Artis Gilmore

Artis Gilmore Sr., born on September 21, 1949, is a celebrated former professional basketball player who made his mark in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey began at Jacksonville University, where he emerged as a star center, leading the Dolphins to the NCAA Division I championship game in 1970. Despite a valiant effort, the team fell to the UCLA Bruins, but Gilmore's prowess on the court was undeniable, as he remains the top player in rebounds per game in Division I history.

In 1971, Gilmore was a sought-after talent, being drafted by both the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. He chose to sign with the Colonels, quickly establishing himself as one of the league's most dominant players. His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the ABA Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Over his five seasons in the ABA, he was selected as an All-Star each year and was named the Playoffs MVP in 1975, leading his team to a championship with an impressive performance in Game 5.

Following the ABA-NBA merger, Gilmore transitioned to the Chicago Bulls during the 1976 dispersal draft. His career continued to flourish as he played for the Bulls, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Boston Celtics, becoming an eleven-time All-Star. Known affectionately as 'The A-Train,' Gilmore's remarkable durability was showcased by his record of playing in six hundred seventy consecutive games. He concluded his illustrious career in 1988, spending his final season with Arimo Bologna in Italy.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Gilmore was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats.