Chamberlain, Wilton Norman

Chamberlain, Wilton Norman
▪ 2000
“Wilt,” “Wilt the Stilt,” and “Big Dipper” 
      American basketball player (b. Aug. 21, 1936, Philadelphia, Pa.—d. Oct. 12, 1999, Los Angeles, Calif.), was one of the most dominant players in the history of the sport. In 14 seasons as a centre with the Philadelphia–San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers, he scored 31,419 points (a record broken in 1984 by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and grabbed more rebounds (23,924) than any player in history. His 100-point game in 1962 set one of the most revered records in American sport. Amazingly agile at 2.1 m (7 ft 1 in) and 125 kg (275 lb), Chamberlain was as effective letting a layup roll off of his fingertips as he was slam-dunking over opposing centres. His dominance as a rebounder forced the National Basketball Association (NBA) to widen the free-throw lane. Chamberlain led Overbrook High School in Philadelphia to a 56–3 record over three seasons before he graduated and—as the nation's most sought-after player—chose to attend college at the University of Kansas. In his first game as a Kansas varsity player, Chamberlain scored a school record—52 points. As a junior in 1957, he led the Jayhawks to the national championship game, where they lost in triple overtime. Chamberlain forfeited his last year of eligibility to play professionally. He toured for a year with the Harlem Globetrotters (the NBA did not yet accept players who left school early), signing a then-record contract of $65,000. He joined the Warriors for the 1959–60 season and averaged 37.6 points per game, earning him Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honours. His 4,000 points and 50.4 scoring average set records in 1961–62. Traded to the 76ers in 1965, he was named MVP three more times (1966–68) and led the team to a 68–13 record and a championship in 1967. Five years later he guided the Lakers to a 69–13 record and an NBA title. Chamberlain led the league in scoring 7 times and rebounding 11 times, scored 50 or more points in a record 118 games, played in 13 All-Star games, and was listed by the NBA in 1996 as one of the game's 50 greatest players. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Chamberlain,Wilton Norman — Chamberlain, Wilton Norman. Known as “Wilt.” Born 1936. American basketball player. He ranks among the all time leading NBA scorers and rebounders and holds the record for most points (100) scored in a single game. * * * …   Universalium

  • Wilton Norman Chamberlain — Wilt Chamberlain Spielerinformationen Voller Name Wilton Norman Chamberlain …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Wilton Norman Chamberlain — Wilt Chamberlain Wilt Chamberlain …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Chamberlain — /chaym beuhr lin/, n. 1. (Arthur) Neville, 1869 1940, British statesman: prime minister 1937 40. 2. Joseph, 1836 1914, British statesman (father of Sir Austen and Neville Chamberlain). 3. Sir (Joseph) Austen, 1863 1937, British statesman: Nobel… …   Universalium

  • chamberlain — /chaym beuhr lin/, n. 1. an official charged with the management of the living quarters of a sovereign or member of the nobility. 2. an official who receives rents and revenues, as of a municipal corporation; treasurer. 3. the high steward or… …   Universalium

  • Norman — /nawr meuhn/, n. 1. a member of that branch of the Northmen or Scandinavians who in the 10th century conquered Normandy. 2. Also called Norman French. one of the mixed Scandinavian and French people who inhabited Normandy and conquered England in …   Universalium

  • Chamberlain, Wilt — ▪ American basketball player in full  Wilton Norman Chamberlain , byname  Wilt the Stilt  or  the Big Dipper  born August 21, 1936, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. died October 12, 1999, Los Angeles, California  professional basketball player,… …   Universalium

  • Chamberlain — I. biographical name Joseph 1836 1914 & his sons Sir (Joseph) Austen 1863 1937 & (Arthur) Neville 1869 1940 British statesmen II. biographical name Wilton Norman 1936 1999 American basketball player …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Wilt Chamberlain — Pour les articles homonymes, voir Chamberlain. Wilt Chamberlain …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Wilt Chamberlain — No. 13 Center Personal information Date of birth August 21, 1936 Place of birth …   Wikipedia

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