Dick Barnett / N.Y. Knicks / St. John's University

[jerseyshorejohnny]

The 1970 World Champion NY Knickerbockers boasted four future Naismith Hall of Famers in Center Willis Reed, power forward Dave DeBusschere, small forward Bill Bradley, and point guard Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier. However, we often overlook that 5th starter who was such an integral part to the success of that perfectly balanced quintet, shooting guard #12, Dick Barnett.

Barnett went to Tennessee A&I College on a basketball scholarship becoming a 3x AP Little College All-American, leading the school to a 36-game winning streak and three consecutive NAIA national championship titles.

In 1957, he was the first African American to be named to the National All-American team and received back-to-back championship MVP honors in 1958 and 1959 graduating as the school's All-time scorer with 3,209 points while grabbing 1,571 rebounds.

Barnett was the Syracuse Nationals 4th pick in the first round of the 1959 NBA draft. His 16.9 points avg. in 1960-61, ranked 7th, among the league's backcourt players. In 1962, his rights were sold to the Lakers for $35,000, which at the time was the highest player-for-money transaction in league history. There he helped the Lakers win the Western Division title after Jerry West missed 27 games to a leg injury.

In 1965, Dick was traded to the NY Knicks where he led the team in scoring with a 23.1 average and in 1970, helped the Knicks beat the Lakers for their 1stNBA title and in 1973 contributed to the team winning a 2nd championship vs. the Lakers. He scored 15,358 regular season points over his career. The Knick franchise retired his No. 12 jersey to the Garden rafters in 1990.

Barnett went on to receive a PhD in education from Fordham University, and taught at St. John’s University up until 2007.

Today you can see this 86-year-old reserved gentleman sitting courtside at many of the Knick home games.
When Knick fans think of Dick Barnett and his time on the Garden floor, we can all visualize his trademark ‘question mark’ shaped jump shot, with that unusual technique of kicking his legs back as he launched that soft left-handed, sweet ‘Fall Back Baby Jumper’.

 

[monte]

The 1970 World Champion NY Knickerbockers boasted four future Naismith Hall of Famers in Center Willis Reed, power forward Dave DeBusschere, small forward Bill Bradley, and point guard Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier. However, we often overlook that 5th starter who was such an integral part to the success of that perfectly balanced quintet, shooting guard #12, Dick Barnett.

Barnett went to Tennessee A&I College on a basketball scholarship becoming a 3x AP Little College All-American, leading the school to a 36-game winning streak and three consecutive NAIA national championship titles.

In 1957, he was the first African American to be named to the National All-American team and received back-to-back championship MVP honors in 1958 and 1959 graduating as the school's All-time scorer with 3,209 points while grabbing 1,571 rebounds.

Barnett was the Syracuse Nationals 4th pick in the first round of the 1959 NBA draft. His 16.9 points avg. in 1960-61, ranked 7th, among the league's backcourt players. In 1962, his rights were sold to the Lakers for $35,000, which at the time was the highest player-for-money transaction in league history. There he helped the Lakers win the Western Division title after Jerry West missed 27 games to a leg injury.

In 1965, Dick was traded to the NY Knicks where he led the team in scoring with a 23.1 average and in 1970, helped the Knicks beat the Lakers for their 1stNBA title and in 1973 contributed to the team winning a 2nd championship vs. the Lakers. He scored 15,358 regular season points over his career. The Knick franchise retired his No. 12 jersey to the Garden rafters in 1990.

Barnett went on to receive a PhD in education from Fordham University, and taught at St. John’s University up until 2007.

Today you can see this 86-year-old reserved gentleman sitting courtside at many of the Knick home games.
When Knick fans think of Dick Barnett and his time on the Garden floor, we can all visualize his trademark ‘question mark’ shaped jump shot, with that unusual technique of kicking his legs back as he launched that soft left-handed, sweet ‘Fall Back Baby Jumper’.

As kids on the playgrounds of NYC, my friends and I would always try and mimic the jump shot of the Knick players, just like we'd try and mimic the swing of Yankee and Met players. After trying numerous times to mimic Dick Barnett's shot and failing, we'd say "how does he do that???".

