Hot Rod Hundley facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 26, 1934 Charleston, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | March 27, 2015 (aged 80) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| High school | Charleston (Charleston, West Virginia) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Listed weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | West Virginia (1954–1957) |
| NBA Draft | 1957 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall |
| Selected by the Cincinnati Royals | |
| Pro career | 1957–1963 |
| Career history | |
| 1957–1963 | Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
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| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 3,625 (8.4 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,420 (3.3 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,455 (3.4 apg) |
Rodney Clark "Hot Rod" Hundley (born October 26, 1934 – died March 27, 2015) was a famous American basketball player. He later became a well-known television announcer for basketball games.
Hundley was the very first player chosen in the 1957 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals. He played college basketball at West Virginia University. In 2003, he received a special award, the Curt Gowdy Media Award, from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This award honors people who have made a big impact on basketball through media.
Basketball was a huge part of Hot Rod Hundley's life. His amazing skills and love for the game helped him earn many awards in high school and college. When he played at West Virginia University, the stadium was always full of fans. His exciting dribbling tricks and brave moves on the court earned him the nickname "Hot Rod." After his playing career, he became a beloved announcer for the Utah Jazz basketball team.
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Early Life and High School Basketball
Rodney Hundley grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. Even when he was young, his talent for basketball was clear.
At Charleston High School, he was an amazing scorer. He averaged 30 points in each game. In just three years, he broke the state's four-year scoring record. Many universities wanted him to play for their teams.
College Career Highlights
Hundley played college basketball for WVU from 1954 to 1957. During his time, the Mountaineers made it to the NCAA tournament three times.
In his junior year, Hundley was incredible. He averaged 26.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. He scored over 40 points in six different games. This helped his team score over 100 points in nine games that season. WVU was ranked among the top teams in the nation during his college years. Hundley still holds a school record for scoring 54 points in one game.
Exciting Moments on the Court
Hot Rod Hundley was known for his fun and tricky moves. He would dribble the ball behind his back and spin it on his finger. He could even roll the ball down his arm! Sometimes, he would try hook shots from the free throw line. He also loved to hang from the rim, waiting for a teammate to pass him the ball for a dunk.
One funny moment happened during a tournament game. Hundley had a chance to set a scoring record with two free throws. But instead of shooting normally, he tried a hook shot and a behind-the-back shot. Both shots missed! Even though his team had already won, it showed his playful spirit.
College Legacy and Honors
Hundley was one of the first players in NCAA history to score over 2,000 points. He did this in just three years, because freshmen were not allowed to play on the main team back then. He finished his college career with 2,180 points. He was named an All-American player twice.
In January 2010, WVU honored Hundley by retiring his number 33 jersey. This means no other player at WVU will ever wear that number. He and Jerry West are the only players in school history to receive this honor. In 2016, a bronze statue of Hot Rod Hundley was placed outside the WVU Coliseum. It stands next to the statue of Jerry West.
Professional Basketball Career
In 1957, the Cincinnati Royals chose Hundley as the first player in the NBA Draft. They immediately traded him to the Minneapolis Lakers. Hundley and Mark Workman are the only two players from the same high school to both be chosen as the No. 1 overall draft pick.
Hundley played for the Lakers in Minneapolis and later in Los Angeles. He played from 1957 to 1963. During his six years, he scored 3,625 points, grabbed 1,420 rebounds, and made 1,455 assists. He was also chosen to play in two NBA All-Star games.
His best season was in 1959–60. He averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. On February 1, 1960, Hundley achieved a triple-double. This means he had at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in one game. This was a rare achievement back then. He scored a career-high 33 points in a game on February 28.
Hundley's professional career ended at age 28 in 1963. He had to retire because of problems with his knees.
Broadcasting Career
After his playing career, Hundley became a basketball announcer. He worked for the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also announced college basketball games for CBS, including four All-Star Games.
In 1974, Hundley became the very first radio and television voice for the new New Orleans Jazz team. He moved with the team to Salt Lake City in 1979. He became just as famous as an announcer as he was a player.
He was known for his fast-paced style and fun sayings. When a player made a long shot, he might say, "from the parking lot!" For a perfect jump shot, he would say, "with a gentle push and a mild arc and the old cowhide globe hits home."
Hundley announced Jazz games for many years. He retired on April 24, 2009, because of the strain on his knees and hips. After retiring, he sometimes appeared on Lakers broadcasts.
Awards and Recognition
Hot Rod Hundley received many honors throughout his life:
- In 1992, he was inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame.
- He received the NBA's Distinguished Broadcaster award in 1994.
- In 2003, he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the only former professional player to also receive this award.
- In 2004, he was inducted into the Utah Broadcast Hall of Fame.
- On January 23, 2010, West Virginia University retired his number 33 jersey.
- He was inducted into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame in 2010.
- In 2016, a statue of Hundley was placed outside the WVU Coliseum.
Film Appearances
Hundley appeared in the 2006 movie Church Ball. He was also in talks for a movie about his early life and basketball career.
Personal Life and Passing
During the basketball off-season, Hundley often held basketball clinics. He also worked with charities in Salt Lake City. In his later years, he stepped away from public life due to Alzheimer's disease.
Hot Rod Hundley passed away on March 27, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 80 years old.
Media
A documentary called "Hot Rod The Documentary, the Untold Story of Hot Rod Hundley" was made about his life.
Images for kids
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Hundley from The 1955 Monticola
See also
In Spanish: Rod Hundley para niños
