Remembering Dick Van Arsdale: The "Original Sun" and NBA Trailblazer
In the world of professional basketball, names often echo for generations, their legacies etched into the history of the game. Such is the case with Dick Van Arsdale, who recently passed away at the age of 81. Known affectionately as the "Original Sun," Van Arsdale left a profound impact on the Phoenix Suns franchise and the NBA community at large.
Van Arsdale's journey in basketball began to gain prominence during his time at Indiana University, where he spent three formidable seasons. It was there that his prowess on the court became evident, earning him All Big Ten honors during his junior year with an impressive average of 22.3 points per game. This skill and tenacity caught the attention of the New York Knicks, who drafted him in the second round of the 1965 NBA Draft.
The pivotal moment came in 1968 when Van Arsdale was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the NBA's expansion draft. It was a defining decision, as he became the scorer of the team's first points, marking the beginning of a new chapter both for the Suns and for Van Arsdale himself. His first season with the Suns set the tone for what would become an illustrious career, as he averaged 21 points per game and earned his first All-Star nod.
Over the course of nine seasons with the Suns, Van Arsdale earned three All-Star selections, underscoring his skill and importance to the team. His contributions on the court were instrumental in leading the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1976 and securing the franchise's first playoff berth. By the time he retired in 1977, Van Arsdale was the Suns' all-time leading scorer, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and leadership.
His ties to the Suns extended beyond his playing days. Van Arsdale seamlessly transitioned to roles off the court, serving as a broadcaster and holding influential positions within the Suns' front office. As a general manager and senior vice president of player personnel, he continued to shape the team with the same dedication he displayed as a player. In 1987, he even stepped in as coach, guiding the Suns to a respectable 14-12 record by the season's end.
His impact was acknowledged formally when he became a cherished member of the Suns' Ring of Honor, a testament to his lasting influence and significance to the organization. Reflecting this sentiment, the Phoenix Suns released an official statement upon his passing, stating: "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."
The Van Arsdale name was a two-fold emblem of excellence in Phoenix, as Dick's twin brother, Tom Van Arsdale, also played alongside him with the Suns, further enriching the team's history with familial ties.
As basketball fans and the Suns community mourn the loss of Dick Van Arsdale, it's clear that his contributions go far beyond statistics and accolades. He was a pioneer, a leader, and an anchor for the franchise through its formative years. His legacy, both as a player and as a guiding force behind the scenes, will endure in the annals of basketball lore.