Legendary basketball player Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe reflects on the demise of his fellow hoops icon, Dick Barnett.
Farewell to Legendary HBCU Alum and NBA Champion Dick Barnett
Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe, Hall of Famer and former teammate of Dick Barnett on the New York Knicks, paid tribute to Barnett's life and achievements via his X account. Barnett, another HBCU alumnus, made a significant impact on and off the court, leading Tennessee State University to three consecutive NAIA championships under coach John McClendon and becoming a key contributor to the Knicks' championship victories in 1970 and 1973.
Monroe described Barnett as "a good friend who achieved so much in his lifetime," recalling his HBCU alma mater and the decade-long battle he led for suitable recognition for Tennessee State. "Dick was an HBCU alumnus who got his doctorate and led a long battle to get proper recognition for TSU," Monroe remarked.
Hailing from Tennessee A&I State College in 1955, Barnett shone under McClendon's guidance, helping the school make history as the first HBCU to win an integrated national championship. His iconic "fall-back baby" jump shot, reminiscent of a question mark, became a hallmark of college basketball. Not only was he a three-time All-American, but he also finished his college career as the program's all-time leading scorer.
In the NBA, Barnett played for teams like the Syracuse Nationals, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks, earning two NBA championships and an All-Star nod in 1968. His unique shooting style left an indelible impression on the league. The Knicks celebrated Barnett's legacy by retiring his No. 12 jersey in 1990.
Upon his passing, the Knicks stated, "He left a positive impact on everyone he encountered, and this organization is incredibly fortunate to have him be such an integral part of its history." Tennessee State University also extended their condolences, acknowledging Barnett's significant contributions to the school and his role in raising its national profile.
Barnett's accomplishments extended beyond the court, as he earned a doctorate from Fordham University and championed educational equity. His basketball career and scholarly pursuits encapsulated a dedication to excellence that resonated deeply within the HBCU community.
[1] Tennessee State University Athletics: Dick Barnett Bio[2] Pro Hoops History: Dick Barnett - Career Stats[3] HBCU Sports: Dick Barnett[4] Basketball-Reference: Dick Barnett Career Stats[5] SI Vault: Henry Abbott - Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe: Shooting for Greatness
- Dick Barnett, a legendary figure in the HBCU community and former NBA champion, made history as the first HBCU player to win an integrated national championship with Tennessee A&I State College in 1955.
- In the NBA, Barnett's unique style, highlighted by his "fall-back baby" jump shot, earned him a place in the league's history, resulting in two NBA championships and an All-Star nod in 1968.
- barnett's contributions to sports extend beyond the court, as he earned a doctorate from Fordham University, championing educational equity and raising the national profile of Tennessee State University.
- The New York Knicks, for whom Barnett was a key contributor to championship victories in 1970 and 1973, celebrated his legacy by retiring his No. 12 jersey in 1990.
- Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe, a Hall of Famer and former teammate of Barnett on the Knicks, paid tribute to his friend, describing Barnett as an HBCU alumnus who fought for suitable recognition for TSU and achieved much in his lifetime.
