Bill justus obituary – An All-American Guard and Beloved Sports Figure Passes at 76

Bill justus obituary – An All-American Guard and Beloved Sports Figure Passes at 76

Bill Justus: A Legendary Sports Figure at Fulton High School and the University of Tennessee

Bill Justus, a legendary sports figure at Fulton High School and the University of Tennessee, left a lasting impact on both institutions. Before graduating from Fulton in 1965, Justus excelled in both football and basketball, earning All-State honors in both sports. His athletic abilities earned him a football scholarship at the University of Tennessee, where he played on the freshman team in 1965 before transitioning to focus solely on basketball. Justus made his mark as a three-year starter for the Vols, serving as captain during his senior year in 1968-69.

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At Fulton High School and UT, Bill Justus was adored by his teammates and fans alike. Known for his skills on the court and field, he inspired those around him with his dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership qualities. His presence was felt not only through his performance but also through his gentlemanly conduct both on and off the court. Justus became a hero to many during his time at Fulton and UT, leaving a lasting legacy that would make him unforgettable.

• All-State football player in 1964
• All-State basketball player in 1964 and 1965
• Received All-America honorable mention for football in 1964
• All-America in basketball in 1965

Bill Justus: Achievements as an All-American Guard for Tennessee Basketball

As an All-American guard for Tennessee basketball, Bill Justus achieved tremendous success during his collegiate career. In the 1966-67 season, Justus played an instrumental role in leading the Vols to an SEC championship victory. He was named first-team All-SEC in both the 1967-68 and 1968-69 seasons, showcasing his exceptional skills on the court. Justus’ ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him a force to be reckoned with.

One of the most memorable moments in Justus’ college basketball career came during the SEC title-clinching win against Mississippi State in 1967. In a thrilling game that went into multiple overtimes, Justus displayed nerves of steel as he sank two crucial free throws late in the game, securing the victory for the Vols. Legendary broadcaster John Ward immortalized this moment with his iconic call: “The SEC championship, wrap it in orange and white, send it to Gibbs Hall, care of Billy Justus.”

Key Achievements:

• All-American guard for Tennessee basketball
• SEC championship win in 1966-67 season
• Named first-team All-SEC in 1967-68 and 1968-69 seasons

The Impact of Bill Justus on Teammates and Fans at Fulton High School and UT

Bill Justus left an indelible impact on his teammates and fans at both Fulton High School and the University of Tennessee. His exceptional talent as an athlete was only matched by his leadership qualities and sportsmanship. Justus inspired those around him with his dedication to his craft, his unwavering work ethic, and his ability to elevate the performance of those playing alongside him.

As a captain during his senior year at UT, Justus served as a role model for younger players, guiding them both on and off the court. His presence brought out the best in everyone around him, fostering camaraderie and teamwork within the team. Fans, on the other hand, admired Justus for his skills and unwavering commitment to the game. He became a beloved figure, cherished by generations who witnessed his extraordinary athletic prowess.

Impact of Bill Justus:

• Inspired teammates with leadership and sportsmanship
• Elevated the performance of those playing alongside him
• Brought out the best in everyone through his presence and guidance
• Admired by fans for his skills and commitment to the game

Bill Justus: A Successful Free-Throw Shooter Throughout His Career

Bill Justus was known for his exceptional free-throw shooting skills throughout his basketball career. During the 1968-69 season at the University of Tennessee, he made an impressive 90.5% of his 147 free-throw attempts, earning him the highest percentage that season. He ended his collegiate career with a remarkable 85% free-throw shooting accuracy, ranking him second in Tennessee history with 338 made out of 398 attempts. This ability to consistently convert from the charity stripe made him a valuable asset to his teams, as he could reliably score points even when faced with tight defenses.

Contributions to Team Success

Justus’ proficiency in free-throw shooting played a crucial role in helping Tennessee secure victories during important games. One notable example was in the SEC championship win against Mississippi State in 1967. As a sophomore guard, Justus calmly sank two crucial free throws late in the third overtime, sealing the win for the Vols and securing the conference title. The legendary broadcaster John Ward captured this moment perfectly with his memorable call: “The SEC championship, wrap it in orange and white, send it to Gibbs Hall, care of Billy Justus.” These clutch performances under pressure showcased Justus’ composure and skill as a free-throw shooter.

