Latest news with #DickBarnett
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA legend and HBCU trailblazer dies at 88
'Fallback, Baby.' To generations of HBCU sports fans, those two words weren't just a nickname — they were a declaration. A call to greatness. A legacy in motion. And now, that legacy says goodbye. Dr. Dick Barnett, Tennessee A&I icon and New York Knicks champion, passed away in his sleep on April 26, 2025, in Largo, Florida, at the age of 88. With his passing, HBCU basketball loses one of its most enduring legends — a player whose path broke barriers and lifted communities far beyond the hardwood. Advertisement A Titan at Tennessee A&I Before the glitz of Madison Square Garden, Barnett carved out one of the most dominant collegiate careers in HBCU history. Under Hall of Famer John McLendon, Barnett led Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State) to three straight NAIA national championships from 1957–1959 — a feat no HBCU has matched since. Named All-American three times and tournament MVP twice, his scoring brilliance and fearless play made him the face of a program that helped put Black college basketball on the national map. His No. 35 jersey remains the only one ever retired by the university. Champion and Clutch in the NBA After stints with the Syracuse Nationals and L.A. Lakers, Barnett joined the Knicks in 1965 and helped lead the team to titles in 1970 and 1973. While the world remembers Willis Reed's dramatic Game 7 entrance in the '70 Finals, it was Barnett who poured in 21 points and guarded Jerry West in the Knicks' first-ever championship win. He averaged over 18 points per game in that series and was a top-10 scorer leaguewide in multiple seasons. Known for his unorthodox jumper — a high-arching shot with a signature mid-air 'fallback' — he gave defenders nightmares and fans memories. New York Knicks guard Dick Barnett versus the Atlanta Hawks© Manny Rubio-Imagn Images A Doctor, Educator, and Advocate Advertisement Barnett wasn't just a baller — he was a scholar. He earned a doctorate in education from Fordham, taught at St. John's, and used his platform to mentor and uplift. In 2024, he received basketball's highest honor with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. But for many HBCU students, his biggest impact came through words, mentorship, and proof that greatness didn't require compromise. Dick Barnett showed what was possible — on the court, in the classroom, and in life. HBCU fans: Let's not just remember him. Let's follow him. Fall back. Rise up. Related: Alabama A&M's Carson Vinson drafted by Baltimore Ravens Related: What Alabama A&M's Carson Vinson said after being drafted by Baltimore Ravens
New York Post
30-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Knicks honor Hall of Famer Dick Barnett with moment of silence
The Knicks honored Dick Barnett with a moment of silence prior to their Game 5 loss to the Pistons Tuesday night at the Garden. The Knicks legend, who was on the franchise's only two championship teams, died at 88 years old, the team announced on Sunday. Advertisement Coach Tom Thibodeau had high praise for Barnett while reflecting on watching him and later meeting him. 'Obviously, condolences to his family and to all our fans, his teammates. What he means to our franchise, just a very classy man,' Thibodeau said. 'I remember watching games when he played, everyone tried to mimic his jump shot. That team, it had so much creativity to it, but togetherness and sacrifice. Just the way they played made them special. 'And then when you got to know them, for me, meeting all those guys from those teams, it was pretty special. Their character and their intelligence and the way they cared about each other was really special.' Advertisement The Knicks had a moment of silence for Hall of Famer Dick Barnett, who passed away at 88 a few days ago. NBAE via Getty Images The Knicks presented Jalen Brunson with his Clutch Player of the Year award prior to the game. Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (knee) was out, the fourth straight game of the series he missed due to the injury after playing in Game 1. Advertisement Jalen Brunson is presented the Clutch Player of the Year trophy before the Knicks' Game 5 loss to the Pistons. NBAE via Getty Images The Knicks have dropped three of their past four home playoff games dating back to last season and are 4-4 in their past eight contests at the Garden. The Knicks outrebounded the Pistons for the first time in the series. Advertisement They were plus-four on the glass. Mitchell Robinson (11 rebounds) was a big part of that. He was plus-nine in 23 minutes, scoring 13 points along with two blocks and two steals. 'I thought he gave us a good lift, good energy,' Thibodeau said. Reserve guard Landry Shamet (illness) was available, but didn't play.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Sends Heartfelt Message After Passing of Hall of Famer
The basketball world was in mourning on Sunday as the sport lost another icon. This is after news emerged that New York Knicks legend Dick Barnett had passed away at the age of 88. According to a report by the New York Post, Barnett "died in his sleep this weekend in a senior living center in Largo, Fla." Advertisement The Knicks also announced the tragic news via social media as the organization expressed how "terribly saddened" to hear about Barnett's passing. They added: "His jersey will forever hang in the rafters of Madison Square Garden, and his play throughout his career will forever be part of Knicks fans' memories. On Sunday night, The NBA issued an official statement on Barnett's passing. Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West (44) dribbles past New York Knicks guard Dick Barnett (12) and Willis reed (19).Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports "The NBA mourns the passing of Dick Barnett (1936-2025)," the league posted on X. "Dick played 14 NBA seasons with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Syracuse Nationals, winning championships as a member of the Knicks in 1970 and 1973. We extend our deepest condolences to the Barnett family." Barnett first started his NBA career with the Syracuse Nationals, who selected the former Tennessee State star as the No. 5 overall pick in the 1959 NBA Draft. After Syracuse, the 6-foot-4 shooting guards also had stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Knicks, which is where he spent the majority of his career. Advertisement Barnett, a one-time All-Star, helped the Knicks win two championships during his nine-year tenure with the team. He was part of New York's title-winning squads in 1970 and 1973. Barnett, a native of Gary, Indiana, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024. Related: Knicks Star Makes Honest Admission Amid Game 2 Backlash
