Bill Buntin

Bill Buntin was an American professional basketball player who played briefly in the National Basketball Association for the Detroit Pistons. He has also played for the Indiana Pacers. He is best known for his college career at the University of Michigan.

Player Profile and Death

William L. Buntin was born on May 5, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, United States of America. He stood 201 cm tall and his weight was listed at 113 kg. Buntin shot right-handed and played as a center and power forward.

Tragically, Buntin died of a heart attack on May 9, 1968, just four days after his 26th birthday. He collapsed while playing in a pickup basketball game in Detroit.

High School and College Career

Buntin attended Northern High School in Detroit, Michigan. He then played college basketball for the University of Michigan from 1962 to 1965.

In 1965, he was named to the Consensus Second-team All-American. In 1964, he was also named to the Third-team All-American AP, NABC, and UPI. The Michigan Wolverines would later retire Jersey Number in his honor.

Professional Career

Buntin was selected by the Detroit Pistons as a territorial pick in the 1965 NBA draft. He played one season for the Pistons in 1965-66.

After being released by the Pistons, Buntin played in the North American Basketball League for the Battle Creek Braves and Twin Cities Sailors in the 1966-67 season. He then joined the Indiana Pacers of the American Basketball Association on their inaugural season in 1967-68, but did not appear in any regular-season games.

Career Highlights

• 1965 - Consensus second-team All-American
• 1964 - Third-team All-American – AP, NABC, UPI

• No. 22 retired by Michigan Wolverines

NBA Career Statistics

• Points: 324 (7.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 252 (6.0 rpg)
• Assists: 36 (0.9 apg)