The pioneer of Auburn basketball: Jack Stewart, the Tigers’ first All-American in basketball, honored on Tiger Trail

On a basketball court with no 3-point line and no shot clock, there was former Auburn mens basketball player Jack Stewart.

A standout in the 1930s when Auburn was still called Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Stewart became the Tigers first mens basketball All-American in 1932 and was a trailblazer for the Tigers program.

While Auburn is known today as a major force in college athletics, back then, the landscape was completely different, Jacks son, Jim Stewart said.

Basketball was still finding its footing, and it was pioneers like my dad who helped built the foundation.

He didnt just play for the program.

He elevated it.

He helped put Auburn on the map.

Jack was honored last Saturday by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Auburn University athletics at the communitys annual Tiger Trail ceremony.

His name will go on a plaque and be placed in downtown Auburn among many other Auburn greats.

Not only was Jack a star basketball player, but he was a three-sport athlete at Auburn also playing football and competing in track and field.

During is track career, Jack held the school and Southern Conference record in the high jump jumping 6 feet, 2 34 inches.

His athletic ability made him one of the best centers in college basketball in the 1930s, and Jack was such a good leader, that he was named the basketball teams captain over Auburn legend Ralph Shug Jordan who played basketball with Jack.

What Im most proud of, more than records and titles, are the values that he passed on to me, Jim said.

He talked to me about how success isnt about talent alone.

Its about perseverance.

Its about teamwork.

Its about being the very best version of yourself.

According to Jim, thats exactly how Jack played on the court.

In low-scoring, rugged games, thats where an Auburn basketball legend excelled.

My dad thrived in that.

He played with heart, with grit and with unstoppable determination.

That All-American honor wasnt just a personal achievement, Jim said.

It was a historic moment for Auburn basketball, a glimpse into the greatness that was coming.

Before future All-Americans like Johni Broome, Jabari Smith, Chris Porter, Charles Barkley, John Mengelt and others got to Auburn, it was Jack who laid the foundation and set a standard for the future players of the Tigers mens basketball program, and he will always be remembered as the first All-American in Auburn basketball history.

Auburn has seen many greats walk through its halls, but Jack Stewart will always hold the distinction of being the first All-American basketball (player) in Auburn history, Jim said.

His legacy lives on, not just in banners and records and books, but in lives he touched and the example he left behind.

Dad exemplified the embodiment of the Auburn spirit.

The Auburn family is unique and blessed.

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