Former Suns, UNC star Walter Davis dead at 69

Former Phoenix Suns and North Carolina basketball star Walter Davis has died at 69 years old.

The death was announced by the Tar Heels, who said that Davis passed naturally while visiting family in Charlotte.

Davis played in the NBA from 1977 through 1992; his first 11 NBA seasons were with the Suns, before he later played for the Nuggets and Blazers.

He was a six-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA and the 1977-78 Rookie of the Year.

Nicknamed “the Greyhound,” Davis still holds the all-time Suns records for points scored and field goals made.

At North Carolina, Davis starred on Dean Smith’s teams, making All-ACC twice and contributing greatly to the team that reached the 1977 NCAA national championship game.

Former Suns and North Carolina basketball star Walter Davis has died at 69, UNC announced.NBAE via Getty Images

He famously hit a deep buzzer beater off the glass in 1974 against Duke to force overtime, capping off a stretch in which the Tar Heels scored eight points in 17 seconds before winning the game against their heated rivals in the extra time.

Michael Jordan, who starred at North Carolina after Davis, has cited Davis as one of his heroes growing up.

RIP, Walter Davis.

This season marks the 50-year anniversary of this 25-foot shot he hit against Duke, which is still one of the most iconic shots in UNC history.

He was 69 years old. pic.twitter.com/UGZj6oAAN1

— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) November 2, 2023

“Absolutely heartbreaking news about the passing of #TheGreyhound, Walter Davis a Favorite @suns of All time!” tweeted Suns TV voice Kevin Ray. “God Speed to 1 of the most silky smooth players in basketball. @nba #Ring of Honor lost a legend.”

“RIP to my favorite@Suns player of all time, Walter Davis,” tweeted Greg Stanton, an Arizona politician in the House of Representatives who was formerly mayor of Phoenix. “Growing up in Phoenix, so many great memories cheering on the Greyhound at the Madhouse on McDowell in the ‘70’s and 80’s.”

Walter Davis at a North Carolina basketball ceremony in 2010.AP

Davis was the uncle of former Knicks and North Carolina great Hubert Davis, who currently coaches the Tar Heels.