Icelandic basketball player and coach who led the national team to several international tournaments and won multiple domestic championships. Known for his successful coaching career and contributions to Icelandic basketball.
Petur Gumundsson, born on October 30, 1958, is an Icelandic former professional basketball player and coach, renowned for being the first Icelander and one of the first European players to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This towering figure, standing at 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in) and weighing 118 kg (260 lb), has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball.
Gumundsson was born and raised in Reykjavik, Iceland, to an Icelandic father and a Faroese mother. He started playing handball at the age of 8 with Valur's junior teams, but a horse riding accident that broke his right arm led him to switch to basketball at the behest of former national team player Sigurur Helgason.
At the age of 12, Gumundsson's exceptional height (185 cm) and skills earned him a spot on the Icelandic junior national teams. His talent caught the attention of Marv Harshman, the head coach at the University of Washington, who arranged for Gumundsson to move to Seattle and join Mercer Island High School at the age of 16.
Gumundsson attended Mercer Island High School from 1975 to 1977. Despite struggling with anemia and pneumonia, which caused him to miss several games during his first year, he managed to average around 15 points per game. During his senior year, he averaged 20 points and 15 rebounds, earning him an All-State selection.
Gumundsson played college basketball at the University of Washington from 1977 to 1980. His impressive performance on the court paved the way for his professional career in the NBA.
Gumundsson's NBA career was marked by his debut with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1981. He went on to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, and San Antonio Spurs, becoming one of the first European players to make a significant impact in the league.
Gumundsson's pioneering efforts have inspired countless Icelandic and European players to pursue careers in the NBA. He remains an iconic figure in Icelandic basketball, and his contributions to the sport have cemented his place as one of the greatest Icelandic basketball players of all time.
Gumundsson's achievements extend beyond the basketball court. He has been an influential figure in promoting sports and healthy living in Iceland, and his charitable work has benefited various organizations and communities.
As a testament to his enduring legacy, Gumundsson continues to be celebrated as a trailblazer in the world of basketball, inspiring future generations of players to follow in his footsteps.
Born in 1811
A 19th-century champion of Icelandic independence and culture, he led the fight for autonomy from Denmark and preserved Iceland's literary heritage.
