Gus Johnson, Former Bullets Great of the 1960s, Dies at 48

A man thought by many to be the prototype of today’s professional basketball stars has died of brain cancer at the age of 48.

Gus Johnson, one of Akron’s greatest athletes who went from Central High School to superstar status with the Baltimore Bullets of the National Basketball Assn., died Tuesday night in Akron City Hospital. He had been in and out of the hospital since October, when specialists told him he had an inoperable brain tumor.

Drafted by the Baltimore (now Washington) Bullets in 1963, Johnson became a standout in his rookie season and played nine seasons for Baltimore. He played in five All-Star games, was named to the all-defensive team, served as team captain and helped transform his team into a perennial contender for the NBA championship.

He finished his career in 1972-73 playing with Phoenix of the NBA and Indiana of the American Basketball Assn.

On Johnson’s birthday (Dec. 13), the Bullets retired the uniform No. 25 worn by the former forward, who was among the first of NBA stars to make a spectacular happening of an easy layup by slam-dunking the basketball through the net.

“I am saddened by the passing of Gus Johnson, one of the all-time greats of the Bullets and one of my friends,” Bullets owner Abe Pollin said.

“Gus was the Dr. J of his time, and anyone who had the privilege of seeing him play will never forget what a great basketball player Gus Johnson was,” Pollin said.

In his nine years with the Bullets, Johnson averaged 17.4 points and 12.7 rebounds. In the 1965 All-Star game, he scored 25 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes.