‘Authentic Solar’ Dick Van Arsdale dies at 81

Dick Van Arsdale, the primary participant added to the roster of the growth Phoenix Suns in 1968, died at age 81.

No reason behind demise was revealed for Van Arsdale, often known as the “Authentic Solar.”

Later, his equivalent twin brother, Tom, performed with him on the Suns within the 1976-77 season — the brothers’ last NBA seasons.

The Suns introduced Dick Van Arsdale’s demise on Monday.

“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the ‘Authentic Solar’ and a member of our Ring of Honor,” a crew assertion stated..

“The primary choice within the growth draft to construct the Suns roster and the scorer of the primary factors in crew historical past, Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of the Suns group. He earned three All-Star choices, was a member of the crew’s first journey to the NBA Finals in 1976 and retired because the franchise’s all-time main scorer in 1977. Beloved all through the Suns group and fanbase, Van Arsdale held a number of positions with the crew, together with broadcaster and entrance workplace govt, following his 12-year NBA profession.”

An Indianapolis native, the 6-foot-5 Van Arsdale performed collegiately at Indiana alongside his brother. Dick was chosen No. 13 general within the 1965 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, with the Detroit Pistons taking Tom one choose later.

Dick Van Arsdale was an All-Star in every of his first three seasons in Phoenix, averaging not less than 21 factors in every marketing campaign.

He performed in 921 profession video games and retired with averages of 16.4 factors, 4.1 rebounds and three.3 assists per sport.

The brothers later opened an artwork studio in suburban Scottsdale.

–Discipline Degree Media