Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics
NASHVILLE — Former HBCU basketball standout at Tennessee State, (then Tennessee A&I) and New York Knicks legend Dick Barnett has received one of basketball’s highest honors for his stellar NBA career by being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The 2024 class was announced in Phoenix at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.
Barnett established himself as a formidable force both in college and professional basketball. His remarkable career spanned from his college days at HBCU Tennessee A&I College to his achievements in the NBA.
During his tenure at Tennessee A&I College, Barnett played a pivotal role in leading the team to three consecutive NAIA national championship titles from 1957 to 1959. He garnered numerous accolades, including back-to-back championship MVP honors in 1958 and 1959. Barnett’s outstanding performance on the court earned him induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1986, along with several other prestigious honors. He was named an All-American three times during his time at TSU.
Following his collegiate success, Dick Barnett transitioned to the professional ranks as he was drafted in the first round, and showcased his talent with the Syracuse Nationals, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. He made significant contributions to the Knicks, helping the team secure two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.
He spent the last eight seasons of his 14-year NBA career with the New York Knicks of the NBA and represented the team in the 1968 All-Star Game. Barnett is the ninth-leading scorer in Knicks history (9,442) and is one of only a dozen to play at least 600 games in a New York uniform.
Throughout his illustrious career, Barnett distinguished himself as a skilled shooting guard known for his trademark “question mark” jump shot. His sharp wit and on-court prowess earned him the nickname “Fall Back Baby” from renowned Lakers announcer Chick Hearn. He finished is career with 15,358 points (15.8 ppg).
Barnett’s impact extended beyond his performance on the court, as evidenced by his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame alongside other esteemed basketball figures. The Knicks retired his No. 12, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame honored his 1957–59 Tigers squad in 2019.
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