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Rodney Clark "Hot Rod" Hundley (October 26, 1934 – March 27, 2015) was an American professional basketball player and television broadcaster. Hundley played college basketball for the West Virginia Mountaineers and was selected by the Cincinnati Royals with the first overall pick of the 1957 NBA draft. In 2003, Hundley received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Key Information

Hundley's life revolved around the game of basketball. His love and talent for the game led him to achieve honors in high school and most notably during his college years. At West Virginia University, Hundley played to packed crowds at the Old Field House. His dribbling antics and daredevil maneuvers on the floor led to his popular nickname, "Hot Rod". He later was a broadcaster for the Utah Jazz.

Early life

[edit]

Hundley was born on October 26, 1934, in Charleston, West Virginia. His parents divorced when he was young, after his father abandoned his teenage mother shortly after Hundley was born. He was sent to live with various relatives and friends in Charleston, and was placed in foster homes where he was abused and neglected. He was finally placed with a kindly older couple, living with them until he was 16; though his bedroom was a closet under the stairs in their small home. In high school, Hundley lived alone in a cheap hotel. He spent considerable time at YMCA basketball courts (where he began playing basketball at age 10), bars, and pool halls. In 2014, the YMCA of Kanawha Valley renamed its gymnasium in Hundley's honor.[1][2][3][4][5]

Hundley showed evident talent for the game during his youth. At Charleston High School in West Virginia he averaged 30 points per game, and was named All-State three times,[4] breaking the state's four-year scoring record in just three years, with 1,956 points (which has since been surpassed).[6]

He received over 100 scholarship offers to colleges and universities.[4]

College career

[edit]

Hundley played for West Virginia University (WVU) from 1953 to 1957, with one year of freshman basketball and three years of varsity basketball.[7][8] As a freshman in 1953-1954, Hundley averaged nearly 35 points per game, and set a freshman scoring record with 62 points in a game against Ohio University.[7] He scored over 40 points in 10 of the freshman team's 22 games, including 42 points in his very first game on December 2, 1953.[9]

The Mountaineers made their first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament appearance in 1955, Hundley's sophomore season, where they lost in the first round to eventual national champion La Salle. WVU also played in the NCAA tournaments in 1956 (losing to Dartmouth by two points in the first round) and 1957 (losing to Canisius in the first round).[10][11][12][13] The Associated Press (AP) ranked the Mountaineers No. 19 in the nation in 1954-55, No. 20 in 1955-56, and as high as No. 4 in 1956-57, with a final ranking at No. 7.[11]

Sophomore season

[edit]

As a sophomore in 1955, Hundley averaged 23.7 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in 30 games, 27 of which he started.[8] Hundley scored 24 points against Wake Forest, then followed up with 30 against Alabama. He then scored another 47 points against Wake Forest two games later. He then followed up with 24 points against Cornell then 38 points against NYU. Two games later, he scored 35 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Carnegie Tech. Then he followed that up three games later with 30 points against VMI. He then had 17 points against Virginia Tech and 25 points with 11 rebounds against Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl. He then scored 35 points in a loss to Duke, had 21 against Penn State, 28 against Washington and Lee, 23 against William & Mary, and 35 points with 13 rebounds against Pitt. He followed the five-game stretch with 39 points and 10 rebounds against George Washington, then 25 points and 7 rebounds against Rutgers. He then had 27 points and 9 rebounds against VMI, 27 points and 12 rebounds against Washington & Lee, and then 30 points and 12 rebounds against George Washington.

In the Southern Conference tournament, Hundley had the opportunity to set the tournament scoring record with two free throws in the final seconds of a game against George Washington with the Mountaineers already having the game won. However, Hundley shot a hook shot and a behind-the-back shot that both resulted in air balls.[14][7]

Junior season

[edit]
Hundley from The 1955 Monticola

As a junior in 1956, Hundley set a career-high with 26.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.[8] He was a consensus second team All-American.[15] Hundley's first six games of the season had scores of 34 points, 20 points, 27 points, 40 points, 20 points, and 21 points, respectively. He then had games of 23 points and 29 points against Columbia and Washington and Lee, respectively. He followed up with 17 points and 9 rebounds against Villanova, 25 points and 10 rebounds against La Salle, then a career-game of 24 points, 26 rebounds and 9 assists against VMI. He then had 28 points against Carnegie Tech and 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists against Penn State. He followed it up with 29 points against Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl, 35 points and 6 rebounds against Furman, 28 points against VMI, and then 25 points and 24 rebounds against Richmond. He followed up with 25 points against Penn State and 28 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists against Virginia Tech. He continued with 38 points against William & Mary, 40 points and 13 rebounds against St. John's, 31 points and 13 rebounds against William & Mary, and then 40 points and 7 rebounds against Pitt. He then had a season-high 42 points and 9 rebounds against Furman, then 26 points against Richmond.

