Moctoberfest is a month-long celebration of Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball. It includes historical moments, social media interactions and introduction to UTC's freshmen among the myriad of video tributes and stories.

Day Two is devoted to the only two-time NBA Draft pick in the program's history. He's also the only Chattanooga student-athlete to be drafted by both pro leagues of the 70's being selected by the ABA as well.

That man is UTC Hall of Famer Walter "Moose" McGary.

McGary is one of the elite big men to ever play at Chattanooga. He competed for three seasons (1972-74) and was an All-American leading UTC's rise to national prominence in the NCAA Division II glory years. His selection in 1974 was the first in school history followed by Wayne Golden in 1977.

He set the school record for rebounds with 347 during his junior year in 1973. After that stellar campaign, McGary was selected in the eighth round of the NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. The ABA's Virginia Squires also claimed him in their eighth round. No matter, McGary chose to come back for his senior season.

The Mocs were 53-27 (.663) during his tenure capped by the first 20-win campaign in school history in 1974 (21-5). He averaged 16.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest earning All-America honors from the NABC as a senior.

"Moose" was an apt nickname as he amassed 1,449 points and 937 rebounds in his career. He ended up averaging 18.3 points and 11.9 boards per game during his career (79 games).

Following his final season, the NBA called again. This time the New Orleans Jazz picked him in the 10th round in 1974. A long NBA career may not have come to fruition, but McGary had a huge impact on basketball, especially in the Chattanooga area.

Inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992, he started coaching in 1989 at Alton Park Middle School. He took over for the legendary Henry Bowles at Howard High in Chattanooga for the 2005 season and has continued building on the proud "Hustlin' Tigers" legacy.

His last three squads have reached the TSSAA State Tournament with the 2011 team reaching the final four. The 2008 squad also made the tournament in Murfreesboro reaching the final four. McGary's teams have reached the state in five of his eight years with a record of 194-49 (.798).

Chattanooga opens the season Monday, November 12, against Tennessee Temple in McKenzie Arena at 7 p.m. Season tickets for a school-record 18-game home slate are available. Call 266-MOCS (6627), go online here at GoMocs.com or stop by the Gate One McKenzie Arena Ticket Office.

GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs.  The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page (ChattanoogaMocs), or on Twitter (@GoMocsMBB & @GoMocs). 

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MOCTOBERFEST
1 - First NCAA DI Game
2 - Walter "Moose" McGary
3 - To Come