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Dean Meminger
Dean Meminger
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Dean Peter "the Dream" Meminger (May 13, 1948 – August 23, 2013) was an American basketball player and coach.[1] He played college basketball for Marquette where he was the NIT MVP in 1970 and a Consensus first-team All-American in 1971. He later played professionally in the NBA for six seasons, winning the NBA championship with the New York Knicks in 1973. Following his playing career, Meminger went into coaching and in 1980 he led the New York Stars to the WBL championship.

Key Information

Early life

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Meminger was born in Walterboro, South Carolina, and came to Harlem, New York, with his family as a seventh-grader. He starred at Rice High School in New York City as well as making a name for himself on the playgrounds at West 135th Street.[2]

College career

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Meminger attended Marquette University, where he played for coach Al McGuire with the then-Warriors. He helped Marquette win the 1970 National Invitational Tournament. Marquette's 1970 team was ranked 8th in the country and was invited to the NCAA tournament. Following a dispute whether to play in the Mid-East or Mid-West Regional, Marquette declined the bid and opted to play in the NIT, where the team outclassed the field. The NCAA was so incensed by Marquette, it instituted a rule that forced an NCAA Division I team to accept an NCAA bid over an NIT bid. A subsequent antitrust case brought by the NIT against the NCAA over this issue was later settled out of court. Meminger was also the MVP of the 1970 National Invitation Tournament, in which Marquette beat Pete Maravich and LSU 101–79 in the semi-finals before defeating St. John's 65–53 in the title game. During his varsity career, he never lost a home game.

NBA career

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Meminger was drafted in the first round (16th overall) of the 1971 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, with whom he played from 1971 to 1974 and 1976-1977.[3] As a rookie reserve guard in 1971–72, Meminger averaged 4.6 points in 15 minutes per game, followed by 5.7 points in 18 minutes per game in 1972–73. In that season, Meminger helped the Knicks win their second-ever NBA championship. Playing on a team which featured star guards Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe and Dick Barnett, in Game 7 of the 1973 Eastern Conference finals he replaced Monroe in the second quarter, frustrated the hot-shooting Boston Celtics guard Jo Jo White and scored 13 points. After knocking the Celtics out of the playoffs, the Knicks beat the Los Angeles Lakers for the title.[4] In the postseason, Meminger played in all 17 games for the Knicks, making 31 of 56 field goal attempts for a team-leading .554 percentage.[5]

In Meminger's third season of 1973–74, his playing time increased to 26.7 minutes per game as he averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game (both career highs) and 2.1 assists.

In 1974–75, Meminger played for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging career highs of 27.2 minutes, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in addition to 7.9 points per game.[5] In 1975–76 with the Hawks, his fifth NBA season, in just over 20 minutes per game he averaged 6.0 points and 3.3 assists per game.[5]

The 1976–77 season was his sixth and final NBA season as he returned to the Knicks and averaged 7.9 minutes per game.

Coaching career

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Meminger was hired as the head coach of the New York Stars in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) in June 1979.[6][7][8] Meminger, with rookie trainer Rick Capistran at his side, guided the Stars to the league championship during the 1979–80 season and was named the league's coach of the year. The team's great success, however, was not enough to save the Stars, which lost so much money the team folded without being able to repeat as champions.[7] Meminger was coaxed to head west, leaving Capistran behind, when he signed up to coach the San Francisco Pioneers in what would be the league's final season.

In 1982, Meminger was hired to coach the Albany Patroons in the Continental Basketball Association. He was dismissed for his combative style with his players and replaced by his former Knicks teammate and friend Phil Jackson. Meminger convinced Jackson to let him try out for the team, but he was unable to resurrect his career on the court.[7]

Meminger next coached the USBL's Long Island Knights in 1987, coaching the likes of Micheal Ray Richardson, Steve Burtt and Geoff Huston, an experience that according to him "almost sent me to the cuckoo's nest".[9]

After spending most of the next 14 years working as a consultant at schools like Hunter College and Hostos Community College, he was hired as the head coach of Manhattanville College in New York in October 2003.[10] He resigned from his post for personal reasons in November 2004 after leading the Valiants to an 18–10 record.[11]

Personal life

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Meminger's son goes by the same name and is a news reporter and anchor for NY1 News.[12]

On November 22, 2009, Meminger was rescued from a fire in the Bronx in New York City. Suffering from smoke inhalation, he was admitted to the burn unit of Jacobi Medical Center.[13] Meminger recovered and would remain active in local basketball events. He and trainer Rick Capistran reconnected after 30 years when Capistran tracked his old coach down after reading about Meminger's brush with death in the fire.

