Bill Hosket

Wilmer Frederick Hosket (born December 20, 1946) is an American former professional basketball player. He played five seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and played college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

A 6′8″ power forward/center, Hosket played basketball at Belmont High School in Dayton, Ohio, where he played alongside another future college All-American and NBA player, Don May. The two once combined for 88 points in one game (50 by Hosket, 38 by May). Belmont captured the 1964 Ohio state championship with ease, winning the state semifinal and final by 24 and 29 points, respectively. Coached by John Ross, the Bison went 26-1 (with the loss in overtime after both May and Hosket fouled out) He was named Ohio Player of the Year and was also MVP of the state tournament.

He played college basketball at the Ohio State University from 1965 to 1968. He led his Ohio State team in scoring and rebounding during each of his three varsity seasons and was named to three All Big Ten Conference Academic First Teams. In fall 1968, he competed at the Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal with the United States national basketball team.

Hosket then played four seasons (1968–1972) in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Buffalo Braves and New York Knicks. He averaged 4.0 points per game in his career and won a league championship with the Knicks in 1970. His high school teammate, Don May, was also on the team.

After retiring as a player, Hosket served on three United States Olympic Basketball Committees. He also founded Buckeye Basketball Camp (not officially affiliated with Ohio State University) in his home state of Ohio.

Hosket is a member of the Ohio State Hall of Fame and was named in 1993 to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Silver Anniversary team. He was honored in 2002 by the Ohio High School Athletic Association with its highest honor – the Ethics and Integrity Award. In 2006, he was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.

Career statistics

NBA/ABA Source

Regular season Year Team GP GS MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG

Playoffs Year Team GP GS MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG