Cunningham, Billy (1943-…), was an outstanding college and professional basketball player and a successful coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Cunningham, a 6 foot 7 inch (291-centimeter) forward, became known for his athletic moves and his all-around game. During his professional career with the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, Cunningham averaged 20.8 points and 10.1 rebounds a game. He was a member of the team that won the NBA championship in 1967. Cunningham coached the 76ers from 1977 to 1985, with a winning percentage of .698. He coached the 76ers to the NBA championship in 1983.
William John Cunningham was born in Brooklyn in New York City on June 3, 1943. He starred in basketball at the University of North Carolina, graduating in 1965. He was a first-round draft choice of Philadelphia in the 1965 NBA draft. Cunningham played for seven seasons with the 76ers and two seasons in the American Basketball Association. He rejoined the 76ers in 1974, playing two seasons before retiring in 1976. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.
