SAN DIEGO—Ron Cole, a member of the Torero basketball team from 1976 to 1979, recently passed away at the age of 65.
 
Cole was a key player on USD's highly successful Division II teams during that time that helped springboard San Diego to the Division I level. Under head coach Jim Brovelli, Cole and the Toreros tallied a 61-21 (.744) record in three seasons. Cole helped USD to consecutive trips to the Division II NCAA Tournament, with a regional appearance in 1977-78 and a spot in the quarterfinals in 1978-79.
 
A top scorer for USD, Cole was the season total points leader in back-to-back seasons, collecting 333 points (13.9 avg) in 76-77 and following it up with 454 points (16.8 avg) in 77-78.
 
"Ron Cole, to this day, was one of the greatest talents whoever played at USD," said former head coach Brovelli. "Ron not only was a very special player, but he had the innate ability to make his teammates better. He always was an extremely positive representative for USD both as a player and proud alum. My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones."
 
The 6'4" guard/forward from Portland, Ore. was only the second Torero ever to score 30 points in a game when he put up 30 against Grand Canyon in February of 1978. Cole ranks seventh all-time in single season free throw percentage, going 76 for 90 (.844) in 1977-78.
 
Cole went on to play for the Harlem Globetrotters after his time at USD, going by the nickname Ron "Sugah" Cole.
 
He is survived by his wife, Debra Shaw-Cole, his son Ron Jr., his brother Sam, and two nephews.