|
Register Now!
|
|
Register now for vtap for the fastest and easiest way to watch web video on your mobile device!
|
|
Walter F. Dukes (born June 23, 1930 in Rochester, New York, died February 2001 in Detroit, Michigan) was a center for the New York Knickerbockers (1955-56), Minneapolis Lakers (1956-57) and Detroit Pistons (1957-63).
Dukes played high school basketball at Seton Hall Preparatory School, and attended Seton Hall University. He graduated from New York Law School in 1960.
Dukes helped the Lakers win the 1956-57 NBA Western Division in his second season. While with the Pistons, he was named to the 1960 and 1961 NBA All-Star West Teams. Dukes averaged double figures in rebounds in six of his eight seasons in the NBA, and had career averages of 11.3 rebounds per game and 10.4 points per game.
Dukes led the NBA in Personal Fouls in 1958 (311) and 1959 (332) and led the NBA in disqualifications four consecutive seasons between 1958-59 and 1961-62 — still an NBA record. His 121 career disqualifications (in only eight seasons) rank second in the NBA to Vern Mikkelsen.
On March 14, 2001, Dukes was found dead in his apartment. According to a police spokesman, he had been dead for about a month when his body was found. He died of natural causes, aged 70.


