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Most everybody knows Billy Cunningham is a superb basketball player. Most everybody knows he played for the 76ers and helped them win a world championship. He also coached the Sixers and helped them win another World Championship. So what gives Billy these championship seasons?
William John Cunningham was born on June 3, 1943 at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital to Helen Luxton Cunningham and John Cunningham, both New Yorkers.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Cunningham was surrounded by a loving family including a sister, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. But someone especially dear to him was his grandfather, John. Billy's grandfather, along with being a great baseball player, also gave Cunningham something else - his height - as he was extremely tall.
"When I was growing up in the late 40's, Brooklyn was very much like Northeast Philly with clean row houses consisting of various ethnic families including Irish, Italian, and Jewish.
As a child, Cunningham attended St. Rose of Lima Grade School. He was taught by the disciplinarians of the Catholic Church, the Sacred Heart Brothers. Academically, he did well, but especially enjoyed history.
From the time he would walk, Cunningham was always involved with sports including baseball and basketball. As both his father and grandfather were athletes, it would follow so would the son.
Cunningham's high school years were terrific. Originally, he was scheduled to attend St. Francis Prep on a basketball scholarship, but when the Cunningham's went to register they were informed there was no basketball scholarship. So John Cunningham, the quick thinker, marched down the street to Erasmus High School and enrolled his son there.
As usual, Cunningham was a good student who thoroughly enjoyed history. "I was part of a group of guys who were quiet, but cool", quips Billy C.
Ironically, one of basketball's greatest only took up basketball because he got bored with baseball, his other love.
"When I was 15 years old, the Milwaukee Braves heard about my above average baseball playing. They wanted to sign me up but my father insisted I get an education. End of discussion," remembers Cunningham.
At Erasmus, he tried out for freshman basketball and made it. Sophomore year he made varsity and ditto-junior year. Apparently, his athletic prowess was getting known as the Cunningham household was inundated with letters from the top Division I basketball schools. Word spread about the talented boy from Erasmus.
Senior year, however, was one of the best high school years. Erasmus won the city championship and Cunningham was elected captain of the basketball team.
He also made one of his most important decisions - where to go to college. Cunningham chose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill playing for Frank McGuire.
Cunningham was thrilled to be going to UNC. He was, however, a tad homesick and went through a period of adjustment. But Coach McGuire persevered and Billy blossomed under his tutelage.
As things happened, McGuire left the following year, and Dean Smith, the winningest coach in college basketball, took his place. His record at UNC is a record-winning unsurpassed 36-year winning streak.
Sophomore year was an eventful one for Cunningham for two reasons. The first being a new kid with the name of "Larry Brown" joined the team. This new kid was a marvelous player. Cunningham says, "Larry Brown was a dynamic player who could rip your head off on the court."
The second reason sophomore year was interesting is that during practice in the beginning of the year, the public relations guy from UNC watched Cunningham play. He watched until he saw him jump really high - like a kangaroo. Hence, Cunningham's new moniker, "The Kangaroo Kid" was born. This incredible jumping ability is just a God-given talent.
Spiritually, Cunningham would always make Sunday Mass at school. He would also see to it that his Catholic friends would be there, too.
Junior year was uneventful except for the fact he met a lovely Southern woman named Sondra Childress from Greensboro, NC. majoring in elementary education. They got engaged in 1965 and were married May 14, 1967.
Graduating in 1967 with a B.A., in History, Cunningham was the first round pick drafted by the 76ers. Incredibly, he didn't know about it, as it wasn't the big deal it is today. "I didn't even realize I got drafted until a sportswriter called and said I was going to Philly" remembers Cunningham. What a difference 35 years make. He also remembers his salary for the first year with the Sixers was -- $12,500.
The Cunningham's lived in Narberth for three years where Sondra taught preschool. Children came along including Stephanie, born in 1969, and Heather, born in 1974.
Nineteen sixty-six was the magical year for the Sixers. The team included Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Chet Walker, Wally Jones, Luke Jackson, Matty Goukas and Billy Melchionne. It was the penultimate year for Philadelphia basketball as the Sixers won the World Championship.
Cunningham played with the team for nine additional years, then left to play for the Carolina Cougars of the ABA (now defunct). He left the Sixers on good terms.
Returning to Philly in 1973 to play for another Philly legend, Dr. Jack Ramsay, and gave his all to the team. In 1975, he tore his knee and that just about ended his playing career.
Pat Williams, then general manager of the Sixers, and Fitz Eugene Dixon, then president of the Sixers, asked Cunningham to become coach of the team. He got together a dream team that consisted of Dr. J. "Julius Erving"; Moses Malone; Mo Cheeks; Bobby Jones, and Andrew Toney. That dream team and Cunningham's coaching talent produced another World Championship in 1983 as the Sixers beat the L.A. Lakers in the Forum for the title. "Winning in the L.A. Forum was great, but the parade in Philly was the best. One million people in the city came out to celebrate," remembers Cunningham.
He parted company with Sixers and shortly became a commentator for CBS Sports for the NCAA Tournament and the NBA Finals. He also was one of the partners in the new Miami Heat basketball team that started in 1987.
Still living in our area, Cunningham has always been a successful businessman with an eye for talent. He has also done his homework as is evidenced by his purchase of Cunningham's Court, a newly refurbished bar/restaurant on River Road in West Conshohocken. He did this before the Borough was the hot spot it is today. He had vision. He knew what the future would bring - rebirth and success. This establishment has been a mainstay for over 17 years.
Always a man who is there for others, Cunningham is proud to be a member of St. Gertrude's Church for over 30 years. Recently, pastor Fr. McLaughlin asked him if he wanted to become a Eucharistic minister (assist with Holy Communion). He said he would be honored. Cunningham tries to serve his duty at least once a month.
Cunningham, who is listed as one of the 50 greatest basketball players, also cares about others.
When West Conshy and other boroughs had the three-day bucket brigade for the 9/11 tragedy, the Borough collected almost $80,000. To make it an even number, Cunningham opened his heart - and his wallet - and added money so that the total would be over $80,000. The terrorism attacks held significance for Cunningham as his father, John, was a former assistant chief of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) from 1945 to 1965.
Friends with famous celebrities and sports personalities, Cunningham is always doing for others with his philanthropy. "As president of the Sixers, Billy was instrumental in helping me to get to Larry Brown, his old classmate from UNC. Personally, Billy is a special man, a great athlete, businessman, and coach. He does good for the community," states Pat Croce, former president of the Philadelphia 76ers.
To brush elbows with basketball royalty, pop into Cunningham's Court in West Conshy. Look at all the basketball memorabilia on the walls. Then you'll know why a kid born in Brooklyn calls West Conshy home!