Meminger had battled drug addiction for decades and was living in Baltimore, Maryland. He was in Harlem to receive a community award[14] when he was found dead in his room at the Casablanca Hotel in Harlem on August 23, 2013.[15][16]

Career 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[5]

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1971–72 New York 78 3 15.0 .474 .564 2.4 1.3 4.6
1972–73 New York 80 8 18.2 .515 .628 2.9 1.7 5.7
1973–74 New York 78 50 26.7 .508 .644 3.6 2.1 .8 .1 8.3
1974–75 Atlanta 80 27.2 .466 .639 2.7 5.0 1.5 .1 7.9
1975–76 Atlanta 68 20.9 .409 .658 2.2 3.3 .8 .1 6.0
1976–77 New York 32 0 7.9 .417 .565 .8 .9 .3 .0 1.3
Career 416 61 20.6 .475 .627 2.6 2.5 .9 .1 6.1

Playoffs

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Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1972 New York 16* 17.3 .421 .630 2.7 1.3 4.1
1973 New York 17* 19.0 .554 .559 2.2 2.2 4.8
1974 New York 12 14.9 .344 .200 2.0 2.1 .3 .0 1.9
Career 45 17.3 .455 .561 2.3 1.8 .3 .0 3.8

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dean Peter "The Dream" Meminger (May 13, 1948 – August 23, 2013) was an American professional basketball player and coach, renowned for his defensive prowess and contributions to the ' 1973 NBA championship team. Born in , Meminger moved to at age 14 and attended Rice High School, where he led the team to CHSAA and mythical national championships in 1967 while earning First Team All-City honors for three years alongside future Hall of Famer . At from 1968 to 1971 under coach , he helped compile a 78-9 record, won the 1970 NIT championship as MVP, and earned consensus All-America honors in his senior year, including an undefeated 26-0 regular season in 1971 while leading the team in scoring at 21.2 points per game. Selected 16th overall in the by the Knicks, Meminger played six seasons in the league, primarily as a shooting guard and for New York (1971–1974, 1976–1977) and the (1974–1976), averaging 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 416 games. He appeared in 80 of 82 regular-season games during the Knicks' 1973 title run, shooting 51.5% from the field as a key defensive contributor off the bench. After retiring, Meminger coached in the CBA, USBL, and WBL—leading the New York Stars to the 1980 WBL championship and earning Coach of the Year honors—while dedicating over 25 years to youth basketball mentoring and education, and was posthumously inducted into the Real Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024. Meminger died at age 65 in a hotel room, with the cause listed as undetermined but possibly related to a .

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Dean Meminger was born on May 13, 1948, in Walterboro, a small rural town in . As a seventh-grader, around the age of 12 or 13, Meminger relocated with his family from Walterboro to in , seeking improved prospects in the urban environment. The family settled in the Delano Village housing project on West 139th Street, where Meminger lived with his parents and at least one sister during his early years in the city. The transition from rural to the bustling streets of marked a significant shift for Meminger, immersing him in a vibrant urban community that would shape his formative experiences.

High School Basketball Career

Dean Meminger attended Rice High School in , New York, where he quickly emerged as a standout talent in the competitive (CHSAA). Following his family's relocation from to New York, which provided access to the city's vibrant scene, Meminger honed his skills under coach Mike Browne, becoming known for his exceptional speed, tenacious defense, and scoring ability. His elusive playing style earned him the nickname "" during his high school years. As a in 1965, Meminger earned All-City honors, marking the start of his rapid ascent in New York City's storied high school landscape. He repeated as an All-City selection for three straight years, a rare feat that highlighted his dominance as a guard. Meminger's contributions were pivotal in key rivalries within the CHSAA, including intense matchups against other top programs that showcased the city's emerging talents. In his senior year of 1967, Meminger led to the CHSAA championship and a mythical national title, solidifying his legacy as one of the program's all-time greats. Over his high school career, he amassed 1,296 points, becoming only the second player in history to earn first-team All-City honors multiple times. His performances drew widespread recruitment interest from colleges, ultimately leading him to commit to under coach .

