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June 27, 2003
Corvallis, Ore. - Former Oregon State University (then College) men's basketball All-American John Mandic passed away Sunday in Portland at the age of 83.
Mandic, who was a teammate of future Beaver head coach Paul Valenti, was a three-year letterman from 1940-42. He was a 1942 All-Pacific Coast Conference and All-American selection. He helped the Beavers to PCC Northern Division titles in 1940 and '42, and led the program in scoring all three years of his varsity career. He was the first individual in PCC history to be named All-Northern Division three times.
Mandic's achievements at Oregon State were further recognized with his induction into the State of Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 and the OSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.
John and his brother Frank, teamed up to play on the 1940 team. The Mandics came to Oregon State from Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles.
Memorial donations in John Mandic's name can be made through the OSU Foundation at (541) 737-4218.
