Jerry Lucas was the smartest athlete who ever lived. He memorized the N. Y. telephone book. He practiced an hour a day studying where the ball would go after the shot. Mel Nowell would watch him when getting apotential rebound then fast break when he knew Lucas was in position. His rebound average was simply amazing both in college and the pros yet he was not that tall and not a great jumper.
I would say Terry Dischinger was smart too if not smarter. I know this he was a better athlete. Unfortunately, Terry used basketball to pay for dental school. He had three great years before the U.S. army called him and really slowed his career down.
Terry Dischinger was not as smart though a brilliant person.Jerry Lucas memorized the WHOLE NY telephone book. He wrote a book about catogorizing each Bible passage and where it belongs by offering a complex Greek mathematic formula that is beyond most people's comprehension. Henew where the ball was going a foot after a shooters release. He would count the yellow lines when a child going from Middletown to Cleve. when driving and count them on the way back making sure he counted the same amount
Jerry lost money in his business during his NBA days from the 60's. He lost millions. After his career, same thing. Terry Dischinger, successful orthodontist practice. Now his son is running it.
But as Earl Weaver once put. I like guys who make decisions. "There are smart guys and dumb guys who make good decisions. The there are dumb guys and smart guys who make dumb decisons.
That was true in college. In the pros, you need talk to his teammates from Oscar Robertson and Nate Thurmond. They admired his intelligence and talent but his outside interests really hurt his career till he went to the Knicks. He is the first NBA player to lose a million dollars in 1970 for various financial mishaps.
Lucas led Ohio State to 3 consecutive NCAA finals. In 1960, they beat Cal. But in 1961 and 1962, they lost to Cincinnati. Must have been great times in the state of Ohio. Interestingly, the '61 and '62 teams did NOT have Oscar Robertson, who graduated in 1960. The star of those '61 and '62 teams was a player named Paul Hogue. Sadly, the 6'9" Hogue died just a couple of weeks ago. He had a brief NBA career with the Knicks/bullets. Apparently, the career was cut short by injuries.
I was born in 1976, this guy is a STUD, high school championship, ncaa champion, olympic gold and an NBA title. His stats are remarkable! I want to learn more about this great man, he is so much better than what out there today except Lebron and Kobe
I just watched an ESPN Classic show on Lucas. Leanred some new things. Firstly, he had a reputation as a selfish player. Lucas explained that people believed this because he was always interested in his statistics, especially rebounding. Secondly, when he graduated from Ohio State, he decided to go to a new ABL league. He was signed by George Steinbrenner (yes, the current NY Yankee owner) to play for the Cleveland Pipers of the ABL. He said ABL offered him $40K, while the NBA only $30K.
Other Lucas tidbits from the ESPN show: he roomed with Bobby Knight at Ohio State. Knight told a story about how he once saw Lucas actually score a basket during one of those jump ball situations at the top of the key. When he tried out for the Olympic team, the coach told him that Bellamy would probably be the starting center, but Lucas said he wanted the job. He worked hard and became the starting center for that incredible 1960 team (which also featured Jerry West and Oscar Robertson).
While still in college, Lucas got married and lived off-campus. He admitted that he was too young to marry. He has been married 3 times (maybe more now, the ESPN classic show seemed like it was old). I always wondered why Bob Cousy got rid of Lucas when Cousy became coach of the Royals. According to some sportswriter, it was because Cousy himself had been a scrappy ballplayer, diving for balls when necessary. Lucas, apparently, didn't have that reputation.
After he retired, Lucas tried his hand at various businesses. There was one that was basically a pyramid scheme built around selling golf equipment. (Lucas was a very good golfer himself). He alienated alot of people in his hometown of MIddletown who lost money in the venture. He later used his incredible memory to write books, including one about how to memorize the BIble. He seems to be a born-again Christian. The show made it clear the Lucas is alot more that a great b-ball player.
This man was awsome, i was born in 1976 and have heard his name mentioned quite often and decided to look him up om the web and the accolades and stats are remarkable! I plan on going to the library and reading up on this legend, am i right did he win a high school championship, college, olympic and an NBA title, man what a stud.
In Wilts book he said only one player "terrified" him. Jerry Lucas. Who invented the "sky hook"? It was Lucas to go over Chamberlin. Look up his shooting percentages. Mind blowing accurate with either hand, or at the line. Lucas would go out on top pulling out the big man and he would shoot a very high percentage from 20 feet. He played both forward and at center.
Yes, the 1973 playoffs must have been especially painful to the Celtics because they had finished the regular season with a very impressive 68-14 record, 11 games ahead of the Knicks. But Hondo Havlicek was hurt in the playoffs, and the Knicks - after leading 3-1 - had to win game 7 at the Boston Garden. And they won big 94-78.
