Dave Meyers: The Best basketball player Youve never heard Of, Dave Meyers: A basketball star in the Making, Dave Meyers: A rising star in the Basketball World, Dave Meyers: The Next big thing in Basketball. He was just 24 years old. So, after missing an entire year, Im back in the starting line, and Im playing. Meyers only played two seasons in the NBA, but he was extremely successful in his short time there. She kept reassuring me: Dave, you dont have to be afraid of Satan. He was drafted in the first round of the 1975 NBA draft with the second overall pick, and played four years professionally with the Bucks. My love for my family and for Jehovahthese are my happinesses now, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1988, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1976. Raef LaFrentz of MFL/Mar-Mac of Monona, who stood 6-11, is one of the . Data Provided By Former UCLA, Sonora High School star David Meyers dies Posted on October 10, 2015 by Steve Ramirez LOS ANGELES (AP) Dave Meyers, the star forward for Sonora High School who led UCLA to the 1975 NCAA basketball championship as the lone senior in coach John Wooden's final season and later played for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, died Friday. 2 overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft, died from cancer Friday. Linda and I were very close now. His survivors include his wife of 40 years, Linda; a daughter, Crystal; a son, Sean; his mother, Pat; three brothers, Mark, Jeff and Bobby; and five sisters, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Patty Meyers, Cathy Meyers, Susan Meyers and Coleen Lindsey. friends. At first, they made it five or six. Meyers career came to an abrupt end when he suffered a serious Knee Injury in 1984. [11] Nineteen days later,[11] Meyers, along with Elmore Smith, Junior Bridgeman, and Brian Winters, was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley. He was born, March 26, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan to Tom and Deniece Meyers. I was not, however, impressed with the talk, and the Watchtower Study was on the Bible book of Haggai or Habakkuk. In the end, it was what he said it was, Meyers Drysdale said. LTD. | 13,772 followers on LinkedIn. Why didnt I ever look at these things before? It was as if Jehovah opened my heart. He was 62. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. He chose to play both sports at the University of Minnesota and was a key player on the Basketball team that went to the Final Four in 1972. He played with reckless abandon, Johnson says. Later on he and his wife were preaching full time in Kansas, and while driving cross-country to an assembly both were killed in an automobile accident. I called Elmore Smith and his wife and said: Im going to have a Bible study with the Witnesses!. Playing alongside his former UCLA teammate Marques Johnson, Meyers played 80 games and averaged over 30 minutes per game. Remembering Dave MeyersDave Meyers was a star forward for the 1975 UCLA National Championship team and was the brother of Ann Meyers Drysdale. Shes a Hall of Famer, a sporting legend in her own right. He didnt back down to big guys. I still loved basketball, but by now I loved my family and serving Jehovah much more. latest Meyers spirit defined him as a player and a person. Bob was a basketball star at Marquette University in Milwaukee in the mid-1940s, but eventually settled his family in Southern California. He played for the UCLA Bruins from 1972 to 1974, and was a two-time All-American. Meyers still had a year to go with UCLA, unlike the Redhead, who was on his way to the NBA. Former power forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1975. A month later I married Linda, and a month after that she was pregnant. You might say that the seeds for this tug-of-war were sown back in 1972 when I first met Linda. Dave Meyers weighed 215 lbs (97 kg) when playing. They started to make sense. The family moved to Denver right before Dave's seventh grade year. Ann Meyers Drysdale was also a star basketball player at U.C.L.A. He had provided a fine counterbalance to the senior-laden starting group of 73-74 that tried to impose its specific culture on the team. Linda came to see me, but I was in pain and doped updidnt even know she had been there. What really impressed me about his retirement was that he was saying life is more important than basketball, says Sidney Moncrief, who played with Meyers in Milwaukee. The discussions never got too involved or very prolonged. Dave Meyers, the star player on John Wooden's 10th and final national championship basketball team at UCLA, died Friday at his home in Temecula after a lengthy battle with cancer. As it is, he remains one of the best players youve never heard of. David Thompson from North Carolina State was the first pick. The important UCLA names then were Bill Walton and Keith (later Jamaal) Wilkes, sophomores who were moving up to the varsity (freshmen werent eligible to play then) and who were expected to continue the programs streak of five consecutive National Titles. A week after that I was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. He was 62. Find Dave Meyers stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. She refers to Wooden lovingly as "Papa" and had the opportunity to watch many of her brother's practices from the rafters of Pauley Pavilion her freshman year. Especially so during the playing season, on the road a lotit gobbled you up! You knew he would hold it up., Smith and Meyers became fast friends. He would get knocked down and get up and get in peoples faces. The 6-foot-7-inch sophomore forward from Germantown, Wis., has the size, skills and drive to be one of the best players in the country. The Bucks had sagged to last in the Midwest Divisiona year after taking Boston to seven games in the NBA Finalslargely because of Oscar Robertsons retirement. I became sleepy and put the book down. I got out of the hospital in a few days, and by a week later Linda and I had practically stopped talking to each other. I was with my family every day, going to all the meetings, doing personal study, and again auxiliary pioneering. Meyers played well, but his stats werent overwhelming7.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg in 75-76; 9.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg in 76-77. LOS ANGELES - Dave Meyers, the star forward who led UCLA to the 1975 NCAA basketball championship as the lone senior in coach John Wooden's final season and later played for the NBA's . An aggressive, fundamentally sound player, he rebounded, played defense and handed out assists with the same enthusiasm that he took shots. He had 24 points and 11 rebounds in their 92-85 victory over Kentucky in the NCAA title game played in his hometown of San Diego. He could jump out of the gym and had a wingspan that was almost 7 feet. The NBRPA (National Retired Players Association) expressed its condolences. He was 62 . David Lee Meyers (Big Dog) 64, of Englewood peacefully passed on October 6, 2022. A year later, 1975, I was playing with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was 62 . In 2013 he was enshrined in the . He spent five years with the Milwaukee . Meyers came from a basketball family, a large family. Dave Meyers was drafted by Los Angeles Lakers, 1st round (2nd pick, 2nd overall), 1975 NBA Draft. And ever since he has blessed me. And it made him a beloved teammate. First, Revelation, then First and Second Timothy, and First and Second Thessalonians, and Romans. Anyone can read what you share. m/meyerda01. Youre going to take the Bible with you? Linda asked, surprised. 0 references. As a result, many people never got to see Meyers play in person or on TV. I was also drawing closer to my family. The younger Meyers averaged 22.7 points as a senior at Sonora High in La Habra, California. I dont think there was any doubt in anybodys mind when we went into [the final] that we were going to win, Washington says. Im sitting there thinking, What is this? He just wants to live his life and sees no reason to talk about what happened more than 30 years ago. Dwyre was named national editor of the year by the National Press Foundation in 1985 for the papers coverage of the 84 Olympics and winner of the Red Smith Award in 1996 by the Associated Press Sports Editors for sustained excellence in sports journalism. Meyers story is one of tragedy, but also one of hope and inspiration. Meyers died at his home in Temecula after struggling with cancer for the last year, according to UCLA, which received the news from his younger sister, Ann Meyers . But . It was all very tempting. A year later, in 1979, our son Sean was born. He averaged 7.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. May 22, 1985. I didnt know what was going on. Headquartered in Mumbai, India with global presence in more than 30 countries. 1973 UCLA basketball NCAA champions.JPG 851 948; 140 KB A few years later I came into Lindas house, and there was Brian. How do you feel about the Bible? she would ask. David William Meyers (April 21, 1953 - October 9, 2015) was an American basketball player who played for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Join our linker program. Basketball For 3 Year Olds The Perfect Sport? Though the Bruins lacked recognizable names around him, Johnson, Washington, Andre McCarter and Pete Trgovich moved up from the reserve ranks and joined him in a formidable five. American music video director. And in that same year he had been baptized as one of Jehovahs Witnesses! Los Angeles Lakers, 1st round (2nd pick, 2nd overall), 1975 NBA Draft, More Dave Meyers pages at Sports Reference. My first year out of college, 1975, was a busy one. Ann Meyers Drysdale: I was fortunate enough to be there when my brother David was there, and Coach Wooden (UCLA men's basketball coach John Wooden), who really made an impact on my life. She was one of 11 children. With this blessing from Jehovah in view, I considered it no sacrifice at all to set aside my basketball career. Plus my hope for endless life in the Paradise earth. Who played on a Silver medal-winning Olympic team, was married to the late baseball great Don Drysdale and won two WNBA titles as GM of the Phoenix Mercury. Meyers posted a career-high 14.7 points per game along with 6.7 rebounds and a career-high 3.0 assists. During their second season in Milwaukee, Smith was having a condominium built, and he and his family moved in with Meyers and his wife. . The team wasnt too sympathetic. . Meyers was also known as a private person, who shocked the sports world in 1980 five years into a productive and lucrative pro career with the Bucks by announcing that he was leaving the NBA to spend more time with his family. The Houston Rockets also won today, with a, Read More Whats the NBA Score for Today?Continue, ContentsThe TeamsThe Golden State WarriorsThe Cleveland CavaliersThe PlayersStephen CurryLeBron JamesThe GameThe First HalfThe Second HalfThe ResultsThe WinnerThe Loser The 2018 NBA Finals were one of the most exciting in recent memory, with the Golden State Warriors coming out on top over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The forward played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. Meyers professional career was cut short by a knee injury but he is widely regarded as one of the greatest College Basketball players of all time. I really apologize. He was considered a great friend, a man with an easy laugh and a calm countenance. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. There were, well, not many, but a handful of high-profile conversions to JWs in the run-up to 1975. He played in all but two of the Bruins games that year and logged 10 minutes in the 73 National Title game against Memphis State, but he was a decidedly complementary cog. He gave of himself both in the game and away from it, and when he decided to leave basketballabruptlyafter the 1979-80 season, he refused to enter that world again. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Meyers_(basketball). You cant do that!, Im doing it. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Everybody was so happy to see him, Meyers Drysdale said, and we were so happy that he had the energy to do it.. This site exists to preserve the history of high school sports in Iowa, including the achievements of each of Iowa's current and former high schools, the history of existing and former sports conferences, nicknames, state tournament results, state champions, and more. Johnson recalled in other tweets how Meyers called him "MJB" or Marques Johnson Baby when he was a freshman, and later in the NBA, Meyers was nicknamed "Crash" because he was always diving on the floor for loose balls. Facebook gives people the power to. Im an elder in the congregation, give public talks, and frequently spend my full time in the ministry telling others about the good news of Jehovahs Kingdom under Christ. Linda said: Im nothing, Im nothing. I mumbled it over and over again. That settled it for me. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. She wasnt there when I did come to, and that made me mad. Youre a Jehovahs Witness, right? Regular Season Stats He hated me. I went into the house, into our bedroom, and turned on the light. Man that must have been one liberal hall or maybe he just In 1978 I auxiliary pioneeredwhich means I averaged 60 hours or more a month in preaching the good news of Gods Kingdom. Do you have a sports website? 2 overall pick in 1975, retired abruptly after four solid seasons in the League to focus on his family and faith. Thats going to happen? One was about the number of the beast, 666; the other about a great light flashing from one end of the earth to the other end. One day after practicewe had a real good practice, and Elmore and I were walking up the corridorand Elmore says: Dave, Im giving my first talk in the Theocratic Ministry School. Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. +1 / -0. darkspilver 6 years ago. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Former UCLA basketball star and ex-NBA player Dave Meyers has passed away. I am proud to have played with Dave Meyers.. Dave Meyers, the captain of the 1975 UCLA team and No. View the profiles of people named David Meyer. He was 62. [1], Meyers died of cancer in Temecula, California, on October 9, 2015, at the age of 62. [18], Meyers was the older brother of Ann Meyers, who also was an outstanding basketball player as well as the only woman to sign a free agent contract with an NBA team (Indiana Pacers in 1979). The only way to see most college players was to either go to their games or watch them on television (if they were lucky enough to be televised). Dave Meyers (born April 21, 1953) is famous for being basketball player. Former UCLA basketball star and ex-NBA player Dave Meyers has passed away. How Many NBA Titles Does Kobe Bryant Have? The next day at practice I told Elmore: Now, Elmore, look. [17] He received his teaching certificate and, beginning in 1988, for many years he served as an elementary school teacher at Railroad Canyon Elementary School in Lake Elsinore, California. Id played most of the year with an injured knee, and nowX rays showed that the kneecap was broken. David Lee Meyers (Big Dog) 64, of Englewood peacefully passed on October 6, 2022. Which NBA star you would've signed if he was in his last NBA season? The same blessed hope is also yours if you wish it. Dave was very involved in the Arapahoe alumni affairs and remained so right up to the time of his death. Sadly, Dave Meyers life was cut short just two years after he graduated from UCLA. As I read those scriptures, I thought, It says that in the Bible? Dave Meyer Height. Learn more about this update. None of that requires any time in the spotlight. Draft: Los Angeles Lakers, 1st round (2nd pick, 2nd overall), 1975 NBA draft, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 6:01AM. Meyers made a surprise announcement in 1980 that he was retiring from basketball to spend more time with his family. His father, Bob, was a former Marquette hoops star who captained the team during the 1944-45 season, and his mother, Pat, eventually became close friends with legendary UCLA coach John Woodens wife, Nellie, a bond forged by the time they spent together at UCLA games. I got a scholarship to go to UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles), played under coach John Wooden, and two out of my last three years there, we won the national title. Dave Meyers was one of the best basketball players youve never heard of. Dave Meyer was booked on suspicion of the murder of his wife on January 21. It was re-gifted to me by someone that received it directly from him! 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