29 Facts About Willis Reed

Willis Reed spent his entire ten-year pro playing career with the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association.

Willis Reed was a two-time NBA champion and was voted the NBA Finals MVP both times.

In 1982, Willis Reed was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Willis Reed was named to both the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams.

Willis Reed was born three weeks before his father joined the Army for the duration of World War II.

Willis Reed's parents moved from his grandparents' farm to Bernice, Louisiana, where they worked to ensure Reed got an education in the segregated South.

Willis Reed played under coach Lendon Smith, and led West Side to two state tournaments and a state championship.

Willis Reed was All-State in football and basketball, and he set a state record in the discus throw.

Willis Reed was recruited by colleges, such as Loyola of Chicago, Nebraska and Wisconsin, for basketball.

Willis Reed attended Grambling State University, a historically black college, playing under coach Fred Hobby.

Willis Reed became a starter as a freshman, the team won the NAIA tournament, and he was named to the all-tournament team as a freshman.

Willis Reed averaged 22 points per game in 12 NAIA tournament games.

Willis Reed was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1994.

Willis Reed quickly made a name for himself as a fierce, dominating, and physical force on both ends of the floor as a center.

Willis Reed began one of his multiple All-Star appearances and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, while being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Willis Reed continued to be selected annually for the NBA All-Star Game.

In 1970, Willis Reed became the first player in NBA history to be named the NBA All-Star Game MVP, the NBA regular season MVP, and the NBA Finals MVP in the same season.

Willis Reed played 27 minutes, finishing with four points and three rebounds.

Willis Reed spent several years coaching before moving into general management.

Willis Reed was the head coach at Creighton University from 1981 to 1985 and volunteer assistant coach for St John's University.

Willis Reed served as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks from 1985 to 1987.

Willis Reed served as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings from 1987 to 1988.

Willis Reed debuted as head coach of the New Jersey Nets on March 1,1988, one week after the Nets' star forward Orlando Woolridge was suspended by the league and was to undergo drug rehabilitation.

Willis Reed was given the responsibility for personnel in 1993, receiving a three-year contract extension and gaining general manager duties.

In 1996, Willis Reed was promoted to senior vice president of basketball operations, while continuing his goal of turning the Nets into championship contenders.

Willis Reed then became the vice president of basketball operations with the New Orleans Hornets in 2004.

Rap songs have mentioned Willis Reed, recognizing his impressive athleticism and skill.

Willis Reed then married Gale Kennedy, a nurse, in 1983.

Willis Reed died from heart failure in Houston, Texas, on March 21,2023, at age 80.