Even now, as he prepares to join the select circle of athletes who’ve lasted for a decade at the top, Van Lier treasures that advise. “First of all, I was taught to respect my coach and my opponent,” he says. “If a young player can’t learn to do that, he won’t respect himself.”
Tag Archives: Rod Thorn
Billy Knight: The Pacers’ Newest Star, 1975
Billy Knight is only the second rookie in the Pacers’ history to crack the starting lineup right away. McGinnis was the first.
Spencer Haywood: Sonic Superstar, 1971
In SuperSonic basketball circles, he’s known as “The Wood” . . . easy to rap with . . . tough to knock.