Willie Wise
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Wise being guarded by New York Nets player Julius Erving. | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 3, 1947 |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Balboa (San Francisco, California) |
| College |
|
| NBA draft | 1969: 5th round, 64th overall pick |
| Drafted by | San Francisco Warriors |
| Playing career | 1969–1977 |
| Position | Small forward |
| Number | 42 |
| Career history | |
| 1969–1974 | Los Angeles / Utah Stars |
| 1974–1976 | Virginia Squires |
| 1976–1977 | Denver Nuggets |
| 1977 | Seattle SuperSonics |
| Career highlights | |
| |
| Career ABA and NBA statistics | |
| Points | 9,727 (17.6 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 4,578 (8.3 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,594 (2.9 apg) |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Willie M. Wise (born March 3, 1947) is an American former professional basketball player. After a successful ABA tenure, which eventually resulted in him making the ABA All-Time Team, Wise's NBA career was ended prematurely by a knee injury.
A 6'6" forward from Drake University, Wise earned a spot on the American Basketball Association's (ABA) Los Angeles (later Utah) Stars in 1969. He would prove to be one of the best all-around players in the league, as he was both a proficient scorer (19.2 points per game during his ABA career) and a highly esteemed defender. While playing for the Stars, who won the 1971 ABA Championship, Sports Illustrated described him as "the best two-way performer in pro basketball".[1] Wise later played with the Virginia Squires.
Wise was a prime-time player. During his pro career he saw action in 552 regular-season games and averaged 17.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.16 steals. He increased those numbers to 19.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.39 in 74 postseason contests. He was a two-time All-ABA Second Team selection and a two-time All-ABA Defensive First Team choice.[2]
After the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, Wise played one full season and part of a second in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Denver Nuggets and Seattle SuperSonics. The SuperSonics waived Wise in November 1977 after he suffered a career-ending knee injury.[3]
On 7 February 2009, Drake University retired Wise's #42 jersey that he wore for the Bulldogs.[4]
