Chris Street (Feb 2, 1972 - Jan 19, 1993)

Chris Street passed away on this day 16 years ago at the age of 20. Street was a junior on the Iowa basketball team, and one of the most popular Hawkeyes ever. Street’s car was struck by a snowplow while he was leaving the Highlander Inn after a team meal. Iowa postponed their game against Northwestern scheduled for the next day. Iowa won their first two games after Street’s death, January 28th at Michigan State 96-90 (OT), and January 31st at home against Michigan, 88-80. Hawkeye guard Val Barnes scored 27 points in that win over 5th-ranked Michigan which started after a moment of silence in honor of the late Street. Street’s parents sat in the front row across from the Iowa bench and were handed the game ball after Iowa’s win. The Hawkeyes would finish that season 23-9 and tied for 3rd in the Big Ten. Street played in 28 games as a freshman and averaged 5 points per game. He was voted honorable mention All-Big Ten as a sophomore after he averaged 10.6 points per game and finished 3rd in the Big Ten in rebounding. Through the first 15 games of the 1992-93 season, Street averaged 14.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. His final game as a Hawkeye was a 65-56 loss to Duke. In that game, Street scored 14 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. He also made his 33rd and 34th consecutive free throws, setting a school record that still stands to this day. "I cannot begin to describe the deep feelings of Chris Street's teammates and coaches. We all loved him and we will miss him very much. We hope his family will remain part of our family. He was open, caring, honest, loving and lived life to the fullest. We want to remember everything Chris represented. He was one of the greatest Hawkeyes of all time." - Dr. Tom Davis, Jan. 20, 1993 "Chris had a great future and was one of the real outstanding kids and players in the Big Ten. What could be more tragic than to have something like this happen? He played hard every minute of the game and because of that he was one of my favorite players in the Big Ten." - Former Indiana Basketball Coach, Bobby Knight Street's death still hurts, 15 years later - CR Gazette, Jan 16, 2008 Chris M. Street - Indianola High School