Dave Cowens

Dave Cowens is an American former professional basketball player and NBA head coach, renowned for his tenacity and all-around play. After an impactful collegiate career at Florida State University where he became the school’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,340 rebounds, scored 1,479 points, and earned a spot on The Sporting News All-America second team in 1970, Dave Cowens was drafted as the fourth overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 1970 NBA Draft. He immediately made an impact, sharing the prestigious NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1971 and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His number 13 jersey was later honored by Florida State University, recognizing his exceptional performance which included grabbing 31 rebounds in a single game during the 1968-69 season.

Cowens’ enduring legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats has been consistently celebrated. He was named to the prestigious NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996 and further honored as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Throughout his professional career, Cowens maintained a distinctive all-out playing style, combining hustle, strength, and skill, solidifying his reputation as a tenacious and versatile talent.