St. Bonaventure

The New York City native is the older brother to Tom Stith. Together, the Stith brothers helped boost St. Bonaventure basketball into the national spotlight. 

Sam Stith (#22), was the catalyst of the defense, who helped initiate the team’s zone defense. He was the consummate “complete” player. Quick to steal the ball, he was the ultimate playmaker and team player.

When the game was on the line, he became the “Go To Guy,” and he seldom disappointed. Stith totaled 1,112 points, 620 rebounds and shot 76.1 percent from the free-throw line. Captain of the 1959-60 team, his play was recognized when his jersey #22 was retired. 

The 1959-60 season was perhaps the most magical for the Stiths. They combined to average an incredible 52 points per game – Sam at 20.5 and Tom at 31.5. The year culminated in a fourth-place finish in the NIT.

Together, the Stiths helped St. Bonaventure to three NIT berths and one NCAA Tournament bid over four years. 

After graduation, Sam Stith went on to play for his hometown New York Knicks. He was inducted into the St. Bonaventure Hall of Fame in 1969. 

In Bona's Centennial Season, he was selected as a member of the Bonnies All-Time Team.