Billy Cunningham - The second Hall of Famer with the nickname "Kangaroo Kid," Billy Cunningham was a fiery performer known for his consistency and unusual leaping ability. The "Kangaroo Kid" excelled under the tutelage of Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina. The fabled UNC bloodlines made Cunningham a fabulous collegian and pro player and a fine bench coach with the Philadelphia 76ers. At UNC, Billy C. was a three-time All-ACC selection, a two-time All-America and an Academic All-America selection.
An intense player who played with enormous desire, Cunningham was drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1965. He literally leaped into stardom when he was named to the NBA's All-Rookie Team. In 1967, Cunningham teamed with fellow Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer to land the 76ers an NBA title. After playing for the 76ers from 1965 to 1972, he signed a free agent contract with the ABA Carolina Cougars. The "Kid" averaged 24.1 ppg and 12.0 rpg and was named league MVP. Cunningham returned to the 76ers in 1974, and played a season-and-a-half, only to be sidelined by a career ending knee injury. Cunningham, who scored 16,310 points and grabbed 7,981 rebounds in both the NBA and ABA, had his number 32 jersey retired by the 76ers. His playing career also produced three All-NBA First Team selections (1969, 1970, 1971), one All-NBA Second Team honor (1972) and four NBA All-Star Game appearances. Cunningham was named Philadelphia's coach in 1977, and his dedication and hard work landed him a 454-196 record. His coaching success second only to Pat Riley in reaching the 300 and 400 career wins faster than any other NBA coach was highlighted in 1983 when Philadelphia defeated Los Angeles and won the NBA title after being a finalist in 1980 and 1982.