 

[kranmars]

As kids on the playgrounds of NYC, my friends and I would always try and mimick the jump shot of the Knick players, just like we'd try and mimmick the swing of Yankee and Met players. After trying numerous times to mmmick his shot and failing, we'd say "how does he do that???".

In your more “advanced” age, you can graduate to attempting to mimic the comedic and troll worthy writing styles of your favorite posters on this site.

And just between you and me, I will never tell a soul that person is me.

 

[panther2]

The 1970 World Champion NY Knickerbockers boasted four future Naismith Hall of Famers in Center Willis Reed, power forward Dave DeBusschere, small forward Bill Bradley, and point guard Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier. However, we often overlook that 5th starter who was such an integral part to the success of that perfectly balanced quintet, shooting guard #12, Dick Barnett.

Barnett went to Tennessee A&I College on a basketball scholarship becoming a 3x AP Little College All-American, leading the school to a 36-game winning streak and three consecutive NAIA national championship titles.

In 1957, he was the first African American to be named to the National All-American team and received back-to-back championship MVP honors in 1958 and 1959 graduating as the school's All-time scorer with 3,209 points while grabbing 1,571 rebounds.

Barnett was the Syracuse Nationals 4th pick in the first round of the 1959 NBA draft. His 16.9 points avg. in 1960-61, ranked 7th, among the league's backcourt players. In 1962, his rights were sold to the Lakers for $35,000, which at the time was the highest player-for-money transaction in league history. There he helped the Lakers win the Western Division title after Jerry West missed 27 games to a leg injury.

In 1965, Dick was traded to the NY Knicks where he led the team in scoring with a 23.1 average and in 1970, helped the Knicks beat the Lakers for their 1stNBA title and in 1973 contributed to the team winning a 2nd championship vs. the Lakers. He scored 15,358 regular season points over his career. The Knick franchise retired his No. 12 jersey to the Garden rafters in 1990.

Barnett went on to receive a PhD in education from Fordham University, and taught at St. John’s University up until 2007.

Today you can see this 86-year-old reserved gentleman sitting courtside at many of the Knick home games.
When Knick fans think of Dick Barnett and his time on the Garden floor, we can all visualize his trademark ‘question mark’ shaped jump shot, with that unusual technique of kicking his legs back as he launched that soft left-handed, sweet ‘Fall Back Baby Jumper’.

In college Dick Barnett lead Tennessee State to three straight NAIA Championships. His coach was the legendary John McLendon who is in the Hall of Fame. It was always a pleasure when I ran into Dr Barnett on the St John's campus.

 

[monte]

In your more “advanced” age, you can graduate to attempting to mimic the comedic and troll worthy writing styles of your favorite posters on this site.

And just between you and me, I will never tell a soul that person is me.

I just corrected all of my misspellings, etc, but of course you had to quote me before I had a chance. Thanks for making me look like a complete dunce. lol

 

[redken1]

Always a favorite of mine, so I got a big kick whenever I saw him walking in Manhattan (always looking dapper), I'd call "Fall back baby" to him, and he'd always turn and wave with a big smile on his face.

 

[Beasts of the East]

As kids on the playgrounds of NYC, my friends and I would always try and mimic the jump shot of the Knick players, just like we'd try and mimic the swing of Yankee and Met players. After trying numerous times to mimic Dick Barnett's shot and failing, we'd say "how does he do that???".

Like every schoolyard basketball player tried to. Never saw anyone who could mimic Barnett well.

Typical in stickball, guys at bat would announce the game going through the lineup of their favorite team and then mimic how they held the bat and their swing. Favorites: Carl Yaz's bat held straight up high, Dick McAuliffe's odd stance facing right field, Joe Morgan's twitch. Also, another stance that couldn't be replicated was Henry Aaron's pre-professional cross handed hitting style with his left hand on top of the bat - but we tried.

 

[Beasts of the East]

In college Dick Barnett lead Tennessee State to three straight NAIA Championships. His coach was the legendary John McLendon who is in the Hall of Fame. It was always a pleasure when I ran into Dr Barnett on the St John's campus.

Lucky you! When did he teach here? I was on campus nearly every day in the 8 years between working and going there as a student.