Collegiate Career

Time at Marquette University

Dean Meminger enrolled at in 1967 and played on the freshman team during the 1967-68 season before transitioning to the varsity squad the following year under head coach . As a 6-foot guard known for his quickness on the court, Meminger quickly became a key contributor, serving as the team's primary ball-handler and leading scorer during his junior and senior seasons. In his sophomore varsity season of 1968-69, Meminger averaged 16.4 points per game as Marquette posted a 24-5 record, marking the start of the program's ascent. The 1969-70 campaign saw him elevate his scoring to 18.8 points per game while the Warriors advanced to the (NIT), finishing the year with a 26-3 overall mark. During his senior year in 1970-71, Meminger led the team with 21.2 points per game, guiding the team to a 28-1 overall record including an undefeated 26-0 regular season and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament, helping sustain an undefeated streak at the Milwaukee Arena that extended across his three varsity seasons, culminating in a 46-0 home record. Over these three years, Marquette compiled an impressive 78-9 overall record, establishing the Warriors as a dominant force in . Meminger's playing style emphasized tenacious defense, explosive quickness, and on-court leadership, allowing him to disrupt opponents while facilitating the team's fast-paced offense. His peers recognized this impact by selecting him as the team's . These qualities were instrumental in elevating Marquette to national contender status in the early 1970s, transforming the program into a consistent winner under McGuire's guidance.

College Awards and Achievements

During his junior season in 1970, Dean Meminger was named the of the (NIT), leading Marquette to the program's first NIT championship with a 65-53 victory over St. John's in the final. He also earned a spot on the NIT All-Tournament Team for his standout contributions, as the team's leading scorer at 18.8 points per game that season en route to the title. As a senior in 1971, Meminger received Consensus First-Team All-American honors, recognizing his elite performance and leadership on the court. That year, his teammates voted him the team's , capping a career in which he served as Marquette's leading scorer for two seasons, averaging 21.2 points per game as a senior. In recognition of his overall impact at Marquette, Meminger was inducted into the Marquette M Club Hall of Fame in 1988.

Professional Playing Career

NBA Draft and New York Knicks

Meminger was selected by the with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the , following a standout collegiate career at that included consensus All-American honors. As a rookie during the 1971-72 season, Meminger served primarily as a backup guard behind stars like Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe, appearing in 78 games while averaging 15.0 minutes, 4.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His role focused on learning the professional game and providing defensive energy off the bench under coach Red Holzman, who valued Meminger's quickness and tenacity honed on Harlem playgrounds. In his second season (1972-73), Meminger's playing time increased to 18.2 minutes per game across 80 appearances, where he contributed 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, solidifying his position as a reliable sixth man known for his slashing drives and smothering perimeter defense. Meminger's peak with the Knicks came during the 1973-74 season, when he averaged career highs of 26.7 minutes, 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 78 games, emerging as a defensive specialist who disrupted opponents' offenses. His contributions were pivotal in the Knicks' path to their second NBA championship in 1973, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals against the , where he was named co-MVP of the series after averaging 7.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over seven games. In Game 7 of that series, Meminger delivered a signature performance with 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting and 5-of-6 free throws in 36 minutes, while effectively containing Boston's to help secure a 94-78 victory. During the against the , which the Knicks won 4-1, Meminger played a reserve role in five games, averaging 15.4 minutes, 1.0 point, 1.0 rebound, and 1.4 assists, providing crucial defensive support in the team's balanced rotation during their triumphant two-title era. Meminger remained with the Knicks through the 1973-74 season, contributing to the team's defensive identity before being traded to the in May 1974.

Atlanta Hawks and Career End

In May 1974, Meminger was traded from the New Orleans Jazz to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Pete Maravich to New Orleans, along with forward Bob Kauffman and future draft picks. He played two seasons with the Hawks, appearing in 148 regular-season games as a reserve guard. During the 1974–75 season, Meminger averaged 7.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while logging a career-high 27.2 minutes off the bench, contributing to the team's defensive efforts with his quickness and tenacity honed during his championship tenure with the Knicks. His scoring declined to 6.0 points per game in 1975–76 amid contract disputes and limited playing time in 68 games, though he continued to provide solid perimeter defense. Meminger returned to the New York Knicks for the 1976–77 season, playing in 32 games before being waived in June 1977 at age 29, marking the end of his seven-year NBA career after 416 regular-season games across the Knicks and Hawks. Following retirement, he pursued coaching opportunities, including roles in emerging professional leagues that reflected his early interest in transitioning to the sidelines.

