The shortest among those five was Zannini, who, at 5-feet, 6-inches, averaged 15 points each game, the third highest in the league. He was nicknamed “The Mouse” and “The Watch Guard” by his teammates, but continued to play at USF side-by-side with teammate Bill Russell and later earned entry into the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame (SIAthletics).
Stan Buchanan and Rudy Zannini explained the uniqueness of the team's makeup – not only in the size and stature of its leader Bill Russell, but of the team unity and pride of coming from the San Francisco Bay Area to win back-to-back titles.
Mike Farmer's pride in being on a squad that had a 60-game winning streak is embedded into his being, and the ties created in the '50s still remain today. Those unbreakable bonds of friendship and competitiveness left a legacy of greatness for all to aspire to.
Players Gene Brown, Warren Baxter, Vince Boyle, Jack King and Bill Bush reconnected and reminisced with Giudice, Buchanan, Zannini and Farmer, as these former Dons greats were lauded for their accomplishments. All were members of the 1955-1956 Championshp Basketball team (USFAthletics).
