Rick Barry

American basketball forward who revolutionized the game with his underhand free throw shooting and prolific scoring ability in college and professional basketba

Richard Francis Dennis Barry III was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1944. He attended the University of Miami and became the school's most celebrated basketball player. He averaged 29.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game across four seasons — among the highest combined averages in Florida college basketball history. He was an All-American. San Francisco Warriors selected him second overall in the 1965 NBA Draft. His professional career is among the most decorated in basketball history — he won NBA championships, won the ABA championship, and his underhand free throw shooting at approximately 90% career accuracy is the most studied technical shooting achievement in basketball history. He won the 1975 NBA Finals MVP with the Golden State Warriors. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. His Miami career was the foundation of a professional career that spanned the ABA and NBA and produced one of basketball's most complete scoring profiles. His sons Brent, Jon, Drew and Canyon all played professionally — the most prolific basketball family in history.

Barry was an exceptional shooter with remarkable accuracy from all areas of the court, combining a deadly jump shot with an aggressive driving ability. His unorthodox underhand free throw technique became his signature, helping him maintain elite shooting percentages throughout his career.

Barry's scoring prowess and competitive intensity helped elevate college basketball's profile in the 1960s, particularly for smaller programs like Miami that could compete nationally with elite talent.

• All-American
• SEC-equivalent conference champion
• Miami career scoring leader
• Second overall pick 1965