Willis Reed (2010)
Louisiana Legends
Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: Interview
Place Covered: Louisiana
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 2010-08-24
Duration: 00:28:08
Subjects: Reed, Willis, 1942- | Basketball players | Sports | GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY | New York Knickerbockers (Basketball team) | Bradley, Bill, 1943- | Russell, Bill, 1934- | PETTIT, BOB | Bradshaw, Terry
Contributors:
- Courtney, Beth Host
- Allen, Gary Producer
- Godoy, Al Producer
- Reed, Willis Interviewee
Description
This episode of the series “Louisiana Legends” from August 24, 2010, features an interview with Willis Reed conducted by Beth Courtney. Reed, a native of Bernice, played college basketball at Grambling State University from 1961-1964 and professional basketball for the New York Knicks from 1964-1974. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. He discusses: his home in north Louisiana; enjoying outdoor life; playing sports in high school; his time at Grambling State University; the importance of student athletes finding a profession; being drafted by the New York Knicks; being named Rookie of the Year in 1965; playing in the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers; having his number retired by the Knicks; the effort of his teammates; his friendship with teammate Bill Bradley; transitioning into coaching; his time coaching with the New Orleans Hornets; his admiration for Bill Russell, Bob Pettit, and Terry Bradshaw; and what it means to be from Louisiana.