Nebraska Wesleyan University Athletics

Jay Spearman, a 6-foot-5 forward from Sutton, Neb., is among the best all-around men’s basketball players in Nebraska Wesleyan history.

His 2,168 career points rank second all-time at NWU, and more than 12 years after his playing days came to an end, he still ranks among the top 10 in 13 categories on the team’s statistical charts. In addition to his scoring total, his career ranks are: second in field goals and blocked shots; fourth in 3-point percentage, 3-pointers made, steals and free throws made; eighth in rebounds and assists; and 10th in field goal percentage.

In 1992, he broke NWU’s first-year scoring record with 528 points, surpassing Don Boldebuck’s record, which had stood since 1952.

As a senior, Spearman helped lead the Plainsmen to a pair of victories in the NCAA Division III Playoffs. He averaged 20.8 points a game that season, with his highest scoring performance (37 points) coming against Wayne State College.

Spearman garnered many honors in his years at Nebraska Wesleyan, including Omaha World-Herald State College Player of the Year as a junior. The four-time All-NIAC First Team performer was also selected to the Lincoln Journal Star All-State team three times, making Second Team as a sophomore and earning College Player of the Year both as a junior and senior.