The basketball community is mourning the loss of a storied athlete and key figure in the history of professional basketball, Dick Van Arsdale, who passed away at 81. As per an announcement from the Phoenix Suns on FOX59, the former Indiana University standout's death has been confirmed and he is being remembered for his noteworthy contributions both on and off the court.
Known affectionately as "The Original Sun," Van Arsdale made an indelible mark with the Phoenix Suns as their very first draft pick and the scorer of their first points post the 1968 expansion. He had a 12-year tenure in the NBA,, during which he became a three-time All-Star and led his team to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1976, a milestone moment for the franchise despite a series loss to the Boston Celtics. Upon retiring as the Suns' all-time leading scorer, his career shifted to various roles within the organization, including broadcaster, general manager, and vice president of player personnel, as noted by IndyStar.
Dick Van Arsdale's prowess on the court was mirrored by his twin brother, Tom Van Arsdale, with whom he shared not only a physical resemblance but also a joint title as Indiana's Mr. Basketball in 1961 and All-American status at Indiana University. The passing of Dick brings to close a chapter of a symbiotic sports relationship between the twin brothers that had been a key feature of their careers. As chronicled by The New York Times, the Van Arsdale twins were a rarity in the NBA, acting as both a compelling story and a dynamic duo within professional basketball's history books.
His impact spans far and wide – from the hardwood in Indiana to the executive offices in Phoenix, and he leaves behind not just an impressive sports legacy, but a community of friends, family, and fans who revered him. Among the bereaved is his twin brother Tom, who stands as a testament to their shared history and the unique bond they held both on and off the court.
