David Greenwood: UCLA & NBA Legend Dies at 68
- David Greenwood, a key player under coach John Wooden at UCLA and later an NBA champion with the detroit Pistons, has died at age 68.
- Greenwood, after a celebrated high school career at Verbum Dei in Los Angeles, joined UCLA shortly after wooden's retirement in 1975.
- Greenwood was a first-team All-America selection in his junior and senior years, the first Bruin to achieve this since bill Walton. He remains fourth in career rebounds at...
David greenwood, NBA Champion and UCLA Star, Dies at 68
Updated June 11, 2025
David Greenwood, a key player under coach John Wooden at UCLA and later an NBA champion with the detroit Pistons, has died at age 68. The school announced Wednesday that Greenwood died Sunday in Riverside, calif., after a battle with cancer, citing family sources.
Greenwood, after a celebrated high school career at Verbum Dei in Los Angeles, joined UCLA shortly after wooden’s retirement in 1975. As a four-year starter, the Bruins achieved a 102-17 record and secured league titles each season. Greenwood averaged 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds over 118 games. He earned two league player of the year awards and helped UCLA reach the 1976 Final Four. His impact on UCLA basketball is still felt.
Greenwood was a first-team All-America selection in his junior and senior years, the first Bruin to achieve this since bill Walton. He remains fourth in career rebounds at UCLA.In the 1979 NBA draft,he was the second overall pick. The Chicago Bulls lost a coin toss to the Los Angeles lakers, who drafted Magic Johnson.
Before michael Jordan’s arrival, Greenwood, reggie Theus, and orlando Woolridge formed the Bulls’ core. After six seasons, Chicago traded Greenwood to San Antonio for George Gervin. Greenwood’s NBA career also included stints with Denver and Detroit, where he contributed off the bench to the Pistons’ 1990 NBA championship victory over portland.His contributions to the NBA were significant.
A Pac-12 Hall of Honour and National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame member, Greenwood attended UCLA’s final Pac-12 Conference game last year. He later coached at Verbum Dei, leading them to state titles in 1998 and 1999. David Greenwood leaves behind a lasting legacy in basketball.
He is survived by his son Jemil, daughter Tiffany, brother Al, sister Laverne, and former wife Joyce.
What’s next
A memorial service is planned, with details to be announced by the family. The basketball community mourns the loss of a true champion and influential figure.