Good morning! Before we get to today’s banger edition of AKYK, hats off to whoever decided to bring back the 90’s white unis next season, as was revealed yesterday:
These “City Edition Hardwood Classics Swingman” jerseys will have the blue stripe running down the side, just as God intended. A welcome return for a look that never went out of style.
A Knick You Knew: Lonnie Shelton
by Ray Marcano
This next Knick you Knew could have --- should have --- been a core piece on a promising team, but instead was part of a trade that set the franchise back. Sadly, he became another athlete stalked by trouble.
Lonnie Shelton was born October 15, 1955, in Bakersfield, CA. He showed his athletic chops as a multi-sport athlete at Foot Hills High School, when he transferred as a sophomore. He played football and basketball and was a member of the track team and excelled in whatever he did. In track, he was a prep all-American who won the California State Championship with a discus throw of 195-feet, five inches. He was an all-American football player on both sides of the ball (tight end and defensive end) and all-state in hoops.
No surprise, he had lots of college options. USC wanted him to play tight end. He had track opportunities. Basketball programs lined up to court the 6'8", 240-pound powerhouse.
He decided to focus on the court and signed with the Oregon State Beavers at the right time. The NCAA changed its rules in 1972 and let freshmen play basketball. Shelton joined OSU in 1973 and was an immediate force, leading OSU in points (12.2) and rebounds (7.8). He was even better in his second year, averaging 18.3 PPG and 9.4 boards.
Shelton’s off-court drama began in1975. The Memphis Sounds of the ABA drafted him but the team folded, and he ended up signing with the Spirits of St. Louis. Shelton alleged he was coerced into signing the contract and said he wanted to return to college for his junior season.
The NCAA refused his request since he signed a pro contract, which led to a lawsuit and a federal district court judge ruling in Shelton’s favor in January 1976, enough time for Shelton to play in 23 games. But an appeals court later overruled the district court and sided with the NCAA. The Beavers had to forfeit the 15 games they won with Shelton since they played with an ineligible player.
Shelton left school and more controversy ensued immediately after the Knicks drafted the big man in the second round of the 1976 draft.
