Todd Leslie

Fremd lost in the 1986 and 1987 Mid-Suburban League (MSL) championship games but finally won in 1988.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282448357|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282448357}}|title=FREMD HAS CONFERENCE TITLE AT LAST: [SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Leptich, John|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 25, 1988|page=7|quote=}} The team began the 1988 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) playoffs on a 20-game winning streak with a 24–1 record matched up against Hoffman Estates High School whom they had recently defeated in the MSL championship game.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282363910|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282363910}}|title=GRAPHIC: Boys' Class AA basketball state tournament: [FINAL EDITION, C]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 28, 1988|page=13|quote=}} As a {{height|ft=6|in=4}} junior, Leslie remained a bit overlooked behind the more publicized Jason Joseph and George Poorman by the time Fremd stretched its win streak to 24.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257294594|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257294594}}|title=Reputation belies truth: E. Aurora well-balanced: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 14, 1988|page=15|quote=The Vikings have overcome every obstacle behind the highly publicized duo of Jason Joseph and George Poorman, but it has been the surprising play of unsung 6-4 guard Todd Leslie that has made the difference.}} Joseph was the scoring leader and Poorman (a Notre Dame football scholarship commit) was the floor leader. Leslie was a notable outside threat however.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282453292|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282453292}}|title=WINNERS IN SUPERSECTIONALS WILL HAVE GUARDS TO THANK: [SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Shnay, Jerry|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 15, 1988|page=3|quote=Fremd's 6-4 forward Jason Jospeh [sic] is averaging more than 20. But don't get fooled. Fremd's prospects for its first trip to Assembly Hall rest on how well guards George Poorman and Todd Leslie can handle the Tomcats' pressure. Leslie, a 6-4 junior, is averaging slightly more than 16 points a game and has made 70 of 129 3-pointers this season. Poorman, a 6-2 senior who is going to Notre Dame on a football scholarship, has an 11.3 average, is the team's floor leader and can also bomb from long range. His game-ending 50- footer at the buzzer beat Palatine in the regional.}} Fremd lost 72–68 in overtime in the 1988 IHSA Class AA supersectional to East Aurora High School.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257216470|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257216470}}|title=E. Aurora tops Fremd in OT: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=McDonald, Sean|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 16, 1988|page=126|quote=}} Leslie led the team in scoring with 27 points in the defeat.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1477174296|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1477174296}}|title=TOP-RANKED TEAMS LEAD THE WAY INTO STATE TOURNEY ELITE EIGHT FIELD|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 17, 1988|page=I.5|quote=}} Leslie finished the season as a 73–137 (53.3%) three point shooter.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282624182|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282624182}}|title=BASKETBALL: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=October 3, 1988|page=11|quote=}}

