Born in Buffalo, New York, it’s no surprise that Bob Lanier went on to play his college ball at nearby St. Bonaventure University. He went on to star for St. Bonaventure, being an All-American selection all three years he was eligible for the award, and leading the team to the NCAA Final Four. However, Lanier was injured in the regional championship game, so there was no Bob Lanier appearance in the national semi-final loss to Jacksonville University.

But Lanier returned to basketball after his injury without missing a beat. He joined the NBA’s Detroit Pistons in 1970, and was named to the All-Rookie Team. He stared for the Pistons for ten years before being traded to the bucks. During his five seasons with the Bucks, Lanier helped lead the team to the division championship each year. In his 14 season NBA career, there was a Bob Lanier appearance in eight NBA All-Star Games, and he was named the Game’s MVP in 1974.

Bob Lanier Speaker

An interesting Bob Lanier speaker topic is surely his feet. Lanier required a size 22 shoe, and one of his oversized shoes was put on display aboard the American Freedom Train which toured the country during the 1976 United States Bicentennial.

Bob Lanier Appearance

Although it was brief, there was a Bob Lanier appearance as head coach of the Golden State Warriors for 37 games after Don Nelson stepped down mid-season.

Bob Lanier Endorsement

There is a Bob Lanier endorsement for St. Bonaventure, where the all-star center agreed to have the court named after him.