Butch Lee
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Alfred "Butch" Lee Jr. (born December 5, 1956) is a Puerto Rican former professional basketball player. Lee was the first Puerto Rican and first Latin American-born athlete to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA), accomplishing this after being selected in the first round of the 1978 NBA draft.[1]

Key Information

He began his career in the NCAA, where he gathered several "Player of the Year" recognitions and earned All-American honors as both a junior and senior while at Marquette University. Lee was selected as the Most Outstanding Player at the 1977 Final Four where he led the Warriors to the school's first national championship. The university recognized this by retiring his jersey.

In the NBA, he played for the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Lee concluded his career in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). He is known to be the only Puerto Rican professional basketball player to win championships in the NCAA, NBA, and BSN. Lee was also a member of the Puerto Rican national team.

Playing career

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Early life and college

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Lee was born in Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico to Gloria and Alfred Lee Sr. Lee's family moved to Harlem, New York, U.S., when he was a young child. There he went on to become a 1st Team, PSAL All City basketball player and honor student at the DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. Lee showed talent for basketball since an early age, and he impressed many college scouts with his game style. He accepted an offer to play for Marquette University, starring there from 1974 to 1978. In 1974 Lee asked his coach Al McGuire to allow him to play for the United States Olympic basketball team. However, his coach had sent someone else and Lee went to Puerto Rico where he qualified for the Puerto Rican national basketball team. When Puerto Rico played against the U.S. in the 1976 Summer Olympics, Lee made 15 out of 18 field goals and scored 35 points. The U.S. still avoided an upset, defeating Puerto Rico by one point, 95–94.

In 1977, Lee led Marquette to the Final Four in what McGuire had announced would be his final season. The Warriors defeated UNC-Charlotte 51–49 in the semifinal round when Lee found Jerome Whitehead with a length of the court pass for a score just before the buzzer. In the final against North Carolina, Lee scored 19 points and led the Warriors to a come-from-behind 67–59 victory to secure the national championship. Lee was named the tournament's most outstanding player.

NBA

[edit]

Lee then went on to become the first Puerto Rican player to play in the National Basketball Association, when he was chosen in the first round of the 1978 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks.

During Lee's first season in the NBA (1978-79), he started with the Hawks averaging 7.7 points per game during 49 games. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he enjoyed what were perhaps his best games in the league, scoring 11.5 points per game in the remaining 33 games of the season. He ended up scoring an average of 9.6 points per game in his first season in the NBA. Lee led the league in games played with 82.

After three games with the Cavs in the 1979-1980 season, Lee suffered a knee injury[2] that would require surgery,[3] and proved to be too big of an obstacle for him to overcome as far as his basketball career was concerned. He only scored 1.3 points per game on those three games. Before the season was over, he would be traded once again, to the Los Angeles Lakers, where, he played alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, among others, for eleven games, before his injury recurred, forcing him to retire. He did, however, win an NBA championship ring, as the Lakers went on to beat the Philadelphia 76ers in that season's NBA Finals.

Coaching career

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Lee, who is fluent in Spanish, returned to Puerto Rico after his experience as an NBA basketball player was over. There, he became a well known and respected head coach with multiple BSN teams.

In 1992, Lee led the Capitanes de Arecibo to the BSN Finals, where they lost to the Leones de Ponce in 6 games.[4] He also coached Aguadilla, Ponce and the Gigantes de Carolina.

In January 2009, he was announced as the new coach of the Cangrejeros de Santurce.[5] However, he was dismissed during the playoffs after Santurce lost two games in a row.[6]

He continued to help out with teams and coached some of them at the Guaynabo Basketball Academy (GBA).

Career playing statistics

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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
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league

NBA

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Source[7]

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1978–79 Atlanta 49* 4 20.3 .460 .752 1.2 3.4 1.1 .0 7.7
Cleveland 33* 23.7 .455 .770 2.0 3.8 .9 .0 11.5
1979–80 Cleveland 3 8.0 .182 – .000 1.0 1.0 .0 .0 1.3
1979–80† L.A. Lakers 11 2.8 .308 – .857 .7 .8 .1 .0 1.3
Career 96 4 19.1 .450 – .761 1.4 3.2 .9 .0 8.1

Playoffs

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Year Team GP MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1980† L.A. Lakers 3 2.0 – – 1.000 .3 .0 .0 .0 .7

See also

[edit]

References

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[edit]
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Butch Lee

