WVU Basketball: All-time Mountaineers team

May 3, 2015; Talladega, AL, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88), driver Ryan Blaney (21), driver Ryan Blaney (21), and driver Denny Hamlin (11) race during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Guard Dale Blaney

No, this is not a misprint. That is a race car. Yes, it has to do with West Virginia basketball.

Dale Blaney made a name for himself in Sprint Cup racing in World of Outlaws motorsports. It’s somewhat of a tradition in the Blaney household His brother, Dave, currently drives on the Spring Cup Series and Truck Series tour. Dave’s son, Dale’s nephew, Ryan, is pictured above. He, too, is a Sprint Cup Series driver.

But back to basketball.

Dale Blaney played for the Mountaineers in the mid-1980s, averaging 12.3 points per game over his career. He is a member of the 1,000-point club, recording 1,520 points.

He was often honored on All-Atlantic 10 teams and helped West Virginia to a pair of A-10 Tournament Championships and four-consecutive 20-win seasons.

Blaney was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1986. But, even with his 6-foot-4 frame, opted for a career in racing instead of basketball.