That year, he was the First-Team All-New York In Game 2 of the 1967 NBA Finals, Cunningham scored 28 points during a 126-95 win over the San Francisco Warriors.[3]. He had tested thousands of Navy pilots during the war, and he said Griffiths was the highest he ever measured.. Now an NBA journeyman, Dawkins came into the NBA in 1975, straight out of high school, billed as the center of the future. He was a tough, intense, competitive player who used his intelligence as much as his physical talents. Theres not room for both of us. The next day Red let Rabbit go. The ABA folded after that season, but the slam-off was such a hit with the media that the concept was eventually ripped off by the NBA. Billy Cunningham, Actor: You've Got to Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat. billy cunningham vertical jump. VIDEO: Giant Space Slingshot In Action. ." Legends profile: Billy Cunningham | NBA.com home/away, monthly, etc More Billy Cunningham Basketball Reference pages, Compare Billy Cunningham to other players. I get a rebound and Im driving up the floor, ready to go coast to coast. Yes, 44. Sure, Casper and friends tend to dominate less vertically challenging sports like golf, hockey, and tennis, but they have also held their own on the floorboards. We sure are glad he picked basketball! [8] For his career, he scored 16,310 points, grabbed 7,981 rebounds, and recorded 3,305 assists in both the NBA and the ABA. June 12, 2022 . Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. The Cougars had finished last the previous season, but with Brown and Cunningham inspiring the team, the Cougars finished first. Hey, a sportswriter dunks. He had wide shoulders--he was built like Orlando (Woolridge), 6-7 or 6-8. Fiery and volatile, he would pace the sidelines, driving his team relentlessly. Then an All-Star. As if this wasnt impressive enough, it was during a practice with the LA Lakers about a month after the Combine that he flew up 46 inches, creating a new pre-draft record. Vertical Jump Not a Priority for NBA's All-Time Top 50 Players June 3, One of basketball's all-time greats, Cunningham was elected to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and honored by selection to both the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams as one of its legendary players, as well as to the ABA All-Time Team. I see kids in the eighth grade, kids 5-11, dunking behind their heads, said Rod Thorn, former National Basketball Assn. The soaring flight of the great leaper is amazing, even to himself. (February 22, 2023). Encyclopedia.com. Dawkins named it, Chocolate Thunder Flying, Robinzine Crying, Teeth Shaking, Glass Breaking, Rump Roasting, Bun Toasting, Wham, Bam, Glass Breaker, I Am Jam.. They were like jazz musicians in sneakers. After that season, Cunningham jumped from the NBA to the ABA with the Carolina Cougars. His entire head and neck were above the rim. It was so good that Cunningham, a future Hall of Famer, came off the bench. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Look up. Connie Hawkins, another of the elite leapers of that era, was blackballed from the NBA because of involvement with gamblers when he was in college. In the exhibition season he was assigned to bring the ball up the court against Bostons K.C. People think, mistakenly in most cases, that they could hit a baseball, Costas says. why did michael jackson wrote heal the world; lionel richie las vegas 2022 "Rubin Quits L. I. U. to Pilot 76ers,", Goldaper, Sam. Airy, Maryland. ." But while Cunningham was reaching his peak, the 76ers were beginning to crumble. Terrell Owens Gets Into Fight Outside CVS. Anybodv can win the lottery.. He is still the winningest coach in Sixers history. So maybe his African American genes are a little stronger than his Caucasian ones after all? Billy Cunningham was a standout scorer for the Philadelphia 76ers. Somebody done gotcha. But man, that was sweet music. The soaring flight of the great leaper is amazing, even to himself. These are true royalty: Sir Jamalot, Sir Slam, the Prince of Midair. As a rookie in 1965-66, he pulled down 7.5 rpg, scored 14.3 ppg and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. For his college career he averaged 24.8 points per game and set a school record with 1,062 rebounds. Has Joey Johnson simply outleaped the game of basketball? Chamberlain played for the Globetrotters in the 58-59 season and said: Jumpin Joe Buckhalter and I would line up on opposite sides of the free throw lane when Meadowlark Lemon was shooting a free throw. I was right there and it wasnt a foot. The following season, with the ABAs future in jeopardy, Cunningham returned to the 76ers. Jump to navigation Jump to search Billy Cunningham American basketball player and coach. Buffman and Cunningham decided to team up in the venture, and they brought in Lewis Schaffel and Ted Arison. Billy Cunningham is an American former professional basketball player and coach, who was nicknamed the Kangaroo Kid. [6] He announced on June 15, 1972, that he was going to play with the Cougars beginning with the upcoming season at press conferences in Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina which occurred almost simultaneous to the Sixers' introduction of Roy Rubin as its new head coach.