Dave Cowens

David William Cowens (born October 25, 1948 in Newport, Kentucky) is a former professional basketball player. At 6'9", he played the center position.

Related Topics:
October 25 - 1948 - Newport, Kentucky - Basketball - Center

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He played NCAA collegiate basketball at Florida State University from 1966 to 1970.

Related Topics:
NCAA - Florida State University - 1966 - 1970

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Despite some critics who felt Cowens was too small to play center, Cowens was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Boston Celtics during the 1970 NBA draft, largely at the recommendation of former Celtics center Bill Russell.

Related Topics:
Center - Boston Celtics - NBA draft - Bill Russell

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He played 10 seasons for the Boston Celtics as well as one for the Milwaukee Bucks. He has been named in 1973.

Related Topics:
Boston Celtics - Milwaukee Bucks - 1973

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During his NBA career, Cowens averaged 17.6 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, was selected to seven All-Star Games and was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team in 1976. In 1973, Cowens averaged 20.5 ppg and 16.2 rpg, and was chosen the NBA MVP MVP as well as MVP of the All-Star Game that season. He was a member of the Celtics' 1974 and 1976 NBA Championship teams.

Related Topics:
NBA - All-Star Games - 1976 - 1973 - NBA MVP - 1974 - NBA Championship

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He began his coaching career by serving as a combined player/coach for the Boston Celtics during the 1978-79 season, but he quit coach after the season, and returned as a full-time player before retiring in 1980. However, he was coaxed out of retirement by the Milwaukee Bucks, and played for them during the 1982-83 season before retiring for good.

Related Topics:
Boston Celtics - 1980 - Milwaukee Bucks

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He has also coached the Bay State Bombadiers of the Continental Basketball Association in 1984-85. He returned to the NBA coaching ranks by serving as an Assistant Coach for the San Antonio Spurs in 1994-96, and became Head Coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 1996-99.

Related Topics:
Continental Basketball Association - San Antonio Spurs - Charlotte Hornets

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In 1990, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Related Topics:
1990 - Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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On May 25, 2005, he was named Head Coach of the newly-formed Chicago franchise in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team, known as the "Chicago Sky" (nickname was chosen on September 20), is scheduled to begin play in 2006 at the UIC Pavilion, located in the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Related Topics:
May 25 - 2005 - Women's National Basketball Association - Chicago Sky - Nickname - September 20 - 2006 - UIC Pavilion - University of Illinois at Chicago

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