A Legacy Cemented: Remembering 'The Original Sun,' Dick Van Arsdale
The basketball world, and particularly the Phoenix Suns community, is mourning the loss of a linchpin player and a beloved figure, Dick Van Arsdale, who passed away at the age of 81. Known widely as the "Original Sun," Van Arsdale's journey from Indiana University to becoming an indelible part of the Phoenix Suns' history is storied and celebrated.
Van Arsdale's collegiate basketball career laid a strong foundation for his achievements in the professional realm. Spending three impactful seasons at Indiana University, he earned All Big Ten honors during his junior year, a testament to his prowess on the court as he averaged an impressive 22.3 points per game. This performance caught the attention of the New York Knicks, who drafted him in the second round of the 1965 NBA Draft, setting the stage for his NBA career.
The Inaugural Years in the NBA
As he made his entry into the NBA with the New York Knicks, Van Arsdale quickly established himself as a competent player. However, it was his selection by the Phoenix Suns in the 1968 expansion draft that marked a new beginning, both for him and the nascent franchise. Van Arsdale holds the unique distinction of scoring the first points in Phoenix Suns team history—an apt start for someone who would come to be known as the "Original Sun."
In his first season with the Suns, Van Arsdale made an immediate impact, averaging 21 points per game and earning an All-Star nod, the first of three selections over his nine-season tenure with the team. His contributions were instrumental in not only leading the Suns to their first playoff appearance but also playing a pivotal role in their inaugural NBA Finals appearance in 1976.
A Fixture in the Suns' Fabric
By the time he retired in 1977, Van Arsdale had secured his status as the Suns' all-time leading scorer, laying down a legacy that extended beyond mere statistics. His influence was felt across the organization, transitioning after his playing days into broadcasting and subsequently into significant front office roles, including stints as a general manager and senior vice president of player personnel. In 1987, he even took on coaching duties, achieving a respectable 14-12 record to conclude the season.
Van Arsdale's connection to the team was not just professional but familial, teaming up with his twin brother, Tom Van Arsdale, on the Suns at one point, creating a unique dynamic and further endearing himself to fans and the organization alike.
An Indelible Impact
His influence and contributions have been formally recognized with his inclusion in the Suns' Ring of Honor, marking him as a cornerstone figure in the team's history. The Phoenix Suns' official statement captures the sentiment perfectly: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the 'Original Sun' and a member of our Ring of Honor. The first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the scorer of the first points in team history, Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of the Suns organization... Beloved throughout the Suns organization and fanbase, Van Arsdale held several positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office executive, following his 12-year NBA career."
Van Arsdale's legacy is rich with accomplishments and characterized by his dedication to the Suns at every level of involvement—from player to executive. His story is a testament to the integral role he played in shaping the Suns' narrative. As the basketball world bids farewell to this legend, his contributions as "The Original Sun" will forever shine brightly in the annals of NBA history and in the hearts of those who had the privilege to witness his remarkable journey.