Dennis Vinzant’s name is not usually mentioned in the names of the great Lion Basketball coaches, but for the pre World War II era and the college students that made up the greatest generation, it was Vinzant that steadied so much of the athletic department at East Texas State Teacher’s College during that time frame. Vinzant had already been coaching the Lion cagers since the 1937 season, but entering his fourth season and after the Lions had played in their first national tournament and advanced to the NAIA Sweet 16, the 1940 season would see an uptick in performance and also have the Lions return to Kansas City for another NAIA dance date.

During the regular season, Vinzant’s squad made opponents know that it was Kansas City or bust, and not only that, they planned to make some noise once they got to the dance. The season started with a 3-4 record, but the Lions went on an incredible 15-1 record to close the regular season, dominating both out of conference foes and Lone Star Conference competition. The Lions won their fourth Lone Star Conference title, but this one being an outright title. With a 7-1 record in conference and also a strange but strong out of conference record, the Lions found themselves being invited to two….that is right…two postseason tournaments. Back in the 1940’s this was not totally uncommon, but it made for a tough hill to climb. In the AAU amateur tournament, the Lions won the Dallas tournament bracket, defeating SMU, giving them a spot in the national tournament in Denver, Colorado, but falling to New Mexico Highlands in the first round in the lower bracket.

With the AAU tournament over, the Lions could focus on facing off against fellow collegiate players in the the NAIB tournament. The Lions landed a place in the upper tier of the tournament and picked back up with facing the Ripon College Redhawks in the first round. The Lions got back to their winning ways with a 49-39 win. The second round however, was not nearly as kind to Vinzant’s Lions as they faced Pittsburg State. (Yes, THAT Pittsburg State). The Gorillas outgunned the Lions from start to finish and dug a hole that was too deep to get out of as Pitt State defeated the Lions, 55-33. For the second straight year, the Lions were eliminated in the round of 16. Pitt State would be bounced in the Elite 8 by 2 points to eventual national finalist, San Diego State.

This team had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of with their 23-7 record and outright Lone Star Conference Championship. Two more banners to hang up.

1940 East Texas State Lions Basketball

Lone Star Conference Champions

NAIA Second Round