Raymond Lewis
Raymond Lewis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date United States |
| Died | February 11, 2001 (aged 48) |
| Occupation(s) | Basketball player, streetball player |
| Known for | Basketball and streetball talents; first-round pick in 1973 NBA draft by Philadelphia 76ers |
Raymond Lewis (September 3, 1952 – February 11, 2001) was an American athlete known for his basketball and streetball talents. After competing at the collegiate level for Cal State LA, he was selected in the first round of the 1973 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite never appearing in an NBA game, Lewis became renowned as one of California’s premier streetball figures.
High school career
At Verbum Dei in Los Angeles, Lewis guided the team to an outstanding 84–4 record, securing three straight CIF championships from 1969 through 1971.
College career
Lewis attracted approximately 250 scholarship offers from notable programs such as UCLA, USC, and Long Beach State. He ultimately enrolled at Cal State LA, reportedly influenced by incentives including a new Corvette and monthly payments. During his freshman season, he averaged an impressive 39 points per game while shooting 58% from the field, highlighted by a remarkable 73-point performance against UC Santa Barbara. His sophomore year saw him average 32.9 points per game, placing him second nationally behind Pepperdine’s Bird Averitt. On February 23, 1973, Lewis tallied 53 points against a Jerry Tarkanian-coached Long Beach State squad. That year, he earned first-team All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association recognition.
Professional career
Lewis was chosen eighteenth overall in the first round of the 1973 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. During rookie camp, he outshone Doug Collins, the top pick and a 1972 U.S. Olympic standout. Nevertheless, a contract disagreement arose when the 76ers alleged Lewis abandoned the team. Lewis later revealed that coach Gene Shue recommended he take a year off to develop further. He departed after the franchise modified his original contract to require him to secure a roster spot despite there being twelve guaranteed contracts already in place.
In his second professional year, Lewis sought to join the ABA's Utah Stars, but legal threats from the 76ers prevented him from playing. In 1975, he received an invitation to return for the final year of his contract but did not make the team roster.
Illness and death
Later in life, Lewis faced challenges with alcoholism and depression. He passed away in February 2001 due to complications following a leg amputation caused by infection and a subsequent stroke.