Earl Cureton, former Pistons participant and neighborhood ambassador with the group for the final 10 years, handed away unexpectedly this morning on the age of 66.
A 12-year NBA veteran, Cureton was initially drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 58th general decide within the 1979 NBA Draft. Often known as “The Twirl”, the 6-9 ahead was part of two NBA championships groups, the 76ers in 1982-83 and the Houston Rockets in 1993-94. Cureton additionally performed three seasons with the Detroit Pistons (1983-86, the place he averaged 5.9 factors in 234 video games) and hung out with the Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors.
A basketball journeyman, Cureton made teaching stops within the NBA, United States Basketball League and Continental Basketball Affiliation following his retirement from the NBA in 1997. He was additionally an assistant coach with the ABA’s Lengthy Seashore Jam in 2004, alongside teaching legend Paul Westhead. When Westhead left to grow to be an assistant for the Orlando Magic, Cureton took over as head coach and led the Jam to an ABA Championship.
Cureton performed collegiately at Division I Robert Morris College earlier than transferring to College of Detroit Mercy for his last two seasons below head coach Dick Vitale. His quantity 24 was retired by U of D on Jan. 23, 2020. Fulfilling a life-long dream 30 years later, Cureton went again to U of D and earned his school diploma in Human Companies and was awarded his Bachelor of Science in 2011. A local Detroiter, Cureton prepped at Finney Excessive Faculty.
Assertion from the Detroit Pistons Group: “The Detroit Pistons group is deeply saddened by the passing of Earl Cureton, an individual who meant a lot to the group as a colleague, former participant, neighborhood ambassador and good friend. As robust a competitor as he was throughout his enjoying years on the courtroom, he was equally kind-hearted, outgoing and impactful off it. He represented our franchise with nice ardour and really loved working to provide again and enhance the lives of Detroiters within the metropolis he cherished a lot. We prolong our heartfelt condolences to Earl’s household and numerous associates and teammates throughout this most troublesome time.”
Assertion from Pistons Proprietor Tom Gores: “Earl was probably the most beneficiant, constructive and caring individuals I knew. He was a loving father, dedicated to his household, and I used to be honored to be his good friend. He was a champion as a participant and an necessary ambassador in our neighborhood. We’re heartbroken over his loss.”
Former Pistons participant and Corridor of Famer Isiah Thomas: “All of us are hurting with the sudden lack of Earl Cureton. He was an incredible teammate, robust competitor, a champion and an excellent human being. Earl at all times held the Detroit neighborhood near his coronary heart and labored tirelessly to make a distinction for the town he cherished. He can be significantly missed.”
