Wes Unseld (Basketball Player and Coach)
Full Name: Westley Sissel Unseld Sr.
Profession: Basketball Player and Coach
Biography: Wes Unseld was an American basketball player and executive who first gained prominence for winning both the NBA MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. He would later lead the Baltimore Bullets to an NBA Championship and was ultimately inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Unseld's sports career began at Seneca High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where his exceptional play helped his team to two state championships. He opted to attend his hometown University of Louisville, making a significant impact on the integration of college athletics in the state. At the university, he averaged 20.6 points and 18.9 rebounds.
In 1968, Unseld was the second overall pick by the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA draft. His rookie season set a precedent as he became the second player in NBA history to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP.
Unseld was instrumental in leading the Bullets to their only NBA Championship in 1978, where he was named Finals MVP. His No. 41 jersey was retired by the Bullets when he retired in 1981.
Unseld's achievements were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988 and his naming to the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list in 1996. He was also included in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
After his playing career, Unseld served the Bullets/Wizards organization in multiple roles, including as vice president, head coach, and general manager from 1988 to 2003.
Beyond sport, he contributed significantly to the Baltimore community, particularly through the Unselds School, founded with his wife, Connie Unseld. Their son, Wes Unseld Jr., continued the family's basketball legacy with an NBA coaching career.
Born: March 14, 1946
Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Pisces
Died: June 2, 2020 (aged 74)
Cause of Death: Pneumonia
Playing Career
- 1978-06-07 32nd NBA Championship: Washington Bullets defeat Seattle Supersonics in 7 games; MVP: Wes Unseld
References
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