Senior season

[edit]

In his final collegiate season, in 1957, Hundley averaged 23.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.[8] He was a consensus first team All-American.[15] He began his senior season with 23 points and 9 rebounds in the first game, 25 points and 13 rebounds in the second game, and 28 points and 12 rebounds in the third game of the season. In the next contest against Penn State, Hundley scored 17 points and totaled 16 rebounds. He then had 25 points and 10 rebounds in the 83–82 upset over the Duke Blue Devils. He then had consecutive games of 24 points, the first with 9 rebounds and the second with 12. In the January 5 game against Furman, Hundley scored a career-high 54 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in the victory, a school record for points in a game. He followed the game up with a game of 32 points and then the following game with 34 points and 15 rebounds against Villanova. He then had three games of 21 points, 19 points and then 18 points. He then had a game of 30 points with 13 points against St. John's followed by a game of 34 points and 10 rebounds against VMI. He then had a five-game stretch of 32 points, 28 points, 23 points, 39 points, and 27 points and 20 rebounds.

Legacy

[edit]

Hundley holds a varsity school record with 54 points in a single game against Furman and holds a freshman team record of 62 points.[7] Over three varsity seasons, Hundley averaged 24.5 points per game, and totaled 2,180 career points, second only to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame guard Jerry West's 2,309 points.[16] He also averaged 10.6 rebounds per game over three years. During Hundley's varsity career, WVU had a won-loss record of 72–16 (.818), with three Southern Conference titles and three NCAA tournament appearances.[7][17][8] He scored more than 40 points in a game six times, which led to the Mountaineers scoring over 100 points in nine games.[citation needed]

Hundley was the fourth player in NCAA history to score more than 2,000 points during his career—and he did it in three years, because freshman then could not play varsity basketball.[4] Hundley was a second-team consensus All-American in 1955-56, and first-team consensus All-American in 1956-57.[18] He was a two-time, first-team[citation needed] All-American and currently holds eight school records.[citation needed] As of 2025, he holds the school record for field goal attempts in a season and over a career; has three of the top ten scoring averages per season; is second all-time in points, field goals, and free throws attempted and made (behind Jerry West); and is third all-time in points per game.[19][16]

He is one of only two Mountaineers to be drafted first overall in an NBA draft, with Mark Workman going first overall to the Milwaukee Hawks five years earlier in the 1952 NBA draft.[20][21] Once on a trip back to West Virginia to play in a charity game at the WVU Coliseum, constructed more than 10 years after he left WVU, Rod was said to have told Basketball Hall of Famer and fellow WVU alumnus Jerry West: "I built this building." West retorted, "Yeah but I paid it off."[22]

Hundley was also memorable in school history for his on-court antics. His in-game repertoire included trick shots, behind-the-back passes and spinning the ball on his finger.[23] He was famous for dribbling the ball behind his back, spinning the ball on his finger, rolling it down his arm, and even going around his back. He also often took hook shots at the free throw line and also would hang off the rim waiting for a lob pass from a teammate.[14] He was known to sit with fans in the stands and eat popcorn, instead of participating in time-out team huddles.[4] He was nicknamed the "clown prince".[24]

WVU honors

[edit]

In 1992, Hundley was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.[7] In January 2010, WVU retired his number 33, making Hundley and West the only players in school history to be awarded the honor.[25][7] On February 20, 2016, a bronze statue of him was unveiled outside the blue gate of the WVU Coliseum, joining the statue of West. In 2017, he was named an inaugural member of WVU's Mountaineer Legends Society.[7]

Professional career

[edit]

In 1957, the Cincinnati Royals made Hundley the first pick of the NBA draft and immediately traded his rights to the Minneapolis Lakers. Hundley and Mark Workman, who also attended West Virginia, (1952 NBA draft) are the only No. 1 overall draft picks to come from the same high school.[26][27][20][28][21][29]

Hundley played for the Lakers in Minneapolis and Los Angeles from 1957 until 1963, averaging 8.4 points per game and recording over 1,400 assists.[30] He also played in two All Star games.[31][32] His best season came in the 1959–60 season, when he averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.[30] On February 1, 1960, Hundley recorded a triple-double, a feat even more notable in his era, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.[33]

On February 28, he scored a career high 33 points in a loss against the Philadelphia Warriors.[34] That postseason, Hundley and the Lakers nearly made it back to the NBA Finals for the second year in a row, but lost in a tough seven-game series to Bob Pettit and the St. Louis Hawks in the Western Division Finals, where Hundley averaged 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.[35][36] The following year, during the 1960-61 NBA season, Hundley got teamed up with fellow Mountaineer legend Jerry West, as he was drafted in that year's draft.[37][38]

In 1960, he was aboard the Minneapolis Lakers flight that crashed in an Iowa cornfield during a blizzard, with everyone surviving. After crashing, Hundley broke the silence by calling out "'I live to love again!'"[39]

Hundley finished his six-year professional career at age 28 (in 1963) due to his bad knees and poor training habits and lifestyle.[40][24][5][41] His career totals were 3,625 points, 1,420 rebounds and 1,455 assists in his six seasons.[30]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

After his retirement, Hundley moved to the broadcast booth, working four seasons for the Phoenix Suns, where he worked with Al McCoy; and four seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers' Chick Hearn was his announcing mentor.[42][39] In the early 1970s, he also teamed with Dick Enberg[42] to call syndicated college basketball for TVS. Hundley was an NBA announcer for five years for CBS, where he called four All-Star Games; he worked two All-Star Games on ABC Radio.

