Byron Larkin facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 12, 1965 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| High school | Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Xavier (1984–1988) |
| NBA Draft | 1988 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 1988–1994 |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Byron K. Larkin, born on December 12, 1965, is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He played basketball professionally overseas for six seasons. However, he is most famous for his amazing college basketball career at Xavier University from 1984 to 1988. Byron grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a star athlete at Moeller High School, playing both football and basketball. Even though he was an All-American in football, Byron decided to play basketball in college for the Xavier Musketeers, his hometown team.
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College Basketball Star
Byron Larkin quickly made a name for himself in college basketball. In only his second game as a freshman, he scored 13 points in just 19 minutes. This helped his team win a close game against Pittsburgh. By his seventh game, his coach, Bob Staak, made him a starter. This began a school record of 115 games started in a row.
Xavier's Success with Larkin
During Byron's four years at Xavier, the team achieved great success. They won three championships in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference tournament. Byron was named the MVP of the tournament each time. They also won two regular season titles in the MCC. The team made it to the NCAA tournament three times. In 1988, Xavier won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game. No other player in the history of the MCC (now called the Horizon League) has won the Tournament MVP award three times.
Larkin's College Records
Byron Larkin finished college in 1988 as the most celebrated player in Xavier University's history. He scored 2,696 points, which is still the school record. This number also ranks among the highest scores ever in NCAA Division I college basketball. He was named the MCC Player of the Year twice. First, as a sophomore in 1986, and again as a senior in 1988. He was the first Xavier player to be chosen for a postseason All-America team.
Byron was also a First Team All-Conference player three times. He led the Xavier Musketeers in scoring for all four years he played. Major sports magazines like Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News featured him. Later, his jersey number, 23, was officially retired by Xavier. This means no other player at Xavier will ever wear that number. Byron was also inducted into Xavier University's Athletics Hall of Fame.
Playing for Team USA
After his junior year in 1986–87, Byron Larkin was chosen as an alternate for Team USA. This team competed in the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was ready to step in if a guard position opened up.
Professional Career and Life Today
Even though Byron Larkin had an amazing college career, no National Basketball Association (NBA) team drafted him. He tried out for teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks. However, teams were concerned about his height (6 feet 3 inches) for a shooting guard and his struggle with the NBA three-point line.
Playing Overseas
After a short time with the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets, Byron played professionally overseas. He spent five years playing in Venezuela for Guaiqueríes de Nueva Esparta. In two of those years, he was the top scorer in his league. He then played his sixth and final professional season in Germany and Hong Kong. Byron enjoyed playing abroad. He said he would have preferred the NBA, but he was happy with his success overseas.
Life After Basketball
Today, Byron Larkin is still involved with Xavier basketball. He works as the color commentator for the Xavier men's basketball team's radio broadcasts. This means he helps describe the games for listeners. By day, he works as a financial adviser, a job he has had since 1992. In April 2022, Byron was honored by being inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.
Family Connections
Byron Larkin comes from a very athletic family. His brother, Barry Larkin, is a famous baseball player. Barry is in the Baseball Hall of Fame and played shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds. Byron's other brother, Stephen Larkin, also played in Major League Baseball. Byron is also the uncle of Shane Larkin, who is a professional basketball player. The Larkin brothers were all raised Catholic.
