Lari Ketner facts for kids
Personal information | |
---|---|
Born | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
February 1, 1977
Died | October 10, 2014 Avon, Indiana, U.S. |
(aged 37)
High school | Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
Listed weight | 277 lb (126 kg) |
Career information | |
College | UMass (1996–1999) |
NBA Draft | 1999 / Round: 2 / Pick: 49th overall |
Selected by the Chicago Bulls | |
Pro career | 1999–2004 |
Career history | |
1999 | Chicago Bulls |
1999–2000 | Fort Wayne Fury |
2000 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
2001 | Indiana Pacers |
2003–2004 | Idaho Stampede |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Lari Arthur Ketner (February 1, 1977 – October 10, 2014) was an American professional basketball player. A 6-foot-9-inch (2.06 m), 277-pound (126 kg) forward/center, Ketner played college basketball at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 49th overall pick (second round) of the 1999 NBA draft.
Career
Ketner played in two National Basketball Association (NBA) seasons for three teams: Chicago Bulls (1999–2000), Cleveland Cavaliers (1999–2000) and Indiana Pacers (2000–01). He averaged 1.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.1 assists. After his brief NBA career, Lari tried a few minor league basketball teams. He played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the Fort Wayne Fury and Idaho Stampede. On January 1, 2005 while standing outside of a nightclub talking to associates, Lari was shot eight times by an unknown person, ultimately ending his basketball career. Lari later followed his passion of working with disadvantaged children by working at several group homes in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Personal life
On August 28, 2013, at 36 years old, Ketner was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. After being diagnosed with cancer, Ketner completed the three courses needed to receive his bachelor's degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst. He completed his final course in August 2014 and received his degree. Lari was married to Aquarius Ketner and was the father of three children and stepfather of two. He resided in Indianapolis, Indiana. He died on October 10, 2014, in Avon, Indiana, from colon cancer at age 37.