What was Bob Ferry's full name and lifespan?

Robert Dean Ferry was born on May 31, 1937, and passed away on October 27, 2021, making him 84 years old at the time of his death. He was an American professional basketball player, assistant coach, and general manager.

Where was Bob Ferry born and where did he pass away?

Bob Ferry was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and he died in Annapolis, Maryland. His passing occurred at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a hospitalization of 12 days.

What were Bob Ferry's physical measurements as listed in the infobox?

Bob Ferry was listed at a height of 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) and a weight of 230 pounds (104 kilograms). These measurements reflect his physical presence on the basketball court.

Which high school and college did Bob Ferry attend?

Bob Ferry attended Cleveland High School in St. Louis, Missouri. He later studied at Saint Louis University, where he played college basketball and received All-America honors.

How was Bob Ferry selected in the 1959 NBA draft?

Bob Ferry was selected as a territorial pick in the 1959 NBA draft by the St. Louis Hawks. Territorial picks allowed teams to select a player from their local area before the regular draft began.

What were Bob Ferry's primary playing positions in the NBA?

During his NBA playing career, Bob Ferry primarily played the positions of power forward and center. These are frontcourt positions requiring strength and height.

What were Bob Ferry's jersey numbers during his playing career?

Bob Ferry wore jersey numbers 20, 16, and 12 throughout his NBA playing career. Players often change numbers when moving between teams or during different seasons with the same team.

When did Bob Ferry make his NBA debut and what were his first points?

Bob Ferry made his NBA debut on October 24, 1959, playing against the Minneapolis Lakers. His first points in the league were a single free throw.

Which teams did Bob Ferry play for during his NBA career?

Bob Ferry played for three NBA teams: the St. Louis Hawks, the Detroit Pistons, and the Baltimore Bullets. His playing career spanned from 1959 to 1969.

How did Bob Ferry's playing career end?

Bob Ferry's playing career concluded at the end of the 1968-1969 season due to an injury. This led him to transition into coaching and executive roles within the NBA.

What significant role did Bob Ferry play for the Baltimore/Washington Bullets franchise?

Bob Ferry served as the general manager (GM) for the Bullets from 1973 to 1990. During his tenure, he oversaw the franchise's only NBA championship win in 1978.

What was the significance of Bob Ferry's advice regarding the 1968 NBA draft?

After retiring as a player, Bob Ferry advised the Bullets franchise to select Wes Unseld in the 1968 NBA draft. Unseld became a Hall of Fame player and a key figure in the franchise's championship success.

When was Bob Ferry promoted to General Manager of the Bullets, and what was a humorous anecdote about his appointment?

Bob Ferry was promoted to general manager of the Bullets on June 13, 1973. His son Danny joked that owner Abe Pollin appointed him GM partly due to his success selling advertisements for game programs, implying a business acumen that might not have been fully developed.

Besides the 1978 championship, what other NBA Finals did the Bullets reach during Bob Ferry's GM tenure?

During Bob Ferry's time as GM, the Bullets reached three other NBA Finals: they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971, the Golden State Warriors in 1975, and the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. These appearances highlight a period of significant success for the franchise.

How many times did Bob Ferry win the NBA Executive of the Year Award?

Bob Ferry won the NBA Executive of the Year Award twice, in 1979 and 1982. He was one of only 11 league GMs to achieve this multiple times by the time of his death.

What distinguished Bob Ferry's record as a general manager in terms of wins, playoff appearances, and championships?

Bob Ferry was one of only four NBA general managers in history to achieve at least 700 wins, 13 playoff appearances, and one championship. This places him in elite company alongside figures like R. C. Buford, Jerry West, and Jerry Krause.

Who were the two African-American head coaches Bob Ferry hired for the Bullets?

Bob Ferry hired K. C. Jones as head coach in 1973 and Wes Unseld in 1988. He was the second GM in NBA history, after Red Auerbach, to permanently hire two African-American head coaches.

When did Bob Ferry step down as GM of the Bullets and what was the reason?

Bob Ferry resigned as the Bullets GM on June 12, 1990. This decision came after two less successful seasons and was a mutual agreement with owner Abe Pollin that the franchise needed new leadership.

What roles did Bob Ferry hold after his tenure as Bullets GM?

After leaving the Bullets, Bob Ferry worked as a scout for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Brooklyn Nets for over 25 years. He also had a brief stint as an 'Insider' for The NBA on NBC.

What was Bob Ferry's marital status and family life?

