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. DeBusschere is one of 13 athletes to have played in both the NBA and MLB. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Dave Debusschere will celebrate 83rd birthday on Monday, 16th of October 2023. Learn more and register. October 16, 1940: Dave DeBusschere was born. DeBusschere was a talented baseball player as well. An American. DeBusschere was a three-time consensus All-American under coach Bob Calihan during his career with the Titans (1960-62) and remains one of the most beloved figures in University athletic annals. The Hall of Famer became the assistant coach and director of basketball operation of the Knicks during the 1980s. Dave DeBusschere was born in Detroit, Michigan. He labored for almost three seasons at the helm before he was replaced by Donnis Butcher after the 1966-67 season. The physical DeBusschere was indeed the final piece in the Knicks championship puzzle. "In basketball (NBA player for 12 years), for one, the statistics don't mean a thingthere is no real value in that scoresheet. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. The Flyers (22-3) won both regular . According to the NBA, DeBusschere collapsed on a Manhattan street and passed away at NYU Downtown Hospital. "As a player, coach, general manager, and ABA commissioner, Dave DeBusschere was a winner," NBA commissioner David Stern said. Back at the hotel. Limping up and down the floor, he nevertheless scored the Knicks first two baskets and inspired the team to a 113-99 victory. ", "Dave DeBusschere was a loyal friend, an unselfish teammate and a quality human being," said former U.S. senator Bill Bradley, his longtime roommate. On May 14, 2003, he collapsed while walking in Lower. Dave DeBusschere was drafted by Detroit Pistons, 1st round (4th pick, 4th overall), 1962 NBA Draft (territorial selection). People of this zodiac sign like harmony, gentleness, sharing with others, the outdoors, and dislike violence, injustice, loudmouths, conformity. Dave Debusschere's Life Path Number is 22 as per numerology. 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. Dave Debusschere was born on the 16th of October, 1940. 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. All Birth, Marriage & Death results for debusschere. Dave Debusschere Career Highlights - KNICKS LEGEND! Like Bradley, he also excelled at sneaking behind picks to find an opening from where he could pop a 5-foot jumper. Over the years I commiserated with Dave about the way the Garden treated him when he was G.M. The next year he was traded to the Knicks. Updated: May 15, 5:12 PM ET. He was above the petty things in life, and he wasn't impressed easily. He played college basketball for the University of Detroit and was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1962. By Hal Bock DeBusschere's four sisters Marcia, Sharon, Barbara and Judy, all of whom live in the Detroit area were also in attendance aboard the Ovation yacht that evening. A native of Detroit, DeBusschere starred in basketball and baseball at the University of Detroit. If he can get the rebounds and play good defense, we got the other guys on this team who can shoot. He played for the Chicago White Sox of MLB in 1962 and 1963 and in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons from 1962 through 1968 and for the New York Knicks from 1968 to 1974. We could hear him shout. I can remember those nights on the road in late February. He and Bradley formed a brilliant front court surrounding center Willis Reed, an inductee last year. Some of the most moving and brilliant speeches ever made occur at funerals. May 14, 2003 - Dave DeBusschere passed away. No excuses. Dave Debusschere was a Libra and was born in the Silent Generation. In addition to their two championships, they played in the N.B.A. DeBusschere will always be remembered for what he did on and off the court. championship in 1970 and 1973. He was also the head coach for the Pistons from 1964 through 1967. The Nets, who were defending champions, were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs that season. Detroit Pistons, 1st round (4th pick, 4th overall), 1962 NBA Draft (territorial selection), Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 1983 (Full List), More Dave DeBusschere pages at Sports Reference. ''Sure, it says that so-and-so had 30 points and 15 rebounds, but it certainly doesn't show that the man he was guarding may have scored 40 points.''. He was 62 years of age. cause of death. "He was the difference in turning a team that was mediocre around," Frazier said. Detroit Mercy, High School: In 1996 he was named one of the 50 greatest playersin NBA history. [5], In his honor, the University of Detroit Mercy inaugurated the Dave DeBusschere Scholarship in 2003. As we were coming out of the water, we found a lone man, laying on a towel. DeBusschere was our Holy Grail, Knicks coach William Red Holzman later revealed in his book,A View from the Bench. If so, the plan worked. Playing 12 seasons in the N.B.A., DeBusschere was an All-Star eight times and was named to the all-N.B.A. I can remember those nights on the road in late February. 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. "His strength, dedication and modesty lay at the core of our great Knick teams. He was a famous man who didnt think he was famous, he never put on any airs, DiGarbo said. His chief role with the Knicks, however, was to collect key rebounds and shut down the opposing teams best forward. 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. In 1964, he was appointed player-coach of the Pistons at the tender age of 24. A defensive catalyst, DeBusschere put his coaching experience to good use for New York, leading a smart, cagey Knicks unit that sacrificed individual achievements for team goals. I think I have done that bit', BAFTA acceptance, Leading Actress - 2019, Axel Scheffler: 'The book wasn't called 'No Room on the Broom! In contrast to Frazier and Bradley, DeBusschere was a regular guy a plain-spoken working stiff who enjoyed drinking beers in the locker room after games. Dave, his face drawn from the long season; and Willis, with his brow furrowed, and heating packs on each knee. ''Sometimes he'll score only 4 or 6 points in 40 minutes. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team in each of the awards first six years of existence. During the next two years, DeBusschere compiled a 25-9 record for Chicagos Class AAA Indianapolis farm club. The NBRPA established a scholarship fund in 1992 and renamed the fund to honor DeBusschere after his death. Edit your search or learn more. The pain was obvious. DeBusschere was interred at Saint Joseph's Church Cemetery in Garden City, Nassau County, New York. DeBusschere was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983. Im very sorry to hear that Dave passed away today, said the former Knick center, whose number 33 hangs in the Garden rafters along with DeBusscheres 22. With this 3 Dave DeBusschere become the latest Flyer to reach the 1000 point mark!! Hall of Fame NBA forward who was selected to 8 All-Star games and won 2 NBA Championships with the New York Knicks in the early 1970s; named to 6 straight NBA All-Defensive teams from 1969 to 1974. draft order -- in 1962. he still wouldn't wake up, but the snoring would stop. And they always did. ``There are too many games, Sure, you blew it tonight, but when it's over, it's over. In May 2003, DeBusschere collapsed on a Manhattan street from a heart attack and was pronounced dead at New York University Hospital. DeBusschere and some partners purchased Ring magazine in 1979.[14]. DeBusschere became a regular quickly on the Pistons, and in the off-season pitched for two years with the Chicago White Sox. In 1996, he was picked as one of the 50 greatest players in the league's first half-century. DeBusschere was average in size at 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, but he possessed a work ethic that was second to none. I never heard him talk about points. Venus is the planet of love, harmony, money and possessions. Draft Night in 85 Retirement Night in 03 pic.twitter.com/KspeKxTLMA. All Rights Reserved. As I looked at it, I was reminded of a time when we were all younger, and there was a magic about life. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Every year the Knicks tried to pry him loose from Detroit but were continually rebuffed. Rarely can words express it. draft lottery and picked Patrick Ewing as the No. In honor of the former basketball great, UDM inaugurated the Dave DeBusschere Scholarship following his passing in 2003. Live Death Statistics Worldwide and The United States. In 1996, he was named one of the 50 greatest players in the league's first half-century. 1940 . It was in that role that he won the first NBA draft lottery and picked Ewing as the No. Scroll below and check our most recent updates about Dave Debusschere Net . He was reportedly unhappy that Chicago hadnt kept him on the major league roster that spring. Until last Wednesday, one of the most enjoyable things in life was talking basketball with Dave DeBusschere. He was previously married to Geri Warnock. Buried: St. Joseph Church Cemetery, Garden City, NY High School: Austin Catholic HS (Detroit, MI) School: University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI) . In 2003 he suffered a tragic death that shocked the NBA world. We've received your submission. Jon Perez It was of Dave driving to the basket, the ball in his left hand, legs sturdy, shoulders strong, shock of dark hair matted with sweat, and a face full of his unique determination. Walt Frazier's iconic performances in The Finals helped the Knicks capture NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. 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. Dave DeBusschere. He was a founder of the National Basketball Retired Players Association in 1992, following his playing days. Enjoyed this speech? Full Site Menu. > Dave DeBusschere. and he took off. In December 1968, Detroit finally agreed to send him to the Knicks in return for center Walt Bellamy and guard Howard Komives. It had been a tough game and our season was over. Over the years, DeBusscheres talents were coveted by a number of teams, but the New York Knicks were more persistent than most. DeBusschere was 21 years old when he broke into the big leagues on April 22, 1962, with the Chicago White Sox. I shared the pride that he and Geri felt as Michelle, Peter and Dennis grew into spectacular young adults. ''Dave was a blue-collar type of player who led by example with his tenacity on the court,'' Frazier said in a statement yesterday. Bucking tradition, DeBusschere decided to try his hand at both sports. 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]. I was scoring better, rebounding better, defending better and doing everything else better.. I'd say, ``Dave.'' View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Maintained by: Find a Grave As a rookie, he averaged 12.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and was named to the All-Rookie Team. Our game has lost an icon and the world has lost a good man.". For the Knicks, the big one happened 45 years ago next month, when they traded Walt Bellamy, an All-Star-caliber center, for Dave DeBusschere. He was known for being a Basketball Player. After one such evening when we got back to our room, Dave said, ``You know, I think Willis likes to hunt! He was a distinctive personality who went from the court to the front office to the Hall of Fame, youngest coach in league history, commissioner of the rival ABA and the general manager who picked Patrick Ewing for the Knicks in the NBA's first draft lottery. He averaged 24 points a game in basketball, helping Detroit reach the National Invitation Tournament twice and the NCAA basketball tournament once. At the age of 24, Dave DeBusschere made the remarkable transition to Player/Coach for the Detroit Pistons. Dave DeBusschere played 12 seasons for the Knicks and Pistons. The moment I heard the news last Wednesday, it was as if a lightning bolt hit my heart. When DeBusschere and Bradley were selected to the Hall of Fame, Bradley recalled his teammate's unselfish play. "He will be missed by all of us who knew him so well. He held nothing back. Eager to revamp the club, he wanted new players, and DeBusschere was the teams most marketable star. He attended Austin Catholic High School and led its basketball team to a state championship; was the star hurler on a baseball team that won the city championship and also pitched a local team to a national junior championship. How it felt to hear the roar of the Garden crowd, to know the satisfaction of a play well-executed, to feel the chills of winning a championship, to share the camaraderie, even brotherhood, of working in an environment of mutual trust, with people you respected, each of whom had the courage to take the last second shot. View Dave Debusschere results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest NBA players of All-Time. In college, he led the University of Detroit to three NCAA tournament berths as a pitcher. He continued to be a double-double machine for the Knicks, and in 1970, DeBusschere was a part of the Knicks team that won the NBA Finals as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers. During the 1968-69 season, he was traded to the New York Knicks after playing 29 games with the Pistons. 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. In 1962, he signed with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent. Former teammate Tom McCraw, now a coach with the Montreal Expos, remembered how DeBusschere embraced both baseball and basketball. We swam back to the boat, hid behind towels and watched as the man, his wife and kids behind him, ran back onto the beach. Congrats Dave! ''Dave DeBusschere is the complete basketball player,'' Holzman told John Devaney for a 1971 profile on DeBusschere in Sport magazine. Barely missing a beat, DeBusschere returned to baseball in 1963, and pitched the entire year with the White Sox, finishing 3-4 with a 3.09 ERA. He then helped the Knicks advance to the Eastern Division finals, which they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. I realize now there were things I wasnt mature enough to handle. The dark-haired, rugged-looking DeBusschere roamed the hardwood with a determined grimace, a set jaw, and a jersey drenched with perspiration. display: block; 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. We present them here for purely educational purposes. 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. We're not rats', Rectorial address, Glasgow University - 1972, For Geoffrey Tozer: 'I have to say we all let him down', by Paul Keating - 2009, for James Baldwin: 'Jimmy. A year later, he became the ABAs commissioner for the 1975-76 season. I always knew he was an outstanding player, but not this good. ''Both of us, Dave and I, were most interested in the success of the group, much more than individual success,'' Bradley said. Data Provided By DeBusschere averaged 16.1 points a game for his pro career and pulled down 9,618 rebounds. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Dave DeBusschere left all of himself on the court every game. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. 4 Holy Trinity, 71-56, in the CHSAA semifinals. On occasion, Dave, Willis and I would go to dinner on the road, and Willis would begin telling hunting stories--what weapons he used, where he used them and what the weather was, how be tracked the animals, what his gear consisted of, the angle at which he shot with his gun, or his bow and arrow, and so forth. Dave DeBusschere Birthday and Date of Death. As the NBA and ABA start play, teams like the Knicks will be taking their last bows. DeBusschere also displayed uncommon maturity for a rookie. We will continue to update information on Dave Debusscheres parents. I didnt realize he was as good as he was until we got him, Holzman said. Dave DeBusschere David Albert DeBusschere (Big D) Born: October 16, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan Died: May 14, 2003 (Aged 62-210d) High School: Austin Catholic in Detroit, Michigan College: Detroit Mercy Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 1983 ( Full List) As Player: 875 G, 16.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.9 APG ( Full Record) One night, Dave caught an elbow in the face that broke his nose. He may have looked like a bruiser, but he was smart, analytical and cool-headed on the court.