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Rick Barry The Free Spirit of Basketball

Basketball Hall of Fame | Rick Barry The Free Spirit of Basketball

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Calling all Hoops fans! Prepare to step onto the hallowed court of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Over the next series of posts, we'll be honoring the elite few, the immortals who have carved their names into the very fabric of the sport.

These are the players – the sky-walking slam dunkers, the silky smooth shooters, the defensive titans – whose brilliance, dedication, and impact on the game have earned them a place among basketball royalty. The few legendary players of thousands that are held in such high esteem that they are forever remembered in the museum of basketball greats.

From the pioneers who laid the groundwork on dusty playgrounds to the modern marvels redefining the game on the global stage, the Hall of Fame boasts a pantheon of legends. We'll delve into their remarkable stories and bios.


Rick Barry The Free Spirit of Basketball

Rick Barry's basketball journey is a captivating tale of unorthodoxy, exceptional talent, and unwavering self-belief. From his unconventional free throw technique to his dominance on the court, Barry left an indelible mark on the game. This essay explores his rise from a troubled youth to a prolific scorer, his college and professional career, and his involvement with basketball after retirement.

A Rough Start and Early Promise: Born in 1944, Barry's childhood was marked by instability. He moved frequently and faced academic challenges. However, basketball offered him an escape. Barry possessed a natural talent for the game, showcasing a smooth shooting stroke and a fierce competitive spirit. He honed his skills at Vaughan High School in New Jersey, leading his team to state championships and earning a scholarship to the University of Miami.

College Stardom and Controversial Exit

With the Hurricanes, Barry blossomed into a national sensation. He led the U to some great seasons. Despite his individual brilliance, Miami fell short of the championship. Barry's unconventional free throw technique – underhand – became a subject of national conversation, adding to his unique persona.

A Move to the ABA and Scoring Exploits

After graduation, Rick was Drafted by the NBA's San Francisco Warriors. He played two seasons there until jumping ship to the American Basketball Association (ABA), a rival league to the established NBA. He signed with the Oakland Oaks, leading them to the 1969 ABA championship and establishing himself as a scoring machine. Barry's free throw technique remained a point of contention, but his accuracy was undeniable. He holds the record for the highest free throw percentage in a single ABA season (93.8% in 1970).

NBA Arrival and Continued Success

When the ABA and NBA merged in 1976, Barry finally returned to the league he initially spurned. He joined the Washington Bullets and immediately became their offensive focal point. Barry led the Bullets to the 1978 NBA Finals, averaging a then-Finals record 40.6 points per game. While they ultimately fell short of a championship, Barry cemented his legacy as one of the game's greatest scorers. He retired in 1980, holding the record for most career points scored in the ABA and NBA combined.

Life After Basketball

Following his retirement, Barry remained connected to the game. He served as a commentator, coach, and co-founded the American Basketball League (ABL) in the 1990s. While his ventures outside of playing didn't achieve the same level of success, they showcased his continued passion for basketball.

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In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 22. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.

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November 21

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In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 21. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.

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Vernon Earl "Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe" was an American professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection. Monroe wa...

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Born: November 20, 1944 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Weight: 175 lb (80 kg) Position: Guard Teams: Kentucky Colonels (ABA) (1967–1976) San Antonio Spurs (NBA) (1976–1979) Career highlights: ABA All-Star (1968–1976...

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The Brooklyn Nets franchise has a long and storied history, dating back to its founding 1967 as the New Jersey Americans. Over the years, the team has had multiple great players, including some of the biggest names in NBA history. In this article, we will look at the best Brooklyn Nets players of a...

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November 20

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In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 20. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.

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