[7]. He is six feet seven inches tall. Robinson, David 1965 Stanford's 6-4 Todd Lichti is a big-time leaper, regardless of race, creed or color. 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Bill Cunningham - 700WLW [14] He then returned for one last year to help cover the 1991 NCAA men's basketball tournament, partnered with Dick Stockton once again. Thats a white head, remember. Joey made the trip but was nursing a hip pointer, so he couldnt suit up. And some colleges and pro teams were not ready to take chances on what went along with those guys. Billy Cunningham Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images No question, the mystique of the superleaper remains. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. My sergeant was higher than Jordans. Browse 1,052 billy cunningham stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Cunningham was subsequently replaced on CBS by Hubie Brown, but would return to CBS to help fill in during the 1990 NBA Playoffs, partnered with Verne Lundquist. Almost always the feat involves money--claims that the player could grab a dollar bill off the top of the board, or could pluck off a quarter and leave two dimes and a nickel change. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/cunningham-william-john-billy, "Cunningham, William John ("Billy") Since his slamming days in the NBA, hes continued with the sport as a scout, director, analyst, commentator, and even vice president of player personnel. Top 15 NBA Players Who Prove That White Men CAN Jump - TheSportster Billy Cunningham was born in the Parkville section of Brooklyn, New York. Legends abound of the truly great leapers who could touch the top of the board. Yes, he married a former judge. The Smooth Criminal, as he was called when he played for Spain, didnt stick with the NBA for too long, but sure made an impact. They annihilated the opposition all season and finished with a 68-13 record. Billy Cunningham was born in New York on June 3, 1943. Though he portrayed a large woman in "You have to Walk it like . These men have their own ancient orders, such as Phi Slama Jama, the mythical fraternity created during the 1982-83 college season by Houston scribe Thomas Bonk, now a Times writer, to honor the dunk-happy University of Houston Cougars. Daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Billy Cunningham jumps into action during If accurate, that would have put him as the 10th-highest max vertical leaper (not standing, but with a short running start) in the NBA Draft, just behind Grayson Allen's number of 40.5 inches. Bill Cunningham | Premiere Networks After Chamberlain left the team in 1968, Cunningham became the 76ers' franchise player. That Feb. 8, the ABA trotted out its five best slammers. The 76ers lost to the Lakers in 1980 and 1982, but after acquiring Moses Malone, they finally got past the Lakers in 1983, winning the franchise's third (and most recent) NBA Championship as part of a 121 playoff run. "It's a remarkable life.". It was legendary, however, and cemented young Majerle as one of the best white dunkers of all time. Billy Cunningham 76ers Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images He played 80 games, primarily as a sixth man, while averaging 14.3 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts and maps, Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives, Thematic Series: Sports Figures. Watch even half of any of his highlight reels and youll understand why he made this list. It sure did make me feel good inside.. Upon graduation, his 1,062 rebounds were the best in North Carolina history and he held single-season records for most rebounds (379 in 1964) and rebound average (16.1 in 1963). You dont play with a red, white and blue ball if youre into dignity. In the NBA, where everyone can dunk--you wouldnt even want to rule out David Stern--there are really only a few top guns. It didnt make no difference to him.. 1943 I lived there that summer, he later recalled. This guy wasnt a leaper, but it will show you what I mean. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. He was with the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers for 17 years . . billy cunningham vertical jump - ingenioemprendedor.com His performance in the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest was nothing less than stellar, and some say he was robbed of the chance to move to the next round. CREATIVE. He was twice named an All-American during his collegiate years. But who has seen him? . In the 19691970 season he averaged a career high of 26.1 points, the fourth highest in the league, and was again selected as an All-Star. Also, his dunk on Dwight Howard during the 2008 Olympic finals was unreal. One of the more recent players on this list, Chris Birdman Anderson is known for his celebratory arm flapping and his intriguing tattoos. In The Finals, however, Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin Magic Johnson, Jamaal Wilkes and the Lakers were too much. For his eleven-year career, Cunningham averaged 21.2 points per game. Known as 'The Kangaroo Kid,' Billy Cunningham was a high-flying scorer who won an NBA title as a player and coach with the 76ers. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame :: Billy Cunningham There are two other pure measurements of leap--the dunk and the top of the money exchange. It was those antsy feet that made him unstoppable, resulting in his inclusion on 10 All-Star Games, achieving the 1952 All-Star Game MVP, and nabbing 5 MVP Award shares. Keith Smart always reported he had a 44. A fabulous collegian and pro player Cunningham shot to stardom when he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1966. Detroits Adrian Dantley, 6-foot-4, and Clevelands Phil Hubbard, 6-8, were the only front-court starters to go through the season dunkless. Its almost like burlesque dancing. Last season, there were 5,757 NBA dunks by 246 players. Could this be Gods way of telling us its time to raise the hoop? Pregame warmups were his showtime. Billy can jump up to 29-31 inches (vertical leap). When I went to Kansas, they had a 12-foot basket in the gym, because Dr. Phog Allen was advocating the 12-foot basket. His shooting skills may be what he is best remembered for, but his vertical leaps were nothing to sneeze at: he made 28 inches on more than one occasion. As the NBA celebrates it's 75th Anniversary Season, get to know dozens of star players who helped make the NBA what it is today. A commitment to the basic fundamentals of any game lead to progress, growth, and success. and inspired headlines everywhere to scream White Men CAN Jump! Seriously, though. Not only could he dunk, but he had a serious white boy swagger. Instant green. These are two very, very different kinds of feathered friends. He led the Cougars to the best record in the league and was selected to the All-ABA First Team and was named the ABA MVP. Billy Cunningham - Basketball-Reference.com Here's a number: 44 inches. The other measurement of leap is the money exchange at the top of the backboard, which is exactly 13 feet above the floor and three feet above the rim. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Do you have a blog? William John "Billy" Cunningham was born on June 3, 1943. Billy Cunningham of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a jump shot against the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1968 at the Boston Garden in Boston,. I made a left turn at the baseline, flew under the basket to the other side, put it through his arms, and dunked it with two hands over my head. Lets add Billy Hoyle as an honourary #16 to this list, shall we? Hes set records for leading the NBA in dunks during his very first year playing pro. He was elected to the Hall of Fame the following year. Chris Wallace, the college talent scout, said: I dont believe measurements. We present them here for purely educational purposes. I defy anyone to say they took change off the top of the backboard, Chamberlain said. Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. I got fired up and did a 360 dunk. It's like walking on air. Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives, Thematic Series: Sports Figures. He was a competitor, said Lewis Schaffel, one of Cunninghams partners in the Miami Heat who grew up with him in Brooklyn. Then he transferred to Arizona State, clashed with then-coach Steve Patterson and wound up quitting the team. I cant put my finger on it exactly, but there was just something about the game. White, also known as the Elevator from Decatur, made the NBA all-time all-warmup team that one season. Billy Cunningham weighed 210 lbs (95 kg) when playing. Nobody ever played the game could rise any better than Jackie. He was a five-time All Star, 1972-73 MVP, and received recognition for numerous goals, throws, rebounds, and assist plays. He came up with four: Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Spud Webb and Clyde (the Glide) Drexler. [10] In October 2021, he was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.[11]. In todays semifinals, folks, well see Gary (Up in the Airy) Coleman vs. Bea (the Flea) Arthur, and Jumpin Johnny Carson vs. Pogo Stick Peter Jennings. In 1966-67, the 76ers dominated the NBA. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. I said to myself, Ive got to try. I angled to the right. In the 197374 season, Cunningham and the Cougars finished third in the Eastern Division and lost again to the Kentucky Colonels in the Eastern Division semifinals. In those eight seasons, the team posted a 454-196 record, reached three NBA Finals and captured a championship in 1983. Known as "The Kangaroo Kid," Billy Cunningham was a high-flying scorer who won an NBA title as a player and coach with the 76ers. After that season, Cunningham jumped from the NBA to the ABA with the Carolina Cougars. If you play the game, you know how high that is. He stood below the basket, no run, just jumped straight up with his arms at his sides, flipped his head sideways and dunked his