A man called Garry Nelson didn’t understand he would be contributing to the end of the Dukes’ storied run when they were Pittsburgh’s premier collegiate basketball team during the period when they were the Dukes.
Between the 1950s and 1970s, Duquesne participated in 15 National Invitation Tournaments, and three NCAA tournaments, and gave birth to the NBA’s first Black player. Nelson was a member of the squad in 1969, his second trip to the Big Dance when it made its most recent Sweet 16 appearance.
Six years later, the Dukes would return to the tournament before beginning a run of disappointing seasons. According to the Los Angeles Times, Nelson described it as “sad to watch” in 1998. Nelson’s untimely de@th in an accident early on Monday, according to a Duquesne official, was another terrible blow to the town.
To read out the latest news on an obituary by clicking on the link below:
- Ellen Tam Obituary: What Happened To Her?
- Garland Owensby Obituary Leaving A Void In The SAGU Community
When I had the honour of leading the law school, I recall Garry fondly as a dedicated alumnus, according to university president Ken Gormley. He was always eager to assist his alma mater and the legal profession that he proudly represented, and he was a giant in the local legal community just as he had been on the court.
Garry enjoyed sharing stories from that heyday of Duquesne basketball with his devoted following from earlier decades. He also enjoyed mentoring both student-athletes and law students. Nelson and his identical twin brother Barry were regarded as legends in both Pittsburgh basketball and Duquesne athletics.
Check here tweet on Garry Nelson Obituary:
Sad news — former Duquesne basketball star Garry Nelson has died. Nelson, along with his twin brother Barry, played at Duquesne from 1968-71.
Garry was an attorney here in Pittsburgh, a free spirit who at 6 feet 10 rode a motorcycle and just a hell of a good guy.
RIP Nels.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) June 5, 2023
The pair, who are both 6-foot-10, helped the Dukes to two NCAA tournament appearances and a trip to the NIT over the course of their three seasons together from 1968 to 1971. Nelson appeared in 75 games, averaging 12.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 51% field goal percentage. In his final year with the squad, he also helped the team to a 20-win season.
As a result of his success in college, the Buffalo Braves selected him as the 70th overall choice in the 1971 NBA Draft. Before coming back to the United States, Nelson would also play professionally in Italy. He still had time left at Duquesne. He enrolled once more to complete his legal education. Before earning his degree in 1982, he attended classes in the evening while also taking care of a young family.
The legal community in Pittsburgh knew Nelson well. In the district attorney’s office of Allegheny County, he started his legal career. Later, he would be employed by the company Grogan, Graffam, McGinley and Lucchino. He worked as a contract lawyer and a sole practitioner for the last two decades of his career.
Dave Harper, Duquesne’s vice president for athletics, praised Garry Nelson as “truly one of the great men I’ve ever had the chance to meet” and “not just a legend in terms of Duquesne basketball history.” “We deeply regret his passing and offer our sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones. This upcoming basketball season, we shall make it a point to honour him.
Stay informed about all the latest developments in Lake County by visiting our site at lakecountyfloridanews.com.
