Rick Barry (Part 1)

Rick Barry is a legendary figure in basketball, having achieved remarkable success at the NCAA, ABA, and NBA levels. He stands out as one of the most prolific scorers and all-around players in the sport's history.
Barry's accomplishments are truly exceptional. He is the only player to lead the NCAA, ABA, and NBA in points per game in a single season, showcasing his scoring prowess across different leagues. His scoring records in the ABA, both in the regular season and postseason, remain unmatched, highlighting his dominance in that league. Additionally, his scoring average of 36.3 points per game in the NBA Finals stands as a testament to his ability to perform on the biggest stage.


One of Barry's signature traits was his unconventional underhand free throw technique, which contributed to his outstanding free throw shooting. His remarkable career free throw percentage ranks among the best in both the ABA and NBA history, reflecting his dedication to mastering this aspect of the game.
In recognition of his contributions to basketball, Barry has received numerous accolades. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. Additionally, he was honored as one of the greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.


Beyond his individual achievements, Barry's legacy extends to his family. He is the father of several former professional basketball players, including Brent Barry, Jon Barry, Drew Barry, and Scooter Barry, as well as current player Canyon Barry. His wife, Lynn Norenberg Barry, also made her mark in basketball, becoming the first female athlete to have her jersey number retired at the College of William & Mary.
Rick Barry's impact on basketball is enduring, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.


Rick Barry's journey in basketball began in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he was born, and continued in nearby Roselle Park, a middle-class urban community. His early exposure to basketball came through playing with the varsity team as a fifth-grader, under the guidance of his father, Aldo, who coached the team. Despite his early involvement in basketball, Barry's talent shone brightest in baseball during his youth.
Barry's admiration for New York Giants legend Willie Mays, who wore the iconic jersey number 24, left a lasting impression on him. In tribute to Mays, Barry adopted the same number for his basketball career, symbolizing his respect and admiration for the baseball icon.
In 1962, Barry graduated from Roselle Park High School, marking the culmination of his formative years in sports in New Jersey. His experiences during this time would lay the foundation for his future success in basketball, shaping him into the legendary player he would become.


Rick Barry's collegiate career flourished at the University of Miami, where he found a perfect match for his playing style in the up-tempo, pro-style system led by head coach Bruce Hale. Despite receiving numerous scholarship offers, Barry chose Miami due to its system that complemented his athleticism and skill set. During his time at Miami, Barry not only excelled on the court but also found love, as he met his future wife, Pamela, who happened to be the daughter of the head coach.
In the 1964–65 season, Barry showcased his scoring prowess by leading the NCAA with an impressive average of 37.4 points per game. However, despite his individual success, Barry and his teammates were unable to participate in the NCAA Tournament due to the Hurricanes' program being on probation at the time.
Following his standout college career, Barry was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors with the second overall pick in the 1965 NBA draft. His contributions to the University of Miami basketball program were duly recognized when he was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1976. Additionally, Barry's jersey number 24 was retired by the Hurricanes, a testament to his lasting impact on the program.


Rick Barry made an immediate impact in the NBA upon joining the San Francisco Warriors. In his first season, he helped lead the team to a significant improvement, nearly doubling their win total from the previous year and bringing them into playoff contention until the final game of the regular season. Barry's standout performance in the All-Star Game during his second season further solidified his status as a rising star, as he erupted for 38 points against a formidable East team featuring legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, and Bill Russell.


Throughout the 1965–66 season, Barry's remarkable skills earned him the nickname "Miami Greyhound" due to his long and slender physique, quickness, and keen instincts. He was honored with the NBA Rookie of the Year Award after averaging an impressive 25.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. The following season, Barry continued his stellar play by winning the NBA All-Star Game MVP award and leading the league in scoring with an outstanding 35.6 points per game, which remains one of the highest averages in NBA history.
Despite battling an injured left knee that required cortisone shots on game days, Barry showcased his resilience and dominance during the 1967 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite ultimately losing the series, Barry's remarkable performance earned him widespread acclaim, as he averaged an astonishing 40.8 points per game, setting an NBA Finals record that stood for three decades. His ability to excel despite facing multiple defenders drew praise from basketball greats like Wilt Chamberlain, who attested to Barry's unmatched talent and impact on the court.

References

1.  "Rick Barry". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on March 17, 2010. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
2. ^ "Hall of Famers". Basketball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 16, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2009.
3. ^ "NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced". NBA.com. October 21, 2021. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
4. ^ The Ultimate New Jersey High School Year Book. 1998.
5. ^ Deford, Frank (August 14, 1967). "The education of Mr. Barry". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
6. ^ "Warriors Upheld on Option Clause; Court Rules Barry is Bound to Club One More Year". The New York Times. United Press International. August 9, 1967. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
7. ^ Hollander, Dave (November 24, 2013). "Big Jerk, Bigger Hero". Slate. Archived from the original on November 26, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
8. ^ "Barry Accepts $500,000 Contract; He Quits N.B.A. for 3-Year Pact With Oakland Five". The New York Times. June 21, 1967. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
9. ^ "Yes, Rick, there is a Virginia". SI.com. August 24, 1970. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
10. ^ "Judge Orders Nets' Barry to Honor 5-Year Warriors' Pact He Signed in 1969". The New York Times. June 24, 1972. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
11. ^ "Rick Barry Returns To The Warriors". diva.sfsu.edu. KRON-TV. Archived from the original on July 12, 2019. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
12. ^ "Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors Box Score, March 26, 1974". Basketball-Reference. March 23, 2020. Archived from the original on March 23, 2020. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
13. ^ "Sit Up And Take Notice". CNN. January 18, 1982. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
14. ^ "Barry to Coach" (AP). The New York Times. October 30, 1992. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
15. ^ "Rick Barry's first foray into coaching ended..." Los Angeles Times. December 21, 1992. Retrieved December 18, 2023.