Legacy and Recognition

The high level of success Bill Justus achieved as a free-throw shooter has left a lasting impact on Tennessee basketball history. His name is still held in high regard among fans and players alike. In recognition of his accomplishments, Justus was inducted into both the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. His ability to consistently convert from the free-throw line serves as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players, emphasizing the importance of mastering this fundamental aspect of the game.

Highlights of Bill Justus’ College Basketball Career, Including SEC Championship Win in 1967

Throughout his college basketball career at the University of Tennessee, Bill Justus achieved numerous highlights and notable accomplishments. One of the most memorable moments came during the 1966-67 season when he helped lead the Vols to an SEC championship victory.

SEC Championship Victory

In 1967, Justus played a pivotal role in Tennessee’s SEC championship win against Mississippi State. This hard-fought game went into triple overtime, with both teams battling fiercely for the title. As a sophomore guard, Justus rose to the occasion and made crucial contributions down the stretch. His composure and skill were on full display as he sank two important free throws late in the third overtime, securing the victory for Tennessee. This moment became etched in Tennessee basketball lore and further solidified Justus’ status as a legendary figure within the program.

All-SEC Recognition

Apart from his team’s success, Justus individually stood out with stellar performances that earned him esteemed recognition. He received first-team All-SEC honors in both the 1967-68 and 1968-69 seasons. This accolade underscored his consistent excellence on the court and solidified his reputation as one of the top players in the conference during that era. Justus’ impact on Tennessee basketball extended beyond championships and individual honors; his contributions left an enduring legacy that continues to be celebrated by fans of Volunteer athletics.

Bill Justus’ Professional Career After UT: Draft Selections by NBA, ABA, and NFL Teams

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Following his successful collegiate career at Tennessee, Bill Justus had opportunities to pursue professional careers not just in basketball, but also in football.

1969 NBA and ABA Draft Selections

Justus’ basketball talents caught the attention of both the NBA and ABA. In the 1969 NBA Draft, he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 10th round, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level of professional basketball. Additionally, he was also chosen in the ABA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, highlighting his appeal to teams in multiple leagues. These draft selections illustrated Justus’ versatility and demonstrated the recognition of his skills by professional scouts and coaches.

Draft Selection by NFL Team

Despite being primarily known for his prowess on the basketball court, Bill Justus also garnered interest from professional football teams. The Dallas Cowboys picked him in the 15th round of the NFL Draft, recognizing his athletic ability and potential contributions on the gridiron. This dual-sport recognition further attests to Justus’ remarkable athleticism and versatility as an athlete.

Contributions of Bill Justus to the Basketball Community After Retirement: Teaching Ball-Handling Skills and Analyst Work

Even after retiring from his playing career, Bill Justus continued to make meaningful contributions to the basketball community through teaching and analysis.

Teaching Ball-Handling Skills

Justus shared his wealth of knowledge and skills with aspiring players by teaching ball-handling and shooting techniques. He conducted clinics and basketball camps across the country on behalf of Converse, a renowned sports brand. Through these instructional sessions, he imparted valuable insights to coaches and young athletes, helping them improve their ball-handling abilities and overall understanding of the game.

Analyst Work

In addition to coaching, Justus transitioned into an analyst role after retirement. He joined the Vol Radio Network as an analyst, providing expert commentary and insights on Tennessee basketball games. Justus thoroughly enjoyed this new role, stating that he loved being around a different generation of players and getting to know their perspectives. His experience as a former player and his deep understanding of the game made his analysis highly insightful and valued by listeners.

Overall, Bill Justus’ post-retirement contributions reflect his enduring passion for basketball and dedication to giving back to the sport that brought him so much success. Whether through teaching or analysis, Justus continued to impact the basketball community in meaningful ways, leaving a lasting legacy beyond his playing days.

In remembrance of the legendary figure, we honor their immense contributions and impact. Their legacy will forever inspire and resonate in the hearts of those who admired them. Though they may no longer be with us, their spirit lives on through the memories and lessons they left behind.

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