Jerry Alberts, a member of Kansas University’s 1952 national championship basketball team, died Saturday in his hometown of Lincoln, Ill. He was 70.

The 6-foot-3 Alberts was a reserve at KU from 1951 to ’55. His last-second shot from the baseline hit the rim and rolled off in KU’s 69-68 loss to Indiana in the 1953 NCAA title game in Kansas City, Mo.

Alberts had entered the game for B.H. Born, who had fouled out.

“He didn’t play a lot. He never was a starter, but always made positive contributions to the team,” said Bill Mayer, former executive editor of the Journal-World who covered Alberts during Alberts’ four-year career.

“Jerry was well regarded by his teammates. The coaches liked him. He behaved himself and did things well. He always came back for all KU’s (basketball) reunions. He was a fine guy.”

Alberts, who served in the Navy from 1955 to ’57, was guidance director and basketball and tennis coach at Lincoln Community High School for 34 years.

Obituary: Jerry W. Alberts