Best Long Island Basketball Players Of All-Time
Basketball has been a popular sport in Long Island for many years. The area has produced some of the best players in the game. From streetball courts to college and professional courts, Long Island has made an impact in the world of basketball. Here are some of the best Long Island basketball players of all-time.
Chris Mullin
Chris Mullin is one of the most well-known basketball players from Long Island. Born in Brooklyn, Mullin played college basketball at St. John's University where he was a three-time Big East Player of the Year. He was also part of the 1984 US Olympic basketball team that won gold. Mullin was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and had a successful career in the NBA, earning five All-Star selections.
Julius Erving
Julius Erving, also known as Dr. J, was born and raised in Long Island. He played college basketball at the University of Massachusetts before joining the American Basketball Association (ABA) and later the NBA. Erving had a successful career, winning three ABA championships and one NBA championship. He was also a 16-time All-Star and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Larry Brown
Larry Brown was born in Brooklyn and raised in Long Beach, Long Island. He played college basketball at the University of North Carolina and later played in the ABA. Brown is best known for his coaching career, where he has coached numerous NBA teams and won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. He has also coached college teams, including the NCAA championship-winning Kansas Jayhawks in 1988.
Jim Brown
Jim Brown is a Long Island native who is best known for his football career, but he was also a talented basketball player. Brown played college basketball at Syracuse University before focusing on football. He was a standout running back in the NFL and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. Brown was known for his toughness and athleticism, which also translated to the basketball court.
Steve Lavin
Steve Lavin was born and raised in San Francisco, but he made his mark in Long Island as the head coach of the St. John's University men's basketball team. Lavin had a successful coaching career, leading the Red Storm to two NCAA tournament appearances and winning Big East Coach of the Year in 2011.
