Former Tar Heels, Phoenix Suns Star Dead at 69

One of the greats to have ever put the big round ball through the hoop is gone.

Walter Davis, a standout player at the University of North Carolina and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, has passed away.

Davis was 69 years old.

Legendary Career

There were not a lot of details regarding his death, with his family only stating that he passed naturally while visiting with family in the Charlotte, NC, area.

Dubbed “The Greyhound,” Davis was a monster on the court.

He had the honor of playing under Dean Smith at UNC, one of the most legendary coaches in the history of college basketball.

Quite frankly, it was spotting talent like Davis that led Smith to such heights as a coach.

While playing for Smith, Davis made All-ACC two times and helped UNC reach the National Championship game in 1977.

Davis hit one of the most famous shots in college basketball history by making a buzzer-beating shot, off the glass no less, against Duke in 1974. That shot forced OT, which was where NC put away Duke.

Michael Jordan has called Davis one of his childhood heroes.

The good times continued to roll in the pros, with Davis entering the league with the Phoenix Suns in 1977.

He played with the Suns until 1988, then finished up his career with two stints with the Denver Nuggets and one with the Portland Trail Blazers.

He was a six-time NBA All-Star, won Rookie of the Year in 1978, and had his number retired by the Suns after his playing days were over.

He scored 19,521 points during his NBA career, as well as 3,878 assists and 1,280 steals.

Rest in peace, sir, and thanks for the amazing memories on the court.