Dave DeBusschere

Dave DeBusschere was an American professional basketball player, coach in the National Basketball Association. He was also a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was a two-time NBA champion with the New York Knicks and an eight-time NBA All-Star.

DeBusschere was one of the few athletes to play in both the NBA and MLB, pitching for the Chicago White Sox in the early 1960s.

Player Profile and Personal Life

David Albert DeBusschere was born on October 16, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan. He stood 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 220 pounds during his playing days.

He married Gerri and had three children: Peter, Dennis, and Michelle. After basketball, DeBusschere served as ABA commissioner, Knicks executive, and co-owner of Ring magazine. He authored the book The Open Man and was involved in charitable and educational initiatives - including the Dave DeBusschere Scholarship at Detroit Mercy.

DeBusschere passed away in 2003 at age 62.

High School and College Career

DeBusschere attended Austin Catholic Preparatory School in Detroit before playing college basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy from 1959 to 1962.

He was a standout player, earning several All-American honors and having his No. 22 retired by the Titans.

Professional Career

DeBusschere was selected as a territorial pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 1962 NBA Draft.

He played for the Pistons from 1962 to 1968, serving as player-coach from 1964 to 1967. In 1968, he was traded to the New York Knicks, where he won two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. DeBusschere was named to eight NBA All-Star teams and six NBA All-Defensive First Teams. He retired in 1974.

DeBusschere also played Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox in 1962 and 1963.

After his playing career, he became ABA commissioner and played a key role in the NBA-ABA merger. Later, he worked as an executive for the Knicks and was instrumental in drafting Patrick Ewing.

Career Highlights

• 1970, 1973 – NBA champion
• 1966–1968, 1970–1974 – NBA All-Star (8×)
• 1969–1974 – NBA All-Defensive First Team (6×)
• 1969 – All-NBA Second Team
• 1963 – NBA All-Rookie First Team
• 1996 – NBA 50th Anniversary Team
• 2021 – NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• 1961, 1962 – Second-team All-American (NEA)
• 1961 – Second-team All-American (NABC)
• 1960–1962 – Third-team All-American (UPI, AP, NABC)
• 1958 – Fourth-team Parade All-American
• 1983 – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

• No. 22 retired by New York Knicks
• No. 22 retired by Detroit Mercy Titans