Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Greensboro is set to honor one of its basketball legends this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., as the city dedicates a court to NBA champion and Naismith Hall of Famer, Bob McAdoo. The “Bob McAdoo Court” will be unveiled at Benbow Park, a fitting tribute to a hometown hero who reached the pinnacle of his sport.
Born and raised in Greensboro, Robert Allen McAdoo Jr. honed his skills at Ben L. Smith High School. He wasn’t just a star on the basketball court; he was a multi-talented athlete who also excelled in track, where he set a state high-jump record. His academic journey led him to Vincennes University before he joined the University of North Carolina, where he played under the legendary Coach Dean Smith. In his single season with the Tar Heels, McAdoo was named a first-team All-American.
McAdoo’s professional career took off when he was selected second overall in the 1972 NBA draft by the Buffalo Braves. He quickly became a dominant force, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award and three consecutive scoring titles. In 1975, he was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, making him one of the most celebrated players in the league.
After a journeyman career that included stints with the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons, McAdoo found a home with the Los Angeles Lakers. As a key reserve on the “Showtime” teams of the 1980s, he won two NBA championships alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He later continued his career overseas, playing for seven seasons in Italy, where he added two EuroLeague titles to his list of accomplishments
McAdoo’s impact on the game extended beyond his playing days. He joined the Miami Heat as an assistant coach in 1995 and was part of three more NBA championship teams. His decorated career, which spans over five decades, earned him a place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Today, he remains connected to the Miami Heat organization, serving as a scout and community liaison.
This Sunday’s dedication ceremony at Benbow Park is a chance for Greensboro to celebrate one of its own. It’s an opportunity for a community to thank a basketball icon who never forgot his roots and whose legacy will now be cemented on a court where future generations can be inspired.
