NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Tennessee State University has announced the passing of basketball legend Dr. Richard “Dick” Barnett.
TSU said Barnett passed peacefully on Saturday. He was 88.
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In his college career, Barnett led the then-Tennessee A&I State College (now TSU) to three consecutive NAIA national championships from 1957-1959.
During those seasons, he was a three-time All-American and two-time NAIA Tournament MVP.
Barnett is the only player to ever have a jersey retired at the university, TSU said.
After college, Barnett was picked fourth overall in the 1959 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals. In his 14-year professional career, he also played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.
During his time with the Knicks, Barnett helped the team secure a pair of NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. His No. 12 jersey was retired by the Knicks in 1990.
Outside of basketball, TSU said Barnett was very successful and impacted many through teaching sports management at St. John’s University and founding Fall Back Baby Productions, named for his signature “Fall Back Baby” jump shot.
Barnett was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 in recognition of his career and lifelong dedication to the game of basketball.
“Tennessee State University extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Barnett’s family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy will forever be a part of TSU’s proud history,” TSU said.
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