Zaid Abdul-Aziz (1998) - Hall of Fame

Zaid Abdul-Aziz

Zaid Abdul-Aziz

Men's Basketball
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Named to Iowa State’s All-Century team, his jersey #35 was retired by the school
Topped the Big Eight in scoring twice (24.8 as a junior and 24.2 as a senior) and rebounding three times
Played in the late 1960s under the name Don Smith but later converted to Muslim and changed his name
A three-time All-Big Eight player, he was the league’s Player of the Year in 1968
Fifth overall selection in the 1968 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals
Published a book called Darkness to Sunlight, which chronicles his basketball career, personal struggles and faith journey