Joe Gaines, who played from 1968-1972, is one of the top scorers and rebounders in Belmont men’s basketball history.

After graduating from Mount Pleasant Park High School, Gaines immediately provided Belmont with a stern post presence on both ends of the floor. The 6-8 forward had remarkable mobility and range for his size, and was an unstoppable force on the glass.

Gaines' rebounding records will likely never be broken, including 1,895 career rebounds, a career rebounds per game average of 17.2, and a single-game standard of 30 rebounds at Lipscomb in 1970.

A three-time All-VSAC selection, Gaines was the VSAC Most Valuable Player in 1971. Gaines ranks 10th all-time at Belmont with 1,955 career points, and is in the top 10 in seven statistical categories.

Gaines was selected by the Portland Trailblazers in the 1972 NBA Draft.

In 2001, he was one of 12 men’s basketball players named to the All-Striplin Gymnasium team.