Bob Ferry was married to Rita Brooks for over sixty years until his death. They met at Saint Louis University and had three children: Bob Jr., Danny, and Laura. His son Danny also had a notable NBA career as a player and executive.

What were Bob Ferry's career regular season statistics?

Over his ten-year NBA career, Bob Ferry played 634 games, averaging 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He maintained a career field goal percentage of .433 and a free throw percentage of .664.

What were Bob Ferry's career playoff statistics?

In 42 playoff games, Bob Ferry averaged 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His playoff field goal percentage was .451, and his free throw percentage was .621.

In which season did Bob Ferry lead the NBA in games played?

Bob Ferry led the NBA in games played during the 1960-61 season with 79 games and again in the 1961-62 season with 80 games. Playing a full season was a notable achievement, indicating durability.

What was Bob Ferry's highest scoring regular season?

Bob Ferry's highest scoring regular season was in 1961-62 with the Detroit Pistons, where he averaged 13.9 points per game. He also achieved a career-high in minutes per game (31.4) and rebounds per game (6.8) during the 1962-63 season.

What was Bob Ferry's highest scoring playoff performance?

Bob Ferry's highest scoring playoff performance occurred in the 1960-61 season with the Detroit Pistons, where he averaged 20.2 points per game in the playoffs. He also recorded a career-high in playoff rebounds per game (12.6) that same postseason.

What was Bob Ferry's role in the eight-player trade involving the Baltimore Bullets in 1964?

On June 18, 1964, Bob Ferry was part of a significant eight-player trade that sent him, along with Bailey Howell, Les Hunter, Wali Jones, and Don Ohl, to the Baltimore Bullets. This trade involved future Hall of Famer Rod Thorn moving to the Detroit Pistons.

What was Bob Ferry's college coach at Saint Louis University?

Bob Ferry was recruited to play college basketball at Saint Louis University by coach Eddie Hickey. Hickey coached Ferry during his successful college career.

What degree did Bob Ferry earn from Saint Louis University?

Bob Ferry graduated from Saint Louis University in 1959 with a degree in General Studies. This degree provided a broad educational foundation.

What is the significance of Bob Ferry's number 43 jersey at Saint Louis University?

Bob Ferry's number 43 jersey was retired by the Saint Louis Billikens men's basketball program. This is an honor bestowed upon athletes who have made significant contributions to their college team.

What were Bob Ferry's parents' names and occupations?

Bob Ferry's parents were Willard Ferry, who worked at Fisher Body, and Elsie Ferry, who was a housewife and also employed by Pet, Inc. His parents provided for the family in St. Louis.

What health conditions did Bob Ferry have prior to his death?

Prior to his passing, Bob Ferry suffered from melanoma and a heart condition. These health issues contributed to his hospitalization before his death at age 84.

What was Bob Ferry's religious affiliation?

Bob Ferry was a practicing Catholic. This faith was an important aspect of his personal life.

What is the meaning of the asterisk (*) next to game counts in Bob Ferry's stats table?

In Bob Ferry's career statistics table, an asterisk (*) next to the number of games played indicates that he led the league in that category for that specific season. For example, he led the league in games played in the 1960-61 and 1961-62 seasons.

What does the bold formatting signify in Bob Ferry's career statistics table?

In Bob Ferry's career statistics table, bold formatting indicates his career high for that particular statistic. For instance, his highest regular season scoring average was 13.9 points per game, which is bolded in the table.

What was Bob Ferry's role in hiring K. C. Jones and Wes Unseld as head coaches?

Bob Ferry hired K. C. Jones in 1973 and Wes Unseld in 1988 as head coaches for the Bullets. This made him one of the first GMs in the NBA to hire two African-American head coaches on a permanent basis, following Red Auerbach.

How long did Bob Ferry serve as the Bullets' General Manager?

Bob Ferry served as the General Manager for the Bullets for 17 seasons, from 1973 to 1990. This was a substantial period during which he shaped the team's roster and direction.

What was Bob Ferry's contribution to the St. Louis Hawks?

Bob Ferry was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks as a territorial pick in the 1959 NBA draft. He played his rookie season with the Hawks before being traded to the Detroit Pistons.

What was Bob Ferry's role in the Washington Wizards franchise after his GM tenure?

After his time as GM, Bob Ferry worked as a scout for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Brooklyn Nets for over two decades. He also briefly appeared on 'The NBA on NBC' as an analyst.

What is the significance of the 'v', 't', and 'e' links found in the navboxes related to Bob Ferry?

