Ohio State lost a legend on Thursday night as John Havlicek passed away at age 79.
Havlicek started for the Buckeyes from 1960 to 1962, helping lead the team to three final fours and the program's only national championship in 1960. Throughout his Ohio State career, Havliceck averaged 14.6 points per game, shooting 50.8 percent from the field.
Thoughts and prayers from the Ohio State basketball family to Mr. Havliceks family, friends and teammates. https://t.co/5ctmG5gzsp
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) April 26, 2019
Following his Ohio State career, the Boston Celtics selected Havlicek with the No. 7 pick in the 1962 NBA Draft. Throughout his 18-year NBA career, was an eight-time NBA champion and was a 13-time NBA All Star.
A statement from the Boston Celtics:
John Havlicek is one of the most accomplished players in Boston Celtics history, and the face of many of the franchise’s signature moments. He was a great champion both on the court and in the community, winning 8 NBA championships and an NBA Finals MVP, while holding Celtics career records for points scored and games played. Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, he is enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame and his retired #17 hangs in the Garden rafters. His defining traits as a player were his relentless hustle and wholehearted commitment to team over self. He was extraordinarily thoughtful and generous, both on a personal level and for those in need, as illustrated by his commitment to raising money for The Genesis Foundation for Children for over three decades through his fishing tournament. John was kind and considerate, humble and gracious. He was a champion in every sense, and as we join his family, friends, and fans in mourning his loss, we are thankful for all the joy and inspiration he brought to us.
Havlicek was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984 and his No. 17 is retired by the Boston Celtics.
