Zelmo Beaty
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| Position | Center |
| Height / weight | 2.08 m / 104 kg |
| Born | 25 Oct 1939 (73 years) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Nickname | Big Z |
Zelmo Beaty was an American professional basketball player who played in both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA).
In 1971, he became an ABA Champion while with the Utah Stars.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Zelmo "Big Z" Beaty was born on October 25, 1939, in Hillister, Texas, United States of America. He stood 208 cm tall and his playing weight was listed at 104 kg. Beaty played primarily as a center.After retiring from professional basketball, Beaty pursued a career in financial planning and worked as a substitute physical education teacher in Seattle elementary schools.
He passed away from cancer at the age of 73 on August 27, 2013, in Bellevue, Washington, leaving behind his wife of about 50 years and two children.
High School and College Career
Beaty attended Scott High School in Woodville, Texas, where he won back-to-back Prairie View Interscholastic League 1A state championships in 1957 and 1958.He then played college basketball for Prairie View A&M University from 1958 to 1962. At Prairie View A&M, Beaty was a standout player, averaging 25 points and 20 rebounds per game.
He led the team to the NAIA national basketball title in 1962 and was named the NAIA Tournament MVP.
Professional Career
Beaty was selected by the St. Louis Hawks with the 3rd overall pick in the 1962 NBA Draft. He spent his first seven seasons with the Hawks franchise, earning two NBA All-Star selections in 1966 and 1968.In 1970, Beaty joined the ABA's Utah Stars. He led the Stars to the 1971 ABA Championship, earning the ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player award. Beaty was a three-time ABA All-Star and was twice named to the All-ABA Second Team.
Beaty finished his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1974-75 NBA season.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring, Beaty briefly coached the Virginia Squires in the ABA. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, three years after his death.Career Highlights
- 1971 - ABA champion
- 1971 - ABA Playoffs MVP
- 1973 - ABA All-Star
- 1972 - ABA All-Star
- 1972 - All-ABA Second Team
- 1971 - ABA All-Star
- 1971 - All-ABA Second Team
- 1968 - NBA All-Star
- 1966 - NBA All-Star
- 1963 - NBA All-Rookie First Team
- 1962 - NAIA tournament MVP
- ABA All-Time Team
Zelmo Beaty FAQ
What was Zelmo Beaty's most significant achievement?
Beaty led the Utah Stars to the 1971 ABA championship, winning the ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player award.
Why is Zelmo Beaty nicknamed "Big Z"?
The nickname "Big Z" likely came from his dominant presence as a center and his first name, Zelmo.
When was Zelmo Beaty inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame?
Beaty was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.