Clarion Athletics

1982 Clarion University Grad - Business Management

Joe Malis was an outstanding forward for the Golden Eagle men’s basketball team under coach Joe DeGregorio from 1980-82. He possessed the strength and power of a center, and the ball handling skills of a guard. Joe helped lead the 1979-80 Eagles to PSAC West and District 18 titles and a spot in the NAIA National Tournament. Clarion won two games in the tournament before ending the season at 23-9. In the 1980-81 season, Clarion again won the PSAC-West title, and in the first year of eligibility for the NCAA D-II Tournament, received an NCAA bid. Malis’ baseline jumper against host Monmouth in the final seconds lifted Clarion to an 80-78 NCAA East Region semifinal win. The Golden Eagles lost in the Region Finals but finished the season at 23-6 and ranked 14th in Division II. In the 1981-82 season Clarion started 7-0 and ranked third in the nation after winning the prestigious Porreco Cup (Malis was the Porreco MVP) Tournament at Gannon. Clarion finished that season 16-11 and a great career for Malis. He finished his Clarion career ranked 5th in points scored (1,411) and 10th in rebounds (487), plus notched 172 assists and 161 steals. He set single season records for points scored (622), free throws made (182) and attempted (255) in 1982. In 1982 he averaged 23ppg, 6.7 rebounds, made 53 steals and handed out 51 assists. He was named 2nd team NABC All-American (placed 6th in national voting), 1st team All-Region, and 1st team ECAC, PSAC West, District 18 and Pittsburgh Press. The D-18 “Player of the Year” in 1982, Malis also earned 1st team ECAC, PSAC West, D-18 and Pittsburgh Press honors in 1981. A native of Butler, Pa. and a 1978 Slippery Rock High grad, Malis resides in Elizabethtown, Pa. with wife Wendy, son Marques and daughter Kelly.