He did not have any siblings. The next year DeBusschere became the ABA's commissioner for the 197576 season, which would be the last for the league. Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. team from 1969 to 1974. David was 62 years old at the time of death. Dave DeBusschere, the Hall of Fame forward whose tenacious defensive play, rebounding prowess and timely scoring helped propel the Knicks to their only two N.B.A. The players and the teams, the rules and style of play have all changed, but the sharpness of his insights never diminished. DeBusschere was interred at Saint Joseph's Church Cemetery in Garden City, New York. }, First published on May 15, 2003 / 3:37 AM. DeBusschere was average in size at 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, but he possessed a work ethic that was second to none. Meanwhile, DeBusscheres NBA career got off to an auspicious start. defensive squad six times. Dave DeBusschere weighed 220 lbs (99 kg) when playing. display: none; That's the beauty of having teammates. The Memphis forward sustained the injury Friday night during the 1st quarter of the Grizzlies 113-97 loss to the Nuggets. DeBusschere, along with future Hall of Famers Willis Reed, Bill Bradley and Walt Frazier, became an NBA champion when the Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1970 NBA Finals. Rhodes Scholar Dollar Bill Bradley was a thinking mans player, who would become a well-respected U.S Senator and presidential hopeful, but then was a great passer and shooter. Basketball fans will no doubt remember DeBusschere pounding his fist on the table when the Knicks won the 1985 NBA draft lottery that allowed them to pick Patrick Ewing. Whos the richest Basketball Player in the world. The moment I heard the news last Wednesday, it was as if a lightning bolt hit my heart. I admired him and his dedication.". Reed, injured and expected to watch from the sidelines, electrified players and viewers alike when he took the court at Madison Square Garden at the start of the game. He became a member of the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996. Every year the Knicks tried to pry him loose from Detroit but were continually rebuffed. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, NBA Legends: Profiling the league's greats, 5 stats to know for 76ers-Bucks matchup on ABC, Brooks suspended after receiving 16th technical foul, Grizzlies' Clarke (torn achilles) out indefinitely, Ja issues apology, will miss 'at least' 2 games, Ex-NBA player Morrow facing assault charges, Durant passes 'Big O' for 13th in career points. A talented and versatile athlete, he also pitched for baseball's Chicago White Sox. "The fans of New York were very privileged to have had the chance to applaud and celebrate his contribution to the Knicks' legacy in New York," said West, now president of the Memphis Grizzlies. The scholarship provides support to two student-athletes that must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and have shown exceptional leadership skills. Birthday: October 16, 1940 Date of Death: May 14, 2003 Age at Death: 62. Dave DeBusschere left all of himself on the court every game. If I had $100 for every night Dave played hurt, I could buy a nice car. home/away, monthly, etc More Dave DeBusschere Basketball Reference pages, Compare Dave DeBusschere to other players. ''Dave DeBusschere is the complete basketball player,'' Holzman told John Devaney for a 1971 profile on DeBusschere in Sport magazine. In 1964, he was appointed player-coach of the Pistons at the tender age of 24. He was a 1963 All-Rookie Team selection and played for the Pistons until being traded to New York in 1968. He also starred as a pitcher for the Titans baseball team, which played in three NCAA tournaments. he still wouldn't wake up, but the snoring would stop. He was an actor, known for The Cosby Show (1984), The Joe Namath Show (1969) and New Jersey Turnpikes (1999). [6], He is one of only 13 athletes to have played in both the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. You get to know someone when you're with him that much. His No. He was selected to play in 8 All-Star games, and won 2 NBA championships. Bucking tradition, DeBusschere decided to try his hand at both sports. ", "Dave DeBusschere was someone for whom I have always had the utmost respect, not only as a basketball player but as a great human being," said Baylor, now general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers. David Albert DeBusschere is part of the Silent Generation, which followed after the G.I. '', ''Dave was the strong, silent type,'' Phil Jackson, the Los Angeles Lakers' coach and DeBusschere's former Knicks teammate, wrote in ''Maverick''(Playboy Press, 1975). Over the years he made campaign appearances in New Jersey on my behalf, attended fundraisers to add star power, and sloughed through the snows of Iowa and New Hampshire in 2000. The heart and soul of the 1970s Knicks, DeBusschere was a defensive stopper who could take the air out of opponents with his physical brand of ball. .