born June 25, 1942, Hico, La., U.S.
U.S. basketball player.
Drafted by the New York Knicks in 1964, he averaged 19.5 points in his first season and was named Rookie of the Year. He led the Knicks to the NBA title in 1970 and that year became the only player ever to win the Most Valuable Player award for the regular season, the championships, and the All-Star game. After retiring in 1974 he coached the Knicks (1977–79) and other teams.