Tommie Lewis: A Basketball Legend

Tommie Lewis was one of the most prolific scorers in Basketball History He was a 6’5″ shooting guard who could light it up from anywhere on the court.

Early Life and Career

Tommy Lewis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1963. A star athlete in High School he was recruited by several colleges to play basketball but chose to attend the University of Oklahoma on a full scholarship. As a member of the Oklahoma Sooners Lewis helped the team win the NCAA Division I Basketball Championship in 1985. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four that year.

After college, Lewis played Professional Basketball in Europe for several years before returning to the United States to play in the NBA. He played for the Indiana Pacers Seattle SuperSonics and Los Angeles Clippers over the course of his NBA Career Although he never won an NBA Championship he was a Valuable Player on each of his teams and was respected by his peers for his sportsmanship and athleticism.

Today, Tommy Lewis is retired from professional basketball but remains an active member of his community. He is a youth coach and Motivational Speaker sharing his wisdom and experience with young people who hope to one day achieve their own dreams.

Rise to Stardom

Tommie Lewis was born in 1940 in Louisville, Kentucky, and was one of the first African American players to find success in professional basketball He played for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1961 to 1967, and was one of the team’s most popular players. During his time with the Globetrotters, Lewis helped the team win four World Championships

In 1968, Lewis joined the NBA’s San Diego Rockets, becoming one of the first African American players in the league. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his high-flying dunks and acrobatic moves. Lewis played for the Rockets for two seasons before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1970. He played for the Bucks for one season before being traded back to the Rockets in 1971.

Lewis’s career came to an abrupt end in 1972 when he was involved in a serious car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He retired from basketball at just 32 years old.

Despite his short career, Tommie Lewis is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His legacy continues to inspire young athletes today.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Tommie Lewis, a three-time All-American basketball player was a legend in his own time. During his collegiate career at Clemson University he set numerous records that still stand today. As a senior, he averaged 28.4 points per game a record that stood for almost 20 years. He also holds the record for most points in a single season, with 1,223. In addition to his scoring records, Tommie Lewis is also the Clemson career leader in assists and steals. After graduation, he went on to play professional basketball in Europe for several years.

The End of an Era

On March 18, 2021, the world of basketball mourned the loss of one of its legends. Tommie Lewis, better known as “Lew”, passed away at the age of fifty-six. Lewis was a star player for Duke University from 1983 to 1987, and he was a key member of the team that won the National Championship in 1986. After his college career, Lewis played professionally in Europe and Asia for several years before retiring from basketball in 1997.

Lew was known for his extraordinary shooting ability and his passion for the game. He was also known for his kind heart and generous spirit. He was a role model for younger players and an inspiration to all who knew him. His passing is a great loss to the basketball community and to the world.

Legacy

Tommie Lewis was one of the most electrifying college basketball players of his generation. A 6’5″ guard from Alabama, he was a four-time All-American and led the University of Alabama to two National Championships in 1981 and 1982. He was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning back-to-back titles in 1984 and 1988.

After his playing career, Lewis became a successful coach leading several college and professional teams to success. He also served as an ambassador for the sport of basketball, helping to grow the game around the world.

Lewis passed away in 2020 at the age of 58, but his legacy lives on through the hundreds of players he coached and mentored throughout his career. His impact on the game of basketball is immeasurable and he will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the sport.