The 'v', 't', and 'e' links within the navboxes stand for 'view', 'talk', and 'edit', respectively. These are standard Wikipedia template navigation links that allow users to view the template, discuss it, or edit its content.

What does the 'Wikiquote' link in the external links section suggest about Bob Ferry?

The presence of a Wikiquote link indicates that there are notable quotations attributed to Bob Ferry available on the Wikiquote platform. This suggests he was a public figure whose words were recorded and preserved.

What was Bob Ferry's career field goal percentage?

Bob Ferry's career field goal percentage was .433. This statistic reflects his accuracy in making shots from the field throughout his playing career.

What was Bob Ferry's career free throw percentage?

Bob Ferry's career free throw percentage was .664. This indicates his proficiency at making shots from the free-throw line.

How many total points did Bob Ferry score in his NBA career?

Bob Ferry scored a total of 5,780 points during his NBA playing career. This averages out to 9.1 points per game over his ten seasons.

How many total rebounds did Bob Ferry collect in his NBA career?

Bob Ferry collected a total of 3,343 rebounds during his NBA playing career. This averages out to 5.3 rebounds per game.

How many total assists did Bob Ferry record in his NBA career?

Bob Ferry recorded a total of 906 assists during his NBA playing career. This averages out to 1.4 assists per game.

What was Bob Ferry's highest regular season scoring average?

Bob Ferry's highest regular season scoring average was 13.9 points per game, achieved during the 1961-62 season with the Detroit Pistons. He also averaged a career-high 6.8 rebounds per game in the 1962-63 season.

What was Bob Ferry's highest playoff scoring average?

Bob Ferry's highest playoff scoring average was 20.2 points per game, achieved during the 1960-61 season with the Detroit Pistons. He also recorded a career-high 12.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs during that same season.

What was the context of Bob Ferry's birth and early life?

Bob Ferry was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 31, 1937. His father, Willard, worked at Fisher Body, and his mother, Elsie, was a housewife who also worked for Pet, Inc. He attended Cleveland High School before focusing on basketball at Saint Louis University.

What was Bob Ferry's role in the Washington Bullets' transition from Baltimore?

Bob Ferry played for the Baltimore Bullets from 1964 to 1969. After the team relocated and became the Washington Bullets, he transitioned into an executive role, eventually becoming the General Manager and leading them to their championship.

What is the significance of Bob Ferry being listed on the 1959 NBA draft territorial pick list alongside Wilt Chamberlain?

Bob Ferry being listed as a territorial pick in the 1959 NBA draft alongside Wilt Chamberlain highlights that both players were considered highly valuable prospects from specific regions. While Chamberlain was a generational talent, Ferry was also recognized as a significant local talent by the St. Louis Hawks.

Bob Ferry Wiki: Bob Ferry: Architect of Basketball Excellence

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Career Overview

Personal Details

Robert Dean Ferry (May 31, 1937 – October 27, 2021) was a significant figure in professional basketball. Standing at 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) and weighing 230 lb (104 kg), Ferry played as a power forward and center. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and passed away in Annapolis, Maryland, at the age of 84 after battling melanoma and a heart condition.

Educational Foundation

Ferry attended Cleveland High School in St. Louis before pursuing higher education at Saint Louis University. He played college basketball for the Saint Louis Billikens, earning All-America honors during his senior year in 1959. He graduated with a degree in General Studies. His collegiate achievements led to his number 43 being retired by the university.

Dual Career Path

Ferry's impact on basketball spanned multiple decades and roles. He first established himself as a player in the NBA from 1959 to 1969. Following his playing career, he transitioned into management and coaching, most notably serving as the General Manager for the Washington Bullets, where he led the franchise to its sole NBA championship in 1978.

Playing Career

NBA Debut and Tenure

Ferry entered the NBA in 1959 as a territorial pick of the St. Louis Hawks. His professional journey included stints with the Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Baltimore Bullets. Over ten seasons, he played in 634 games, accumulating 5,780 points, 3,343 rebounds, and 906 assists. He demonstrated durability, leading the league in games played during the 1960-61 and 1961-62 seasons.

Collegiate and Professional Honors

At Saint Louis University, Ferry was recognized as a First-team All-MVC selection and earned multiple All-America honors in 1959. Professionally, he was noted for his consistent performance and availability. His number 43 jersey is retired by the Saint Louis Billikens, symbolizing his significant contribution to the university's basketball program.

Statistical Highlights

During his playing career, Ferry averaged 9.1 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game. His peak offensive season was 1961-62 with the Pistons, where he averaged 13.9 points per game. He also showed strong rebounding capabilities, averaging a career-high 6.8 rebounds per game in the 1962-63 season.

