Garry Nelson Obituary: A man named Garry Nelson did not realise he would contribute to the end of the Dukes’ legendary reign when they were Pittsburgh’s top collegiate basketball team when they were the Dukes.
Duquesne participated in 15 National Invitation Tournaments and three NCAA tournaments between the 1950s and 1970s, and produced the first Black NBA player. Nelson was a member of the team when it made its most recent Sweet 16 appearance in 1969, his second journey to the Big Dance.
Six years later, the Dukes would return to the tournament before suffering a string of unsuccessful campaigns. In 1998, Nelson reportedly characterised it as “sad to watch” to the Los Angeles Times. According to a Duquesne official, Nelson’s untimely death in an accident early on Monday morning was another devastating strike to the city.
Garry Nelson Obituary
According to university president Ken Gormley, I recollect Garry fondly as a devoted law school alumnus during my tenure as dean. He was a colossus in the local legal community, just as he had been on the court.
Garry delighted in recounting tales from the glory of Duquesne basketball to his devoted fan base from earlier eras. He relished mentoring student-athletes and law students alike. Nelson and his identical twin sibling Barry were considered legends in both the Pittsburgh and Duquesne basketball programmes.
During their three seasons together from 1968 to 1971, the duo, who are both 6-foot-10, led the Dukes to two NCAA tournament appearances and an NIT voyage. Nelson appeared in 75 games and averaged 12.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and a field goal percentage of 51.0%. In his final season with the club, he also contributed to 20 victories.
The Buffalo Braves selected him with the 70th overall pick in the 1971 NBA Draught due to his collegiate success. Prior to returning to the United States, Nelson played professionally in Italy. He had time remaining at Duquesne. Once again, he enrolled to complete his legal education. Before receiving his degree in 1982, he attended evening classes while caring for his young family.
The legal community in Pittsburgh was familiar with Nelson. He began his legal career in the office of the Allegheny County district attorney. Later, he would join the firm Grogan, Graffam, McGinley, and Lucchino. During the final two decades of his tenure, he was a contract attorney and sole practitioner.
Dave Harper, Duquesne’s vice president for athletics, described Garry Nelson as “truly one of the greatest men I’ve ever had the chance to meet” and “not just a legend in terms of Duquesne basketball history.” “We express our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones on his passing. During the forthcoming basketball season, we will prioritise honouring him.
