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Richard Atha

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PositionPoint guard
Height / weight1.88 m / 86 kg
Born21 Aug 1931 (88 years)
NationalityUnited States flagUnited States
NicknameDick

Richard Atha was an American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association for the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons.

Player Profile

Richard E. Atha was born on September 21, 1931, in Otterbein, Indiana, and passed away on February 6, 2020, in Oxford, Indiana. He stood 188 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 86 kg.

He shot right and played both point guard and shooting guard throughout his career.

High School and College Career

Atha attended Otterbein High School in Otterbein, Indiana. He then played college basketball at Indiana State University from 1950 to 1953.

There he earned All-Indiana Collegiate Conference honors three times and was named a Helms Athletic Foundation All-American in 1953.

Professional Career

Atha was selected by the New York Knicks in the sixth round of the 1953 NBA Draft.

He made his NBA debut on November 10, 1955, with the Knicks, playing there for one season before joining the Detroit Pistons in the 1957-1958 NBA season.

Career Highlights

  • 1953 - Helms Athletic Foundation All-American
  • 1951-1953 - All-Indiana Collegiate Conference (3x)

Medal Record

  • Gold - 1951 Pan American Games Buenos Aires

Richard Atha FAQ

Where did Richard Atha play college basketball?

Atha played college basketball in Indiana State University, where he was a three-time All-Conference selection.

When did Atha make his NBA debut?

He made his NBA debut in November 10, 1955, with the New York Knicks.

What international success did Atha achieve?

He won a gold medal with the United States basketball team at the 1951 Pan American Games.