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { DeBusschere spent six and a half seasons playing forhis hometown team. DeBusschere is one of 13 athletes to have played in both the NBA and MLB. cause of death. He was like a brother to me.". A year later, he became commissioner of the ABA and was instrumental in the 1976 merger with the NBA. 2011-08-12 17:55:13. In May 2003, DeBusschere collapsed on a Manhattan street from a heart attack and was pronounced dead at New York University Hospital. The next year he was traded to the Knicks. [5], In 1962, DeBusschere was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent. #inline-recirc-item--id-92bd021e-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { He seemed to say, ``What's the point of achieving anything in basketball if you can't share it?'' (Please phone the Athletic Department at 313-993-1700 for additional details). Dave Debusschere was born in 1940s. Ruling Planet: Dave Debusschere had a ruling planet of Venus and has a ruling planet of Venus and by astrological associations Friday is ruled by Venus. By Dr. Jack Ramsay. On May 14, 2003, DeBusschere passed away in New York at the age of 62. Limping up and down the floor, he nevertheless scored the Knicks first two baskets and inspired the team to a 113-99 victory. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., with Bradley, in 1983. JUMP TO: Dave Debusscheres biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos and related celebs. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? playoffs by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division finals. DeBusschere was interred at Saint Joseph's Church Cemetery in Garden City, New York. At 6-foot-6, DeBusschere played the forward position and could score in many different ways. The championship round was pure drama. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. Walt Frazier's iconic performances in The Finals helped the Knicks capture NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. In 1969-70, the talent-laden Knicks found themselves in the national spotlight. DeBusschere became a player-coach for the Pistons in 1964, at age 24 the youngest coach in NBA history. I didnt realize he was as good as he was until we got him, Holzman said. If so, the plan worked. and he took off. As young adults during the McCarthy Era, many members of this generation felt it was dangerous to speak out. thoughts following the announcement of DeBusschere's death, Vecsey wrote that Dave's #22 was the only jersey he ever wore. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. In addition to their two championships, they played in the N.B.A. - YouTube 0:00 / 2:19 Dave Debusschere Career Highlights - KNICKS LEGEND! You brought all these things to the many lives you touched. Dave believed that once good players have put on their uniforms, everything else about them--race, ethnicity, personal history, off-court style--fades into the background. #inline-recirc-item--id-92bd021e-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-92bd021e-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { Edit Search New Search Filters (1) To get better results, add more information such as First Name, Birth Info, Death Info and Locationeven a guess will help. Current Greats: . Born in Detroit, Oct. 16, 1940, DeBusschere was a two-sport star at the University of Detroit, one of a handful of players to reach the major leagues in both basketball and baseball. DeBusschere had a heart attack on a street in Lower Manhattan and died at New York University Downtown Hospital, a spokesman for Madison Square Garden said. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. He played a part in helping out with the merger between the ABA and the NBA. Full Site Menu. Discover Dave DeBusschere's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Nogreediness. The world seems like a diminished place today for me, for his family, for hundreds of his friends and thousands of his fans., The Knicks issued a statement that read in part: Dave DeBusscheres character off the court eclipsed even his most celebrated on-court heroics. If Walt Frazier was the flash and dash of those old Knicks and Willis Reed was the rock hard presence in the middle, then DeBusschere was final piece of the puzzle, the man who did the defensive dirty work. DeBusschere was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983 after a 12-year career (19621974) in which he averaged 16.1 points and 11 rebounds while being named to eight NBA All-Star teams. Gerri DeBusschere, wife of the legendary NBA basketball great and former Titan All-American Dave DeBusschere, passed away last week after her courageous battle with cancer. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He played on two NBA Championship teams (1970 and '73) with the Knicks. Colleges everywhere beckoned, but DeBusschere stayed home and attended the. He was 62 years of age. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. UDM Athletics held its second Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Dinner & Cruise in September and it was a rousing success, raising additional funds to be designated to worthy recipients and their education at UDM. '', Dave DeBusschere, 62, Relentless Forward On Knicks' Championship Teams, Is Dead, https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/15/sports/dave-debusschere-62-relentless-forward-on-knicks-championship-teams-is-dead.html. Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries . It had been a tough game and our season was over. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. 0 references. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the merger between the NBA and the ABA that year, List of National Basketball Association career rebounding leaders, List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 30 or more rebounds in a game, List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career rebounding leaders, "Dave DeBusschere, 62, Relentless Forward On Knicks' Championship Teams, Is Dead", "Baseball (MLB) and Basketball (NBA) Players | Baseball Almanac", "Hendrickson Becomes Latest to Play In Both NBA and Major League Baseball", "The Inside Track; Morning Briefing; New Coach Pulls the Strings in Washington", "Dave DeBusschere Stats - Basketball-Reference.com", "Titans Mourn Passing Of Gerri DeBusschere", Wayland Baptist Women's Teams (19481982), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dave_DeBusschere&oldid=1134113885, All-American college men's basketball players, American Basketball Association executives, Detroit Mercy Titans men's basketball players, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, National Basketball Association All-Stars, National Basketball Association players with retired numbers, Parade High School All-Americans (boys' basketball), Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, April 22,1962,for theChicago White Sox, September 2,1963,for theChicago White Sox, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 17 January 2023, at 02:14. 1964 Topps. Playing every game in the rookie season, he compiled 1,018 points, 694 total rebounds and 207 assists and was named to . The Knicks had a talented team when DeBusschere played for them. Dave Debusschere Birthday: October 16, 1940 (62 years) Died: May 14, 2003 (19 years Ago) HomeTown: Detroit, Michigan, United States Dave Debusschere is an American forward who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is a member of the NBA Hall of Fame. A beloved Knicks player, Willis Reed was a seven-time All-Star who helped lead New York to two titles in the 1970s. He was a famous man who didnt think he was famous, he never put on any airs, DiGarbo said. He is survived by his wife, Geri, two sons and a daughter. DeBusschere was a folk hero in that city, where he grew up and starred at baseball as well as basketball. "He possessed the highest levels of integrity and character and was a very classy guy.". Find a Grave. Dave DeBusschere, the defensive cornerstone of two championship New York Knicks teams who also was the National Basketball Association's youngest coach and the last commissioner of the rival . ''Dave was a blue-collar type of player who led by example with his tenacity on the court,'' Frazier said in a statement yesterday. With the notable exception of himself, his Detroit teams were handicapped by a lack of talent. All Rights Reserved. With Bellamy gone, Willis Reed was able to shift from forward to center. He retired as a player in 1974. He held nothing back. I'd shout, ``Dave!'' Inexperience and youth probably limited his effectiveness DeBusschere was barely 18 months out of college when he assumed coaching duties. David Albert DeBusschere (Big D) Position: Power Forward and Small Forward Shoots: Right More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Hall of Fame 8x All Star 2x NBA Champ 1968-69 All-NBA 1962-63 All-Rookie 6x All-Defensive NBA 75th Anniv. DeBusschere was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983. The elder Dave DeBusschere who pitched for the Chicago White Sox for two seasons and became the Detroit Pistons' player-coach at the age of 24 was a rugged 6-6 forward and solid rebounder. Our game has lost an icon and the world has lost a good man.". , wife of the legendary NBA basketball great and former Titan All-American, DeBusschere was a three-time consensus All-American under coach, 2023 University of Detroit Mercy Athletics, Titans To Host National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Registration Now Open, Honorable William Giovan '58 Receives 2023 John Conti Letterman of Distinction Award, Horizon League Provides Mental Health Grants to Member Institutions, Former Titan Dan Kennedy '89 Receives Titan Reggie Spirit Of Detroit Mercy Award. DeBusschere authored a book entitled The Open Man, a chronicle of the New York Knicks' 196970 championship season. and the toast of New York. Dave DeBusschere was born on October 16, 1940 and died on May 14, 2003. People born under this sign are energetic and excitable. It was NBA lesson #1; Don't make today's loss the enemy of tomorrow's victory. A magic about life--there is no other way to describe those years on our Knick teams. A tall right-handed pitcher with a lively fastball, he was called up by the White Sox in 1963 and went 3-4 with a 3.09 ERA. May 14, 2003 - Dave DeBusschere passed away. Once after a championship season, the DeBusscheres, Kladis's and Bradleys chartered a boat to tour the Greek islands. He averaged 16.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 875 regular-season games. He was elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983 and was named one of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History during the league's 50th anniversary celebration in 1996. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Like Bradley, he also excelled at sneaking behind picks to find an opening from where he could pop a 5-foot jumper. Dave DeBusschere was born on October 16, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. manner of death. It's important that Daronand I be there Sunday and Monday to represent the University. In 1996 he was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. Born: 16-Oct-1940 Birthplace: Detroit, MI Died: 14-May-2003 Location of death: Manhattan, NY Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Buried, St. Joseph's Church Cemetery, Garden City, NY. I think I have done that bit', BAFTA acceptance, Leading Actress - 2019, Axel Scheffler: 'The book wasn't called 'No Room on the Broom! The Hall of Famer became the assistant coach and director of basketball operation of the Knicks during the 1980s. I always looked forward to our one-on-one lunches, our dinners with Ernestine and the irrepressible Geri, our family visits to Long Island, and on occasion a game like the one last spring when Willis, Dave, Earl and I went to New Jersey for a Lakers/Nets playoff game with loyalties split between Willis's Nets and Phil's Lakers. NEW YORK -- Dave DeBusschere, the defensive cornerstone of two championship teams who also was the NBA's youngest coach and the last commissioner of the rival ABA, died Wednesday of a heart. In college, DeBusschere average 24.8 points and 19.4 rebounds per game for his career at the University of Detroit. Dave DeBusschere. @tfthomas @NYCHoops @Chaminade_HS @MikeVacc @LIBasketball23 @ANTHONYDESPO @RecruitTheBronx. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Maintained by: Find a Grave [2], DeBusschere was born in Detroit to parents Peter Marcell and Dorothy DeBusschere. He was reportedly unhappy that Chicago hadnt kept him on the major league roster that spring. His teams went 79-143 before he was replaced late in the 1966-67 season by Donnis Butcher. He was also the youngest player-coach ever (23 w/Det), a MLB pitcher, and the ABA's last commissioner. } Dave DeBusschere left all of himself on the court every game. In 1962, the Detroit Pistons selected DeBusschere in the NBA draft. The 13 are: Danny Ainge, Frank Baumholtz, Hank Biasatti, Gene Conley, Chuck Connors, DeBusschere, Dick Groat, Steve Hamilton, Mark Hendrickson, Cotton Nash, Ron Reed, Dick Ricketts and Howie Schultz.[7][8][9][10]. October 16, @CrownBBALL. DeBusschere was a talented baseball player as well. Dave DeBusschere weighed 225 lbs (102 kg) when playing. A year later, he became the ABAs commissioner for the 1975-76 season. Dave DeBusschere was born on October 16, 1940. It was Bill Russell's last year. Dave DeBusschere. @_BrianReichert. He averaged 24 points a game in basketball, helping Detroit reach the National Invitation Tournament twice and the N.C.A.A. He always took responsibility for his mistakes. We've received your submission. He is a celebrity basketball player. "Today was a day that was very sad for me from a personal standpoint, losing a friend and teammate that I played with for eight years, who I admired very much as basketball player and a person," said Jackson, who had an angioplasty heart procedure over the weekend. Dave DeBusschere died on May 14, 2003 at the age of 62. He was your prototypical power forward in the days before such a term was coined. Discover what happened on this day. He will be greatly missed.. In 1996, he was picked as one of the 50 greatest players in the league's first half-century. Our game has lost an icon and the world has lost a good man, Stern said. After one such evening when we got back to our room, Dave said, ``You know, I think Willis likes to hunt! DeBusschere died of a heart attack Wednesday at NYU Downtown Hospital after collapsing on a Manhattan street. after the 1975-76 season. Austin Catholic in Detroit, Michigan, Draft: retrieved. We will continue to update information on Dave Debusscheres parents. DeBusschere played professional baseball for four seasons. David Albert DeBusschere (October 16, 1940 - May 14, 2003) was an American professional National Basketball Association (NBA) player and coach and Major League Baseball (MLB) player. Dave Debusschere will celebrate 83rd birthday on Monday, 16th of October 2023. 1 reference. In May 2003, DeBusschere collapsed on a Manhattan street from a heart attack and was pronounced dead at New York University Hospital. From the very beginning DeBusschere exhibited solid offensive skills. Dave DeBusschere was a loyal friend, an unselfish teammate and a quality human being, said ex-New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley, DeBusscheres former teammate and front court partner. They were too young to see action in World War II and too old to participate in the fun of the Summer of Love. 16. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983. During the playoffs they shut down the Baltimore Bullets in seven games, then blew past the Milwaukee Bucks and Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in five games to face the Los Angeles Lakers in The Finals. May God grant you a peaceful journey. Dave Debusschere American ex-basketball player and coach Birthday: October 16, 1940 Birthplace: Death Date: May 14, 2003 : 62 years old : Libra About Dave Debusschere Dave Debusschere [David Albert DeBusschere] is famed for his remarkable achievements in big-league American Sports. Enshrined 1983 Born October 16, 1940 Detroit, MI Died May 14, 2003 College Detroit Professional Career Detroit Pistons New York Knicks Career Stats Dave DeBusschere brought out his lucky horseshoe to ensure the @nyknicks secured the #1 pick. DeBusschere averaged 16.1 points a game for his pro career and pulled down 9,618 rebounds. Dave DeBusschere's birth name was 'David Albert DeBusschere'. He was 62. Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico