Dick Barnett, a two-time NBA champion and iconic figure in New York Knicks history, passed away peacefully in his sleep at an assisted living facility in Largo, Florida. He was 88.
Dick Barnett: A Trailblazer on the Court
Born on October 2, 1936, in Gary, Indiana, Barnett’s basketball journey began at Roosevelt High School. He later starred at Tennessee A&I College (now Tennessee State University), leading the Tigers to three consecutive NAIA national championships from 1957 to 1959. Barnett earned All-America honors each season and was named MVP of the NAIA Tournament in 1958 and 1959.
Selected sixth overall in the 1959 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals, Barnett’s professional career spanned 14 seasons, including stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks. He was known for his distinctive left-handed jump shot, often accompanied by his signature phrase, “Fall back, baby.”
Barnett joined the Knicks in 1965, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s championship victories in 1970 and 1973. He averaged 15.8 points per game over his NBA career, totaling 15,358 points. In 1968, he was selected as an NBA All-Star.
Beyond Basketball
After retiring from professional basketball, Barnett pursued higher education, earning a master’s degree from New York University and a doctorate in education from Fordham University. He later taught sports management at St. John’s University and authored over 20 books.
Barnett was instrumental in advocating for the recognition of his Tennessee A&I team, which became the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to win a national basketball championship. His efforts culminated in the team’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
In 2024, Barnett himself was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
The New York Knicks honored Barnett by retiring his No. 12 jersey in 1990, a testament to his impact on the franchise. Teammate Bill Bradley once remarked, “He was one of the greatest shooters, I think, to ever play the game.”
Barnett’s contributions to basketball and education have left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of athletes and scholars alike.