By InsideHoops.com

Knicks legend Dave DeBusschere has passed away.

On behalf of the entire DeBusschere family: "This is a devastating loss for our family. Dave was a wonderful father, husband and friend that we know will be missed by not only the entire DeBusschere family, but all New Yorkers that enjoyed watching him. We hope he will be remembered for the all the great moments he gave us on and off the court."

From Scott Layden, President and General Manager, New York Knicks & Steve Mills, President, Sports Team Operations, Madison Square Garden

"Dave DeBusschere left his mark on the New York Knicks organization and Madison Square Garden from the moment he first joined our family in 1968. Often called "the final piece of the puzzle" that brought the Knicks two championships, his on-court prowess earned him many accolades: he is considered one of the greatest defensive players in League history; was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982; was named one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time.

"His success as a Knick and later as a front-office executive was the result of his talent, work ethic and love of the game. We are extremely proud that so much of Dave's distinguished career was as a part of the New York Knicks organization, and we are honored that his number will hang forever from the Garden rafters as a testament to his achievements.

"We are prouder still, however, of our connection to the man. Dave DeBusschere's character off the court eclipsed even his most celebrated on-court heroics. He was an extraordinary gentleman, filled with a deep sense of gratitude, humility and grace. He earned the admiration of his peers, the basketball community and the fans, in no small part because he treated everyone he met with great respect and dignity. We are deeply shocked and saddened by his passing, and extend to the DeBusschere family the heartfelt sympathy of the entire New York Knickerbockers organization."

COMMENTS FROM DAVE DeBUSSCHERE'S FRIENDS

Walt Frazier:

"He was the difference in turning a team, that was mediocre, around. He was the final piece of the puzzle. Dave was a blue-collar type of player who led by example with his tenacity on the court. I will always remember him sitting in the corner of the locker room after the game, spent, because he always had given it all he had. Because of that, the players respected him immensely. I will miss his friendship but I am fortunate to have wonderful memories of Dave that I will treasure forever."

Willis Reed:

"I am deeply saddened by the news of Dave's passing. He had a profound impact on the landscape of professional basketball, both as a player and an executive. Dave was a great teammate as well as a great friend. All the members of the Knicks family mourn his passing, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Geri and the entire DeBusschere family."

Earl Monroe:

"My thoughts are with his family. When I think of Dave, I don't think of him as a basketball player, but as a friend. Our friendship far and above outweighed the game of basketball. I'm really going to miss him."

Bill Bradley:

"Dave DeBusschere was a loyal friend, an unselfish teammate and a quality human being. His strength, dedication and modesty lay at the core of our great Knick teams. He was like a brother to me. The world seems like a diminished place today for me, for his family, for hundreds of his friends and thousands of his fans."

Gail Holzman Papelian, Charles Papelian and Katie Papelian:

"The Holzman family is so deeply sadden with the passing of Dave DeBusschere. Our sympathies go out to wife Geri and his family who were so special to Red and Selma Holzman. Dave was more than a two-time championship New York Knick. He was a great friend to so many people and a wonderful family man. We will miss him."

Jerry Lucas:

"Dave was the epitome of a teammate. He was competitive, hard-nosed, he understood the game and sacrificed for the good of the team. Dave was a dear friend of everybody, and my thoughts are with his family."

Patrick Ewing:

"I'm very sorry to hear that Dave passed away today. He's the man who brought me to New York. I've always had nothing but the utmost respect for him. My sympathies and condolences go out to his family. He will be greatly missed."


InsideHoops.com is the online leader in pro basketball coverage.