USA - Hall of Famer Arizin dies at 78

VILLANOVA (NBA) - Hall of Famer Paul Arizin died in his sleep Tuesday night at his suburban Philadelphia home, aged 78.

Arizin was an NBA All-Star in all 10 of his seasons in the league with the Philadelphia Warriors and scored 16,266 career points. The 6ft 4in forward won All-Star Game MVP honors in 1952 and helped lead the Warriors to the 1956 title.

One of the original pioneers, Arizin was credited with introducing the jump shot to the NBA. He averaged at least 20 points for nine straight seasons, a remarkable achievement considering only a handful of players could match that scoring output. He won two scoring titles, averaged 22.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game during his career and reached the 10,000-point plateau faster than any player to that point.

Arizin, who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977, was voted one of the league's 50 Greatest Players in 1996. He missed two full seasons (1952-53 and 1953-54) while serving in the United States Marine Corps.

Born in South Philadelphia in 1928, Arizin attended nearby Villanova and was named the Sporting News College Player of the Year in 1949-50. He was the school's first 1,000-point scorer and averaged 20 points in 80 games over three seasons. His Villanova jersey hangs in the rafters at The Pavilion.

"Paul Arizin was the most dignified, classy and humble legend I've ever met," Villanova coach Jay Wright said in a statement. "He is adored and respected by anyone who has touched Villanova basketball. I'll always remember his undying support or our staff and players. He was a remarkable man who has left behind an unparalleled legacy and a beautiful family."

Arizin is survived by his wife, Maureen, four sons, a daughter and 14 grandchildren.

PA Sport