Cal Ramsey

Cal Ramsey
Born	Template:Birth date Selma, Alabama, U.S.
Died	March 25, 2019(2019-03-25) (aged 81)
Occupation(s)	Professional basketball player, broadcaster, coach
Years active	1956–2018
Known for	NBA player; New York Knicks broadcaster and community ambassador; NYU basketball coach

Calvin Ramsey (July 13, 1937 – March 25, 2019) was a notable American professional basketball athlete and later a broadcaster. Excelling as a collegiate player for the NYU Violets, he participated in 13 NBA contests across two seasons. Following his playing days, Ramsey dedicated 28 years to the New York Knicks as both a commentator and community liaison.

Early life and career

Originally from Selma, Alabama and raised in New York City, Ramsey earned acclaim competing in the Rucker Park League, where he secured MVP accolades and faced off against stars like Connie Hawkins. After completing his studies at the High School of Commerce, he enrolled at NYU in 1956 and played alongside future Hall of Famer Satch Sanders. Throughout three seasons, he posted averages of 20.2 points and 17.5 rebounds per game. In 1958, he achieved All-American status and established a school record by grabbing 34 rebounds in a matchup against Boston College. By 2018, he was ranked 11th on NYU's all-time scoring list.

Having earned a business degree, Ramsey was chosen as the 13th overall pick in the 1959 NBA draft by the St. Louis Hawks. Standing at 6’4”, his size constrained his effectiveness as a forward, while he did not possess guard-level ball-handling abilities. He appeared in 11 games with the Hawks and also suited up for the New York Knicks during his rookie year before playing two games with the Syracuse Nationals the next season. From 1959 until 1964, Ramsey competed with the Williamsport Billies in the Eastern Professional Basketball League (EPBL), where he earned All-EPBL Second Team honors in 1962.

After retiring from playing, Ramsey spoke out against an informal quota limiting black players in the NBA during his time—a perspective echoed by broadcaster Marv Albert. Beyond basketball, Ramsey spent several years working as an educator.

Broadcaster and coach

Ramsey began his broadcasting career with the Knicks in 1972 and continued until 1982. He provided commentary during the Knicks’ triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1973 NBA Finals, collaborating with announcers such as Dick Stockton and Marv Albert. In 1982, he was succeeded by former NBA player Butch Beard when the Knicks decided to retire him from broadcasting duties.

In 1983, Ramsey joined NYU’s coaching staff when the university reinstated its basketball program after a twelve-year pause. His former teammate Mike Muzio served as head coach. Ramsey remained part of this coaching team for the remainder of his life.

Later life

The Knicks appointed Ramsey as a community ambassador in 1991, where he engaged actively with schools and youth initiatives. He continued attending Knicks games regularly until health issues emerged in 2018.

Ramsey died on March 25, 2019, due to cardiac arrest at a rehabilitation center after battling diabetes for several years.

He was honored with induction into the NYU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1978 and later into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994.

NBA

Source

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	PPG
Template:Nbay	St. Louis	4	8.8	.368	.750	4.8	.0	4.3
Template:Nbay	New York	7	22.9	.416	.552	6.7	1.3	11.4
Template:Nbay	Syracuse	2	13.5	.182	.500	3.5	1.5	3.0
Career		13	17.1	.383	.568	5.6	.9	7.9

See also

• List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players who have recorded 30 or more rebounds in a single game

External links

• Career statistics of Cal Ramsey