From pick 2 of the Draft to OVERDOSE DEATH in 48 hours: the tragic story of Len Bias

Experts classified him as a great competitor to Michael Jordan, but cocaine use ended his life two days after being drafted by the Boston Celtics.

The morning of June 19, 1986 was one of the most shocking in NBA history. Len Biasthat became pick number 2 of the Boston Celtics Draft of that person less than two days before, He died of a cocaine overdose before he made his debut in the world basketball elite. It is one of the highest projections, destined to become one of the greatest of all time, according to those who saw him play.

Len Bias, the NBA prospect who died of an overdose hours after being drafted

Leonard Kevin Bias was born on November 18, 1963 in Landover, Maryland. His foray into basketball began at a very young age in the streets and beyond at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville. Although his discipline is not something that is characteristic of him, he led the team to a runner-up finish in 1982. His talent is unquestionable, so several universities noticed him. However, Bias chose the University of Maryland to play in one of the most complicated conferences at the university level: the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).. Conference where the University of North Carolinaat that time led by Michael Jordan.

His first steps in college basketball were not easy. Criticism rained on Len because he was far from the level he showed in high school. However, he turned a deaf ear and improved so much that he became a team figure. When Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls (1984), Len Bias became the undisputed top star of the league: he was named ACC Player of the Year in two consecutive years (1985 and 1986). Exactly in his last university period scored 35 points to eliminate higher-ranked North Carolina in the quarterfinals. A consecrating performance that showed he was ready for the NBA.

Len Bias’ pick in the 1986 NBA Draft

yes ok Len Bias and MJ They had a fight at the university. the big expectation is in the rivalry that can take place in the NBA. The native forward of Maryland is the first compared to Jordan. In that context, The 1986 Draft is coming up. The event was held on June 17 at Madison Square Garden (New York). After The Cleveland Cavaliers will select Brad Daugherty with pick #1The boston celtics they chose who to call them Larry Bird’s successor: Len Bias. tomorrow, the rookie traveled to Washington to sign a $1.6 million contract with Reebok and later returned to Maryland. selected more than stars like Dennis Rodman.

The tragic death of Len Bias and the comparisons to Michael Jordan

In his hometown, The bias started with the celebrations for his expected arrival in the NBA. Unfortunately, everything got out of control: around three o’clock in the morning on June 19, he decided to consume cocaine, with a purity of more than 98%, in Washington Hall, university residence where he is staying. After some time, the 22-year-old basketball player had a seizure and stopped breathing. Some of his friends tried to revive him while one of them, Brian Tribblecall 911 to request an ambulance.

Doctors at the scene were unable to save him and decided to transfer him to a hospital in Riverdale Park to make last attempts.. Unfortunately, it was too late: Len Bias died at 08:55 from an overdose that caused a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. “He was a little ahead of Michael Jordan. We would have talked about him as the greatest of all time. Jordan is on another level. I think they would have pushed each other to the limits, but Bias is a bit taller than Michaehe. Bias’ jump shot is the best seen and he can defend in different positions. It’s kind of a hybrid of the game now.” came to declare walt williamsformer NBA player.