Landon Turner (basketball) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Landon Turner

Turner with the Arsenal Tech basketball team in 1977
Personal information
Born	(1960-09-30) September 30, 1960 (age 64) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
High school	Arsenal Tech (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Listed height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight	235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
College	Indiana (1978–1982)
NBA Draft	1982 / Round: 10 / Pick: 225th overall
Selected by the Boston Celtics
Career highlights and awards
NCAA champion (1981) McDonald's All-American (1978) First-team Parade All-American (1978)

Landon Montel Turner, born on September 30, 1960, is a former American basketball player. He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers. As a junior, he helped his team win an NCAA championship in 1981.

His coach, Bob Knight, believed Landon had the potential to be one of the best players ever. However, Landon's basketball career changed forever in July 1981. He was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Even after the accident, the Boston Celtics honored Landon. They picked him as the very last player in the 1982 NBA draft. Landon later played wheelchair basketball for three years. Today, he is a well-known motivational speaker. He is also a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Landon Turner was born in 1960 to Adell and Rita Turner. His father was an athlete who played American football and ran track. Landon looked up to his father as his biggest sports hero.

Landon played basketball at Arsenal Technical High School. This was the same school his dad attended. He grew very tall, very quickly. By his sophomore year, he was 6 feet 9 inches tall. He also learned how to slam dunk the basketball.

During his senior year, Landon became a true star. He scored 616 points in one season, which was a school record. He averaged over 21 points and almost 16 rebounds per game. He was named a Parade All-American. He was also the only player from Indiana chosen for the 1978 McDonald's All-American Game.

College Basketball Career

Landon received over 300 offers to play college basketball. He chose to stay in his home state of Indiana. He wanted his parents to be able to watch his games. He picked the Indiana Hoosiers. Their coach was the famous Bob Knight.

Coach Knight was known for being very tough. Landon was surprised when Knight seemed calm during a home visit. But once Landon joined the team, Knight pushed him very hard. Landon even thought about quitting during his first year.

His teammates and Coach Knight saw huge potential in Landon. Knight believed Landon could be the best player he ever coached. But Knight also got frustrated when Landon didn't always try his hardest. Landon's grades dropped because he focused more on parties than studying. This led to him being benched during his junior year.

Winning a Championship

Landon worked hard to improve his grades and his playing. Coach Knight eventually put him back in the starting lineup. Landon helped the Hoosiers finish the season strong. They won every game in the Big Ten Conference.

In the 1981 NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament, Landon was a key player. He teamed up with guard Isiah Thomas and center Ray Tolbert. These three were considered the best players on the team. In the championship game, the Hoosiers beat the North Carolina Tar Heels. They won the NCAA championship! Landon was even named to the all-tournament team.

After the championship, Landon was expected to be a huge star. Many thought he would be one of the top players in the country. The general manager of the Boston Celtics even thought he would be a top pick in the 1982 NBA draft.

Life-Changing Accident

On July 26, 1981, Landon was driving with friends. His car crashed and flipped over. Landon was not wearing a seat belt. He was seriously injured and taken to the hospital.

Coach Knight immediately flew back to Indiana to be with Landon. His teammate Isiah Thomas also visited him. Landon had fractured his spine. This injury caused him to be permanently paralyzed in his legs. He eventually regained full use of his arms and hands.

Many people sent letters to Landon while he was in the hospital. Famous people like Richard Pryor wrote to him. Coach Knight also helped create a fund to pay for Landon's medical bills. Isiah Thomas organized an all-star basketball game to raise more money.

Landon stayed in the hospital for four months. During this time, he and Coach Knight became very close. Knight even named Landon a team captain for the 1981–82 season.

Drafted by the Celtics

The Boston Celtics did something special for Landon. They chose him as the very last pick in the 1982 NBA draft. Coach Knight had suggested it to the Celtics' general manager, Red Auerbach.

Auerbach said they wanted to show how much they respected Landon. Coach Knight called it "a beautiful thing." Landon joked by sending a telegram to Auerbach. It asked, "When do I report for tryout?" Auerbach stayed in touch with Landon. He even sent him two championship watches when the Celtics won the NBA Finals in 1984 and 1986.

Life After Basketball

After his accident, Landon returned to Indiana University Bloomington (IU). He wanted to finish his college degree. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in physical education.

In 1987, Landon started playing wheelchair basketball. He played for a team called the Circle City Knight Riders. At first, he didn't want to play. He felt it wasn't the same as playing before his accident. But he joined and was even recognized for his courage. He played for three years before deciding to stop. He realized he didn't love wheelchair basketball as much as regular basketball.

In 1989, Landon started his own business. It was called Landon Turner Enterprises Inc. He became a motivational speaker. He visits schools and churches. He shares his life story and talks about living with a disability. He also wrote a book about his championship season with the Hoosiers.

Landon Turner has been honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2012, he joined the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Career Statistics

College