Dick Barnett, a pivotal figure in the New York Knicks' history, passed away at 88 in Florida. Known for his distinctive 'fall back, baby' jump shot, Barnett was instrumental in the Knicks' only two NBA Championship victories in 1970 and 1973. His basketball journey began at Tennessee A&I, where he led the team to three consecutive NAIA national championships before being drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in 1959. Throughout his 14-year NBA career, Barnett played for the Nationals, Cleveland Pipers, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Knicks, earning a reputation for his unique shooting style and scoring prowess. Beyond his playing career, Barnett pursued higher education, eventually teaching sports management and founding a publishing imprint, while also advocating for the recognition of his college team’s achievements.

Dick Barnett was celebrated for his unique jump shot, characterized by a backward leaning posture and a high arc, earning it the nickname 'fall back, baby' from broadcaster Chick Hearn.

Barnett's professional career spanned 14 seasons in the NBA, with significant contributions to the New York Knicks, helping them secure championships in 1970 and 1973 alongside teammates like Walt Frazier and Willis Reed.

Before his NBA success, Barnett led Tennessee A&I to three consecutive NAIA national titles, making it the first historically Black college to win a national basketball championship, which was later recognized by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in 1959, Barnett also played for the Cleveland Pipers and Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the Knicks, where he achieved his career-high scoring average and made his sole All-Star appearance in 1968.

Barnett emphasized education, earning degrees from Cal Poly, NYU, and Fordham University, and later taught sports management while also engaging in writing and publishing through his imprint, Fall Back Baby Productions.

Barnett's legacy was honored by the Knicks with a banner at Madison Square Garden, celebrating his contributions alongside those of coach Red Holzman, reflecting his lasting impact on the team and the sport.

In his later years, Barnett continued to advocate for recognition of his college team's achievements and participated in events celebrating past victories, including a 50th-anniversary celebration of the Knicks' 1973 championship.