Latest news with #DavidGreenwood
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Magic Johnson pays heartfelt tribute to fellow draft pick David Greenwood, dead at 68 after cancer battle
Magic Johnson and David Greenwood. Image via: Frank Franklin II/ AP | Colin E. Braley/ AP The basketball world is mourning the loss of David Greenwood, a former UCLA standout and NBA veteran who passed away at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. Greenwood, who died on Sunday in Riverside, California, was celebrated for his on-court achievements, but he was also known for the wisdom, mentorship, and humility he brought throughout his life. His passing was confirmed by UCLA, citing family members. Magic Johnson honors late NBA peer David Greenwood, who dies at 68 after a cancer fight NBA legend Magic Johnson honored David Greenwood with a touching message on X, alongside a nostalgic black-and-white photo from their early days. 'I'm sorry to hear the news about the passing of David Greenwood. David Greenwood and I were drafted picks 1 and 2 in the 1979 NBA Draft. I'm praying for the Greenwood family and all of his loved ones. Rest in Peace David!' Johnson wrote on X. That 1979 NBA Draft forever linked the two— Magic was selected No. 1 by the Los Angeles Lakers, while Greenwood went second to the Chicago Bulls. Before the arrival of Michael Jordan, Greenwood, Reggie Theus, and Orlando Woolridge formed the team's core, laying the groundwork for a brighter future in Chicago. Before his pro journey, Greenwood rose to prominence at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles and carried that promise into UCLA. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 가끔 심장이 찌릿! 하신가요? 메디셜 더 읽기 Undo He joined the Bruins just months after the unexpected retirement of coaching legend John Wooden in 1975. Greenwood became a four-year starter, leading UCLA to a 102-17 record, multiple league titles, and a Final Four appearance in 1976. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in 118 games and earned back-to-back first-team All-America honors, becoming the first Bruin to do so since Bill Walton. Over his 12-year NBA career, Greenwood suited up for Chicago, San Antonio, Denver, and Detroit. He played a key reserve role with the Pistons during their 1990 NBA championship run. But it was in San Antonio where Greenwood's influence took on a different dimension. Former Spurs star Sean Elliott recalled how Greenwood, then in his final season, took a young Elliott under his wing. 'He was a great vet for me,' Elliott said. 'I have a lot of good stories about him, but none I can actually tell because he really kind of saved me from the perils away from the court.' Greenwood's quiet leadership and experience helped mold the future All-Star. 'He was a good guy as far as keeping you focused and teaching you about the pitfalls away from the court,' Elliott added. Greenwood, who had previously torn his Achilles, may have lost a step physically, but his basketball IQ and locker room presence remained invaluable. In his best season with the Spurs, Greenwood averaged 11.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His grit was best displayed in a standout performance against Utah, where he grabbed 20 rebounds. Spurs owner Angelo Drossos famously said, 'You could lock some forwards in a gym by themselves and they still wouldn't get 20 rebounds.' Post-retirement, Greenwood returned to his roots, coaching at Verbum Dei and leading the school to back-to-back state championships in 1998 and 1999. His legacy extended beyond the hardwood through his mentorship and community involvement. Also Read: Magic Johnson's Haunting Warning: How Losing This Player for $9M Cost the Los Angeles Lakers-And What They Must Fix Now David Greenwood is survived by his children, Jemil and Tiffany, brother Al, sister Laverne, and former wife Joyce. He was a proud inductee of both the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Magic Johnson Saddened by Passing of Former UCLA Star and NBA Champion
Magic Johnson Saddened by Passing of Former UCLA Star and NBA Champion originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The basketball world is mourning the loss of former UCLA Bruins standout David Greenwood, who passed away this week at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. He passed away in Riverside, California. Advertisement A member of legendary coach John Wooden's final recruiting class, Greenwood was selected No. 2 overall in the 1979 NBA draft — one spot after the Los Angeles Lakers chose Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson. Greenwood went on to have a 12-year NBA career, playing for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and the Detroit Pistons, where he was part of the team's 1990 NBA Championship run. Following the news of his passing, Johnson shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing his sorrow over the loss of his fellow draft classmate. "I'm sorry to hear the news about the passing of David Greenwood," Johnson said. "David Greenwood and I were drafted picks 1 and 2 in the 1979 NBA Draft. I'm praying for the Greenwood family and all of his loved ones. Rest in Peace David!" Greenwood was a two-time Conference Player of the Year at UCLA and played a pivotal role in leading the Bruins to the Final Four in 1976. He earned All-American honors in both his junior and senior seasons, becoming the first UCLA player to do so since the legendary Bill Walton, who achieved the distinction from 1972 to 1974. Advertisement Before the arrival of Michael Jordan, Greenwood was a cornerstone for the Chicago Bulls franchise. He later joined the San Antonio Spurs after being traded in exchange for Hall of Famer George Gervin. David Greenwood (34) in college.© Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images David Greenwood is survived by his two children, Jemil and Tiffany, his former wife Joyce, his brother Al, and his sister Laverne. Related: Magic Johnson Names Greatest Player in NBA History Without Hesitation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA icon and former Chicago Bulls star David Greenwood passes away at 68 after cancer battle
David Greenwood via Getty Images Former NBA star David Greenwood dies at the age of 68 after struggling with cancer. During his 12-year stint with the NBA, he went on to solidify his place on the list of talented basketball athletes and even registered an NBA championship under his name. His long struggle with cancer finally came to an end on Sunday in Riverside, California, leaving behind his wife, Joyce son, Jemil and daughter, Tiffany. David Greenwood passes away at the age of 68 after struggling with cancer NBA icon David Greenwood's struggle with cancer came to a halt recently. When it comes to talking about one of the most talented basketball players from the 1970s, it is difficult to miss out on Greenwood. He was one of the last recruits of popular coach John Wooden. After building a standout career at the Verbum Dei High in Los Angeles, he went on to start his college career at UCLA almost a few months after John Wooden's retirement in 1975. David Greenwood went on to create a record with his hard work and perseverance, as he had earned first-team All-America honors both as a senior and junior after Bill Walton back in 1972. During his stint with the NBA, he has been associated with reputed basketball teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs. Reportedly, he was signed by the Chicago Bulls when the particular NBA team lost a toss against the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of David Greenwood, reputed basketball athlete Magic Johnson was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. Greenwood even shared a roster with the NBA icon Michael Jordan during his stint with the Chicago Bulls back in 1984. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Help abandoned elders today HelpAge India Donate Now Undo He earned a place in both the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Just last year, Greenwood was in attendance for UCLA's final Pac-12 Conference game at Pauley Pavilion. After his playing days, Greenwood returned to coach at his high school alma mater, Verbum Dei, where he guided the team to back-to-back state championships in 1998 and 1999. He is survived by his son Jemil, daughter Tiffany, brother Al, sister Laverne, and former wife Joyce. Also Read: 'N**a got rage baited'—Netizens take a dig at DeMarcus Cousins after an altercation with fans leads to chaos in Puerto Rico
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
NBA champion David Greenwood dead at 68 after cancer battle
David Greenwood, who was one of coach John Wooden's last recruits at UCLA and went on to win an NBA championship with Detroit during a 12-year pro career, has died. He was 68. Greenwood died Sunday in Riverside, California, after battling cancer, the school said Wednesday, citing family members. After a standout career at Verbum Dei High in Los Angeles, Greenwood began his college career at UCLA just months after Wooden's surprise retirement announcement in March 1975. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in 118 games as a four-year starter in Westwood. The Bruins had a record of 102-17 and won the league title in each of his four seasons. He was a two-time league player of the year who helped the Bruins to the 1976 Final Four. Greenwood earned first-team All-America honors as a junior and senior, becoming UCLA´s first player to do so since Bill Walton in 1972-74. He still ranks fourth on the school's career rebounding list. He was the second overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft. The Chicago Bulls lost the coin toss to the Los Angeles Lakers, who drafted future Hall of Famer Magic Johnson at No. 1, having acquired the pick in a trade with New Orleans. Before Michael Jordan arrived in Chicago in 1984, Greenwood, Reggie Theus and Orlando Woolridge were the Bulls' core players. After six seasons, the Bulls traded Greenwood in 1985 to San Antonio in exchange for future Hall of Famer George Gervin. Greenwood also played for San Antonio, Denver and Detroit, coming off the bench to help the Pistons beat Portland to win the 1990 NBA championship. He was a member of the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Last year, Greenwood attended UCLA's final Pac-12 Conference game at Pauley Pavilion. Greenwood later coached at his high school alma mater, leading Verbum Dei to state titles in 1998 and 1999. He is survived by son Jemil and daughter Tiffany as well as his brother Al, sister Laverne and former wife Joyce.
Washington Post
a day ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
David Greenwood, former UCLA star and NBA champion, dies at 68 after cancer battle
LOS ANGELES — David Greenwood, who was one of coach John Wooden's last recruits at UCLA and went on to win an NBA championship with Detroit during a 12-year pro career, has died. He was 68. Greenwood died Sunday in Riverside, California, after battling cancer, the school said Wednesday, citing family members.