For New Yorkers, it is almost as if basketball was invented when Walt Bellamy and Howard was traded for Dave DeBusschere. Sure there was interest when the Knicks drafted Bill Bradley, who went to Oxford instead, and some hope when Frazier had a nice rookie year. But when the Knicks exploded, there wasn't much written about Barnett being regarded so highly as to be the #4 pick in the draft, or helping the Lakers (with Baylor but not West) to a WCC title. Very good player - actually the Knick's version of the 5th Beatle, but was integral to the championship. In my recollection he always drew the toughest defensive assignment at guard, leaving Frazier free to be a cat burglar on the perimeter.

 

[SLYFOXX1968]

Lucky you! When did he teach here? I was on campus nearly every day in the 8 years between working and going there as a student.

For New Yorkers, it is almost as if basketball was invented when Walt Bellamy and Howard was traded for Dave DeBusschere. Sure there was interest when the Knicks drafted Bill Bradley, who went to Oxford instead, and some hope when Frazier had a nice rookie year. But when the Knicks exploded, there wasn't much written about Barnett being regarded so highly as to be the #4 pick in the draft, or helping the Lakers (with Baylor but not West) to a WCC title. Very good player - actually the Knick's version of the 5th Beatle, but was integral to the championship. In my recollection he always drew the toughest defensive assignment at guard, leaving Frazier free to be a cat burglar on the perimeter.

Dick Barnett’s “ fall back Baby Jumper ,” was a dagger to opponents during the glory days of the Knicks . Which , by the way , haven’t reached glory levels since .

He was a lefty , as I recall . Lefty Jump shooters that I can recall , Mullin , Goodrich , Barnett, Billy Cunningham , and many others that I have forgotten create all sorts of problems for defenders who are primed for right handed shooters.

Ponds was a great 3 point shooter for us in recent years . And , forget his stats , Shamorie was way more than just stats . If he were just 3 inches taller , 6’2 -6”3, he would be I the NBA right now . Lefty shooter too .

 

[panther2]

Lucky you! When did he teach here? I was on campus nearly every day in the 8 years between working and going there as a student.

For New Yorkers, it is almost as if basketball was invented when Walt Bellamy and Howard was traded for Dave DeBusschere. Sure there was interest when the Knicks drafted Bill Bradley, who went to Oxford instead, and some hope when Frazier had a nice rookie year. But when the Knicks exploded, there wasn't much written about Barnett being regarded so highly as to be the #4 pick in the draft, or helping the Lakers (with Baylor but not West) to a WCC title. Very good player - actually the Knick's version of the 5th Beatle, but was integral to the championship. In my recollection he always drew the toughest defensive assignment at guard, leaving Frazier free to be a cat burglar on the perimeter.

Dr Barnett taught in the Sports Management Program during the 2000's, not sure exactly what years . Lamont Hamilton was in a couple of his classes. Dr Barnett was a very sharp dresser.

 

[Beasts of the East]

Dr Barnett taught in the Sports Management Program during the 2000's, not sure exactly what years . Lamont Hamilton was in a couple of his classes. Dr Barnett was a very sharp dresser.

Impressive post basketball life. Should be heralded!

Dr. Dick Barnett Biography​

EXPERIENCE
2020-Present Founder and President of the Dr. Richard Barnett Foundation.
2008-2019 President of SportScope, Center for the Research and Study of athletes and sports in American society.
2003-2007 Assistant Professor at St. John’s University in the Sport Management discipline as part of the College of Professional Studies. Focus on marketing, media, advertising, and promotion
2003 Special consultant to Project Renewal. A non profit organization with a focus on rehabilitating homeless and substance abuse victims
1997-2000 National Motivational Speaker. A series of lectures with education and dreams as the vortex of the presentations to high schools, community centers, and college students
1995-1996 Consultant to major corporations; i.e. Pepsi Cola, Dreyfus, New York Life, Madison Sq. Garden, National Football League and IBM. Providing access to professional athletes and the athletic environment
1992-1995 Minority education consultant to the Dean of Education at Fordham University concentrating on recruitment and retention of minority students in the program
1992 Adjunct Professor at Baruch College in multicultural urban education
1977- 1990 President of ARM, the Athletic Role Model Educational Institute, utilizing professional athletes and other positive role models to impact the social and cognitive behavior of at risk youth
1974-1976 Assistant coach with the New York Knickerbockers under legendary Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame coach Red Holzman.
1959-1974 Professional athlete with the Syracuse Nationals, Cleveland Pipers, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knickerbockers.
EDUCATION
Tennessee State University/Cal Poly Pomona – BS Degree in Physical Education
New York University – Masters in Public Administration
Fordham University – Doctoral in Education Adm. & Supervision.

