Bill Sharman Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / July 18, 2024
Bill Sharman Then
Bill Sharman, born on May 25, 1926, in Abilene, Texas, was a multi-talented athlete who excelled in both basketball and baseball from a young age.
He attended Porterville High School in California, where his skills in basketball and baseball quickly became apparent.
Sharman’s athletic pursuits were briefly interrupted when he served in the US Navy during World War II from 1944 to 1946.
After the war, he continued his education at the University of Southern California (USC), where he further distinguished himself in sports.
At USC, Sharman played first base on the 1948 Trojans baseball team that won the College World Series championship.
His athletic prowess extended to basketball, where he was selected as an NCAA Men’s Basketball All-American in 1950, showcasing his exceptional abilities on the court.
Sharman’s college achievements laid the foundation for his future career in professional sports, setting him on a path to becoming a notable figure in both basketball and baseball circles.
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Bill Sharman Career History
Bill Sharman, a versatile athlete and influential figure in both basketball and baseball, made a significant impact across multiple facets of the sports world.
After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1950, Sharman embarked on a dual career in professional baseball and basketball.
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Initially with the Washington Capitols in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), he quickly demonstrated his scoring prowess and sharpshooting abilities on the court.
However, it was with the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA) that Sharman truly solidified his legacy.
Over ten seasons from 1951 to 1961, Sharman averaged 17.8 points per game, totaling 12,665 points in 710 regular-season games.
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His tenure with the Celtics was marked by exceptional achievements, including four NBA championships in his final five seasons.
Sharman’s accuracy from the free-throw line set records that stood for years, boasting a career regular-season free-throw shooting average of .883 and an impressive .911 in playoff series.
His streak of 56 consecutive successful free throws during the playoffs following the 1958–59 season further underscored his consistency and clutch performance.
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Transitioning from player to coach, Sharman continued to excel in leadership roles.
He guided the Cleveland Pipers to the American Basketball League (ABL) title in 1961–62 and later led the Utah Stars to an American Basketball Association (ABA) championship in 1970–71.
However, it was with the Los Angeles Lakers that Sharman left an indelible mark as a coach.
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In the 1971–72 NBA season, he coached the Lakers to an NBA-record 33 consecutive victories and secured the NBA championship, earning him NBA Coach of the Year honors in 1972.
Sharman’s contributions to basketball extended beyond coaching; he served as the general manager of the Lakers from 1976 to 1982 and later as the club president from 1982 to 1986.
His dedication and strategic vision were pivotal in shaping the Lakers into a formidable franchise during his tenure.
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Recognized for his exceptional career achievements, Sharman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice — first as a player in 1975 and later as a coach in 2004, a testament to his profound impact on the sport.
Additionally, in 1996, he was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players of all time, solidifying his place among basketball’s elite across multiple domains.
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Bill Sharman Height
Bill Sharman, standing at 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) tall, was a versatile athlete known for his exceptional shooting skills and leadership in basketball.
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Bill Sharman Retirement
Bill Sharman retired from his role in the Lakers front office in 1991 at the age of 65, capping off a distinguished career that spanned several decades in basketball.
Known for his dual Hall of Fame inductions as both a player and coach, Sharman’s contributions extended far beyond his playing days.
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His tenure with the Lakers included significant achievements such as coaching the team to an NBA championship in 1972 and serving as general manager during pivotal years for the franchise.
After retiring from active management, he continued to be involved as a special adviser, maintaining his influence on the Lakers’ strategic decisions until his retirement.
Throughout his career, Sharman left an indelible mark on the sport, and he was celebrated for his exceptional leadership and enduring impact on the game of basketball.
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Bill Sharman Wife
Bill Sharman’s personal life was marked by significant relationships and enduring commitments.
His first marriage to Illeana spanned over two decades and he blessed them with four children before their eventual divorce in 1968.
Following this, Sharman found love again with Dorothy, whom he married in 1969.
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Their marriage was tragically cut short by Dorothy’s passing from cancer in 1975, leaving Sharman to navigate through loss while continuing his career in basketball.
In 1981, Sharman married Joyce McLay, with whom he shared the remainder of his life.
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Their marriage endured until his passing, providing him with companionship and support as he continued to contribute to the sport he loved.
Through these personal relationships, Sharman’s life reflected both the challenges and joys that accompanied his illustrious career in basketball.
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Bill Sharman Now
Bill Sharman, a revered figure in American basketball, passed away at the age of 87 at his home in Redondo Beach, California, on October 25, 2013.
His legacy is deeply intertwined with his tenure with the Boston Celtics during the 1950s, where he formed a formidable partnership with Bob Cousy.
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Together, they were celebrated as one of the greatest backcourt duos in basketball history, known for their exceptional skills and ability to dominate games.
Sharman’s contributions extended beyond his playing days; he transitioned into coaching and achieved notable success, leading teams to championships in both the American Basketball League and the NBA.
His impact on the sport, both on the court and from the sidelines, remains a lasting testament to his talent, dedication, and enduring influence in basketball history.
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FAQs
Bill Sharman served as the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1976 to 1982.
In his later years, Bill Sharman suffered from health issues, including throat cancer, which affected his voice.
Bill Sharman retired from his role in the Lakers front office in 1991.
Bill Sharman attended the University of Southern California (USC).
Bill Sharman retired from his coaching career in 1976.
Yes, Bill Sharman worked for the Los Angeles Lakers as both a coach and general manager.
Bill Sharman was not directly associated with the “Showtime” Lakers era led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1980s.
However, his influence as a former coach and executive for the Lakers franchise left a lasting legacy during that era.