Jim McMillian facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 11, 1948 Raeford, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | May 16, 2016 (aged 68) Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
| High school | Thomas Jefferson (Brooklyn, New York) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Columbia (1967–1970) |
| NBA Draft | 1970 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall |
| Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers | |
| Pro career | 1970–1981 |
| Career history | |
| 1970–1973 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1973–1976 | Buffalo Braves |
| 1976–1978 | New York Knicks |
| 1978–1979 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1979–1981 | Sinudyne Bologna |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 8,736 (13.8 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 3,319 (5.3 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,557 (2.5 apg) |
James M. McMillian (born March 11, 1948 – died May 16, 2016) was an American professional basketball player. He was known for his skills as a small forward. Jim played college basketball at Columbia University. He later became an NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Contents
Early Life and College Career
Jim McMillian grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He became a basketball star at Thomas Jefferson High School. After high school, he went to Columbia University to play college basketball.
Columbia University Success
McMillian, also known as "Jimmy Mac," was a standout player at Columbia.
- He helped his team win 63 games and lose only 14 over three years.
- In 1968, during his second year, Columbia reached the NCAA Tournament. They finished third in their regional section.
- That season, Columbia was ranked the sixth-best college team in the nation.
College Awards and Records
Jim McMillian earned many awards during his college career.
- He was named an All-American three times.
- He was also an All-Ivy Leaguer every year.
- McMillian was the first person to win the Haggerty Award three times. This award goes to the best college basketball player in the New York City area.
- He scored 1,758 points in his college career, which was a record at the time.
- He also holds season and career records for field goals made.
Professional Basketball Career
After college, Jim McMillian became a professional basketball player. He was 6 feet 5 inches tall and played as a forward.
Joining the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1970, the Los Angeles Lakers picked Jim McMillian in the first round of the NBA draft. He chose to play for the Lakers. He spent three years with the team.
- He scored 3,714 points for the Lakers, averaging 15.3 points per game.
- In 1972, McMillian helped the Lakers win an NBA championship. He averaged 19.1 points per game during those playoffs.
- He was a key player in the Lakers' amazing 33-game winning streak that season. This was a record for the longest winning streak in NBA history.
- McMillian took over the forward position from the legendary player Elgin Baylor. The team's winning streak started right after McMillian joined the starting lineup.
Moving to Other Teams
After the 1972 season, the Lakers traded McMillian to the Buffalo Braves. This happened because the Lakers needed a new center after Wilt Chamberlain retired. McMillian was traded for player Elmore Smith. He later played for the New York Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Playing in Italy
Towards the end of his career, Jim McMillian moved to Italy. He played for a team called Sinudyne Bologna for two seasons.
- He helped his team win two Italian League titles.
- In 1981, his team reached the final of the European Champions' Cup. However, Jim could not play due to a serious injury.
Later Life
Jim McMillian passed away on May 16, 2016. He died from problems related to heart failure.
See also
In Spanish: Jim McMillian para niños
