 1948, 1949, and 1950. He scored 1,059 points in four years at Eaton. That stood as a record until it was broken in 1999. Neff graduated from Eaton High School in 1950. His exceptional performance earned him a place in the Preble County Hall of Fame.
Neff accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he played under the legendary Coach Adolph Rupp. During his time at UK, Neff was known for his rebounding skills and his ability to operate effectively under the basket. He played for the Wildcats from 1950 to 1952 and was part of the team that won the Southeastern Conference Championship in 1951.
In 1952, as a junior, Neff signed a professional baseball contract with the Detroit Tigers and played for them until he was called to serve during the Korean War in 1953. After his military service, Neff returned to the University of Kentucky to complete his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
After his college years, Gene Neff became a teacher and coach, helping to establish the Lakota School District. He later worked for General Electric and remained active in sports, participating in the Senior Olympics in volleyball and basketball.
Neff passed away on January 11, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence and dedication to education and community service.
