Gary Schull

Gary Schull (December 18, 1944 - February 9, 2005) was an American professional basketball player.

An aggressive center, Schull played collegiately for Florida State before forging a successful professional career in Italy where he led the Serie A in scoring for a season.

College career Gary Schull played for Pompano Beach High School and stayed in Florida for college as he joined Florida State in 1962. He led the team in rebounding and was second best scorer in his sophomore season, as he was chosen in the All-State College team.

Graduating in 1966, Schull played for the Seminoles for three years, scoring 1,122 points (14.8 per game) and grabbing 769 rebounds (more than 10 rebounds a game). Schull instead played for NABL and AAU side Phillips 66ers from 1966 to 1968.

Despite reportedly being offered a $12,000 contract by the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics in 1968, Schull chose to join Eldorado-sponsored Fortitudo Bologna in the Italian Serie A for $1,000 more, mostly because he wanted to experience life abroad.

Schull quickly gained the fans' admiration with combative displays, for example diving in the stands to reclaim a loose ball on his debut, something unusual at the time. He adapted quite well to the league in his first season, scoring 15,8 points per game over 12 games. However, he missed half the season after injuring his meniscus in February, though he insisted on supporting his teammates from courtside in his wheelchair.

Schull established a personal record during the 1970–71 season by scoring 44 points in a win over Fides Napoli (at a time where the Three-point field goal wasn't used). His 540 points overall (over 24 per game) saw him crowned as the Serie A top scorer for the season.

Personal

Schull was nicknamed Baron by fans and the press as he often whistled the tune of Snoopy vs. the Red Baron.

A diabetic, he kept his condition secret from Fortitudo officials until he was found passed out next to syringes and had to disclose they were for insulin injections (his coach had thought he was taking drugs).

Death

Schull died on 9 February 2005 at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack in his home in Melbourne, Florida. He had lived there for decades, inheriting the building company his father had created which he ran with his wife until his death.