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Alfred "Butch" Lee (born December 5, 1956) is a Puerto Rican former professional basketball player who holds the distinction of being the first Latin American-born athlete to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1][2] As a 6-foot point guard, Lee rose to prominence during his college career at Marquette University, where he led the Golden Eagles to the 1977 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.[3][4] His accolades included consensus first-team All-American honors in 1978, the Associated Press Player of the Year award, and the Naismith College Player of the Year award that same year.[4][5] Selected 10th overall in the first round of the 1978 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Lee began his professional career with the team, appearing in 49 games during the 1978–79 season and averaging 7.7 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game.[1][6] He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers midseason and played 36 games for them across 1978–79 and 1979–80, contributing to a career NBA average of 8.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 rebounds across 96 games with the Hawks, Cavaliers, and a brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979–80, including playoff appearances in their 1980 NBA championship season.[1][6] Injuries limited his NBA tenure, but Lee continued his career in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional league, where he concluded his playing days and later transitioned into coaching roles within the BSN.[2] Lee's pioneering role paved the way for future Latino players in the NBA and solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in international basketball representation.[2]

Early life

Family background and childhood

Alfred "Butch" Lee Jr. was born on December 5, 1956, in Santurce, a district of San Juan, Puerto Rico.[1] His parents were American, and he was raised briefly in the Virgin Islands before the family relocated to Harlem, New York, when he was six years old, later moving to the Bronx.[2] Growing up in these urban neighborhoods shaped his early years, immersing him in a multicultural environment that blended his Puerto Rican heritage with mainland American influences.[2] In New York's public housing projects, particularly blocks from the legendary Rucker Park in Harlem, Lee gained his initial exposure to basketball amid the city's thriving streetball culture.[2] Friends introduced him to the sport, where he was inspired by local icons and the fast-paced, improvisational style of pickup games that defined Harlem's basketball scene. This environment fostered his competitive drive and fundamental skills from a young age.[2] Lee also demonstrated strong academic discipline during his formative years, performing as an honors student, which underscored his balanced approach to personal development alongside his growing athletic interests.[7] This foundation of structure and perseverance carried into his pursuit of basketball, paving the way for his entry into organized high school competition.

High school basketball

Alfred "Butch" Lee attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, New York, from 1971 to 1974, where he emerged as a prominent talent in the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL).[8] As a junior in 1973, Lee led the Governors to the PSAL city championship, showcasing his leadership and scoring ability in key games.[2] In his senior year of 1974, Lee solidified his status as a standout guard, averaging 25 points per game while leading DeWitt Clinton in scoring and assists during their contention for another title, ultimately finishing as runners-up in the PSAL finals against Taft High School.[2][9] His explosive drives and gritty defensive play earned him First-Team All-City honors from the PSAL, along with All-American recognition and a spot on The Sporting News' top-10 prep players list.[10][2] Lee capped his high school career by winning MVP honors at the inaugural McDonald's Capital Classic all-star game, where he scored 23 points alongside future NBA star Moses Malone.[2] Lee's reputation as a tough, winning guard drew intense recruitment interest from major college programs, culminating in his commitment to Marquette University under coach Al McGuire on May 6, 1974.[11] McGuire, leveraging his New York connections, viewed Lee as a key addition for his gritty style and potential to elevate the Warriors' backcourt.[12]

College career

Marquette University

Butch Lee enrolled at Marquette University in 1974, joining the Warriors basketball team under head coach Al McGuire, where he spent four seasons from 1974 to 1978 adapting to McGuire's fast-paced, gritty system that emphasized tough defense and opportunistic offense.[3] As a New York City recruit with PSAL All-City honors from DeWitt Clinton High School, Lee quickly adjusted to the college level, developing his game within McGuire's demanding style that valued relentless energy and team-first play.[10] Lee's statistical output showed steady progression over his final two seasons, reflecting his growing command of the point guard position. As a junior in 1976–77, he averaged 19.6 points and 3.3 assists per game, contributing significantly to the team's offensive flow while emerging as a reliable scorer.[5] In his senior year of 1977–78, Lee's numbers shifted to 17.7 points and 4.9 assists per game, highlighting improved playmaking alongside consistent scoring leadership.[5] Throughout his tenure, Lee served as a pivotal team leader, embodying the Warriors' identity through his defensive tenacity—disrupting opponents with aggressive pressure—and sharp playmaking that orchestrated fast breaks and set up teammates effectively.[13] His ability to blend scoring drives with defensive intensity made him the on-court extension of McGuire's philosophy, fostering a cohesive unit known for its blue-collar resilience.[3] In his senior season, Lee's excellence earned him Consensus first-team All-American honors, along with Associated Press Player of the Year and United Press International Player of the Year awards, capping his college career as the Naismith College Player of the Year in 1978.[5][3]

1977 NCAA Tournament

As the No. 7 seed in the Midwest Region, Marquette entered the 1977 NCAA Tournament with a 20-7 record after a solid regular season, ultimately embarking on a championship run that secured the program's first and only national title under coach Al McGuire in his final season.[14][15] The Warriors opened with a 66-51 first-round victory over No. 11 Cincinnati on March 12 in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by a dramatic 67-66 second-round win against No. 16 Kansas State on March 17 in Oklahoma City, where a controversial late call preserved the outcome.[16][17] Advancing to the regional final, Marquette defeated No. 9 Wake Forest 82-68 on March 19 in Oklahoma City, setting up a Final Four appearance in Atlanta.[18] In the Final Four semifinals on March 26, the Warriors edged No. 17 UNC Charlotte 51-49 in a tense defensive battle, holding the 49ers to their lowest scoring output of the season.[14] Butch Lee, building on his junior-year average of 19.6 points per game during the regular season, emerged as a key contributor throughout the tournament, averaging 17.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over five games while shooting efficiently from the free-throw line.[19] His standout efforts included 26 points against Kansas State and 19 against Wake Forest, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking in high-stakes matchups.[19] The championship game on March 28 pitted Marquette against No. 5 North Carolina, resulting in a 67-59 victory that capped the Warriors' improbable run. Lee led all scorers with 19 points on 6-of-14 field goals and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, including crucial late free throws that sealed the win against a Tar Heels team featuring All-American guard Phil Ford.[14][20] His drives and assists disrupted UNC's rhythm, contributing to Marquette's balanced attack and defensive effort that limited the Tar Heels to 39% shooting. For his tournament dominance, Lee was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.[14][21]

Professional playing career

NBA tenure

Butch Lee was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft, tenth overall, following a standout college career at Marquette University that included national player of the year honors and boosted his draft stock.[1][6] As a rookie point guard, Lee appeared in 49 games for the Hawks during the 1978–79 season, averaging 7.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in a backup role, showing flashes of his quickness and playmaking from college but struggling to adapt to the professional level's physicality.[1] On January 31, 1979, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers along with a future first-round pick in exchange for guard Terry Furlow, a move that allowed Lee more opportunities.[1] With the Cavaliers, Lee thrived in expanded minutes for the remainder of the 1978–79 season, playing 33 games and averaging 11.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, highlighting his scoring ability and vision as a backup point guard.[1] He returned for the start of the 1979–80 season but appeared in only three games, averaging minimal contributions amid emerging knee issues that had required exploratory surgery for torn cartilage the previous summer.[1][22] On February 15, 1980, Lee was traded again, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers with a future first-round pick for forward Don Ford and another pick, joining a contending team led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.[1] Lee's time with the Lakers was brief but memorable, as he played 11 regular-season games, averaging 1.3 points and 0.7 rebounds per game, before a leg injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.[23] Despite his limited role, he appeared in three playoff games and earned a championship ring when the Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA Finals, marking the franchise's first title in the post-Chamberlain era.[23][2] Persistent knee problems, including recurring cartilage damage, hampered his mobility and led to his release by the Lakers on June 10, 1980, effectively ending his NBA career after just two seasons.[1][2] Over 96 regular-season games across his NBA tenure, Lee averaged 8.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 45.0 percent from the field, serving primarily as a reserve who occasionally recaptured his collegiate explosiveness but was ultimately limited by injuries.[1]

