Allan k. Pruett
Allan Pruett is remembered by many in Rector as one of, if not the, best basketball players to ever step on the court. Based upon his career numbers and accomplishments, it’s doubtful many could argue. The 1966 graduate scored 2,018 points in his three years of high school basketball, averaging 18.1 points per game. His other career numbers include a 78.6 free throw percentage, 113 assists and 49.2 field goal percentage. As a senior, Pruett averaged 27.4 points per game to score 1,041 for the season. That year, he also made 401 field goals, 239 free throws and shot 82.5 percent from the line.
Pruett scored career highs of 55, 44 and 41 points as a senior, despite facing many box-and-one defenses. Pruett was named to the All-State and All-District Teams in 1965 and 1966. Also in 1966, Pruett was chosen as an All-American and Arkansas All-Star Team selection. He was also named state MVP for Rector’s 1963 junior high state championship team.
He also stood out on the baseball diamond, where he was a pitcher and infielder. Pruett threw a one-hitter and hit two home-runs in the district championship game. He batted .400 to lead Rector to the state tournament.
In college, Pruett lettered at Mississippi State University in 1967 and 1968, where he set the freshman scoring record. He transferred to Arkansas State University in 1970, where he averaged 17.1 points per game and was named Second Team All-Southland Conference. In 1971, he averaged 19.5 points per game and was named All-Southland MVP and First Team.
Sadly, Pruett died Dec. 6, 2008. Before his passing, though, he was present to witness the creation of the RHS Sports Hall of Fame and the induction of beloved coach Jess Bucy as its first member. “Allan Pruett was a special player, the kind that doesn’t come around too often” Bucy said. “He was naturally gifted and very easy to coach. He’s remembered as one of the best players to ever come through here, and rightfully so.”