Robert Jerry (Bob) Lanier

Robert Jerry (Bob) Lanier

Detroit Pistons Player (1970 - 1980)

Bob Lanier was born in Buffalo, New York and attended Bennett High School before continuing his education at St. Bonaventure University where he was a three-time consensus All-American. In 1970 Lanier led St. Bonaventure to the final four, while being named Coach and Athlete Player of the Year. Lanier was the first player selected in the 1970 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons and was named to the All-rookie team in 1971. His 14-year NBA career included ten seasons with the Pistons finishing his final four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. For his career he averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, while appearing in eight NBA All-Star games, earning MVP honors in 1974. After his playing days were over, Lanier went into coaching and was the interim coach of the Golden State Warriors for 37 games in the 1995 season. Lanier had his number 31 was retired by St. Bonaventure and his number 16 was retired by both the Pistons and the Bucks. Bob Lanier was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the College Basketball Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. He passed away on May 10, 2022 at 73 years of age.