As a {{height|ft=6|in=5}} senior who was no longer in the shadow of his teammates, Leslie emerged as a scorer. On December 2, 1988, against Prospect High School he tallied 37.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282576567|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282576567}}|title=ROLLING MEADOWS MOVES PAST PALATINE: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Behrens, Jeff, Keith Buralli, Scott Gutmann, Larry Mayer, Joe Paschen, Mark Plaiss, Peter Rechenberg, Bob Skolnik and Paula Woods|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=December 3, 1988|page=2|quote=}} In the Elgin Holiday Basketball Tournament at the end of December 1988, Leslie had 43 against Zion-Benton Township High School, 45 points against Weber High School and totaled 134 over 4 games, which was 5 points shy of the tournament record previously established by Rob Pelinka.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282569554|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282569554}}|title=King breezes to title in Elgin: [CHICAGOLAND NORTH Edition 1]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Leptich, John|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=December 31, 1988|page=3|quote=}} By February, his scoring outbursts started getting national press. His 43 points against Wheeling High School on February 3 made the USA Today High school basketball honor roll.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282652974|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282652974}}|title=Benet 3-pointer stalls St. Francis' title plans: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition 1]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Behrens, Jeff, Keith Buralli, Scott Guttman, Pat Kearns, Larry Mayer, Mark Plaiss, Peter Rechenberg, Bob Skolnik and Paula Woods|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 4, 1989|page=3|quote=}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/306182590|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|306182590}}|title=High school basketball honor roll: [FINAL Edition]|work=USA Today|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 6, 1989|page=10C|quote=}} So did his school-record 51 points on February 11 against Waukegan East.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282577116|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282577116}}|title=Leslie scores 51 in Fremd romp: [FINAL EDITION, C]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Powers, Jim, Bob Skolnik, and Paula Woods|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 12, 1989|page=13|quote=}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/306170434|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|306170434}}|title=High school basketball honor roll: [FINAL Edition]|work=USA Today|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 13, 1989|page=10C|quote=}} Leslie was unable to help Fremd defend its MSL title against Rolling Meadows High School on February 22.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282636648|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282636648}}|title=Rolling Meadows edges Fremd in title game: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Sullivan, Paul|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 23, 1989|page=8|quote=}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257371495|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257371495}}|title=Meadows rolls past Fremd to win MSL: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Swiderski, Greg|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 23, 1989|page=102|quote=}} However, his 34-point performance for a 22–6 Fremd in the March 7, 1989 IHSA Class AA sectional win against Maine South High School earned a USA Today mention among "top individual performances in high school boys basketball state tournament games".{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282703125|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282703125}}|title=Thornwood too big for Richards: [SOUTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 8, 1989|page=3|quote=Leslie hit his first five shots from the floor and wound up with 34 points as host Fremd (22-6) outlasted Maine South 49-45. Leslie (11 of 16 for the game, two three-pointers, 10 of 10 free throws)...Leslie erupted for 14 fourth-quarter points, including a three-pointer that gave Fremd the lead for good at 36-35 with 6:29 left.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/306203104|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|306203104}}|title=ILLINOIS: [FINAL Edition]|work=USA Today|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 10, 1989|page=10C|quote=}} Leslie's 5th 40-point game came on March 10, 1989 when he scored 43 against Streamwood High School in the IHSA Class AA sectional final 95-71 victory.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=3&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Todd%20Leslie%22&docref=news/0EB36E4210E83144|title=Leslie's 43 lift Fremd|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 11, 1989 |work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=LeGere, Bob|page=116}} Fremd had turned around a mediorcre season by winning 17 of 18 games before its run came to a halt with a 23–7 record. Fremd's season ended in a Class AA supersectional rematch against East Aurora. After a halftime tie score, East Aurora won by 19 as Leslie who had been averaging 35.2 in the IHSA playoffs was held to 27 on 6–19 shooting.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=4&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Todd%20Leslie%22&docref=news/0EB36E433A1EFCC1|title=East Aurora bounces Fremd|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 15, 1989 |work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Quagliano, Dick|page=118}} He finished his senior season with a 31.3 scoring average.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283717946|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283717946}}|title=5 WHO STAYED AT NORTHWESTERN FINALLY REWARDED SENIORS ENJOYING NIT EXCITEMENT AFTER LEAN YEARS: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 21, 1994|page=12|quote=}}

Over the course of the season, he won 5 games on the final shot according to John Hersey High School coach George Zigman.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=3&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Todd%20Leslie%22&docref=news/0EB36E3F1C87F8C4|title=7 Public players at top of list|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 3, 1989 |work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor|page=92}} Although some critics questioned his prospects for defending Division I opponents, because of his shooting abilities, his mid-March potential college choices were Wake Forest, Michigan State, Northwestern, Evansville, Drake or Colorado.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=4&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Todd%20Leslie%22&docref=news/0EB36E44C3F9706A|title=BASKETBALL BITS|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 19, 1989 |work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor|page=26}} He got late interest from John Thompson of Georgetown who announced his intentions to send a scout to the April 15 city-suburban all-star game at Loyola University Chicago to see Leslie after they were unable to land Matt Painter. At that time his other options seemed to be Northwestern, Evansville, Pacific and SMU.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=4&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Todd%20Leslie%22&docref=news/0EB36E4D9072148B|title=RECRUITING/HIGH SCHOOL BITS|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=April 12, 1989|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor|page=123}} Leslie, however, signed a National Letter of Intent on April 12 with Northwestern.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282699846|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282699846}}|title=Northwestern aces out Evansville and lands Fremd all-stater Leslie: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=April 13, 1989|page=3|quote=}}

