Michael Bantom

Michael Bantom is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association and Italian League. While in the NBA, he has played for the Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, New York Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers. After his playing career, he held several executive positions with the NBA.

Player Profile

Michael Allen Bantom was born on December 3, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He stands 206 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 91 kg.

He played both power forward and small forward throughout his career.

High School and College Career

Bantom attended Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then played college basketball at Saint Joseph's University from 1970 to 1973, where he earned Third-team All-American honors from AP in 1973.

The university later retired his jersey number 44.

Professional Career

Bantom was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1973 NBA Draft. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 1974.

His NBA career included stints with the Seattle SuperSonics, New York Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers.

In 1982, he moved to Italy, where he played for three teams: Mens Sana Siena (1982-1985), Auxilium Torino (1985-1986), and Virtus Roma (1986-1989).

After retiring, he worked in various executive roles with the NBA, including senior vice president of player development and executive vice president of referee operations.

Career Highlights:

• 1974 - NBA All-Rookie First Team
• 1973 - Third-team All-American (AP)
• Jersey Number 44 Retired by Saint Joseph's Hawks

Medal Record, Representing the United States of America, Men’s basketball

• Silver - 1972 Olympics Munich