NBA Champion David Greenwood Passes Away at 68
Colaboradores
David Greenwood, a former UCLA basketball star and NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons, has died at the age of 68 after battling cancer. Greenwood passed away on Sunday night at a Riverside hospital. News of his illness came as a shock to his family, as he kept it private until the very end.
Greenwood's passion for basketball was evident from a young age. His brother, Al Greenwood, recalled how David would play for three different teams in three different parks on the same day, multiple times a week. Al would drive him between games as David changed uniforms, a testament to his relentless dedication.
“He was relentless,” Al said, “because he loved the game.”
Growing up in Compton, Greenwood honed his skills through tough driveway games with his father, a cement contractor. He even practiced blindfolded to perfect his shooting form, relying on his brother to guide him. He played high school ball at Verbum Dei.
Greenwood went on to become a standout player at UCLA, where he was recruited by the legendary coach John Wooden, a detail which stunned him since Wooden retired only a few years later. Alongside teammate Roy Hamilton, Greenwood helped lead the Bruins, becoming one of the program's top scorers. After college, he was drafted into the NBA, where he ultimately won a championship with the Detroit Pistons.
Known for his determination and resilience, Greenwood played through debilitating foot injuries throughout his career, embodying his unwavering commitment to the game. His passing is a significant loss to the basketball community and he will be remembered for his talent, work ethic, and love for the sport.