Man killed in Wichita bar scuffle was top basketball player, former college coach says

The 31-year-old Wichita man who died Sunday after a scuffle at a north Wichita bar was a standout basketball player at Bethel College, his former coach says.

Alonzo Jamison, who is now retired, said he recruited Alonzo Haywood to come play for him at Bethel College in the early 2010s. Haywood transferred from Labette Community College and played for two years at Bethel College on a scholarship.

Jamison, a former forward at the University of Kansas, said Haywood was one of the top players he coached and always a top scorer for the team.

“Very basketball savvy,” he said.

He was also studious and a leader for his teammates, he said.

“He helped the team out,” he said, “both by leadership and leading by example.”

Haywood died Sunday, two days after he was punched when a scuffle broke out between his family and another man after closing time at Mulligan’s Pub, 8343 E 32nd Street North, police said.

Haywood fell to the ground and hit his head.

“Anybody that you coach, you don’t expect them to pass before you do,” Jamison said. “It also shows you how delicate life is.”

Police have arrested 51-year-old James Elbert Thomas on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery.