Playing career

A three-time All-America player at Tennessee A & I (now Tennessee State University), Barnett led his team to three consecutive NAIA national championships for Hall of Fame Coach John McLendon. Barnett was named championship MVP in 1958 and 1959.

The top draft choice of the Syracuse Nationals (now the Philadelphia 76ers) of the NBA, Barnett played with the team until 1961, when he jumped ship from the NBA to play in the American Basketball League (ABL) with the Cleveland Pipers, who were owned by George Steinbrenner, the future owner of the New York Yankees. Barnett led them to an ABL Championship in the 1961-62 season. He then returned to the NBA to play with the Los Angeles Lakers for three seasons (legendary Laker announcer Chick Hearn nicknamed him "Fall Back Baby") and played on two NBA championship teams with the New York Knicks in 1969-70 and 1972-73.

Tennessee State University retired Richard "Dick the Skull" Barnett's Jersey in 2006.

Barnett's most recognizable playing feature was the way he kicked both legs back as he took his jump shot. In April 2007, both he and his college coach John McClendon were inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Barnett is also inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

Post-playing career

Barnett, who holds a PhD in education from Fordham University, is now retired from teaching Sports Management at St. John's University in New York as of 2007.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]