Did WIlt really write that? Doesn't sound like Wilt. Which book? In the '72 finals, Lucas had a great 1st game against Wilt scoring 26 points while Wilt had 12. For the series, Wilt averaged 19.4ppg and 23.2rpg while Lucas had 20.8ppg, 9.8rpg and 6.2apg. Wilt shot 60% from the field and Lucas 50%. The following year, the Lakers and Knicks met again in the finals. This time it was the two-headed monster of Lucas/Reed. Wilt averaged 11.6ppg and 18.6rpg and Reed/Lucas had 24ppg and 13.8rpg.
I saw the book accidentily in a Library on display. I ended up reading the whole book there that day. As a rookie in the all star game he was MVP, just humiliated Wilt. I SAW THAT GAME I see someone here mentioned stats. I spent hours one day online looking those up. WOW!!! And Jerry invented the baby hook, left n right to beat Wilt. Long before others claimed credit. On one list of 50 of the all time greatest NBA players he was the only person mentioned TWICE. Forward & at Center
In the 1964 a/s game, Lucas has 11pts and 8reb. Wilt had 19 and 20. So you must be talking about Lucas' 2nd a/s game in 1965, where he was the MVP. He had 25pts and 10reb. Wilt, playing for the Warriors in the West, had 20 and 16. But my guess is that Wilt spent most of the game matched up against Russell, who was the starting center for the East.
yes yes your right, the second game. BUT, I saw the game. Jerry frustarated both. He could learn ever move and every play of every player and every team. He was incredible in that game.
I am from Middletown Ohio(Jerry's hometown) and he is my hometown hero.
Jagz33 1 day ago
This video would have been better with some gangster rap.
inlovewithi 2 months ago
I tought the song fit in pretty good. Jazz goes perfect with basketball.
SuperDUDERIKI 6 months ago
not better than jordan,kobe,rondo but who is playing.
honolululei 1 year ago
not better than jordan,kobe,rondo
honolululei 1 year ago
Awful song selection..... Jesus. Completely unfitting.
danielwerre 1 year ago
Jerry Lucas is my uncle
2Mrwilliam 1 year ago
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adalinenaplesmnk 1 year ago
my uncle was named after him ! .. jerry lucas
rodneymullenfan21 1 year ago
sound gay ass fuck
maxka7amsut 1 year ago
Jerry Lucas was the smartest athlete who ever lived. He memorized the N. Y. telephone book. He practiced an hour a day studying where the ball would go after the shot. Mel Nowell would watch him when getting apotential rebound then fast break when he knew Lucas was in position. His rebound average was simply amazing both in college and the pros yet he was not that tall and not a great jumper.
hajune 2 years ago
I would say Terry Dischinger was smart too if not smarter. I know this he was a better athlete. Unfortunately, Terry used basketball to pay for dental school. He had three great years before the U.S. army called him and really slowed his career down.
Ariamaluum 2 years ago
Terry Dischinger was not as smart though a brilliant person.Jerry Lucas memorized the WHOLE NY telephone book. He wrote a book about catogorizing each Bible passage and where it belongs by offering a complex Greek mathematic formula that is beyond most people's comprehension. Henew where the ball was going a foot after a shooters release. He would count the yellow lines when a child going from Middletown to Cleve. when driving and count them on the way back making sure he counted the same amount
hajune 2 years ago
Jerry lost money in his business during his NBA days from the 60's. He lost millions. After his career, same thing. Terry Dischinger, successful orthodontist practice. Now his son is running it.
But as Earl Weaver once put. I like guys who make decisions. "There are smart guys and dumb guys who make good decisions. The there are dumb guys and smart guys who make dumb decisons.
Ariamaluum 2 years ago
Your implying that Mr. Lucas is not a wealthy man?
charles43110 1 year ago
That was true in college. In the pros, you need talk to his teammates from Oscar Robertson and Nate Thurmond. They admired his intelligence and talent but his outside interests really hurt his career till he went to the Knicks. He is the first NBA player to lose a million dollars in 1970 for various financial mishaps.
Ariamaluum 1 year ago
Lucas led Ohio State to 3 consecutive NCAA finals. In 1960, they beat Cal. But in 1961 and 1962, they lost to Cincinnati. Must have been great times in the state of Ohio. Interestingly, the '61 and '62 teams did NOT have Oscar Robertson, who graduated in 1960. The star of those '61 and '62 teams was a player named Paul Hogue. Sadly, the 6'9" Hogue died just a couple of weeks ago. He had a brief NBA career with the Knicks/bullets. Apparently, the career was cut short by injuries.
ddenuci 2 years ago
Comment removed
ddenuci 2 years ago
I was born in 1976, this guy is a STUD, high school championship, ncaa champion, olympic gold and an NBA title. His stats are remarkable! I want to learn more about this great man, he is so much better than what out there today except Lebron and Kobe
natureboy1313 2 years ago
I just watched an ESPN Classic show on Lucas. Leanred some new things. Firstly, he had a reputation as a selfish player. Lucas explained that people believed this because he was always interested in his statistics, especially rebounding. Secondly, when he graduated from Ohio State, he decided to go to a new ABL league. He was signed by George Steinbrenner (yes, the current NY Yankee owner) to play for the Cleveland Pipers of the ABL. He said ABL offered him $40K, while the NBA only $30K.
