The IU basketball program once had a star who left an indelible mark. On Monday, the Phoenix Suns announced the sad news of the passing of Indiana native and former Hoosier Dick Van Arsdale at the age of 81. Alongside his twin brother Tom, Dick played basketball at IU under head coach Branch McCracken from 1963 to 1965. He was jointly named the team's Most Valuable Player in both 1964 and 1965, sharing the honor with Tom.

An All-Star in Every Sense

Dick was not only a standout on the court but also an academic achiever. He was named All-Big Ten and an All-American in 1965. His dedication to both academics and sports was remarkable, as he earned Academic All-American honors in both 1964 and 1965. During his IU career, he amassed 1,240 points and 719 rebounds, a testament to his skill and determination.After graduating from IU, Dick embarked on a successful career in the NBA. He was a second-round pick (10th overall) by the New York Knicks in 1965 and later joined the Phoenix Suns via the expansion draft for their debut season in 1968-69. He made his first All-Star team that year and continued to be selected for the next two seasons as well. Dick is widely regarded in Phoenix as the “Original Sun” and holds the distinction of scoring the franchise's first points.

NBA Career Highlights

Dick played a total of 12 seasons in the NBA, with three years with the Knicks and nine with the Suns. His average stats for his pro career were impressive, with 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His impact on the game was felt not only on the scoreboard but also in the locker room and among fans.Even after his retirement from playing, Dick remained a part of the Suns franchise. He took on various roles, including general manager, senior vice president of player personnel, and even served as an interim head coach from 1986 to 1987. His knowledge and experience continued to contribute to the success of the team.

Post-Basketball Life in Phoenix

After basketball, Dick and Tom chose to remain in Phoenix. In 2005, after Dick suffered a stroke, he found a new passion in art and opened a studio near their homes in Scottsdale. The Van Arsdale twins, born in 1943 in Indianapolis, had a remarkable journey from Manual H.S. in Indianapolis to Bloomington and then to the NBA and beyond.Their shared achievements, including the Indiana Mr. Basketball Award and the Trester Award for Mental Attitude as seniors in 1961, are a testament to their talent and character. Dick's legacy lives on not only in the records he set on the basketball court but also in the lives he touched and the contributions he made to the sport and the community.