SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco (USF) Athletics department is saddened to acknowledge the recent passings of USF Hall of Famers Stan Buchanan and Mike Farmer.
 
"Stan and Mike are cornerstones to this entire program and we are honored to have the opportunity to continue to pursue the excellence that they achieved here on the Hilltop," said Director of Athletics, Larry Williams. "Their integrity, grit and dedication serve as stellar models to USF student athletes of every generation."
 
Born on September 26, 1936 in Oklahoma City, Okla., Farmer attended Richmond High School in Richmond, Calif. before enrolling at USF. Once on the Hilltop, Farmer competed on the freshman men's basketball team during the 1954-55 season as freshman were not allowed to compete on the varsity team. One year later, Farmer was a member of the 1955-56 USF varsity men's basketball team, who went on to win their second straight NCAA national championship. During his junior year (1957), Farmer led San Francisco to the Final Four as the Dons finished in third place. In 1958, Farmer guided the Dons to the NCAA Regionals, but the Dons were eliminated. Individually, Farmer was named WCC Player of the Year in back-to-back years (1957 + 1958) as he also earned First Team All-WCC honors. Additionally, he earned All-American honors in 1958 for his efforts.

Subsequently, Farmer was then drafted third overall in the first round of the 1958 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. In the NBA, Farmer enjoyed a seven-year career as he suited up for the Knicks, Cincinnati Royals and the St. Louis Hawks. In 1966, he coached nine games for the Baltimore Bullets. 

After his time in Baltimore, Farmer returned to USF as an assistant coach for the men's basketball team as he also pursued a graduate degree. He went on to teach in USF's Exercise and Sport Science Program until his retirement. 

He is survived by his four children, Don Gregory Farmer, Michaelyn Farmer, Corby Rhodes and Brad Farmer. He also has nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. for over 29 years.
 
Born in San Francisco in August 1933, Stan Buchanan attended Saint Ignatius College Preparatory prior to enrolling at USF. Playing for the Dons from 1951-1955, Buchanan was a starter for the Dons his senior year as he helped the green and gold earn their first of two straight national championships alongside Bill Russell and K.C. Jones. Earning accolades his senior year, Buchanan was named an all-California Basketball Association honorable mention in addition to being named USF's most inspirational graduating senior. In 1976, he was elected in the USF Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
After his time on the Hilltop was complete, Buchanan was the head basketball coach at Saint Vincent's in Vallejo, Calif. before taking over at his alma matter, Saint Ignatius. While at SI, Buchanan guided the Wildcats to a city championship while also coaching the freshman team at USF. Among the players Buchanan coached at SI was Jim Brovelli, who went on to become head coach of the Dons from 1985-1995.

"Stan was my mentor and basketball coach at Saint Ignatius," said Brovelli. "Not only did he teach me the basic fundamentals of the game, but he also taught me how to carry it over to team play, which resulted in him leading us to an undefeated season and city championship in 1960. The lessons that I learned from Coach Buchanan both on and off the court have stayed with me throughout my life and coaching career. He was truly one of the finest people I have ever known and a lifetime friend. RIP Coach!"
 
He was also an English teacher at Redwood High School in Larkspur, Calif. for thirty years. While at Larkspur, Buchanan taught environmental education as he also served as the department chair for five years. Additionally, he also was a legendary tennis coach at Redwood as the courts on campus are named in his honor.
 
Buchanan is survived by his four children Linda, John, Greg and Laura and stepdaughters Karin Teague and Susannah Woerner.

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