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Peter Rand: The Gentle Giant of Basketball

Jedidiah Hayes

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Peter Rand was a towering figure in the world of basketball, standing at 7'1" and weighing in at 280 pounds. His gentle nature and impressive skills on the court made him a fan favorite. This article explores the life and career of this gentle giant, from his early days to his tragic death.

The Gentle Giant

by Peter Rand

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21990 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	272 pages
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Early Life and College Career

Peter Rand was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 23, 1941. He grew up in a poor neighborhood, but he found solace in basketball. He attended Carver High School, where he led his team to the state championship in 1959. After graduating from high school, Rand attended DePaul University, where he continued to excel on the basketball court.

Rand was a dominant force in college basketball. He was a two-time All-American and led DePaul to the NCAA Tournament in 1961 and 1962. In his senior season, he averaged 25.2 points and 16.8 rebounds per game, and he was named the National Player of the Year by the United Press International.

NBA Career

After graduating from DePaul, Rand was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick in the 1963 NBA Draft. He quickly became a star in the NBA, averaging 20.6 points and 14.2 rebounds per game in his rookie season. Rand was a four-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team three times.

Rand was known for his gentle nature on and off the court. He was a beloved figure in Chicago, and he was often seen working with children in the community. He was also a strong advocate for civil rights, and he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.

Tragic Death

Rand's career was cut short by a tragic accident in 1967. He was driving home from a game when his car was struck by a drunk driver. Rand died at the scene of the accident, at the age of 26.

Rand's death was a devastating loss for the NBA and for the city of Chicago. He was a rising star with a bright future, and his untimely death robbed the world of a truly special player.

Legacy

Peter Rand was a true giant of basketball. He was a dominant force on the court, and he was a beloved figure off the court. His gentle nature and his commitment to social justice made him an inspiration to millions of people.

Rand's legacy continues to live on. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991, and his number 18 was retired by the Chicago Bulls.

Peter Rand was a gentle giant who left a lasting legacy on the game of basketball. His impressive skills on the court and his commitment to social justice made him a true icon. His untimely death was a tragedy, but his memory will live on forever.

The Gentle Giant

by Peter Rand

5 out of 5