St. Bonaventure And Nba Basketball Legend Bob Lanier Passes Away
The basketball world mourns the loss of one of their own, as St. Bonaventure and NBA basketball legend Bob Lanier passed away recently. Lanier, who was 73 years old at the time of his death, was a beloved figure in the basketball community and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Who Was Bob Lanier?
Bob Lanier, born in Buffalo, New York, on September 10, 1948, was a renowned basketball player known for his time at St. Bonaventure University and in the NBA. Standing at 6-foot-11, Lanier was a dominant force on the court, using his height and strength to his advantage.
Lanier attended St. Bonaventure University from 1966 to 1970, where he played college basketball for the Bonnies. During his time there, he was a three-time All-American and led St. Bonaventure to the Final Four in 1970.
After graduating from St. Bonaventure, Lanier was drafted first overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1970 NBA draft. He played for the Pistons for ten years before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played for five more seasons before retiring from the NBA in 1984.
Bob Lanier's Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Bob Lanier racked up numerous accolades and accomplishments. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. Additionally, he was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996.
Lanier's impact extended beyond his playing career, as he was also an advocate for education and community involvement. In 1976, he was awarded the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his outstanding service to the community.
In 2009, the NCAA created the Bob Lanier Award in his honor, which is given annually to the top Division I men's basketball player in the country who also exhibits outstanding character and leadership abilities.
Remembering Bob Lanier
The news of Bob Lanier's passing has been met with an outpouring of love and support from the basketball community. Current and former players, coaches, and fans have taken to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of Lanier.
Many have praised Lanier not just for his basketball prowess, but also for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to helping others. He was truly a beloved figure both on and off the court.
As the basketball world mourns the loss of one of their own, we remember Bob Lanier for the impact he made on the sport and for the person he was off the court. His legacy will live on for years to come, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.