In 1974, Hundley became the first radio and television voice of the expansion New Orleans Jazz. Hundley continued as the voice of the Jazz until his retirement in 2009.[1] He followed them to Salt Lake City in 1979, where he became as celebrated a broadcaster as he was a player. He was known for his rapid-fire style and sayings such as "from the parking lot" for a long-distance shot, or "with a gentle push and a mild arc and the old cowhide globe hits home" for a jump shot.[1][39]

For many years, Hundley's broadcasts were simulcast on both television and radio, but the league forced the Jazz to end this practice starting with the 2005–2006 season, when Craig Bolerjack took over television duties.[43] Hot Rod continued to provide the radio voice for the Jazz for four more seasons. As the decade wore on, nearly all NBA teams eventually moved radio broadcasters from court-side to perches high above the court, and the strain on Hundley's surgically replaced hips and knees became too much for him to bear. He announced his retirement on April 24, 2009, effective at the end of the season.[44] In 2010, the Jazz named its media center for him.[39]

After retirement, Hundley surfaced alongside Joel Meyers on KCAL's televised Lakers broadcasts as a fill-in color commentator for Stu Lantz.[45]

In 2000, Hundley graduated from WVU with a bachelor's degree, 43 years after leaving his alma mater without a degree to play in the NBA.[1] In 1982, he was on the NCAA Silver Anniversary All-America Team for distinguished service.[46] In 1992, he was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.[7] He received the NBA's Distinguished Broadcaster award in 1994.[46] In 2003, he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – the first former professional player to achieve such an honor.[1][47] He was the master of ceremonies at three Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.[42] In June 2004, he was voted into the Utah Broadcast Hall of Fame.[46] He co-authored the book Hot Rod Hundley: You Gotta Love It Baby in 1998 with Tom McEachin;[48] Bill Libby also wrote a biographical book about Hundley, Clown: No. 33 in Your Program, No. 1 in Your Heart, in 1970.[49]

A newspaper once incorrectly reported Hundley wrote a book entitled The Man With a Lot to Smile About, and other sources have persisted in repeating the error.[citation needed]

Film appearances

[edit]

Hundley appeared in the 2006 movie Church Ball starring Fred Willard and Clint Howard.[50] He had also been in talks for a movie that would have showcased his early childhood and basketball career.

Hundley is the subject of "Hot Rod The Documentary, the Untold Story of Hot Rod Hundley." The documentary was production of Pikewood Creative.[2][51]

Personal life and death

[edit]

Hundley had three daughters with his wife, Flo Hundley, but he had not lived with her for over three decades at the time of her death in 2006 (though they remained married), and had not been involved with raising their children. In the documentary on Hundley's life, one of his adult daughters recognized that Hundley's own extremely difficult upbringing, and the absence of any guidance in his early life, were related to his later failings as a husband and father. One Utah columnist who wrote on Hundley over the years said Hundley had taken on his own father's bad qualities as a husband and father (though he did provide financial support to his wife and daughters that his own father never provided to him); and described Hundley's life from youth on as one filled with loneliness and sorrows, despite his flamboyant outer persona.[41][5][52]

During the off-season, Hundley regularly conducted basketball clinics around the country and worked with charities in the Salt Lake City area until withdrawing from the public eye due to Alzheimer's disease in his final years. For a time, he also hosted the Hot Rod Hundley Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit the Salt Lake Shriners Hospital.[53]

Hundley died at the age of 80 in Phoenix, Arizona on March 27, 2015.[53] After his death, the Jazz players wore a black stripe to honor him for the remainder of that season.[54]

Career statistics

[edit]
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

NBA

[edit]

Source[55]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1957–58 Minneapolis 65 17.8 .318 .642 2.9 1.9 7.0
1958–59 Minneapolis 71 23.4 .360 .752 3.5 2.9 9.6
1959–60 Minneapolis 73 31.2 .358 .744 5.3 4.6 12.8
1960–61 L.A. Lakers 79* 27.6 .351 .753 3.7 4.4 11.0
1961–62 L.A. Lakers 78 19.1 .340 .654 2.6 3.7 5.5
1962–63 L.A. Lakers 65 12.1 .336 .706 1.6 2.3 4.0
Career 431 22.2 .347 .721 3.3 3.4 8.4
All-Star 2 18.5 .500 1.000 1.5 2.0 12.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1959 Minneapolis 13* 13.5 .345 .857 1.8 1.5 4.0
1960 Minneapolis 9 37.4 .336 .649 6.8 6.1 11.8
1961 L.A. Lakers 12* 23.9 .297 .690 3.4 3.8 6.7
1962 L.A. Lakers 12 15.6 .280 .750 1.5 2.7 1.9
1963 L.A. Lakers 7 4.9 .300 1.000 .9 .7 1.3
Career 53 19.2 .320 .716 2.8 3.0 5.1

