Former Los Angeles Lakers centre LeRoy Ellis dies at the age of 72 - NBA Update
LeRoy Ellis, former St. John’s University’s legendry centre, who went on to shine in NBA and played for the legendary 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers championship team, has died at the age of 72. He breathed his last at his home in Scappoose, Ore.
LeRoy had been fighting with prostate cancer for a long time and it finally claimed his life. He played for 14 seasons in NBA, after being drafted by Los Angeles Lakers in 1962, and during his career, he averaged 9.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
He tallied 10,176 points and 8,709 rebounds in his career. LeRoy is considered as a legend at the St. John's, where his single season 16.5 rebounds average and 30 against New York University on Dec. 30, 1961 are still remembered.
St. John's Hall of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca remembered him as a great player.
''For a big guy, he was awfully quick. You can never catch him,'' St. John's Hall of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca said. ''He had a soft touch and was a good rebounder. He was a quiet guy, you never knew he was around. But when he was on the court, you always knew.''
He spent 4 seasons with Lakers and was traded off to Baltimore Bullets. After spending 4 more years with the Bullets he became the starting centre for Portland Trail Blazers, expansion of Bullets franchise.
He was traded back to LAL and from there he finally came at Philadelphia 76ers, where he played for the last 4 seasons of his mainstream basketball.
During his last 4 years with 76ers he became the 3rd best scorer and the top rebounder in the club. He averaged 12.3 points per game.
Trail Blazers Founder and President Emeritus Harry Glickman lavished him with acclamation while extending his condolences to Ellis family.
LeRoy Ellis was a very important member of the first Trail Blazers team and was a very high-class individual,'' Trail Blazers Founder and President Emeritus Harry Glickman said. ''We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.''
After retirement he moved to LA and worked with a tire company in 1976. He then moved on to Portland and worked in property management. LeRoy left behind 5 children. His son LeRon Ellis followed the footsteps of his father into the NBA and was selected as the 1st round pick by Los Angeles Clippers in 1991.
His daughter Lisa played for the California State University, Long Beach women basketball team. LeRoy Jr. His younger son played in NCAA Division I men’ basketball for the University of Kentucky.
Tags: