Darrall Imhoff, an American professional basketball player, is remembered for his role as a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on October 11, 1938, in San Gabriel, California, Imhoff's journey to the NBA began with his college career at the University of California, Berkeley. At Cal, he played under coach Pete Newell and was part of the team that won the NCAA Championship in 1959. His performance in college basketball earned him a spot on the 1960 United States Olympic team, which won a gold medal in Rome.
Imhoff was selected by the New York Knicks as the third overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, he was known for his defensive skills and rebounding ability. During his time with the Knicks, Imhoff developed his game, although the team struggled to find success in the league. After three seasons in New York, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 1964.
His stint with the Pistons was brief, lasting only part of the 1964-65 season before he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. It was with the Lakers that Imhoff became more widely recognized, playing alongside legends such as Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. During his time in Los Angeles, he was part of the team that reached the NBA Finals in 1966, although they were defeated by the Boston Celtics.
In 1968, Imhoff was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he continued to be a reliable presence in the paint. His tenure with the 76ers saw him playing alongside Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. Imhoff's role was often to provide defensive support and rebounding, complementing Chamberlain's offensive prowess.
After his time in Philadelphia, Imhoff played for the Cincinnati Royals and later the Portland Trail Blazers. With the Trail Blazers, he was part of the team's inaugural season in 1970-71. Imhoff's experience and leadership were valuable to the young franchise as they navigated the challenges of their first years in the league.
Throughout his NBA career, Imhoff was known for his work ethic and team-oriented play. He was selected as an NBA All-Star in 1967, a testament to his abilities on the court. Over the course of his career, he played in 801 regular-season games, averaging 7.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
After retiring from professional basketball in 1972, Imhoff transitioned to a career outside of sports, working in various business ventures. He remained connected to the basketball community, often participating in alumni events and sharing his experiences with younger generations.
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