ddenuci 2 years ago
Other Lucas tidbits from the ESPN show: he roomed with Bobby Knight at Ohio State. Knight told a story about how he once saw Lucas actually score a basket during one of those jump ball situations at the top of the key. When he tried out for the Olympic team, the coach told him that Bellamy would probably be the starting center, but Lucas said he wanted the job. He worked hard and became the starting center for that incredible 1960 team (which also featured Jerry West and Oscar Robertson).
ddenuci 2 years ago
While still in college, Lucas got married and lived off-campus. He admitted that he was too young to marry. He has been married 3 times (maybe more now, the ESPN classic show seemed like it was old). I always wondered why Bob Cousy got rid of Lucas when Cousy became coach of the Royals. According to some sportswriter, it was because Cousy himself had been a scrappy ballplayer, diving for balls when necessary. Lucas, apparently, didn't have that reputation.
ddenuci 2 years ago
After he retired, Lucas tried his hand at various businesses. There was one that was basically a pyramid scheme built around selling golf equipment. (Lucas was a very good golfer himself). He alienated alot of people in his hometown of MIddletown who lost money in the venture. He later used his incredible memory to write books, including one about how to memorize the BIble. He seems to be a born-again Christian. The show made it clear the Lucas is alot more that a great b-ball player.
ddenuci 2 years ago
Lucas had terrible knees with surgeries to both. Cousy was a little guy and very scrappy, He could dive easy, Lucas could not.
charles43110 2 years ago
This man was awsome, i was born in 1976 and have heard his name mentioned quite often and decided to look him up om the web and the accolades and stats are remarkable! I plan on going to the library and reading up on this legend, am i right did he win a high school championship, college, olympic and an NBA title, man what a stud.
natureboy1313 2 years ago
In Wilts book he said only one player "terrified" him. Jerry Lucas. Who invented the "sky hook"? It was Lucas to go over Chamberlin. Look up his shooting percentages. Mind blowing accurate with either hand, or at the line. Lucas would go out on top pulling out the big man and he would shoot a very high percentage from 20 feet. He played both forward and at center.
charles43110 3 years ago
Another guy who felt the same way was Dave Cowens. In the playoffs of 72' and 73', he kicked his ass with his outside shooting.
Ariamaluum 3 years ago
Yes, the 1973 playoffs must have been especially painful to the Celtics because they had finished the regular season with a very impressive 68-14 record, 11 games ahead of the Knicks. But Hondo Havlicek was hurt in the playoffs, and the Knicks - after leading 3-1 - had to win game 7 at the Boston Garden. And they won big 94-78.
ddenuci 2 years ago
Hondo was the guy who defensed Jerry Lucas.
Ariamaluum 2 years ago
Did WIlt really write that? Doesn't sound like Wilt. Which book? In the '72 finals, Lucas had a great 1st game against Wilt scoring 26 points while Wilt had 12. For the series, Wilt averaged 19.4ppg and 23.2rpg while Lucas had 20.8ppg, 9.8rpg and 6.2apg. Wilt shot 60% from the field and Lucas 50%. The following year, the Lakers and Knicks met again in the finals. This time it was the two-headed monster of Lucas/Reed. Wilt averaged 11.6ppg and 18.6rpg and Reed/Lucas had 24ppg and 13.8rpg.
ddenuci 2 years ago
yes
I saw the book accidentily in a Library on display. I ended up reading the whole book there that day. As a rookie in the all star game he was MVP, just humiliated Wilt. I SAW THAT GAME I see someone here mentioned stats. I spent hours one day online looking those up. WOW!!! And Jerry invented the baby hook, left n right to beat Wilt. Long before others claimed credit. On one list of 50 of the all time greatest NBA players he was the only person mentioned TWICE. Forward & at Center
charles43110 2 years ago
In the 1964 a/s game, Lucas has 11pts and 8reb. Wilt had 19 and 20. So you must be talking about Lucas' 2nd a/s game in 1965, where he was the MVP. He had 25pts and 10reb. Wilt, playing for the Warriors in the West, had 20 and 16. But my guess is that Wilt spent most of the game matched up against Russell, who was the starting center for the East.
ddenuci 2 years ago
yes yes your right, the second game. BUT, I saw the game. Jerry frustarated both. He could learn ever move and every play of every player and every team. He was incredible in that game.
charles43110 1 year ago
Cool. The song is by Kenny-G. I don't know the name of the song but the I think the albulm is Breathless. Jerry lucas was awesome.
astrofish0 3 years ago
People dont know but Jerry Lucas was a BEAST. This guy was as gifted n tough as they come. A LEGEND INDEED.
VeoShock 3 years ago
jerry was great.
vombat16 3 years ago 4
He seems like quite the go-getter. I'm reading his and Harry Lorayne's memory book.
Good stuff, makes you feel like you could learn anything.
Brandtalones 3 years ago 4
Glad to see Lucas recalled as one of the real greats of the game.
jerjets11 3 years ago 4