Remembering Dick Van Arsdale: The Legacy of the Original Sun
The world of basketball has lost a towering figure with the passing of Dick Van Arsdale at the age of 81. Known affectionately as the "Original Sun," Van Arsdale was more than just a player; he was a cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns' identity and history. His contributions to the game extend far beyond his stats on the court, impacting the organization, its fans, and the broader basketball community.
Van Arsdale's journey began at Indiana University, where he honed his skills over three formative seasons. His standout moment came during his junior year when he averaged an impressive 22.3 points per game, earning All Big Ten honors. This achievement caught the eye of the New York Knicks, who drafted him in the second round of the 1965 NBA Draft. However, it was not until the expansion of the NBA in 1968 that Van Arsdale's legacy began to take permanent shape.
The Birth of a Franchise Player
As the Phoenix Suns were crafting their inaugural roster, Dick Van Arsdale became an integral part of their new beginnings by being selected in the expansion draft. Not only did he score the first points in the team's history, but he also quickly became the face of the franchise, much to the delight of a burgeoning fanbase. His first season with the Suns was a triumphant one, with Van Arsdale averaging 21 points per game and earning an All-Star nod, setting the stage for nine influential seasons with the team.
During his tenure with the Suns, Van Arsdale was selected to the All-Star team on three occasions and was instrumental in leading the team to its first playoff appearance and its first NBA Finals in 1976. By the time he retired in 1977, he had rightly earned his place as the Suns' all-time leading scorer, a testament to his enduring impact on and off the court.
Beyond the Court
Van Arsdale's influence didn't stop at the hardwood. After hanging up his jersey, he transitioned into roles that would see him shape the future of the franchise in new ways. He first found himself in broadcasting before joining the Suns' front office. Van Arsdale served as a general manager and senior vice president of player personnel, with his expertise continuing to benefit the organization. In 1987, he briefly stepped in as head coach, leading the team to a respectable 14-12 record.
His connection to the Suns was further underscored by his induction into the Suns' Ring of Honor, immortalizing him as a fixture of the franchise. The Phoenix Suns organization, in their official statement, expressed their profound sense of loss, saying, "'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the 'Original Sun' and a member of our Ring of Honor. The first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the scorer of the first points in team history, Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of the Suns organization... Beloved throughout the Suns organization and fanbase, Van Arsdale held several positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office executive, following his 12-year NBA career."
A Lasting Legacy
Dick Van Arsdale's story is also woven with that of his twin brother, Tom Van Arsdale, who was his teammate at the Suns. This unique chapter in basketball history added an intimate, familial dimension to Dick's career, one that fans cherished and celebrated.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Dick Van Arsdale, it becomes clear that his legacy extends far beyond his impressive on-court statistics. He was a symbol of dedication and excellence, embodying a spirit that continues to inspire the Suns organization and its fans. His impact is felt not just in Phoenix but across the basketball world, where his contributions to the sport will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.