By David Jordan Jr
ABA (American Basketball Association) and NBA (National Basketball Association) legendary center Artis Gilmore is one of the greatest big men to ever play the game of basketball. Before starting his professional career, Gilmore played collegiately at Gardner–Webb Junior College and Jacksonville University. As a collegian Gilmore was
a two time All-American and is still one of only five players in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in his career. Averaging 22.7 rebounds per game for his college career, this number still remains the highest in NCAA Division I Basketball history. As a professional, his list of accomplishments deserves a book of their own:
ABA champion (1975)
ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player (1975)
ABA Most Valuable Player (1972)
6 Time NBA All-Star (1978, 1979, 1981–1983, 1986)
5 Time ABA All-Star (1972–1976)
ABA All-Star Game MVP (1974)
5 Time All-ABA First Team (1972–1976)
4 Time ABA All-Defensive First Team (1973–1976)
NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1978)
ABA Rookie of the Year (1972)
ABA All-Rookie First Team (1972)
4 Time ABA rebounding champion (1972–1974, 1976)
ABA All-Time Team
He was inducted into the Naismith Hall Of Fame in 2011. Gilmore talked to ESHE about his legendary battles in the pivot with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.
Filmed By Kim Preston