 

[BrookJersey Redmen]

I loved Dick Barnett from the Knick glory years, his shot was formidable. Mullin had a similar sweet lefty stroke, but no leg kick. Quite an accomplished man and nice to see he is still with us. Kudos to Dr. Dick Barnett, it is no modest accomplishment to get a PhD from Fordham (or any university).

 

[MainMan]

Impressive post basketball life. Should be heralded!

Dr. Dick Barnett Biography​

EXPERIENCE
2020-Present Founder and President of the Dr. Richard Barnett Foundation.
2008-2019 President of SportScope, Center for the Research and Study of athletes and sports in American society.
2003-2007 Assistant Professor at St. John’s University in the Sport Management discipline as part of the College of Professional Studies. Focus on marketing, media, advertising, and promotion
2003 Special consultant to Project Renewal. A non profit organization with a focus on rehabilitating homeless and substance abuse victims
1997-2000 National Motivational Speaker. A series of lectures with education and dreams as the vortex of the presentations to high schools, community centers, and college students
1995-1996 Consultant to major corporations; i.e. Pepsi Cola, Dreyfus, New York Life, Madison Sq. Garden, National Football League and IBM. Providing access to professional athletes and the athletic environment
1992-1995 Minority education consultant to the Dean of Education at Fordham University concentrating on recruitment and retention of minority students in the program
1992 Adjunct Professor at Baruch College in multicultural urban education
1977- 1990 President of ARM, the Athletic Role Model Educational Institute, utilizing professional athletes and other positive role models to impact the social and cognitive behavior of at risk youth
1974-1976 Assistant coach with the New York Knickerbockers under legendary Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame coach Red Holzman.
1959-1974 Professional athlete with the Syracuse Nationals, Cleveland Pipers, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knickerbockers.
EDUCATION
Tennessee State University/Cal Poly Pomona – BS Degree in Physical Education
New York University – Masters in Public Administration
Fordham University – Doctoral in Education Adm. & Supervision.

I love how his resume is so formal he refers to his old team as the "Knickerbockers."

 

[kranmars]

It is amazing how rich in tradition SJU is with not just basketball, but NYC in general.

The Barnett story is a prime example, where a legendary Knick, becomes a professor there.

This type of neglect from the school amounts to a self inflicted wound. SJU should embrace, cultivate, and promote its history and traditions that are synonymous in many ways with this city.

Keep the stories coming. You guys are a great resource.

 

[Beasts of the East]

It is amazing how rich in tradition SJU is with not just basketball, but NYC in general.

The Barnett story is a prime example, where a legendary Knick, becomes a professor there.

This type of neglect from the school amounts to a self inflicted wound. SJU should embrace, cultivate, and promote its history and traditions that are synonymous in many ways with this city.

Keep the stories coming. You guys are a great resource.

Our own JSJ was a driving force in raising funds for the Lapchick statue. At the fund raising dinner the Knicks in particular l, and the NBA sent a luminous group to the dinner to support the effort
Lapchick of clurse was the Knicks coach in between 2 stints as sju coach, just as Carnesecca did the same with the Nets. That night Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, John Starks, ans Satch Sanders were in attendance. Each was so gracious. Frazier signed a photo of him vs. The Lakers taking on Wilt, and Starks of the Dunk, both wishing my son a happy birthday in their notes.

With MSG and Nyc our history is interwoven into the Knicks. John Warren, reggie Carter, Mark Jackson, Mel Davis to name a few. Willis Reed roomed with Mel, and gave him the nickname killer. Now Pitino addsto the lore.