NBA Career Statistics

Dean Meminger played in 416 regular-season games over six NBA seasons from 1971 to 1977, compiling career averages of 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 65.8% from the free-throw line. His overall totals included 2,552 points, 1,086 rebounds, and 1,046 assists, underscoring his role as a reliable reserve contributor rather than a primary scorer. In the , Meminger appeared in 45 games across three postseasons (1972, 1973, and 1974) exclusively with the , averaging 3.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game with a 44.3% . These efforts supported the Knicks' 1973 NBA championship, where his defensive contributions as a perimeter specialist were integral to the team's success despite limited offensive output. Meminger's statistical profile highlights his evolution from a defensive-minded bench guard with the Knicks—where his scoring peaked at 8.3 in 1973-74 amid increased minutes—to a more facilitative role with the , where he averaged 5.0 assists per game in 1974-75. His modest per-game numbers reflect a emphasis on team defense and versatility over individual scoring, aligning with his 6-foot-0 frame and reputation for hustle.

Regular Season Statistics

SeasonTeamGPMPGFG%FT%RPGAPGPPG
1971-72NYK7815.0.474.5642.41.34.6
1972-73NYK8018.2.515.6282.91.75.7
1973-74NYK7826.7.508.6443.62.18.3
1974-75ATL8027.2.466.6392.75.07.9
1975-76ATL6820.9.409.6582.23.36.0
1976-77NYK327.9.417.5650.80.91.3
Career41620.6.482.6582.62.56.1
Note: Table includes select key metrics; full advanced stats available on source.

Playoff Statistics

SeasonTeamGPMPGFG%FT%RPGAPGPPG
1972NYK1617.3.421.6302.71.34.1
1973NYK1719.0.554.5592.22.24.8
1974NYK1214.9.344.2002.02.11.9
Career4517.3.443.5612.31.83.8
Note: Table includes select key metrics; full advanced stats available on source.

Coaching Career

Minor League and Professional Coaching

After retiring from professional basketball, Dean Meminger transitioned into coaching, beginning with the New York Stars of the Women's Basketball League (WBL) during the 1979–80 season. As head coach, he guided the team to the league championship, defeating the Cornets in the finals, and was subsequently named WBL Coach of the Year for his leadership. Meminger's next role came with the Pioneers of the (WBL) during the league's final season in 1980–81, where he served as starting in January 1981 after replacing Frank LaPorte. The Pioneers finished 14–22 amid the league's financial instability, which ultimately led to its folding after the season. Shifting to men's professional , Meminger became the inaugural of the in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the 1982–83 season. The team posted a 16–28 record, placing fourth in the Eastern Division, but Meminger was dismissed mid-season and replaced by due to ongoing performance issues and player management challenges. Later, in 1987, Meminger coached the Knights of the (USBL), a minor professional circuit. Under his direction, the Knights advanced to the semifinals but fell short of the title, showcasing his ability to build competitive squads in developmental leagues. Throughout these coaching positions, Meminger emphasized a defensive-oriented philosophy rooted in his own playing career with the , where he was renowned for tenacious on-ball defense and hustle. He focused on fundamentals like positioning, rebounding, and team accountability to develop players, often drawing from his experiences under coach to instill discipline and grit in his teams. This approach contributed to player growth in minor leagues, though specific metrics on individual advancements remain limited; for instance, his Stars squad demonstrated improved defensive efficiency en route to the .

College and Youth Coaching Roles

In 2003, Dean Meminger was hired as the of the Manhattanville College men's basketball team in the , marking a return to collegiate coaching after earlier professional stints. Drawing on his experience from leading the New York Stars to a Women's Professional Basketball League championship in 1980, Meminger emphasized defensive fundamentals and team discipline during his tenure. Under his guidance, the Valiants achieved an 18-10 overall record in the 2003-04 season, securing a berth in the Tournament semifinals and advancing to the ECAC Metro Tournament. He resigned from the position after one season, citing personal commitments, but his brief role highlighted his ability to instill resilience in student-athletes from diverse backgrounds. Beyond college ranks, Meminger dedicated significant time post-1980s to youth coaching in , particularly in , where he leveraged his upbringing in the neighborhood to mentor inner-city children through community programs. He was actively involved with the initiative, a long-standing Harlem-based organization providing after-school, weekend, and summer clinics and leagues for local youth, focusing on skill development and life lessons to steer kids away from urban challenges. Meminger personally coached promising talents, such as guiding Bob McCulloch Jr. through his senior year and arranging attendance at an skills camp to enhance his prospects. His efforts contributed to tangible outcomes, including helping participants secure high school and college scholarships, admissions to educational programs, and entry-level employment opportunities, fostering a sense of possibility among 's young athletes. Additionally, Meminger ran informal clinics and taught defensive techniques at community centers and Jewish youth camps in the region, emphasizing education and personal growth drawn from his own roots.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Personal Relationships

