A dominant rebounder and scorer in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1970s. He was a four-time ABA All-Star and played for several teams, including the Kentucky Colonels and New Orleans Jazz.
Ron Behagen, a towering 6-foot-9 center, is best known for his dominating presence on the basketball court, which earned him a spot in the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1974. Throughout his seven-year professional career, he played for nine teams, including the Kansas City Kings, New Orleans Jazz, and New York Knicks, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Born on January 14, 1951, in New York City, Behagen honed his skills at DeWitt Clinton High School before moving on to junior college and eventually the University of Minnesota. During his time at Minnesota, he played alongside future Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, a testament to his athletic prowess.
The 1971-72 season was marred by one of the most notorious on-court incidents in college basketball history. On January 25, 1972, Behagen and several teammates attacked Ohio State University's Luke Witte, leaving him unconscious. The melee, which stemmed from a series of Fouls and retaliations, resulted in Behagen's suspension for the remainder of the season.
Drafted by the Kentucky Colonels in the 1973 American Basketball Association draft and by the Kansas City Kings in the first round of the 1973 NBA draft, Behagen went on to play for nine teams, averaging 10.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. In addition to his All-Rookie Team honors, he played for Antonini Siena in Italy, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable player.
Although Behagen's playing career was marked by controversy, he remains an important figure in the world of basketball. On January 3, 2012, he faced legal consequences for his actions, serving as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship. Despite this, Behagen's contributions to the game cannot be overlooked, and his name continues to resonate with fans of the sport.
Through his achievements, both on and off the court, Ron Behagen has cemented his place in basketball history, serving as a reminder of the power of perseverance and dedication.