Honors

[edit]
  • In 1992, Hundley was inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame.[56][7]
  • Hundley received the NBA's Distinguished Broadcaster award in 1994.[57]
  • In 2003, Hundley received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
  • In 2004, Hundley was inducted into the Utah Broadcast Hall of Fame.
  • On January 23, 2010, Hundley's #33 Jersey was retired by West Virginia University. (After the halftime ceremony, Hundley took a basketball and made a hook shot to a standing ovation.)[58][56]
  • Hundley was inducted into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame in 2010.[59]
  • In 2016, a statue of Hundley was dedicated and placed outside the WVU Coliseum at West Virginia University.[58]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hot Rod Hundley

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rodney Clark "Hot Rod" Hundley (October 26, 1934 – March 27, 2015) was an American professional basketball player and sportscaster best known for his innovative, flashy playing style that earned him All-American honors at and two NBA selections during a six-year professional career, followed by a 35-year tenure as the beloved radio and television voice of the . Born in , Hundley developed his distinctive "clown prince of basketball" persona at Charleston High School through trick shots and behind-the-back dribbles before enrolling at in 1954. There, he averaged 34 points per game as a and went on to lead the Mountaineers to a 72–16 record over three varsity seasons, securing three consecutive regular-season and tournament championships with records of 19–11 (1954–55), 21–9 (1955–56), and 25–5 (1956–57). As a senior in 1956–57, he earned first-team All-American recognition on five teams, finishing his career with a 24.5 points per game average and 2,180 total points, a mark that underscored his status as one of the program's all-time greats. He was later inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. Selected as the first overall pick in the by the Cincinnati Royals, Hundley was immediately traded to the Lakers, where he began his professional career as a 6-foot-4 known for his passing and flair. Over six seasons from 1957 to 1963, he played for the /Los Angeles Lakers (1957–1963) and briefly the San Francisco Warriors (1963–64), appearing in 431 regular-season games and averaging 8.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His highlights included two NBA appearances in 1960 and 1961, as well as recording two triple-doubles during his career. Transitioning to broadcasting after retiring as a player, Hundley joined the expansion New Orleans Jazz in 1974 as their inaugural radio and television announcer, following the team to in 1979 and continuing with the until his retirement in 2009. During his 35-year run, he called 3,051 games, including 23 playoff series and the team's two appearances in 1997 and 1998, famously capturing assists from to with exuberant phrases like "Stockton to Malone!" and colorful descriptions such as "yo-yo dribbles" and "hippity hop." His contributions earned him the NBA's Distinguished Broadcaster Award in 1994—the third recipient ever—and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Media Award in 2003, making him the first former player to receive it. The Jazz honored his legacy by naming their media center after him in 2010 and retiring a banner for his 3,000+ games broadcast.

Early life

Childhood and family

Rodney Clark Hundley was born on October 26, 1934, in . His teenage mother was abandoned by her husband shortly after his birth, leading to an early divorce, and she was unable to care for him, placing him in several foster homes where he endured and . As the only child in a fractured family, Hundley experienced significant instability, bouncing between relatives and friends during his early years. This turbulent environment persisted until he was 16, when he found stability living with a kindly elderly couple who provided him with a supportive home. Hundley's childhood was marked by poverty and a lack of ; he often described the local court and nearby pool halls—where he learned to smoke, drink, and play pool—as his true "homes." Around age 10, he discovered by sneaking onto the outdoor courts at the Charleston , where he began honing his skills during his free time as an escape from his difficult circumstances. This introduction to the sport ignited a passion that shaped his life, with the serving as a refuge and second home amid his unstable upbringing. During these formative years on the Charleston courts, Hundley developed an energetic and electrifying playing style, which featured flashy moves and showmanship even in informal games. In recognition of his roots and the pivotal role the played in his development, the facility renamed its gym the Hot Rod Hundley Gymnasium in December 2014, honoring his journey from a troubled childhood to stardom.

High school career

Hot Rod Hundley attended Charleston High School in , where he developed into a standout player, graduating in 1953. His scoring prowess, honed through earlier play at the local , translated into exceptional performance on the high school court. During his three-year varsity career from 1951 to 1953, Hundley averaged 30 points per game, showcasing his flashy style and ball-handling skills as a 6-foot-4 guard-forward. He amassed a total of 1,956 points, setting a state high school scoring record at the time. His consistent excellence earned him All-State honors three times, marking him as one of the top prep players in the state. Hundley played a key role in leading Charleston High to regional success, including appearances in the state tournament in 1951 and 1953, though the team fell to in both instances. His high school achievements drew widespread attention, positioning him as a prized recruit for college programs.