USA Today
28-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Dick Barnett, Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion with Knicks, dies at 88
Dick Barnett, Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion with Knicks, dies at 88 Basketball Hall of Famer Dick Barnett, who played guard in both of the New York Knicks' NBA championship seasons, has died, the team announced Sunday. He was 88. Barnett died in his sleep overnight at an assisted living facility in Largo, Florida, according to multiple media reports. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 as a player and as a three-time All-America for Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State) teams that won three consecutive NAIA championships (1957-59) —the first HBCU program to win a national title in basketball. "Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick, both on and off the court," the Knicks said in a statement. "He left a positive impact on everyone he encountered and this organization is incredibly fortunate to have him be such an integral part of its history. His jersey will forever hang in the rafters of Madison Square Garden, and his play throughout his career will forever be a part of Knicks fans memories." The Knicks won NBA crowns in 1970 and 1973 with large contributions from Barnett, a 6-foot-4 all-around player known for his unique "fall back, baby" shooting style. His legs flew backward when the left-hander shot jumpers. It worked for the native of Gary, Indiana, who was selected by the Syracuse Nationals with the fifth overall pick of the 1959 NBA draft. ANALYSIS: Knicks-Pistons Game 4 takeaways: Missed call at end mars series, impacts outcome MORE: Knicks guard shines vs. Pistons after return from locker room He played for Syracuse for two seasons (1959-61) and one season for the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball League (1961-62). He returned to the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers (1962-65) and finished his 14-year career with the Knicks (1965-74). An All-Star in the 1967-68 season, Barnett averaged 15.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 29.8 minutes in 971 NBA regular-season games. He also averaged 15.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 27.3 minutes in 102 playoff games.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Two-Time NBA Champion and TSU Icon Dick Barnett Passes Away at 88
Dick Barnett. Image via: AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File The basketball world is mourning the loss of Dr. Richard "Dick" Barnett, the Hall of Fame guard who helped shape the identity of the New York Knicks and paved the way for generations of athletes. Barnett passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 88, at an assisted living facility in Florida, as reported by The New York Times. Basketball legend Dick Barnett passes away Dick van Arsdale and Dick Barnett. Image via: AP Photo/Ron Frehm, File During his nine seasons with the New York Knicks, Dick Barnett was a cornerstone of the franchise, averaging 15.6 points per game and helping lead the team to its only two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. Known for his signature "Fall Back Baby" jump shot — a smooth, unconventional move where his legs kicked back as he released the ball — Barnett became one of the Knicks' most beloved figures. His No. 12 jersey was retired at Madison Square Garden in 1990. The Knicks paid tribute in a heartfelt statement: "We are terribly saddened to hear about the passing of Knicks legend Dr. Richard Barnett. Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick, both on and off the court. He left a positive impact on everyone he encountered and this organization is incredibly fortunate to have him be such an integral part of its history." Dick Barnett's impact on the game stretched far beyond the NBA hardwood. A native of Gary, Indiana, Barnett first made history at Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State University ), leading the Tigers to three straight NAIA national championships from 1957 to 1959 under legendary coach John McLendon. He was a three-time All-American and twice named the NAIA Tournament MVP, solidifying Tennessee A&I as the first historically Black college to win a national basketball title. Following his collegiate dominance, Barnett was selected No. 5 overall by the Syracuse Nationals in the 1959 NBA Draft, becoming the first HBCU graduate to be drafted in the first round. He later played for the Los Angeles Lakers before arriving in New York, where his legend truly took flight. Beyond his playing days, Barnett was equally committed to education and advocacy. Earning a master's degree from New York University and a doctorate in education from Fordham University, he later taught at St. John's University and created Fall Back Baby Productions to inspire young athletes. His tireless efforts to honor his college team finally bore fruit when Tennessee State's championship squads were enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2024, Barnett himself was inducted individually into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame , a crowning achievement to a lifetime of impact. That same year, he and his former teammates were honored at the White House, where former Vice President Kamala Harris stated, "There's so much that we have accomplished as a nation because of the heroes like those that I'm looking at right now." Also Read: Draymond Green Snubbed for DPOΥ But Wins NBA Hustle Award-Wife's Reaction Says It All Longtime friend Chuck Hughes recalled a special memory when Barnett fulfilled a personal dream, meeting Gregg Popovich at Madison Square Garden. "Dick Barnett is a big legend so it was hard to put together, but that was on his bucket list," Hughes shared.
