KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan men's basketball program and all of Western WMU Athletics is saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Eugene Ford. 

Ford (1946-2026) played basketball for the Broncos from 1967-69. Hailing from Chicago, Ill., Ford had a stellar career, averaging 19.6 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game. He owns the single-game scoring record of 46 points and left as WMU's all-time leading scorer, currently ranking fourth with 1,393 career points in three seasons. He also ranks fourth in career field goals made (843) and seventh in made free throws (307).  

Ford was a First Team All-MAC selection in 1968 and 1969, and during the '69 season he was also named a Helms All-American. This season is the third-best in school history, with Ford pouring in 620 points. 

After earning his teaching degree from Western Michigan, Ford was drafted by the NBA's Baltimore Bullets but opted to sign with the Carolina Cougars of the American Basketball Association. He played two seasons in the ABA, on in Belgium and one in the Continental Basketball Association. 

After his playing career, Ford taught in the Chicago Public School system. He was elected into the Western Michigan Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.