Versatile Two-Sport Standout Who Maximized Limited Opportunities
Chad Pleiness was a rare dual-sport athlete at Central Michigan who made the most of his walk-on opportunity in basketball. The 6-foot-6 forward averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 49.4% from the field during his college career. What sets Pleiness apart is his versatility and grit—he transitioned from football to become a reliable contributor, helping CMU go 76-8 over three varsity seasons. His 1,284 career points ranks third in school history. Beyond the stat sheet, Pleiness exemplifies the two-sport athlete mentality: coachable, resilient, and capable of competing at multiple positions. Ideal for programs valuing depth, basketball IQ, and players who maximize their potential.
