Senate Resolution No. 2588

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Robert Jerry Lanier Jr.,
celebrated NBA All-Star, MVP, and beloved coach

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
just tribute to the memory of those prominent individuals whose esteemed
careers in athletics and contributions to the sport of basketball have
evolved the nature of the game, and fostered cultural enrichment, not
just within their communities but the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is with deep sympathy and great sadness that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Robert Jerry Lanier Jr.,
otherwise known as Bob Lanier, who died at the age of 73 on May 10,
2022, recognizing his long and highly accomplished career within the
sport of basketball and his contributions to the NBA; and

WHEREAS, Born in Buffalo, New York, on September 10, 1948, to Robert
Sr. and Nannette Lanier, Robert J. Lanier Jr.'s passion for basketball
was present from a young age; and

WHEREAS, On account of his tall stature Robert J. Lanier Jr. was
rejected from both his grammar school and high school teams, before
being encouraged to try out once more in his junior year, a decision
that would launch his highly esteemed basketball career; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Lanier Jr. went on to win multiple championships
and lead his high school basketball team to Buffalo city titles two
years in a row, before being recruited by more than one hundred colleges
and universities; and

WHEREAS, After deciding on St. Bonaventure University, Robert J.
Lanier Jr. spent four years playing on the university's team, becoming a
three-time Converse All-American and playing in the NCAA Final Four; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Lanier Jr. was the first overall pick for the
Detroit Pistons in the 1970 NBA Draft; after a grueling and demanding
training camp exacerbated by a bad knee injury, he still managed to
mount a successful start to his tenure with the Pistons and became a
star player; and

WHEREAS, This was cemented during the All-Star game on January 15,
1974, where Robert J. Lanier Jr. led with 24 points and was named the
All-Star Games Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, In 1980, Robert J. Lanier Jr. was traded to the Milwaukee
Bucks and during his five-season tenure, they advanced to the Eastern
Conference Finals twice, before he officially retired on September 24,
1984; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Lanier Jr.'s connection with basketball did not
stop there, as he later took on the role of Assistant Coach for the
Golden State Warriors from 1994-95; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Lanier Jr. became a household name within the
sport of basketball and his years of dedication to the game has not only
been an inspiration to his fans, but to his teammates with whom he
shared years of tough losses and great victories; and

WHEREAS, In this regard, it is the responsibility of this
Legislative Body to draw recognition to his great accomplishments and
distinguished life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberation to
mourn the death of Robert Jerry Lanier Jr., celebrated NBA All-Star,
MVP, and beloved coach; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert Jerry Lanier Jr.