cap.. Midway through the previous season the club had acquired Wilt Chamberlain from the San Francisco Warriors, and in his first full campaign with the Sixers, he helped them to the Eastern Division title. Mitch Kupchak witnessed a similar jump-off among 6-4 David Thompson, 6-9 Marvin Barnes and 7-4 Tom Burleson. Cunningham left CBS Sports the following season to join the Miami Heat expansion franchise as a minority owner; he ultimately sold his interest of the Heat on August 12, 1994. billy cunningham vertical jump Soon Greer would be alone. Ive never felt another feeling like it, being able to go up in the air, over someone much bigger, and stay up there. Retrieved February 22, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/cunningham-william-john-billy. However, the date of retrieval is often important. Skywalker, Helicopter, Elevator, Clyde the Glide, Air Jordan, the Hawk, Rodan, Pogo Joe, Honeycomb, Sidecar, the Big Dipper, the Human Highlight Film, Sky King, Kangaroo Kid. Okay, so LaVine is technically not 100% Caucasian. The legendary player and coach was named the ABA MVP for the 1972-73 season. Effortless, absolutely effortless.. Current Grand Canyon Antelopes coach and the Phoenix Suns favourite former shooting guard/small forward is an NBA All Star, an Olympian, and World Team member. He finished well out of the running--or jumping--when he clanged at least one attempt off the rim. No. After acquiring the talented Moses Malone for the 19821983 season, Philadelphia won sixty-five regular season games and then the league championship, losing one of thirteen play-off games. And despite the proliferation of dunkers, there is a very elite group of leapers. However, you can take all the sergeant numbers of all the jumping jacks, put the numbers in a manure spreader and sprinkle them on your lawn or garden. Artis (A-Train) Gilmore, George (Ice) Gervin and Larry (Big Cat) Kenon all dunked admirably. Carolina lost to the Kentucky Colonels in the Eastern Division rinals, but Cunninghams regular-season performance earned him the ABA MVP. He rises to the highest level of broadcasting. billy cunningham vertical jump - oumi-castle.net Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? I was a good free throw shooter in college.. Hes also not 100% African American, though, which means he doesnt automatically have insane jumping genes. Billy Cunningham was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Player in 1986 (Full List) They were a winning team the next two seasons but could not repeat as champions, and Cunningham retired after the 19841985 season. Very easily.. In 1996 he was voted one of the top fifty players at the NBA's fiftieth anniversary. On 6 May 1986 Cunningham was elected into the NBA Hall of Fame, as one of its ten initial inductees. Thats the outer space were dealing with today, the sky above the hoop, the rare air inhabited by only a select group of humans, the legendary leapers. Billy Cunningham (Billy; The Kangaroo Kid) Position: Forward 6-6 , 210lb (198cm, 95kg) School: North Carolina (Men) Draft: Philadelphia 76ers, 1st round (7th pick, 7th overall), 1965 NBA draft SUMMARY Career G 69 PTS 24.8 TRB 15.4 AST - FG% 47.3 FT% 62.8 Cunningham Overview More Cunningham Pages More Cunningham pages at Sports Reference One boy did dunks of a monster nature, so they named him after the only monster they knew that could fly--Rodan. In fact, he set the record for most blocks and field goal percentage in a season at his high school, Linganore High in Mt. We ask the player to stand next to a wall, flat-footed, one arm stretched to its maximum, and mark the apex of his fingers. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Philadelphia fans showed surprisingly little bitterness toward Cunningham, who rewarded them with 19.5 ppg in 1974-75. Pitchin Paul is credited as being one of the first basketball players to ever use the jump shot. In warmups, we would always check out the other team and get into little contests with their guys. They asked him to show how high he could jump, so with no warmup of any kind, in his school clothes, Joey stood there, jumped up and put his chin on the rim. Unlike Thompson, a huge star at North Carolina State, Dr. J kind of sneaked up on the basketball world. (b. His show was not heard during the summer months, when WLW broadcasts Cincinnati Reds baseball games. Youre entering another world up there. Thats about half the height of Michael Jordan. //]]>. Cunningham also set a single-game North Carolina record with 48 points against Tulane on December 10, 1964. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. [9] In 1996, Cunningham was voted as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History as part of the NBA's 50th Anniversary. His list of honors continued in 1986 when he was elected to the Hall of Fame, in 1990 when he was one of the 10 initial inductees to the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame and in 1996, he was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. A lot of them, you have to understand, werent able to get into college, Chamberlain said.