College career

Freshman season

Hundley enrolled at in the fall of 1953, drawn by the program's interest in his prolific high school scoring at Charleston High School. Under the NCAA rules of the era, which barred freshmen from varsity basketball competition, Hundley competed exclusively on the freshman squad during the 1953–54 season. He quickly emerged as a dominant force, averaging nearly 35 in freshman competition. One highlight came on February 13, 1954, when Hundley set a school freshman scoring record by erupting for 62 points in a 110–88 victory over the plebes, showcasing his offensive flair with 21 field goals and 20 of 27 free throws. This performance, along with his consistent high-output games, generated significant buzz among fans and foreshadowed his impending varsity impact.

Sophomore season

Following a standout freshman season on West Virginia University's freshman team, where he scored a then-school record 62 points in a single game against , Hundley transitioned to varsity eligibility for the 1954-55 campaign under coach . As a guard, Hundley emerged as the Mountaineers' offensive focal point, averaging 23.7 points and 8.1 rebounds over 30 games while shooting 34.4% from the field and 74.9% from the free-throw line. His scoring prowess propelled to a 19-11 overall record and a dominant 9-1 mark in play, securing the regular-season title and earning the team a No. 19 ranking in the final . In conference action, Hundley's high-output performances, including consistent 20-plus point games, were instrumental in key victories that solidified the Mountaineers' supremacy. Hundley's flair extended to the Southern Conference Tournament in March 1955, where advanced as the top seed and ultimately clinched the championship to earn an NCAA Tournament berth. A memorable moment came late in one tournament game when, needing just two points to break the conference tournament scoring record held by his roommate, Hundley intentionally missed both free throws—attempted from behind his back—to preserve the mark, showcasing his team-oriented showmanship. The Mountaineers' NCAA appearance ended in a first-round defeat to La Salle, 95-61, on March 8 in New York, with Hundley contributing 17 points on 8-of-31 shooting. Hundley's sophomore exploits, blending prolific scoring with entertaining antics, quickly established him as a rising star in , drawing national attention for his dynamic playstyle.

Junior season

In his junior season during the 1955-56 campaign, Hot Rod Hundley significantly elevated his performance at , averaging 26.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game across 30 contests. This scoring output led the and marked a substantial increase from his previous year, as he tallied a total of 798 points while helping the Mountaineers achieve a 21-9 overall record and finish first in conference play with a 10-2 mark. Hundley's offensive prowess also saw him break additional school scoring records, solidifying his role as the team's primary scoring threat. Hundley's standout play earned him recognition as a consensus Second-Team All-American, highlighting his emergence as one of the nation's top players. He was also named to the Second-Team All-Southern Conference, contributing to WVU's third consecutive conference tournament championship with key performances that propelled the team through the bracket. Under Hundley's leadership, the Mountaineers earned a bid to the 1956 NCAA Tournament as the East Region's fourth seed, marking WVU's second appearance in the event. In the first round at , they faced Dartmouth and fell 61-59 in a close contest, with Hundley scoring 18 points despite the narrow defeat. This postseason experience built on the motivation from his sophomore year's tournament run, further honing his competitive edge.

Senior season

Hundley's senior season in 1956–57 marked the pinnacle of his college career at , where he continued to dazzle with his scoring prowess and playmaking ability under coach . Averaging 23.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game over 29 contests, he led the in total points (671) and field goals made (235), helping the Mountaineers compile a 25–5 record and secure their third straight conference regular-season title. His efficiency from the free-throw line, at 79.1%, underscored his development as a clutch performer, building on his second-team All-American recognition from the previous year. A highlight of the regular season came on January 5, 1957, when Hundley erupted for a career-high 54 points in a 110–95 victory over Furman, shattering the WVU Field House scoring record and tying for the highest single-game output in school history at the time. This performance exemplified his flair for high-volume scoring, often blending acrobatic drives with accurate jump shots, while his overall contributions propelled WVU to the Tournament championship in , where they defeated Washington and Lee 67–52 in the final to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the 1957 NCAA Tournament's East Region first round at , however, the Mountaineers fell short, losing 64–56 to Canisius despite Hundley's 17 points on 4-of-20 shooting and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line. His efforts throughout the season earned him consensus first-team All-American honors, capping a varsity career that amassed 2,180 points over three seasons—ranking second in WVU history behind only the ongoing totals of teammate at the time of his graduation.

College legacy

Upon graduating from West Virginia University in 1957, Hot Rod Hundley held eight school records, including the single-game scoring mark of 54 points against Furman. His varsity career total of 2,180 points ranked second all-time at WVU behind only Jerry West's 2,309. These achievements underscored his scoring prowess and versatility as a guard-forward, contributing to his consensus All-American recognition in his senior year as part of his enduring reputation. Hundley's dynamic playstyle and showmanship elevated WVU basketball to national prominence during the , helping the Mountaineers achieve a 65–25 record over his three varsity seasons, secure three consecutive titles, and make three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. His flair on the court, including behind-the-back passes and unorthodox free-throw attempts, drew packed crowds to the Old Field House and established a foundation for the program's success in that era. In recognition of his contributions, Hundley was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. The university retired his No. 33 jersey on January 23, 2010, during a halftime ceremony at the WVU Coliseum. Further honoring his legacy, a bronze statue of Hundley, sculpted by local artist Jamie Lester, was unveiled outside the Coliseum's Blue Gate on February 20, 2016, positioned opposite Jerry West's statue.

