Pat Ryan, better known as “The Rifleman,” was a true gunslinger every time he stepped on a basketball court, torching the nets at a rapid-fire pace. Opponents labeled him a “Most Wanted” figure, namely because he was such an accurate shooter – in short pants and sneakers instead of jeans and cowboy boots.

A lanky, 6-foot-4-inch forward from Cambridge, Ryan finished his three-year career with a total of 1,481 points, (sixth on the all-time list), an impressive achievement when you consider the game had no three-point line or shot clock at the time.

His unique shot, taken virtually off the back of his right ear, was deadly anywhere in the gym. He kept fans entertained and official scorers busy, like that special night at the Cambridge YMCA when Ryan scored his all-time high in a Rams’ home win over Nichols College.

“That was the game when Pat and I combined for 53 points,” recalled former teammate Donnie Brown, tongue in cheek. “Pat had 51 and I had two.”

As team captain during the 1977-78 seasons, Ryan led Suffolk to a 15-10 record, averaging 27 points per game, tops among Massachusetts Division III colleges, second in New England and sixth nationally. He also finished with an 86.2 free throw shooting percentage, including 20 in a row during a tournament at Brandeis University.

In addition, he was named Most Valuable Player of the first Salem State College Basketball Classic, where he ignited the Rams to victory by scoring 37 points in the championship game.

Following his senior campaign, Ryan was named a United Press International first team All-New England selection, an Eastern College Athletic Conference first-team All Star, and a Division III All America third team choice by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. His all-around play helped the Rams qualify for the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament on two occasions.

After Suffolk, Ryan played professional basketball in Sweden and New Zealand. Today, he resides in Sweden, with his wife and three children. He teaches English at a public school and coaches one of the club basketball teams.

Watch Pat Ryan's Induction Video Here