A Celebrated Life: Remembering Dick Van Arsdale, the 'Original Sun'
In a poignant moment for basketball fans, the Phoenix Suns family and the wider NBA community are mourning the loss of a true legend, Dick Van Arsdale, who passed away at the age of 81. Among his many accolades and contributions to the sport, Van Arsdale was known affectionately as the "Original Sun," a testament to his pioneering role in the Suns' history.
Van Arsdale's journey into basketball immortality began at Indiana University, where he played for three seasons. During his tenure with the Hoosiers, he racked up impressive statistics, including earning All Big Ten honors in his junior year with an average of 22.3 points per game. His standout college career laid the groundwork for his future in the professional leagues.
A New York Beginning and Phoenix Pioneering
In 1965, Van Arsdale was drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round, marking the start of his illustrious NBA career. However, it was his selection by the Phoenix Suns in the 1968 expansion draft that cemented his legacy. Van Arsdale scored the first points in Phoenix Suns' team history, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise and himself.
Van Arsdale quickly established himself as a formidable presence on the court, averaging 21 points per game in his first season with the Suns. His stellar performance earned him his first All-Star selection, a sign of the impact he would continue to have in the NBA. Over the course of his nine seasons with the Suns, he secured three All-Star selections, highlighting his consistent excellence on the court.
Key Contributions and Leadership
Van Arsdale was not only a foundational player for the Suns; he also led the team to several major milestones. He played a pivotal role in the Suns reaching their first NBA Finals in 1976 and was instrumental in helping the team achieve their first playoff appearance. Upon his retirement in 1977, Van Arsdale was the Suns' all-time leading scorer, having left an indelible mark on the franchise.
However, his contributions to the Suns did not end with his on-court achievements. Van Arsdale transitioned seamlessly into roles off the court, including broadcasting and various front office positions. His leadership and strategic insights were invaluable, culminating in roles such as general manager and senior vice president of player personnel.
Coaching and Legacy
Van Arsdale’s basketball acumen was further recognized during his brief coaching tenure at the end of the 1987 season, where he led the Suns to a respectable 14-12 record. His commitment to the team and his impact on the franchise were acknowledged through his inclusion in the Suns’ Ring of Honor, solidifying his standing as a cornerstone of the organization.
His legacy is not only defined by his personal achievements but also by his collaborations with notable figures, including his twin brother, Tom Van Arsdale, who was also a teammate and shared the court with him at the Suns. Together, they contributed to a period of growth and success for Phoenix basketball.
The Phoenix Suns organization expressed their sorrow in an official statement: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the 'Original Sun' and a member of our Ring of Honor. The first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the scorer of the first points in team history, Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of the Suns organization... Beloved throughout the Suns organization and fanbase, Van Arsdale held several positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office executive, following his 12-year NBA career."
As the basketball world bids farewell to Dick Van Arsdale, his contributions to the sport, particularly his role in the history of the Phoenix Suns, will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. His legacy as a player, coach, executive, and beloved figure in the basketball community endures, ensuring that his impact on the game will not be forgotten.