Professional playing career

NBA draft and rookie season

Hundley was selected first overall by the Rochester Royals in the out of , where his scoring prowess as a consensus first-team All-American had made him the top prospect. On the same day, April 17, 1957, the Royals traded his draft rights along with players Bob Burrow, Ed Fleming, Monk Meineke, and Art Spoelstra to the Lakers in exchange for and (the Royals relocated to for the following season). This transaction brought the flashy guard to a Lakers team looking to bolster its backcourt amid a rebuilding phase following their 1954 championship. In his rookie season during 1957-58, Hundley appeared in 65 games for the Lakers, averaging 17.8 minutes per game off the bench. He posted averages of 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, contributing to a team that finished with a 25-47 record and missed the . His shooting efficiency was modest at 31.8% from the field on 8.4 attempts per game and 64.2% from the free-throw line, reflecting the challenges of transitioning from college's high-scoring style to the NBA's more physical and structured play. As a , Hundley focused on playmaking and ball-handling in his debut professional year, using his quickness and court vision to set up teammates like and Jim Krebs, though his scoring dipped from college levels due to the league's increased pace and defensive intensity. This adaptation laid the groundwork for his role in the Lakers' evolving offense, where he emphasized assists over personal production early on.

Career with the Lakers

Hundley joined the Lakers as a in the 1957-58 season, but his career with the franchise truly took shape in the following years, where he emerged as a key alongside like before the team's relocation to in 1960. During the 1958-59 season, he averaged 9.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game over 71 appearances, contributing to the Lakers' run to the , where they fell to the in six games. In the 1959-60 season, Hundley achieved his career highs with the Lakers, posting 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and a team-leading 4.6 assists per game across 73 contests, earning his first NBA selection. That year, he recorded two triple-doubles, showcasing his versatility as a guard, including one in the 1959-60 regular season. Following the franchise's move to for the 1960-61 campaign, Hundley maintained strong production at 11.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in 79 outings—leading the NBA in games played that season—and secured his second consecutive nod. Hundley's role began to diminish in the 1961-62 and 1962-63 seasons amid knee injuries and evolving team dynamics with the influx of new talent, limiting him to 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 78 games the former year, and 4.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 65 games the latter. Across his six-season career with the Lakers from 1957-58 to 1962-63, spanning both Minneapolis and Los Angeles, he appeared in 431 total games, establishing himself as a reliable assist leader renowned for his passing and entertainment value on the court.

Retirement and transitions

Hundley retired from the NBA after the 1962–63 season at age 28, hampered by chronic knee injuries that limited his mobility and contributed to his declining performance. Over his final two seasons with the , his playing time had decreased significantly to an average of 15.6 minutes per game, and his scoring output fell to 5.5 and then 4.0 . In total, Hundley's professional playing career spanned six seasons exclusively with the Lakers franchise, during which he appeared in 431 regular-season games as a celebrated for his playmaking rather than prolific scoring, averaging 8.4 points and a team-high 3.4 assists per game across his tenure. He did not return to professional basketball in any capacity after 1963, marking a definitive end to his on-court involvement. Following his , Hundley took a position as a salesperson for the Converse Rubber Company, working in , , and from 1964 to 1967 before pivoting toward media roles in the late . This shift allowed him to leverage his knowledge and charismatic personality into new professional avenues outside of active play.

Broadcasting and media career

Early broadcasting roles

Following his retirement from professional basketball after the 1962-63 NBA season, Hot Rod Hundley entered broadcasting as a for the , starting in the 1967-68 season. He partnered with renowned play-by-play announcer , providing analysis for Lakers games over the next two seasons through 1968-69. In 1969, Hundley transitioned to the Phoenix Suns, serving as a television color analyst for five seasons from 1969-70 to 1973-74. He collaborated with announcers including in his debut Suns season, then Joe McConnell for two years, before teaming with Al McCoy in 1972-73 and 1973-74, helping to establish a dynamic broadcast presence for the expansion franchise. Hundley also served as an NBA analyst for for five years total (1973-74 and 1978-80), where he called four Games. During his Lakers and Suns stints, Hundley cultivated his signature rapid-fire delivery and enthusiastic commentary, often infusing broadcasts with vivid phrases like "from the " to celebrate long-distance shots. This style drew directly from his playing background as a two-time and No. 1 overall draft pick, allowing him to offer authentic insights into game strategy and player movements. Hundley's early work earned praise for its energy and accessibility, making complex plays relatable to fans while leveraging his on-court experience to enhance analysis, setting the foundation for his reputation as an engaging NBA voice.

Utah Jazz tenure

Hundley joined the expansion New Orleans Jazz in 1974 as the team's inaugural play-by-play announcer for both radio and television broadcasts. He remained with the franchise when it relocated to and became the in 1979, continuing to call games for the team in its new home. Over the course of his 35-year tenure with the , Hundley broadcast a total of 3,051 games, establishing himself as the defining voice of the franchise from its early struggles to its competitive peaks in the 1990s and 2000s. His broadcasting career concluded with his retirement announcement on April 24, 2009, following the end of the 2008-09 season. Hundley's on-air style was characterized by a distinctive, folksy and an array of homespun phrases that endeared him to listeners, such as "You gotta love it, baby!" for exciting plays and "frozen rope" to describe a sharp pass. This energetic, fan-focused approach, which carried over his longtime "" from his playing days, fostered deep engagement with supporters, turning broadcasts into communal events that built lasting loyalty to the team. In recognition of his contributions, the honored Hundley post-retirement by naming their media center after him in 2010 and raising a banner in his name at EnergySolutions Arena. Following his on March 27, 2015, the team paid further tribute by having players wear a black stripe on their jerseys for the remainder of the 2014-15 season.

Film appearances

Hundley made a cameo appearance as himself in the 2006 comedy film Church Ball, portraying a TV announcer alongside former Utah Jazz center Mark Eaton. He was the subject of the 2018 documentary Hot Rod, directed by Dan Lohmann and produced by Pikewood Creative, which chronicles his life from a challenging childhood to his achievements in basketball and broadcasting. Hundley had no major acting roles in feature films, with his on-screen appearances primarily drawing on his charismatic personality and fame as a broadcaster to enhance his limited media cameos.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Hot Rod Hundley was married twice during his adult life. His first marriage was to Nancy Hammond while he was still playing at ; the union ended in divorce in 1959 amid his rising fame and lifestyle. In 1961, Hundley married Florence "Flo" Pellman, a woman from a large family of nine raised on a chicken farm in ; the couple remained legally married until her death in 2006, though they had separated in and lived apart for over three decades. Hundley later reflected on his marital shortcomings, admitting in interviews that his womanizing and professional demands contributed to the strains in his relationships. Hundley and Flo had three daughters: Kimberly, Jacqueline, and Jennifer. Despite periods of estrangement driven by his career travels and personal issues—including a highly publicized affair in the that caused public humiliation for his young daughters—the family maintained close ties over time. The daughters, who pursued careers outside of , reconciled with their father as adults, and in a , they expressed enduring love for him while candidly discussing his flaws as a husband and parent; Hundley himself acknowledged, "I was a terrible father." In his later years, Hundley resided in , where he remained connected to his daughters—Kimberly in Phoenix, Jacqueline in , and Jennifer in —fostering family bonds away from the demands of his broadcasting career. His early life, marked by family instability including an absent father, briefly influenced his approach to adult relationships, though he worked to overcome these patterns later on.

Health and death

In his later years, Hot Rod Hundley was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a condition that progressively affected his health following his retirement from broadcasting in 2009. The diagnosis was publicly confirmed in January 2014; he had been diagnosed approximately two years after his 2009 retirement. Hundley passed away on March 27, 2015, at his home near , at the age of 80. The cause of death was complications from , which he had been battling for several years. Following his death, the honored Hundley by wearing a black stripe on their jerseys for the remainder of the , a tribute to his 35-year tenure as the team's beloved broadcaster. Media outlets across the country published remembrances highlighting Hundley's infectious enthusiasm and iconic status in , with colleagues and fans alike recalling his signature phrase "You Gotta Love It, Baby!" as a hallmark of his legacy.

Career statistics

College statistics

Hot Rod Hundley played for from 1953 to 1957, with his freshman year on the non-varsity team and the subsequent three seasons on the varsity squad. During his freshman season in 1953-54, he averaged 34.1 and set a freshman scoring record with 62 points against the freshmen. Hundley's varsity career spanned 89 games from 1954-55 to 1956-57, during which he accumulated 2,180 points for a 24.5 points-per-game average, along with 941 total rebounds (10.6 per game). Assists were not systematically tracked in this era, limiting available data to points, rebounds, field goals, and free throws. The following table summarizes his per-game varsity statistics by season:
SeasonClassGamesFGFGAFG%FTFTAFT%ReboundsPoints
1954-55SO308.725.2.3446.48.5.7498.123.7
1955-56JR309.727.1.3567.310.9.66913.126.6
1956-57SR298.122.3.3636.98.8.79110.523.1
Career898.824.9.3546.99.4.73110.624.5
Hundley set eight school records during his career, including the single-game scoring mark of 54 points against Furman on January 5, 1957.

