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2003 Award Honoree Bob Lanier Bob Lanier is a legend both on and off the court. As part of the NBA's Read to Achieve program, Bob routinely visits with students and delivers motivational and educational messages encouraging youth literacy. Lanier also serves as Special Assistant to the Commissioner with specific responsibilities in the areas of refereeing, basketball operations and public service. An eight-time NBA All-Star and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Bob was the first overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft. Lanier went on to play nine seasons with the Detroit Pistons before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1979-80 season. Lanier's 14 years in the NBA resulted in many accomplishments, including: 27th on the NBA's all-time scoring list with more than 19,000 points; NBA All-Rookie Team member in 1971; and NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1974. Lanier graduated with a degree in business administration from St. Bonaventure University, where he also had an outstanding basketball career. He was named to The Sporting News All-America First Team in 1970, and in 1978 was selected by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA) to receive the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for outstanding community service. In 1981, the YMCA presented him with the Jackie Robinson Award for service to youth, good citizenship and leadership. He is a 1990 inductee of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and a 1991 inductee of the Western New York Sports Hall of Fame in his native Buffalo. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992 and has had his number retired by both the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks. In 1993, Lanier was the recipient of the Schick Achievement Award, given to an NBA player in recognition of distinguished contributions off the court. In June 2000, Lanier was the recipient of the Horizon Award, presented annually by the Joint Leadership Commission of the United States Congress and the Board of Directors of The Congressional Award Foundation to individuals who have made an exceptional impact on the lives of America's young people. In addition to his work with the NBA Read to Achieve program, Lanier remains active with many other organizations related to children and education. He also has served as honorary chairperson of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and holds two honorary doctorates, one from St. Bonaventure and the other from Siena College. In addition to his many accomplishments, Lanier recently coauthored a four-part children's book series entitled "Hey L'il D!" that is inspired by Lanier's own childhood. The series seeks to promote a positive attitude for children in the face of life's challenges, as well as the power and value of reading and education. Lanier and his wife, Rose, reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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