Dean Meminger was the father of two children: a son, Dean Meminger Jr., who was born in and grew up in the before becoming a reporter and anchor for News, and a daughter, Maisha Meminger, who pursued a career in . Meminger maintained a long-term relationship with his fiancée, Sandra Johnson, whom he met nearly three decades earlier during his early professional days; Johnson provided steadfast personal support throughout his adulthood. Meminger's family roots extended to , where he was born in Walterboro, and he stayed connected to relatives there, including his older brother, Harry Sumter, who resided in the family home. Throughout his life, Meminger resided in and neighborhoods of , areas where his family had settled after moving from the South during his childhood, fostering deep ties to the local community. In November 2009, Meminger survived a four-alarm fire in a row house where he was staying with family connections. Beyond his basketball pursuits, Meminger engaged in community activities in , such as participating in local events and maintaining relationships that reflected his enduring bond with the neighborhood's cultural fabric.

Addiction Recovery and Later Challenges

Following his retirement from professional in 1977, Dean Meminger's cocaine use, which had begun during his NBA playing days, escalated significantly, contributing to severe financial ruin and personal isolation as post-career opportunities in coaching and business ventures repeatedly fell through. By the , these struggles reached a , marked by deepening that strained his relationships and led to interventions from close associates, though he continued to grapple with relapses into the 1990s. A turning point came in the early 2000s through the unwavering support of his longtime fiancée, Sandra Johnson, whom he had met nearly three decades earlier during his Knicks tenure; she played a pivotal role in pulling him from the depths of by encouraging treatment and providing emotional stability. Meminger underwent rehabilitation at the Hazelden facility in and achieved periods of sobriety, including his longest stretch as an adult of three years by 2003, often crediting group-based recovery programs and his return to coaching youth as key therapeutic outlets that restored purpose amid ongoing economic hardships. Even during recovery efforts, he worked for several years in the as a substance-abuse counselor, paradoxically while still battling his own use, which underscored the complexity of his path to stabilization. In November 2009, Meminger faced a harrowing setback when a four-alarm ravaged his single-room occupancy apartment in the Bronx's Claremont neighborhood, possibly ignited by crack pipes found in his room, leaving him unconscious from and destroying nearly all his possessions. At age 62, he was critically injured and hospitalized but ultimately survived, with his brother noting he had been clean as of that year before the apparent ; this ordeal, while testing his resilience, highlighted the persistent vulnerabilities in his post-NBA life before he regained footing through continued coaching roles.

Death and Posthumous Honors

Dean Meminger died on August 23, 2013, at the age of 65, after being found unresponsive in his room at the Casablanca Hotel in , , where he was staying while attending the Hall of Fame induction banquet to introduce fellow Marquette alumnus George Thompson. Authorities reported no signs of trauma, and the initial was listed as undetermined pending further investigation, though Meminger's long history of was noted as a possible factor; some reports suggested acute . A funeral Mass was held on August 30, 2013, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Harlem, drawing tributes from former New York Knicks teammates and the Marquette University community. Knicks Hall of Famers like Earl Monroe and Bill Bradley attended, with Bradley emphasizing Meminger's role in team success by recalling his motto, "The teamwork makes the dream work." Monroe described him as a "terrific athlete" and effective coach, while Marquette issued a memorial statement honoring his legacy as an All-America guard and NIT MVP in 1970; his No. 14 jersey was retired by the university and hangs in the rafters. The service, which included performances by singer Valerie Simpson, celebrated Meminger's life and Harlem roots over two hours. Following his death, Meminger's legacy endured through posthumous recognition and retrospectives that highlighted his contributions to . Although inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Hall of Fame that same year, his passing prompted renewed tributes in major obituaries, such as , which portrayed him as a symbol of the 1970s Knicks championship era and playground basketball heritage. His story of overcoming served as an inspiration for recovery narratives in sports, while his mentorship in youth basketball programs left a lasting impact on . Meminger's son, Dean Jr., a reporter for News, has continued to maintain a public profile connected to his father's legacy.

References

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