Leslie was an Associated Press All-state selection.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257432931|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257432931}}|title=Brandon and Thomas make AP all-state: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=February 24, 1989|page=81|quote=}} He was a Chicago area All-Academic team selection by the Chicago Sun-Times.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257313454|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257313454}}|title=Players make time to study 10 named to All-Academic team: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Arnold Agnos|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 6, 1989|page=17|quote=}} He was the MVP of the 1989 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class AA All-Star Game with 20 points and 7 rebounds.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282589906|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282589906}}|title=Basketball all-star titles fly South: [FINAL EDITION, C]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Sullivan, Paul|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=June 25, 1989|page=19|quote=}} Leslie finished 8th in the 1989 Illinois Mr. Basketball voting behind winner Deon Thomas and others, including Cuonzo Martin (6th).{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282717769|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|282717769}}|title=MR. BASKETBALL OF ILLINOIS 1989 Simeon's Deon Thomas travels in good company: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Sullivan, Paul|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 30, 1989|page=14|quote=Deon Thomas, sr., Simeon, 959; Jamie Brandon, jr., King, 826; Tom Michael, sr., Carlyle, 472; Chris Reynolds, sr., Peoria Central, 244; Mike Hughes, sr., Peoria Central, 185; Cuonzo Martin, jr., East St. Louis Lincoln, 165; Thomas Wyatt, jr., East Aurora, 148; Todd Leslie, sr., Fremd, 135}} At #100 he was also the 8th highest rated Illinois basketball prospect in the national class of 1989.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257467777|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257467777}}|title=Big Ten cleans up in recruiting race Simeon's Thomas puts Illini in top 10: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Bell, Taylor|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=May 1, 1989|page=19|quote=The Top 100 list includes eight Illinois players - Thomas (4), St. Joseph's Deryl Cunningham (19), Peoria Central's Mike Hughes (32) and Chris Reynolds (53), Evanston's Juvon McGarry (56), East St. Louis Lincoln's Vincent Jackson (89), De La Salle's Brooks Taylor (98) and Fremd's Todd Leslie (100).}} He received honorable mention recognition for the USA Today All-USA High School Basketball Team.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/306184974|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|306184974}}|title=ILLINOIS: [FINAL Edition]|work=USA Today|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=April 5, 1989|page=06C|quote=}}

For the 1986–87 NCAA Division I men's basketball season the National Collegiate Athletic Association introduced the three-point shot.{{Cite web | title = 2017–18 NCAA Men's Basketball Records, Page 4 | work = 2017–18 NCAA Men's Basketball Media Guide | publisher = National Collegiate Athletic Association | year = 2017 | url = http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2018/Rules.pdf | access-date = February 5, 2024}} On January 7, 1987, Gary Bossert set the NCAA Division I record with 11 consecutive three-point shots in single-game 12–14 performance.{{cite web|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2023/D1.pdf|title=2022-23 DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL RECORDS|accessdate=February 8, 2024|date=2022|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association}} Leslie converted 15 straight three-point shots over a four-game span against {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Loyola Ramblers|school=Loyola University Chicago|title=Loyola}}, {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Morgan State Bears|school=Morgan State University|title=Morgan State}}, {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Saint Louis Billikens|school=Saint Louis University|title=St. Louis}} and {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=Boston College Eagles|school=Boston College|title=Boston College}} from December 15 to December 28, 1990 to overtake Bossert's consecutive three-point shot record, although it took about 10 days of research technology of the day to confirm this.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283054826|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283054826}}|title=Leslie for 3, (record) book it: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|accessdate=February 8, 2024|date=January 9, 1991|page=8|quote=NCAA statisticians have scrutinized the record books and determined that Northwestern sophomore Todd Leslie set a Division I three-point marksmanship record when he sank 15 straight over a four-game span in December. The previous record was 11 in a row by Gary Bossert of Niagara on Jan. 7, 1987, against Siena.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257540929|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257540929}}|title=Record 15 straight 3-pointers Leslie NU's outside shot: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Ziehm, Len|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=January 10, 1991|page=94|quote=}} On December 15, Leslie connected on his fifth attempt of a 2–5 three-point shooting night to start the streak against Loyola. He became the first Wildcat to go 5–5 in a game on December 21, 1990 against Morgan State. He went 6–6 the next day against St. Louis bringing his total to 12 and breaking both the NCAA Division I record for consecutive three point shots as well as the Northwestern record for most single-game three-point shots without a miss on that night. The only Wildcat to even go 5–5 since has been Kevin Coble on December 21, 2006 against {{cbb link|2006|sex=men|team=Utah Utes|school=University of Utah|title=Utah}} {{asof|2023|lc=y}}. Leslie extended the NCAA consecutive three-point shots made record on December 28 by making his first 3 three-point shots against Boston College in a 3–4 performance. Two previous Big Ten Conference players had made 6 or more single-game three pointers without a miss: Doug Altenberger of Illinois had made 6 against Wisconsin on February 7, 1987. Then, Glen Rice of Michigan set the current record with 7 against Wisconsin on February 25, 1989. Then, on December 22, 1990, Leslie made 6 without a miss against St. Louis on the same night that Larry Hisle made 7 for Wisconsin against {{cbb link|1990|sex=men|team=UT Arlington Mavericks|school=University of Texas at Arlington |title=UT-Arlington}}.

Leslie was a three-time captain (including a redshirt season) at Northwestern.{{cite web|url=https://nusports.com/documents/2023/11/9/MBB_Media_Guide_2324_Final.pdf|title=2023–24 Northwestern Men's Basketball Media Guide|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=November 9, 2023|publisher=Northwestern Wildcats}} After teammate Rex Walters led the Big Ten conference in three-point field goal percentage in 1989-90, Leslie led the conference in 1990-91 with a (65–127=51.2%) season.{{cite web|url=https://bigten.org/documents/2023/11/15/23_24_Men_s_Basketball_Media_Guide.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123035122/https://bigten.org/documents/2023/11/15/23_24_Men_s_Basketball_Media_Guide.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 23, 2023|title=2023–24 Men's Basketball Media Guide|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=November 15, 2023|publisher=Big Ten Conference}} He also led Northwestern in scoring (14.0) for the 1990–91 season and led the team in three-point field goal percentage 3 times (1990–1991, 1991–1992 & 1993–1994). His 1993–1994 80.5% (62–77) free throw percentage also led the team. He holds the Northwestern single-game (6–6=100%) and career (203–455=44.615%, tied with Walters 58–130=44.615%) three-point percentage records. He formerly held the Northwestern single-game (7, twice), single-season (77) and career three-point field goals record (203). He shared the 1992 team MVP award with teammates Kevin Rankin and Cedric Neloms.{{Cite web |url=http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/nw/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/indiv-awards.pdf |title=Northwestern Basketball Individual Awards |access-date=2008-02-11 |archive-date=2011-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525123255/http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/nw/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/indiv-awards.pdf |url-status=dead }} Leslie's sophomore single-season 51.2% shooting percentage was second in school history (to Rob Ross) and remains so {{asof|2023|lc=y}}.

On March 1, 1992 in a loss to Iowa, Leslie became the first Wildcat to achieve seven single-game three-point shots made. His 7–11 three-point shooting performance was part of his career-high 25 point output.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/257770305|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|257770305}}|title=Iowa keeps Wildcats on skids: [FIVE STAR SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 12, 1992|page=125|quote=}}