NBA regular season

Hundley played in the NBA from 1957 to 1963, primarily as a for the Lakers and later the , accumulating 431 games over six seasons. His career totals included 3,625 points (8.4 ), 1,420 rebounds (3.3 rebounds per game), and 1,455 assists (3.4 assists per game), with a of 34.9% and a free throw percentage of 72.6%. The following table summarizes his per-game averages by season:
SeasonTeamGPTSTRBASTFG%FT%
1957-58MIN657.02.91.9.318.642
1958-59MIN719.63.52.9.360.752
1959-60MIN7312.85.34.6.358.744
1960-61LAL7911.03.74.4.351.753
1961-62LAL785.52.63.7.340.654
1962-63LAL654.01.62.3.336.706
Career4318.43.33.4.349.726
These figures reflect Hundley's role as a playmaking guard, with his peak scoring and assist numbers occurring in the 1959-60 season.

NBA playoffs

Hundley participated in the during each of his first five professional seasons with the Minneapolis Lakers (1959) and (1960–1963), appearing in 53 games overall. His playoff career totals include 270 points, 149 rebounds, and 157 assists, translating to per-game averages of 5.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. In the 1959 playoffs, the Lakers advanced through the Western Division Semifinals (defeating the Detroit Pistons 2–1) and Finals (defeating the St. Louis Hawks 4–2) to reach the NBA Finals, where they were swept 0–4 by the Boston Celtics; Hundley played all 13 games, averaging 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. The following year, in 1960, the Lakers won the Western Division Semifinals over the Pistons (2–0) before losing the Division Finals to the Hawks (3–4); Hundley appeared in all 9 games, posting career playoff highs of 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. The 1961 postseason saw the Lakers defeat the Pistons 3–2 in the Division Semifinals but fall to the Hawks 3–4 in the Division Finals, with Hundley contributing in 12 games at 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. In 1962, the team progressed past the Pistons 4–2 in the Division Semifinals and the Hawks 4–3 in the Division Finals to reach the , losing 3–4 to the Celtics; Hundley played 12 games, averaging 1.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. His final playoff appearance came in 1963, limited to 7 games during the Lakers' run to the (after defeating the Royals 4–1 in the Semifinals and Hawks 4–3 in the Division Finals, before another Finals loss to the Celtics 2–4), where he averaged 1.3 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. Hundley's playoff scoring averages were consistently lower than his regular-season marks, as his role shifted toward facilitating plays, building on his league-leading assists from the 1959–60 campaign.
SeasonTeamGPPTSPPGREBRPGASTAPG
1959MNL13524.0231.8201.5
1960MNL910611.8616.8556.1
1961LAL12806.7413.4463.8
1962LAL12231.9181.5322.7
1963LAL791.360.940.7
Career532705.11492.81573.0

Honors and legacy

College honors

During his time at West Virginia University, Hot Rod Hundley earned significant recognition for his basketball prowess, culminating in consensus second-team All-American honors as a junior in the 1955–56 season. He was selected to the second team by multiple outlets, including the International News Service, NEA Service, and Helms Foundation. These accolades reflected his standout performance, as he averaged 26.6 points per game that season while leading the Mountaineers to a title. As a senior in the 1956–57 season, Hundley achieved consensus first-team All-American status, earning nods from five prestigious selectors, including the Chuck Taylor-Converse All-America team and the Helms Foundation. His senior-year scoring average of 23.1 points per game formed the basis for these honors, highlighting his role in guiding West Virginia to another conference championship. Hundley also received multiple All-Southern Conference selections across his three varsity seasons, establishing himself as one of the conference's premier talents. In 1957, he was named the Player of the Year, capping his collegiate achievements in the league. Although he did not capture a major national player of the year award like the Helms Foundation's top honor—which went to North Carolina's that year—Hundley's excellence was affirmed by his selection as the first overall pick in the by the Cincinnati Royals. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, had his number 33 retired by the university in 2010, and was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

NBA honors

Hundley was selected as the first overall pick in the by the Cincinnati Royals, who immediately traded his rights to the Lakers, marking a significant pre-career honor that highlighted his anticipated impact in the professional league. During his tenure with the Lakers, Hundley earned NBA All-Star selections in 1960 and 1961, reflecting the peaks of his professional career as a versatile guard. He did not receive any selections or MVP considerations throughout his six-season NBA career. Hundley gained recognition for his playmaking abilities, particularly his assist totals, in an NBA era often dominated by dominant big men like and ; he ranked eighth in the league in assists per game (4.6) during the 1959-60 season and tenth (4.4) in 1960-61, while also placing seventh and tenth in total assists those respective years.

Broadcasting awards

Hundley's 35-year tenure as the radio play-by-play announcer for the , beginning in 1974, established him as one of the longest-serving voices in NBA broadcasting history. In 1994, Hundley received the NBA's Distinguished Broadcaster Award, an honor previously given only twice before, recognizing his engaging and enthusiastic coverage of professional basketball. Hundley was awarded the prestigious Media Award in 2003 by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, honoring his outstanding contributions to basketball broadcasting as the first former NBA player to receive this distinction. The honored his legacy by naming their media center after him in 2010 and retiring a banner for his 3,000+ games broadcast.

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