Terry Furlow facts for kids

Terry L. Furlow (October 18, 1954 – May 23, 1980) was an American basketball player. He was known for his skills as a shooting guard and small forward. Terry played for several teams in the NBA during his career.

Terry Furlow's Early Basketball Career

Terry Furlow was a talented basketball player from Flint, Michigan. He stood 6 feet 4 inches tall. Terry played high school basketball at Flint Northern High School.

High School Success

With his team, Flint Northern, and coach Bill Frieder, Terry helped win two state championships in a row. In his senior year (1971–72), his team had a perfect season. They won every single game! Terry and future NBA player Wayman Britt led the team. Terry was the top scorer, averaging 14.8 points per game. They won the championship game 86–81 against Pontiac Central High School. This exciting game happened at Jenison Fieldhouse in East Lansing.

Watch highlights from the 1972 Flint Northern vs. Pontiac Central game!

College Basketball at Michigan State

Terry continued his basketball journey in East Lansing. He played for Michigan State University. In his senior year (1975–76), he was the top scorer in the Big Ten. He averaged an amazing 29.4 points per game. Terry finished his college career with 1717 points. He still holds the Michigan State record for most points in a single game. He scored 50 points against Iowa on January 5, 1976.

A Team Challenge and Resolution

During his time at Michigan State, there was a moment when some players had a disagreement with their coach, Gus Ganakas. On January 4, 1975, before a big game, Terry and other players left a team meeting. They returned for the game but were then suspended. Michigan State lost that game. The next day, the players met with Coach Ganakas. They talked about their concerns and apologized. After this, they were allowed back on the team. They then won their next game against Ohio State.

Mentoring Magic Johnson

Terry Furlow also became friends with a young high school player named Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson later became a basketball legend. Magic said that Terry taught him how to work hard. Terry would invite Magic to play at the gym. Terry would often win easily at first, but he encouraged Magic to keep trying. Magic said Terry helped him improve his game a lot. Magic Johnson was even a pallbearer at Terry's funeral.

Terry Furlow's Professional Basketball Career

Terry Furlow was chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1976 NBA Draft. He was the 12th player picked overall. He was also drafted by the Memphis Sounds in the ABA a year earlier.

Playing in the NBA

Terry found it hard to get playing time with the 76ers. The team had many strong players, including Julius Erving. So, Terry was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played almost two seasons there, averaging 11.0 points per game. In January 1979, he was traded again, this time to the Atlanta Hawks. Later, during the 1979–80 season, he moved to the Utah Jazz. With the Jazz, Terry had his best season. He averaged 16.0 points per game. He even scored a career-high 37 points twice that season.

Terry Furlow's Life and Legacy

Terry Furlow was known for being a very competitive player. Mike Fratello, who was a coach with the Atlanta Hawks, said Terry was tough and understood the NBA.

On May 23, 1980, Terry Furlow died in a car accident in Linndale, Ohio.

Terry Furlow has been honored for his contributions to sports. He was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. He was also inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in 2005. Terry had one son, Terrence O'Neal Paige, and a granddaughter named Nyah.

See also

In Spanish: Terry Furlow para niños

• List of basketball players who died during their careers