In the 1992 NCAA-sanctioned Chicago Summer League, Leslie suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283404179|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283404179}}|title=Knee injury may sideline NU's Leslie for season: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=June 30, 1992|page=2|quote=}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283403649|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283403649}}|title=Local teams count down to Day 1 Northwestern Neil: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL, C Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=October 30, 1992|page=5|quote=}} He returned to play his senior season for {{cbb link|1993|sex=men|team=Northwestern Wildcats|school=Northwestern University|title=Northwestern}} under new head coach Ricky Byrdsong during the 1993–94 NCAA basketball season.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283642059|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283642059}}|title=BYRDSONG: NU'S LAUGHINGSTOCK DAYS TO END NEW COACH CRACKS WHIP AT PRACTICES: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=November 17, 1993|page=7|quote=}} On December 15, 1993, Leslie achieved a second single-game output of 7 three-point field goals against {{cbb link|1993|sex=men|team=Youngstown State Penguins|school=Youngstown State University|title=Youngstown State}}. No Wildcat would equal this output until Winston Blake did so on January 27, 2001 against Michigan. No Wildcat would surpass this total until Craig Moore made 8 on February 26, 2008 against Michigan. In March of that season, the Wildcats got some key wins against Wisconsin and Michigan to earn a bid to the 1994 National Invitation Tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283743112|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283743112}}|title=CATS SPOIL BADGER DREAMS NU WIN LEAVES WISCONSIN SLIM HOPE FOR NCAA: [FINAL EDITION, C]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 6, 1994|page=1|quote=}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283702709|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283702709}}|title=NU ON TOP OF THE WORLD SHOCKS MICHIGAN; NIT NEXT?: [FINAL EDITION, C]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 13, 1994|page=1|quote=}} In the opening round Northwestern hosted cross-town {{cbb link|1993|sex=men|team=DePaul Blue Demons|school=DePaul University|title=DePaul}} and overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to win by a point.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283746686|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283746686}}|title=NU STARTS RIGHT IN NIT DE PAUL FAILS TO HOLD 12-POINT LEAD AT HALF: [CHICAGOLAND NORTH Edition 1]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 17, 1994|page=1|quote=}} In the second round Northwestern hosted {{cbb link|1993|sex=men|team=Xavier Musketeers|school=Xavier University|title=Xavier}} and lost in overtime.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283734818|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283734818}}|title=DOES SUCCESS INDICATE NU ON RISE? NOT QUITE PLAYER LOSSES COULD BRING A QUICK END TO EUPHORIA: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Milbert, Neil|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=March 23, 1994|page=3|quote=}} Leslie's 1994 single-season total of 77 three-point field goals stood as a Northwestern single-season record until 1998 when Sean Wink totaled 86.

Leslie's records are for three-point shots. When he established his three-point shot records, the NCAA Division I three-point line was at {{height|ft=19|in=9|abbr=no}}, but for the 2008–09 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, the line was extended to {{height|ft=20|in=9|abbr=no}}.{{Cite web | last = Katz | first = Andy | authorlink = Andy Katz | title = Committee extends men's 3-point line to 20-9| publisher = ESPN | date = May 3, 2007 | url = https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/news/story?id=2859065 | access-date = February 8, 2024}} For the 2019–20 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, the line was further extended to {{height|ft=22|in=1.75|abbr=no}}.{{cite press release|url=http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/men-s-basketball-3-point-line-extended-international-distance |title=Men's basketball 3-point line extended to international distance |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |date=June 5, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/rules/common/PRXBB_CourtDiagram.pdf |title=NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Court |publisher=NCAA |date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=February 8, 2024}}

The inaugural season of the Chicago Rockers in the Continental Basketball Association was supposed to feature local talent. However, neither UIC's Kenny Williams nor Northwestern's Leslie made the opening day roster.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/283875426|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|283875426}}|title=LESLIE COULD DOUBLE ROCKERS' LOCAL CONTINGENT: [NORTH SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Armour, Terry|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=November 22, 1994|page=5|quote=}} However, a few months into the season, Leslie was described as "hanging on with the Chicago Rockers. . .as a non-roster player".{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/258080002|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|258080002}}|title=Michigan Pulls Away From NU: [LATE SPORTS FINAL Edition]|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Ziehm, Len|accessdate=February 19, 2024|date=January 15, 1995|page=4|quote=}}

Leslie's father, Dick, was the Chicago Tribune sports editor at the time he broke the record.

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• [https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/todd-leslie-1.html College stats] @ Sports Reference

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Category:1970s births

Category:Living people

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:Basketball players from Cook County, Illinois

Category:Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball players

Category:Sportspeople from Palatine, Illinois

Category:Shooting guards