He’s best known as a former NBA standout who made his mark playing both point guard and shooting guard across an impressive 8-year professional career. Throughout his time in the league, he suited up for several iconic teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets. During those years, he achieved remarkable success—earning a championship title and being selected as an All-Star three separate times. His talent wasn’t limited to the NBA; he also played in the ABA for the Virginia Squires during the 1970s, further showcasing his versatility and skill on the court.
Before fame took hold, he built a strong foundation through college basketball at the University of North Carolina. It was there that he truly began to shine, culminating in a major honor—being named the ACC’s Athlete of the Year in 1970. Growing up in the New York City area, he developed a deep love for the game while surrounded by a close-knit family that supported his journey every step of the way.
Now, beyond the stats and accolades, he embraces life as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. His legacy lives not just in the records he set, but in the values he continues to pass down through generations. He remains a respected figure, remembered not only for what he accomplished on the hardwood but also for the life he’s built off it.
He’s widely celebrated not just for his standout basketball skills, but also for the powerful mark he left on social justice and racial equality. When he arrived at North Carolina as a freshman in 1967, he made history by becoming the school’s first African-American basketball player to join the team. His journey was about more than just sports—it was a pivotal moment that opened doors for future generations. And throughout it all, he remained a symbol of courage and progress. He showed that athletes could be leaders both on and off the court, using their platform to inspire change. Indeed, he wasn’t just playing the game—he was helping to reshape it.