Executive Career

Championship Architect

After retiring from playing due to injury, Ferry remained with the Baltimore Bullets, initially serving as a scout and assistant coach. He was promoted to General Manager in 1973. During his tenure, he was instrumental in building the team that captured the franchise's only NBA championship in the 1978 NBA Finals. He also guided the team to three other Finals appearances.

Executive Acclaim

Ferry's exceptional management skills were recognized with the NBA Executive of the Year Award twice, in 1979 and 1982. He was one of the few GMs at the time to achieve this honor multiple times. His strategic decisions, including hiring K.C. Jones and Wes Unseld as head coaches, demonstrated his foresight and commitment to diversity in leadership.

Building a Legacy

Ferry's influence extended beyond the Bullets. He was part of an elite group of GMs with over 700 wins, numerous playoff appearances, and a championship. After leaving the Bullets in 1990, he continued to contribute to the NBA as a scout for various teams for over two decades, maintaining his deep connection to the sport.

Career Statistics

Player Statistics

The following table details Bob Ferry's performance during his NBA playing career.

Legend
GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high
*	Led the league

Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	PPG
1959–60	St. Louis	62	14.1	.426	.639	3.8	.6	5.9
1960–61	Detroit	79*	21.0	.451	.741	6.3	1.6	11.3
1961–62	Detroit	80*	24.0	.438	.678	6.3	1.8	13.9
1962–63	Detroit	79	31.4	.433	.649	6.8	2.2	13.6
1963–64	Detroit	74	20.6	.445	.667	5.8	1.3	10.6
1964–65	Baltimore	77	16.6	.423	.613	4.6	.8	5.3
1965–66	Baltimore	66	18.6	.411	.669	5.1	1.7	7.3
1966–67	Baltimore	51	19.4	.419	.636	5.1	1.8	6.5
1967–68	Baltimore	59	14.3	.412	.624	3.2	1.0	5.6
1968–69	Baltimore	7	5.1	.357	.500	1.3	.6	1.9
Career		634	20.2	.433	.664	5.3	1.4	9.1

Playoffs
Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	PPG
1960	St. Louis	11	5.1	.526	.571	1.4	.0	2.2
1961	Detroit	5	33.4	.405	.837	12.6	2.2	20.2
1962	Detroit	9	18.4	.457	.605	4.6	1.4	11.1
1963	Detroit	4	35.8	.444	.333	8.8	2.8	12.0
1965	Baltimore	10	6.7	.438	.222	1.9	.8	1.6
1966	Baltimore	3	27.3	.550	.692	8.3	1.0	10.3
Career		42	16.2	.451	.621	4.7	1.1	7.6

Enduring Legacy

Family Influence

Bob Ferry's passion for basketball was passed down through his family. His son, Danny Ferry, also had a successful NBA playing career and later served as a General Manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. His other children, Bob Jr. and Laura, also achieved notable success in academics and their respective professional fields.

Lasting Impact

Ferry's contributions to the NBA, both on and off the court, are undeniable. His leadership as GM of the Washington Bullets secured the franchise's most significant achievement: the 1978 NBA Championship. His dedication and strategic acumen earned him respect throughout the league, solidifying his place in basketball history.

Connections

Ferry's career intersected with many notable figures and moments in NBA history. His draft class included legends like Wilt Chamberlain, and his executive tenure saw the rise of stars like Wes Unseld. His journey from player to executive showcases a deep and abiding commitment to the sport.

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References

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports or business advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding sports management, player evaluation, or historical accuracy. Always consult official records and qualified experts for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Bob Ferry: Architect of Basketball Excellence

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Career Overview ℹ️

👤 Personal Details

🎓 Educational Foundation

🏆 Dual Career Path

Playing Career 🏀

🚀 NBA Debut and Tenure

⭐ Collegiate and Professional Honors

📈 Statistical Highlights

Executive Career 💼

👑 Championship Architect

🏅 Executive Acclaim

🤝 Building a Legacy

Career Statistics 📊

📜 Player Statistics

Enduring Legacy 🌟

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Influence

🏛️ Lasting Impact

🔗 Connections

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Career Overview

Personal Details

Educational Foundation

Dual Career Path

Playing Career

NBA Debut and Tenure

Collegiate and Professional Honors

Statistical Highlights

Executive Career

Championship Architect

Executive Acclaim

Building a Legacy

Career Statistics

Player Statistics

Enduring Legacy

Family Influence

Lasting Impact

Connections

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice