Walt Bellamy

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11 Mar 2024

Walt Bellamy

Walt Bellamy's contributions extended beyond the basketball court into his community involvement and advocacy work. He was actively engaged with organizations such as the NAACP, the Urban League, and the YMCA in the Atlanta area, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and community development. Bellamy served as a Goodwill Ambassador and was a member of the Executive Committee of the NAACP's Georgia State Conference, dedicating his time and efforts to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Bellamy also embraced the values of brotherhood and service upheld by the organization. Additionally, his familial connections, including his half-brother, professional boxer Ron Bellamy, underscored his ties to both his personal and professional spheres.
Upon his passing on November 2, 2013, at the age of 74, Walt Bellamy left behind a legacy of excellence on the basketball court and a legacy of service and advocacy in his community. He was survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen Hollie Ragland Bellamy, his son Derrin Bellamy, and two grandsons. His burial at Atlanta's South-View Cemetery marked the end of a remarkable journey, leaving behind memories of his remarkable contributions to both the sport of basketball and the community he served.

Walt Bellamy's participation as the starting center on the gold medal-winning 1960 American basketball team at the 1960 Summer Olympics showcased his talent on the international stage. The American squad, comprised of 10 out of 12 college players, emerged undefeated, laying the groundwork for future professional careers in the NBA for many of its members.
Among his teammates were notable basketball talents such as Terry Dischinger, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry Lucas, all of whom would go on to have illustrious careers in the NBA. This remarkable gathering of talent not only secured Olympic gold but also foreshadowed the impact these players would have on the professional basketball landscape in the years to come.
The 1960 Olympic team's success, coupled with the subsequent achievements of its members in the NBA, further solidified Bellamy's place in basketball history and underscored the depth of talent and skill present within the American basketball program during that era.

Walt Bellamy's NBA career was nothing short of remarkable, marked by numerous accolades and outstanding achievements. Selected as the first overall draft pick in 1961, Bellamy wasted no time making his mark in the league. His rookie season was particularly exceptional, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1962.
During his rookie campaign, Bellamy showcased his scoring prowess by averaging an impressive 31.6 points per game, the second-highest average for a rookie in NBA history behind only Wilt Chamberlain. Additionally, his rebounding ability was outstanding, averaging 19 rebounds per game, which ranks third among all rookies in NBA history. Bellamy's remarkable rookie season also saw him lead the league in field goal percentage, further highlighting his efficiency and dominance on the court.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bellamy continued to excel, displaying his scoring and rebounding prowess consistently. One of his standout performances came in the 1964–65 season when he scored 30 points and grabbed an astounding 37 rebounds in a single game, demonstrating his dominance in the paint.

Bellamy's journey in the NBA saw him play for several teams, including the Chicago Packers/Baltimore Bullets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and New Orleans Jazz. His durability and longevity in the league were exemplified during the 1968–69 season when he set a still-standing record for NBA games played in a single season with 88, a testament to his endurance and commitment to the game.
By the time Bellamy concluded his NBA career, he had amassed impressive career statistics, totaling 20,941 points and 14,241 rebounds. His outstanding contributions to the sport earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice – first in 1993 for his individual career accomplishments, and again in 2010 as a member of the 1960 United States men's Olympic basketball team.
Walt Bellamy's legacy in the NBA remains enduring, and his remarkable achievements continue to inspire basketball players and fans alike.

Walt Bellamy's contributions extended beyond the basketball court, as he dedicated himself to various social and community causes following his retirement from the NBA. Active in organizations such as the NAACP, the Urban League, and the YMCA in the Atlanta area, Bellamy served as a Goodwill Ambassador and was a member of the Executive Committee of the NAACP's Georgia State Conference. His commitment to social justice and community involvement exemplified his desire to make a positive impact beyond the realm of sports.
As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Bellamy found camaraderie and continued his commitment to service through the fraternity's principles of brotherhood and leadership.
Bellamy's passing on November 2, 2013, marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to basketball excellence and community service. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen Hollie Ragland Bellamy, his son Derrin Bellamy, and two grandsons, Bellamy's legacy continues to be honored and remembered by those whose lives he touched. He was laid to rest at Atlanta's South-View Cemetery, where he rests in peace, leaving behind a lasting legacy both on and off the basketball court.