Jim Huggard

James Huggard (September 16, 1933 – October 16, 2020) was an American professional basketball player and coach. He played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats and professionally in the Eastern Professional Basketball League.

Playing career Huggard attended West Catholic Preparatory High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but did not play on the school basketball team due to his height of . After his graduation, he grew several inches and gained attention while playing in local Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circles.

Huggard played for three seasons with the Wildcats from 1958 to 1961. He became a key player as a sophomore when he averaged 15.2 points per game and helped lead the Wildcats to an appearance in the 1959 National Invitation Tournament. Huggard averaged 15 points per game as a junior while the Wildcats qualified for the 1960 National Invitation Tournament.

Huggard played professionally in the Eastern Professional Basketball League (EPBL) from 1961 to 1966 with the Sunbury Mercuries, Scranton Miners and Harrisburg Patriots. He was selected to the all-EPBL second team and named as the EPBL rookie of the year while playing for the Mercuries in 1962. and 256 in 1965–66.

Post-playing career Huggard worked as an NCAA Division I referee and basketball coach after his retirement from playing. His granddaughter, Shannon Drakeley, played field hockey for the Villanova Wildcats.

Huggard died at his home in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, on October 16, 2020.