Larry Wilson (basketball) facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Raceland, Louisiana, U.S. |
| High school | Central Lafourche (Mathews, Louisiana) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Nicholls (1975–1979) |
| NBA Draft | 1979 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38th overall |
| Selected by the Atlanta Hawks | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Larry Wilson is a former American basketball player. He was born in Raceland, Louisiana, a town in the United States. Larry went to Central Lafourche High School in nearby Mathews.
Even though he first wanted to play football, Larry was encouraged to play basketball. This was because he was very tall. He became a star player at Central Lafourche High School. In his last two years, he scored an average of 30 points per game. In 1975, during his senior year, he was named Louisiana's Most Valuable Player. Many coaches from big colleges came to watch him play. Larry was one of the most wanted young players in the country. He received about 250 offers for sports scholarships.
College Basketball Career
After high school, Larry Wilson first decided to play for the LSU Tigers. But a few weeks later, he changed his mind. He chose to play for the Nicholls Colonels. This team was part of Division II college sports. Larry liked the head coach, Don Landry, and wanted to play close to his family.
At Nicholls, Larry was an amazing player. He led the Gulf South Conference in scoring for four years in a row. He was also named the conference's Player of the Year twice. Larry holds the record for the most points scored in the Colonels' program history. He also ranks fourth in total rebounds for the team.
Professional Draft and Injury
In 1979, the Atlanta Hawks picked Larry Wilson in the 1979 NBA draft. He was the 38th player chosen overall. Sadly, during a team practice, Larry slipped on a wet spot on the court. He badly stretched all the main ligaments in his knee.
Because of this injury, Larry could not play basketball at his best anymore. He decided to retire in 1980. He never played a professional game in the NBA.
Life After Basketball
After retiring from basketball, Larry Wilson went back to his hometown of Raceland. He started working at Bollinger Shipyards. He also coached youth basketball, helping young players learn the game.
In 2010, Larry Wilson was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. This recognized his great career as a basketball player.
