DeBusschere, << duh BUSH uhr, >> Dave (1940-2003), was one of the most versatile forwards in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). DeBusschere, who stood 6 feet 6 inches (198 centimeters) tall, was an outstanding long-range shooter and a strong rebounder. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive team six times. DeBusschere starred on New York Knicks teams that won NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.
David Albert DeBusschere was born on Oct. 16, 1940, in Detroit. He starred in basketball at Detroit University, graduating in 1962. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons of the NBA in 1962. DeBusschere was player-coach of the Pistons from 1964 to 1967, becoming the youngest head coach in NBA history. In 1968, DeBusschere was traded to the New York Knicks. He retired after the 1973-1974 season, averaging 16.1 points and 11 rebounds per game during his regular season NBA career. DeBusschere was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983. He was general manager of the Knicks from 1982 to 1986.
DeBusschere also played professional baseball as a pitcher. He pitched briefly for the Chicago White Sox in 1962 and 1963. After playing in the minor leagues in 1964 and 1965, DeBusschere gave up baseball to concentrate on basketball. He died on May 14, 2003.
