A talented and troubled basketball player who led the American Basketball Association (ABA) in scoring, but struggled with drug addiction and personal issues. Known for his incredible athleticism and scoring prowess on the court.
Marvin Jerome "Bad News" Barnes, a legendary American professional basketball player, left an indelible mark on the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his incredible athleticism, rebounding prowess, and scoring ability, Barnes was a dominant force on the court, earning him a place among the greatest players of his era.
Barnes' impressive collegiate career at Providence College saw him achieve unparalleled success. In 1973, he became the first player to score 10 times on 10 field goal attempts in an NCAA tournament game, a record that stood for over a decade. He led the nation in rebounding in the 1973-1974 season, averaging 17.9 rebounds per game.
In a remarkable performance against Austin Peay on December 15, 1973, Barnes scored 52 points, breaking the single-game school record. Throughout his 89-game college career, he averaged 20.7 points, 17.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists under the guidance of coach Dave Gavitt.
The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Barnes with the second overall pick in the first round of the 1974 NBA draft, while the Spirits of St. Louis selected him in the 1974 ABA draft. Barnes opted for the ABA, where he played for the Spirits from 1974 to 1976 before joining the NBA from 1976 to 1980.
In the ABA, Barnes achieved his greatest success, earning Rookie of the Year honors for the 1974-1975 season. He also shares the ABA record for most two-point field goals in a game, with 27. In 144 ABA games, Barnes averaged 21.4 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game.
In the NBA, Barnes played for various teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Buffalo Braves, and Boston Celtics. Although his NBA career wasn't as spectacular as his ABA stint, he still managed to average 9.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in 171 appearances.
Barnes was known for his charismatic personality and humorous anecdotes. One famous story recounts his refusal to board a plane from Louisville to St. Louis, citing the apparent time-travel paradox: "I ain't getting in no damn time machine." Instead, he rented a car and drove to his destination.
This larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite, and in 2005, the ABA 2000, a new incarnation of the ABA, named one of their divisions after him in his honor.
Marvin Barnes' impressive career has left a lasting impact on the world of basketball. His incredible rebounding and scoring abilities paved the way for future generations of players. His larger-than-life personality and humorous stories have made him a beloved figure in basketball history.
Today, Barnes' legacy continues to inspire new generations of players and fans alike, serving as a reminder of the incredible talent and charisma that defined his remarkable career.
76 Years Old
A legendary basketball player and iconic figure in the sport, known for his incredible athleticism, signature slam dunks, and charismatic personality. He's a beloved figure in the NBA, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.
74 Years Old
NBA Hall of Famer known for his smooth shooting style and scoring prowess, earning him the nickname "The Iceman." He won four NBA scoring titles and was a nine-time All-Star.
Born in 1770
Mapped vast regions of North America, including the Columbia River, and created highly accurate maps that helped shape the continent's geography.
77 Years Old
A Hall of Fame basketball player and coach who scored over 25,000 points in his NBA and ABA career, holding multiple records and leading teams to championships.
80 Years Old
Dominant center and rebounder who played 16 seasons in the NBA, earning 12 All-Star selections and winning the 1969 NBA scoring title.
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A pioneering basketball player who challenged the NBA's eligibility rules, paving the way for early-entry players and changing the game's landscape. Known for his dominant playing style and Olympic gold medal.
74 Years Old
A Hall of Fame basketball player and coach who won multiple championships and MVP awards, known for his dominant scoring and rebounding abilities.
79 Years Old
A legendary basketball player known for his incredible scoring ability, flashy ball-handling, and record-breaking college career. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and one of the greatest scorers in NCAA history.
