Former Detroit Pistons NBA Champion David Greenwood passed away at 68 after his battle with cancer.
Greenwood, who was UCLA legend John Wooden’s last recruit, died on Sunday (June 8) in Riverside, California.
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The California native began his collegiate career with the Bruins after Wooden surprisingly retired ahead of the 1975 season.
Greenwood posted 14.8 points per game and 8.7 rebounds in 118 games as a four-year starter.
He averaged 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in 118 games as a four-year starter with the Bruins.
Greenwood led the Bruins to four league championships, helping the basketball program accumulate a combined record of 102-17.
He finished his college career as a three-time all-conference selection in 1977, 1978, and 1979.
He was also a two-time League Player of the Year who helped UCLA reach the Final Four in 1976.
Greenwood entered the National Basketball Association as the No. 2 pick by the Chicago Bulls, who lost a coin flip to the Los Angeles Lakers, who went on to select East Lansing native Erving “Magic” Johnson with the first selection in the 1979 draft.
He was with the Bulls before Michael Jordan arrived in 1984, which saw a core of players including Greenwood, Reggie Theus, and the Pistons’ big man, Orlando Woolridge.
Greenwood was traded to the San Antonio Spurs after spending six seasons with the Bulls in exchange for Detroit’s George Gervin.
After his time with the Spurs, Greenwood played for the Denver Nuggets before joining the Detroit Pistons, who went on to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1990 NBA Finals.
Greenwood also rocked that sweet No. 33 before Grant Hill came into town during the 1994 season.
The 12-year veteran was selected for the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
He was a member of the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.