Dec. 13, 2006
VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Paul Arizin died in his sleep last night at his suburban Philadelphia home. He was 78.
"Paul Arizin was the most dignified, classy and humble legend I've ever met," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "He is adored and respected by anyone who has touched Villanova basketball. I'll always remember his undying support of our staff and players. He was a remarkable man who has left behind an unparalleled legacy and a beautiful family."
Arizin came to Villanova in 1946 from La Salle High School, where he did not play varsity basketball. As a Villanova freshman he played only in intramural action. Legend has it that Wildcat coach Al Severance took notice of Arizin - who had improved steadily participating in area recreation leagues at night - when he spotted him playing in the university's field house. He was invited to join the varsity squad and would go on to become one of the most accomplished athletes in school history. Arizin was Villanova's first 1,000 point scorer and averaged 20.0 ppg in 80 games over three seasons. The 85 points he scored against the Naval Air Material Center (NAMC) in a game on Feb. 12, 1949, remain a school record.
As a senior in 1949-50 Arizin was named The Sporting News college player of the year and a consensus All-American for his work in leading the Wildcats to a 25-4 record. He scored 735 points that season to lead all Division I players that season.
Following his graduation from Villanova, Arizin became the No. 1 draft choice of the Philadelphia Warriors in 1950. The 6-4 forward would go on to become a 10-time National Basketball Association All-Star, scoring 16,266 points in his career and earning All-Star game most valuable player honors in 1952. He helped lead the Warriors to the 1956 NBA title and was voted one of the league's 50 Greatest Players in 1996. He missed two full seasons (1952-53 and 1953-54) while serving in the United States Marine Corps.
Arizin was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977 and his Villanova jersey hangs in the rafters at the Pavilion. In recent years, he was a frequent visitor to Villanova basketball events and in April presented the award named in his honor to Kyle Lowry at the 2006 Men's Basketball Banquet. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, four sons, a daughter and 14 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.
