Billy Cunningham was nicknamed "Kangaroo Kid" throughout his career because of his extraordinary leaping ability. Cunningham excelled under legendary coach Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina. Cunningham was a two-time All-American and three-time All-ACC selection during his tenure at UNC.

Cunningham was widely known for his high intensity play and enormous desire, was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with their first Draft Pick in 1965. Cunningham made the NBA's All-Rookie Team. In 1967, Cunningham and fellow Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer won the NBA title.

Cunningham left Philly in 1972 and signed as a free agent the ABA's Carolina Cougars. He averaged 24.1 ppg and 12.0 rpg and was named ABA MVP. Cunningham returned to the 76ers in 1974, and played a season-and-a-half, only to be sidelined by a career ending knee injury.

Cunningham, who scored 16,310 points and grabbed 7,981 rebounds in both the NBA and ABA, had his number 32 jersey retired by the 76ers. Cunningham was a three-time All-NBA First Team selection (1969, 1970, 1971) and was a four-time NBA All-Star.

Cunningham was named Philadelphia's coach in 1977 and he posted a 454-196 during his tenure. Cunningham is second only to Pat Riley in reaching the 300 and 400 career win plateau the fastest. He led the 76ers to their last title in 1983.

Basketball, Hall of Fame