BSN playing years

Following a knee injury that curtailed his NBA career, Butch Lee returned to his native Puerto Rico and joined the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), the island's premier professional basketball league, beginning in 1981.[24] He played six core seasons from 1981 to 1987, with additional appearances extending his involvement through 1990, suiting up for multiple teams including the Cangrejeros de Santurce, Brujos de Guayama, Atléticos de San Germán, Leones de Ponce, and Cardenales de Río Piedras.[2][24] As a star guard, Lee brought his NBA-honed skills to the BSN, where he excelled in scoring and playmaking, often leading his teams in offensive production and earning acclaim as one of the league's top imports despite his Puerto Rican roots.[24] His tenure highlighted his versatility, combining quick drives to the basket with sharp passing to elevate teammates in a fast-paced local style that emphasized athleticism and community engagement. Over the decade, he suited up for five different franchises, adapting to various rosters while maintaining a reputation for clutch performances in high-stakes games.[24] Lee's pinnacle in the BSN came in 1985, when he helped the Brujos de Guayama capture the league championship, a victory that completed his unique triple crown of titles across the NCAA (1977), NBA (1980), and BSN levels—the only Puerto Rican player to achieve this feat.[24] In subsequent years with the Atléticos de San Germán (1986–1989), he continued as a veteran leader, using his international experience to guide younger Puerto Rican talents through intense playoff runs and regular-season battles, fostering a new generation of guards in the league.[24] His presence not only boosted team competitiveness but also symbolized a bridge between Puerto Rican basketball and global professional circuits.[2]

Coaching career

After retiring from playing, Lee transitioned into coaching, primarily in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league. In 1992, he served as head coach for the Capitanes de Arecibo, leading the team to the BSN Finals where they lost to the Leones de Ponce in six games.[25] Lee later coached the Indios de Mayagüez in 1999, the Tiburones de Aguadilla from 2001 to 2002, and the Gigantes de Carolina from 2002 to 2004. In 2009, he was the head coach of the Cangrejeros de Santurce but was dismissed during the playoffs after two consecutive losses.[26] As of 2014, Lee continued coaching young players at Puerto Rico's Guaynabo Basketball Academy.[24]

Legacy

Awards and honors

During his college career at Marquette University, Butch Lee earned several prestigious accolades, including being named the Most Outstanding Player of the 1977 NCAA Final Four after leading the Warriors to the national championship.[14] In his senior year, he was selected as the 1978 Naismith College Player of the Year, AP Player of the Year, and UPI Player of the Year.[27][28] Lee also received consensus second-team All-American honors in 1977 and unanimous first-team All-American recognition in 1978.[28][3] In his professional career, Lee was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers' 1980 NBA championship team, appearing in 11 regular-season games and 3 playoff games before being sidelined by injury.[1] Later, playing in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), he helped the Brujos de Guayama secure the league championship in 1985.[24] Lee's pioneering role as the first Puerto Rican-born player to appear in the NBA came in 1978 when he debuted with the Atlanta Hawks, marking a historic milestone for Latin American representation in the league.[2] In recognition of his contributions, Marquette retired his No. 15 jersey, and he was inducted into the Marquette 'M Club' Hall of Fame in 1985.[3] Additionally, he was honored with induction into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003 for his impact on New York City hoops from his high school days at DeWitt Clinton to his college stardom.[10]

Impact on basketball

Butch Lee holds the distinction of being the first Puerto Rican and Hispanic player to enter the NBA, debuting with the Atlanta Hawks in 1978 after being selected 10th overall in the draft.[2][24] This milestone shattered barriers for Latino athletes, demonstrating that players from Puerto Rico could compete at the highest levels of professional basketball in the United States and inspiring a generation of Hispanic hoopers to pursue NBA dreams.[2][24] Lee's trailblazing role extended to influencing subsequent Puerto Rican players, such as Carlos Arroyo, who credited Lee's legacy for motivating his own career and the 2004 Olympic upset over Team USA.[2] Through his six seasons playing in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league—where he won a championship—and his coaching tenure in the 1990s and 2000s, Lee helped elevate the league's profile and foster basketball's growth on the island.[2] His achievement of winning an NCAA title, earning an NBA championship ring, and securing a BSN title further amplified his status as an inspirational figure for aspiring athletes.[2] In a 2025 Sporting News feature on Hispanic basketball pioneers, Lee's contributions were highlighted for their enduring influence, including his ongoing support for youth development through the Butch Lee Point Guard Academy in San Juan, where he mentors young players using his NBA-honed point guard expertise.[2][29] As a symbol of bicultural identity—born in San Juan but raised in Harlem—Lee embodied the fusion of Puerto Rican heritage and American upbringing, paving pathways for international players by proving that diverse backgrounds could thrive in global basketball.[2]

