Jack Twyman facts for kids
 |
|
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 21, 1934 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | May 30, 2012 (aged 78) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| High school | Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Cincinnati (1951–1955) |
| NBA Draft | 1955 / Round: 2 / Pick: 8th overall |
| Selected by the Rochester Royals | |
| Pro career | 1955–1966 |
| Career history | |
| 1955–1966 | Rochester / Cincinnati Royals |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| Career statistics | |
| Points | 15,840 (19.2 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 5,424 (6.6 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,861 (2.3 apg) |
John Kennedy Twyman (born May 21, 1934 – died May 30, 2012) was an American professional basketball player. He also worked as a sports broadcaster. Twyman is remembered for his amazing basketball skills and for being a great friend. The NBA's Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award is named after him. He was added to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983.
| Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Early Life and High School Basketball
Jack Twyman grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He went to Central Catholic High School. Even though he was cut from his high school team three times, Jack never gave up.
He practiced every single day. He would shoot 100 foul shots, 200 jump shots, and 100 to 150 set shots. Because of his hard work, Jack made the team in his senior year. He even earned "All-State" honors, meaning he was one of the best players in the whole state!
College Basketball Career
After high school, Jack Twyman went to the University of Cincinnati. He studied elementary education there. During his college career, he was a star player. He averaged 24.6 points and 16.5 rebounds per game.
In 1955, he helped his team, the Cincinnati Bearcats, reach 3rd place in a big tournament called the 1955 National Invitation Tournament. His jersey number, 27, was so special that the University of Cincinnati retired it. This means no other player on the team can wear that number.
Professional Basketball Career
Playing for the Rochester / Cincinnati Royals
Jack Twyman played for eleven seasons in the NBA. He spent his entire career with one team. This team was first called the Rochester Royals, then the Cincinnati Royals, and is now known as the Sacramento Kings.
Jack was a 6-foot-6-inch forward. He was known for his scoring ability.
Scoring Records and All-Star Games
In the 1959–60 season, Jack Twyman and Wilt Chamberlain made history. They became the first players in the NBA to average more than 30 points per game in a single season. Jack started that season by scoring over 30 points in his first seven games. He also scored his career-high of 59 points in one game that same season.
From 1958 to 1962, Jack was one of the league's top scorers. He averaged 25.8, 31.2, 25.3, and 22.9 points per game during those four seasons. He was chosen for the All-NBA Second Team twice, in 1960 and 1962. He also played in six NBA All-Star Games.
By the time he retired, Jack Twyman had scored 15,840 points in his career. This placed him among the top 20 scorers in NBA history at that time. His jersey number, 27, was also retired by the Sacramento Kings. In 1983, Jack Twyman was honored by being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Broadcasting Career
After his basketball career, Jack Twyman became a sports broadcaster. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he worked as a commentator for The NBA on ABC.
He made a famous call during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. This was a big game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Before the game, Jack saw the Knicks' injured star, Willis Reed, walking onto the court. Reed's return was a huge surprise. Jack excitedly announced, "I think we see Willis coming out!" Seeing Reed inspired the Knicks to win the game and their first NBA title.
His Friendship with Maurice Stokes
One of the most important parts of Jack Twyman's life was his friendship with his teammate, Maurice Stokes. Maurice was also a Hall of Fame player.
In 1958, Maurice Stokes suffered a serious head injury during a game. He hit his head and became unconscious. A few days later, he became very ill and had seizures. This injury left Maurice permanently paralyzed.
Jack Twyman, who was only 23 years old, stepped up to help his friend. He became Maurice's legal guardian. This meant he was responsible for Maurice's care and decisions. Jack visited Maurice often in the hospital and provided support for the rest of Maurice's life.
To help pay for Maurice's medical care, Jack organized a special event. He started the "Maurice Stokes Memorial Basketball Game." This game raised money for Maurice's daily needs. Over time, the game grew and also helped other former players who needed support.
Jack also helped Maurice learn to communicate. Maurice could blink his eyes to spell out letters. Later, Maurice learned to type. His first message was: “Dear Jack, How can I ever thank you?” Jack remained Maurice's guardian and friend until Maurice passed away in 1970. Their amazing friendship even inspired a 1973 movie called Maurie.
When Maurice Stokes was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004, Jack Twyman spoke and accepted the honor for his friend.
Legacy: Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award
Because of their special friendship, the NBA created an award in their honor. On June 9, 2013, the NBA announced the Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. This award is given each year to the player who best shows what it means to be an ideal teammate.
Personal Life
Later in his life, Jack Twyman became a successful business executive. He was the head of a food company.
Jack Twyman passed away on May 30, 2012, in Cincinnati. He died from complications of blood cancer. He was survived by his wife, Carole, and their four children, Jay, Julie, Lisa, and Michele. He also had 14 grandchildren.
Jack once said about caring for Maurice Stokes, ”That’s what friends are for.” He also added, ”He (Maurice) taught us a lot. We learned a lot from him, we’re honored to have had the opportunity to be associated with him.”
Honors and Achievements
Jack Twyman received many honors throughout his life:
- His jersey number 27 was retired by the Sacramento Kings.
- His jersey number 27 was also retired by the University of Cincinnati.
- The NBA's Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award is named after him.
- The Jack Twyman Award for Service Learning at the University of Cincinnati is named in his honor.
- He was inducted into the Central Catholic High School Hall of Fame.
- In 1976, he was one of the first people inducted into the University of Cincinnati James P. Kelly Athletics Hall Of Fame.
- He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983.
- In 2006, he was one of the first people inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.
