Frank Howard Card (December 28, 1944 – April 14, 2021) was an American basketball player who played five seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA).
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 28, 1944 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | April 14, 2021 (aged 76) |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | West Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| College | South Carolina State (1962–1964) |
| NBA draft | 1967: 7th round, 77th overall pick |
| Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers | |
| Playing career | 1965–1974 |
| Position | Power forward / small forward |
| Number | 35, 34, 13, 20 |
| Career history | |
| 1965–1966 | Camden Bullets |
| 1966–1968 | Allentown Jets |
| 1968–1969 | Minnesota Pipers |
| 1969–1970 | Washington Caps / Virginia Squires |
| 1970–1971 | Carolina Cougars |
| 1971–1973 | Denver Rockets |
| 1972–1974 | Allentown Jets |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he played collegiately for the South Carolina State University.
He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 7th round (77th pick overall) of the 1967 NBA draft.
He played for the Minnesota Pipers (1968–69), Washington Caps (1969–70), Virginia Squires (1970–71), Carolina Cougars (1970–71) and Denver Rockets (1971–73) in the ABA for 306 games.
Following his retirement from basketball, Card worked for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority for nearly 25 years.[1] He died on April 14, 2021.[2]
Early life and education
editFrank Howard Card was born to Catherine Cheers and Frank Card on December 28, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA. Card graduated from West Philadelphia High School and earned a scholarship to South Carolina State University. His passion in life at that time was to play basketball, and growing up he honed his skills on the playgrounds of his West Philly neighborhood.[2]
Work and career
editCard served in the Army from April 1965 for three years.
During this time he started playing for the Baker League,[2] where he became known for his jumping ability and earned the nickname “Watusi”. He went on to be selected by the 76ers in the 7th round of the 1967 NBA draft. He played for the Minnesota Pipers, Washington Caps, Virginia Squires, Carolina Cougars and Denver Rockets. He also played pro ball in Europe for several years. During that time he also served in the Army from April 1965 to April 1968.
Following his retirement from basketball, Card worked for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority[SEPTA] for nearly 25 years.[1]
Death and legacy
editCard was known for socializing and making friends. His infectious smile, energy and sense of humor was as big as he was. He mentored many of his younger male coworkers who often called him “Mr. Frank”. He showed respect to everyone he met and felt one of the most important jobs he ever had was being a positive role model and father to his two step sons.
Card was honored at the ABA's 50th Anniversary for his professional achievements[1] and a proud supporter of the Dropping Dimes Foundation.
References
edit- ^ a b c Hunsinger Benbow, Dana (February 21, 2021). "Former ABA players struggling and running out of time: 'The NBA's waiting for us to die off'". USA Today. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Frank "Watusi" Howard Card". cavanaughfuneralhome.com. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
External links
edit- Career statistics from Basketball Reference