Dave DeBusschere - Strong

David Albert DeBusschere (October 16, 1940 -- May 14, 2003) was an American professional basketball player and coach in the NBA. In 1996, DeBusschere was named as One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

DeBusschere was born in Detroit, Michigan, and was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame after a 12-year career (1962--1974) in which he averaged 16.1 points and eleven rebounds while being named to eight NBA All-Star teams. However, he was best known for his physical style of play and tenacious defense, as he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team six times.

He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons out of the University of Detroit in 1962, a territorial draft selection which was common at the time. During his rookie season DeBusschere averaged 12.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, and was later named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. During the 1964-1965 season, at the age of 24, he was given the position of player-coach for the Detroit Pistons and thus became the youngest-ever coach in league history.

DeBusschere spent his best years in New York. He became one of the most talented and feared players in the league and one of the greatest power forwards the NBA had ever seen. He played a physical game on both ends of the floor, often ending the season as one of the league's best rebounders. DeBusschere, along with a classic lineup that included legendary players such as Willis Reed, Bill Bradley and Walt Frazier became an NBA Champion when the Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1970 NBA Finals. With guard Earl Monroe in the backcourt, they became champions again in 1973, beating the Lakers 4-1 in the Finals.

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• basketball