Walter Dukes
From Hoopedia
Walter F. Dukes (born June 23, 1930 in Rochester, New York, died February 2001 in Detroit, Michigan) was a center for the New York Knickerbockers (1955-56), Minneapolis Lakers (1956-57) and Detroit Pistons (1957-63).
Dukes played high school basketball at Seton Hall Preparatory School, and attended Seton Hall University. He graduated from New York Law School in 1960.
At Seton Hall Dukes hauled in 734 rebounds in 1952-53, a NCAA Division I men's record that still stands. He led the Hall to a 31-2 record and the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) title when that tournament was a prestigious event. He was named an All-American in 1953, after a senior year in which he averaged 26.1 PPG and 22.2 RPG.
Upon graduation Dukes signed a contract with the Harlem Globetrotters, reportedly for an annual salary of $25,000. After two years with the Trotters, Dukes signed with the New York Knicks. A knee injury his rookie year hurt his performance and he was soon traded to the Minneapolis Lakers.
Dukes helped the Lakers win the 1956-57 NBA Western Division in his second season. While with the Pistons, he was named to the 1960 and 1961 NBA All-Star West Teams. Dukes averaged double figures in rebounds in six of his eight seasons in the NBA, and had career averages of 11.3 rebounds per game and 10.4 points per game.
Dukes led the NBA in personal fouls in 1958 (311) and 1959 (332) and led the NBA in disqualifications four consecutive seasons between 1958-59 and 1961-62 — still an NBA record. His 121 career disqualifications (in only eight seasons) rank second in the NBA to Vern Mikkelsen.
On March 14, 2001, Dukes was found dead in his apartment. According to a police spokesman, he had been dead for about a month when his body was found. He died of natural causes, aged 70.
