NBA Birthdays: Players Born on March 28
- With over 5,000 players in NBA history, a remarkable pattern emerges: at least one player was born on every day of the calendar year - including three leap-day...
- Below are the most notable NBA players and personalities born on March 28.
- Rick Barry stands as a cornerstone of that legacy, not only for his own Hall of Fame career but also for sending three sons - Brent, Drew, and...
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NBA Players Born on March 28: Rick Barry, Jerry Sloan, and More
Who: Featuring Rick Barry, Jerry Sloan, and others.When: Covering their birthdates and NBA careers.
Why it matters: Highlights the contributions of notable players and coaches to NBA history, and the fascinating statistical quirk of NBA birthdays.
What’s Next: Continued exploration of NBA players born on each day of the year.
With over 5,000 players in NBA history, a remarkable pattern emerges: at least one player was born on every day of the calendar year – including three leap-day ballers! This day-by-day breakdown of the players born on each day of the year continues, offering a unique perspective on the league’s rich history. Today, we focus on those born on March 28th.
Below are the most notable NBA players and personalities born on March 28.
Rick Barry (1944)
The Barry name is synonymous with basketball excellence. Rick Barry stands as a cornerstone of that legacy, not only for his own Hall of Fame career but also for sending three sons – Brent, Drew, and Jon – to the NBA.While he may cherish his family’s NBA representation most, Barry’s individual accomplishments are undeniable.
Selected fourth overall in the 1965 NBA Draft by the San Francisco Warriors, Barry instantly made an impact, earning rookie of the Year honors. He followed up with an even more impressive sophomore campaign, leading the NBA in scoring with a remarkable 35.6 points per game. This was just the beginning. Barry continued to dominate,leading the league in scoring again in 1969 and achieving an incredible streak of 12 consecutive All-Star appearances. He was a perennial MVP candidate, finishing in the top 5 in voting six times.His proficiency at the free-throw line was legendary, leading the league seven times – and he famously employed an underhand shooting style, often mocked but consistently effective.
Barry’s career wasn’t limited to scoring. he was a well-rounded player, averaging 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game over his 14-year career.He won a championship with the Golden State Warriors in 1975, earning Finals MVP honors. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats.
Key Stats:
- Points Per Game: 24.8
- Rebounds per Game: 6.7
- Assists Per Game: 4.9
- Steals Per Game: 2.0
- Championships: 1 (1975)
- Finals MVP: 1 (1975)
Jerry Sloan (1942)
Jerry Sloan’s story is a testament to the impact a player can have even after their playing days are over. While a two-time All-star and six-time All-Defensive Team selection, Sloan arguably achieved even greater success as a head coach, becoming one of the most respected and beloved figures in NBA history.
Sloan spent the majority of his 11-season playing career with the Chicago Bulls (a fact not lost on fans considering his later coaching tenure). He was known for his tenacious defense and all-around hustle. After retiring as a player in 1976, Sloan seamlessly transitioned into coaching, bringing his defensive ideology with him. He coached the Bulls for four seasons before joining the Utah Jazz as an assistant in 1985.
In 1988, Sloan took the helm as head coach of the Utah Jazz, and the rest, as they say, is history. He led the Jazz to two Western Conference titles (1997, 1998) and maintained a remarkably consistent level of success, achieving a .500 or better record in 22 of his 23 seasons in charge. His longevity and dedication to the Jazz organization earned him widespread admiration.Sloan retired mid-season in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of toughness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the game.
Coaching Highlights: