Norm Van Lier

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Lore & Background

Van Lier's journey began in Midland, Pennsylvania, where he helped lead the 1965 Midland High School Leopards to a perfect 28–0 record and a state championship. Despite being only 6 ft 1 in, he was known as the "Golden Spoon" for his playmaking and averaged over 10 rebounds per game in college at Saint Francis University. His professional path started when the Chicago Bulls drafted him in the third round of the 1969 NBA draft, but he was immediately traded to the Cincinnati Royals for Walt Wesley in a three-team deal involving the Atlanta Hawks. During his rookie season with the Royals under Hall of Fame coach Bob Cousy, Van Lier averaged 9.5 points and 6.2 assists per game. Cousy noted that while Van Lier lacked physical size, he offset it with "constant determination, aggressive play and a dedicated approach." The following year, playing alongside Nate Archibald, Van Lier led the NBA in total assists (832) and became the only player to average 10.1 assists per game that season.

In Their Own Story

Van Lier's career was defined by unique statistical anomalies and fierce competitiveness. He is one of two players in NBA history to record a double-double without scoring any points in a single game, showcasing his focus on rebounding and playmaking over personal scoring. His time in Cincinnati also saw him average 16 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while leading the league in assists. After his playing days, he returned to Chicago as a beloved broadcaster. The source notes that Van Lier was closely associated with Jerry Sloan; together they were considered among the greatest defensive guard duos in NBA history. His work ethic was forged early; he recalled playing tackle football as a child with a taped coffee can because of their circumstances, an upbringing he credited for his professional persistence. He even turned down a $25,000 offer from the St. Louis Cardinals to play professional baseball because his mother did not want him to play in the segregated south.

Reader's Guide

Fans should understand that Van Lier's value extended far beyond traditional scoring metrics. At Saint Francis University, he averaged a double-double (18.8 points and 10.3 rebounds) over three years, retaining these qualities as a professional. His high school career included leading the Leopards to a 90–61 victory in the state championship game, scoring the most points ever recorded in that 45-year history at the time. The Associated Press named him to first-team All-State college teams twice and a second team once. In the NBA, his defensive prowess was recognized with three first-team and five second-team All-Defensive selections. His versatility was highlighted by a tournament record of 12 assists in a game during his junior year at Saint Francis. While he played for the Bulls from 1969 to 1978 (implied by context of career majority), the source specifically details his time with the Royals leading up to the trade and his subsequent return as a broadcaster.

Did You Know?

• Van Lier is one of only two players in NBA history to record a double-double without scoring any points.
• As a high school senior, he helped his team score the most points ever recorded (90) in the Pennsylvania state championship game at that time.
• He turned down a $25,000 professional baseball contract from the St. Louis Cardinals because his mother did not want him to play in the segregated south.
• During his rookie season with the Cincinnati Royals, coach Bob Cousy stated Van Lier was offsetting his lack of size with 'constant determination' and 'aggressive play'.
• He was drafted by both the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the New York Nets (ABA) in 1969 before choosing to sign with the NBA.