Willie Wise

Willie M. Wise (born March 3, 1947) is an American former professional basketball player.

Willie Wise
Wise being guarded by New York Nets player Julius Erving.
Personal information
Born (1947-03-03) March 3, 1947
San Francisco, California
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High schoolBalboa (San Francisco, California)
College
NBA draft1969 / Round: 5 / Pick: 64th overall
Selected by the San Francisco Warriors
Playing career1969–1977
PositionSmall forward
Number42
Career history
19691974Los Angeles / Utah Stars
19741976Virginia Squires
1976–1977Denver Nuggets
1977Seattle SuperSonics
Career highlights and awards
Career ABA and NBA statistics
Points9,727 (17.6 ppg)
Rebounds4,578 (8.3 rpg)
Assists1,594 (2.9 apg)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

A 6'6" forward from Drake University, Wise earned a spot on the American Basketball Association's (ABA) Los Angeles (later Utah) Stars in 1969. He would prove to be one of the best all-around players in the league, as he was both a proficient scorer (19.2 points per game during his ABA career) and a highly esteemed defender. Indeed, while playing for the Stars, who won the 1971 ABA Championship, Sports Illustrated described him as "the best two-way performer in pro basketball".[1] Wise later played with the Virginia Squires.

After the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, Wise played one full season and part of a second in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Denver Nuggets and Seattle SuperSonics.

On 7 February 2009, Drake University retired Wise's #42 jersey that he wore for the Bulldogs.[2]

References

  1. "Remember the ABA: Willie Wise". www.remembertheaba.com. Retrieved Aug 7, 2019.
  2. Drake basketball trio to have jerseys retired, Drake.edu
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