Ronnie L. Valentine (born November 27, 1957) is an American former professional basketball player.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 27, 1957 Norfolk, Virginia |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Norfolk Catholic (Norfolk, Virginia) |
| College | Old Dominion (1976–1980) |
| NBA draft | 1980: 3rd round, 51st overall pick |
| Selected by the Denver Nuggets | |
| Playing career | 1980–1987 |
| Position | Power forward |
| Number | 42 |
| Career history | |
| 1980–1981 | Denver Nuggets |
| 1981–1982 | Montana Golden Nuggets |
| 1982–1983 | A.P.U. Udine |
| 1983–1985 | Detroit Spirits |
| 1985 | Tampa Bay Thrillers |
| 1985–1986 | Baltimore Lightning |
| 1986 | Tampa Bay Stars |
| 1987 | Rhode Island Gulls |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
College
editA 6'7" forward, Valentine attended Old Dominion University from 1976 to 1980. He set a school record with 2,204 points in his college career and scored ten points or more in 101 consecutive games.[1] His career high for the Old Dominion Monarchs was 44 points in a game against Tulane University during his sophomore year. As a senior in 1980, he led Old Dominion to their first appearance in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, where the team fell to UCLA.[2]
Professional career
editAfter college, Valentine was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 51st pick of the 1980 NBA draft. He played 24 games for the Nuggets during the 1980–81 NBA season, scoring 84 points.[3] Valentine later played in the Continental Basketball Association, the United States Basketball League,[4] and in Italy. In 1982, he earned the CBA's MVP Award after averaging 32 points per game for the Montana Golden Nuggets.[5] He also led the West team with 25 points in the 1982 CBA All-Star Game.[6] After his playing career ended, Valentine lived homeless on the streets of Miami for 27 years.[7]
Awards
editValentine was inducted into Old Dominion University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.[8]
References
edit- ^ Thomas R. Garrett, Clay Shampoe, and Paul Webb. Old Dominion University Men's Basketball. Arcadia Publishing, 2007. 60.
- ^ Ronnie Valentine Profile at Old Dominion Athletics. Retrieved on February 12, 2009.
- ^ "Ronnie Valentine Stats". Basketball Reference. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
- ^ History of the United States Basketball League at APBR.org. Retrieved on February 12, 2009.
- ^ Randy Beard. "Thriller's top sub makes the most of his minutes". The Evening Independent. February 5, 1985. Retrieved on February 12, 2009.
- ^ "Valentine leads West". Washington Post. January 31, 1982. Retrieved on February 12, 2009.
- ^ "ODU legend Ronnie Valentine disappeared among the homeless in Miami for decades. We set out to find him".
- ^ Old Dominion University Hall of Fame Members Archived 2006-08-05 at the Wayback Machine at Old Dominion Athletics. Retrieved on February 12, 2009.