Career statistics

NBA regular season and playoffs

Butch Lee's NBA regular season career spanned two seasons from 1978 to 1980, during which he appeared in 96 games, accumulating 775 points, 307 assists, and 137 rebounds.[1] His per-game averages were 8.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 rebounds.[1] Lee's shooting efficiency stood at 44.8% from the field and 76.2% from the free-throw line, reflecting the era's lack of advanced metrics like player efficiency rating or true shooting percentage.[1] Across teams, Lee played 49 games for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 7.7 points per game; 36 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 10.7 points per game; and 11 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 1.3 points per game.[1] A knee injury in the 1979–80 season limited his play after just three games with the Cavaliers, leading to surgery and a subsequent trade to the Lakers.[2] In the playoffs, Lee's participation was confined to the 1980 postseason with the Lakers, where he played three games during the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, averaging 0.7 points per game.[30] Despite his bench role and minimal statistical output, Lee contributed to the Lakers' 1980 NBA Championship as a roster member.[31]
TeamGamesPPG
Atlanta Hawks497.7
Cleveland Cavaliers3610.7
Los Angeles Lakers111.3

BSN highlights

Butch Lee's tenure in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) extended from 1975 to 1990, encompassing over 280 games across multiple teams, with his post-NBA years from 1984 to 1990 marking a significant phase where he averaged 15 to 20 points per game in peak seasons such as 1986. His overall career statistics in the league reflect a scoring-oriented guard role, totaling 4,365 points at 15.4 points per game, alongside 624 rebounds (2.2 per game) and 774 assists (2.7 per game).[32] A highlight of his BSN career came in 1985, when Lee contributed to the Atléticos de San Germán's championship victory over the Mets de Guaynabo in the finals, securing the team's first title since 1950; he appeared in 18 regular-season games for San Germán that year, averaging 12.7 points. This accomplishment solidified Lee's unique status as the only Puerto Rican player to claim championships at the NCAA, NBA, and BSN levels.[32][33][2] Returning to the BSN after winning an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980 enhanced the league's profile, as Lee's pioneering NBA experience drew greater attention to Puerto Rican basketball and inspired local talent. Notable performances included his 1986 season with the Leones de Ponce, where he averaged 20.1 points across 31 games, and earlier high-scoring outputs like 20.9 points per game in 1975 with the Cardenales de Río Piedras. Throughout his BSN career, Lee suited up for teams including the Cardenales de Río Piedras, Atléticos de San Germán, Brujos de Guayama, Leones de Ponce, and Polluelos de Aibonito.[2][32]

References

  1. Butch Lee Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  2. From Puerto Rico to Los Angeles, how Butch Lee became the NBA's ...
  3. Alfred "Butch" Lee (1985) - Marquette 'M Club' Hall of Fame
  4. Butch Lee Biography - ESPN
  5. Butch Lee College Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com
  6. Butch Lee | Guard | Atlanta Hawks | NBA.com
  7. The Olympics' First Tropical Luger
  8. Time To Ramp Up For March Madness with Retired NBA Champion ...
  9. NBA Players: Butch Lee Profile and Basic Stats - Land Of Basketball
  10. Guards Help Taft, Clinton Achieve P.S.A.L. Final - The New York Times
  11. Alfred “Butch” Lee, 2003 NYC Basketball Hall of Famer
  12. Local Court Ace Picks Marquette - The New York Times
  13. Al McGuire Remembered As A 'Character' By Players And Coaches
  14. MARQUETTE GUARD BUTCH LEE APRIL 4, 1977 | SI.com
  15. 1977 NCAA tournament: Bracket, scores, stats, records
  16. 1977 Men's College Basketball NCAA Tournament
  17. Marquette vs. Cincinnati Box Score (Men), March 12, 1977
  18. Marquette vs. Kansas State Box Score (Men), March 17, 1977
  19. Wake Forest vs. Marquette Box Score (Men), March 19, 1977
  20. Butch Lee 1976-77 Game Log - Sports-Reference.com
  21. North Carolina vs. Marquette Box Score (Men), March 28, 1977
  22. Marquette 1977 NCAA basketball championship legendary in ...
  23. Butch Lee tears cartilage in his knee - Newspapers.com
  24. Butch Lee - All Things Lakers - Los Angeles Times
  25. Butch Lee paved the way for Latinos and Hispanics in the NBA
  26. 1978 Naismith Winner: Butch Lee | NCAA.com
  27. Alfred "Butch" Lee | College Hoopedia
  28. Cavs Host Third Annual Noche Latina Celebration - Cleveland - NBA
  29. Butch Lee Playoffs Game Log | Basketball-Reference.com
  30. 1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats
  31. Estadisticas de Alfred 'Butch' Lee Porter en BSN (Puerto Rico)
  32. National Superior Basketball
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