NEW YORK – Columbia men's basketball great Heyward Dotson '70CC passed away on Friday, May 1 at the age of 71. Dotson starred on the Lions' 1968 Ivy League Championship squad, was named a Rhodes Scholar and was inducted into the Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.

"This is a tremendous loss for our men's basketball program," stated Campbell Family Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education Peter Pilling. "He was a remarkable individual who was adored by his teammates and Columbia fans. Our condolences go out to his friends and family."

"Heyward was one of the smartest, toughest individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing," said Dotson's teammate Jonathan Schiller '69CC '73LAW and Chair Emeritus of Columbia's Board of Trustees. "He was eloquent, proud and gracious for the opportunities he had earned and what he was able to accomplish as the result. We were fortunate to be with him in life."

"Heyward is a legendary figure in our program and it was very sad to hear of the news of his passing," head coach Jim Engles said. "I am glad we were able to welcome him back during the 1968 Ivy League Championship reunion and his Hall of Fame induction in 2018 to honor him and all of his accomplishments here. On behalf of the entire Columbia basketball program, we offer our deepest sympathy to his loved ones."

Dotson spent virtually his entire life in the Big Apple. Raised in Staten Island, Dotson attended the advanced-curriculum Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan and became one of the first African Americans to graduate from one of the top public high schools in New York City. Dotson was named to the Dean's List during six of his semesters on Morningside Heights Following his graduation, Dotson served as a lawyer and a member of the City Council for many years beyond.

Standing at 6-4, Dotson played center throughout his high school career. At Columbia, with 7-footer and fellow 2018 Hall of Fame inductee David Newmark established in that role, he used the same intelligence and swagger that got him into an Ivy League institution onto the court and blossomed into a star.

His speed, passing, defense and competitive nature was a catalyst in Columbia's run to the 1968 Ivy League Championship. Dotson finished his career third on career scoring list and is currently No. 10 at 1,266 points. He was also an extremely efficient player, shooting 54.2 percent from the floor for his career, setting a program record that stood for nine years and still ranks in the top-five.

After graduation, Dotson turned down professional opportunities and attended Oxford University earning Rhodes Scholar status.

Dotson returned to the United States, tried out for the New York Knicks in 1972 and played two seasons professionally in the ABA and EBA from 1972-74 before beginning his legal career.