Pink Holzman and Walt Frazier
Lengthy Earlier than it was a temple of fame and a legend of the KnicksWalt “Clyde” Frazier was only a recruit in issue.
Then, almost certainly in a return by bus from Philadelphia after a very mediocre match by which Frazier scored two factors and took 4 photographs in quarter-hour of motion throughout a defeat of January 3, 1968 in opposition to the 76ers, coach Pink Holzman provided the encouragement that overturned a profession.
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Holzman was solely in his third match as Knicks’ chief coach on the time – taking up shortly earlier than the calendar handed from 1967.
Walt “Clyde” Frazier was 80 years outdated on Saturday. Eric Hartline-USA at this time Sports activities
New York Knicks coach Pink Holzman talks to his crew throughout a time died in a match in opposition to Denver Nuggets in McNichols Enviornment on November 3, 1976 in Denver, Colorado. Getty photographs
“As a recruit, I didn’t play effectively, and Holzman mentioned:” Hey Clyde, I need to communicate to you on the best way again to New York “” ” Frazier mentioned to Steve Serby’s put up this week. “We used to take the bus for Philly. So he mentioned, “What’s fallacious with you?” He mentioned, “I noticed you taking part in at college, I do know you’re significantly better.
“I informed him I used to be nervous, I didn’t belief. He says, “Dude, I consider in you. I am going to maintain taking part in you, so go for it and do your factor, man, I do know you are able to do it. So simply from this little speech, it gave me a lot confidence that my recreation began to vary. »»
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From January 19, Frazier snatched a sequence of 12 consecutive double -digit video games.
He had solely reached 10 factors or greater than six occasions in his first 43 profession video games regardless of the general alternative n ° 5 of the 1967 restoration.
Knicks Greats Willis Reed, Pink Holzman and Dave Debusschere. 6.11.96
Frazier, who celebrated his eightieth birthday on SaturdayHarves a mean of 14 factors, 5.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 26.8 minutes within the final 31 video games of his recruit season.
He by no means seemed again as a result of he was one of the crucial improved gamers within the NBA throughout his second season, and an All-Star for the primary time, an MVP candidate and an NBA champion in his third season.
