Sawt Falasteen - Dick Barnett, two-time NBA champ with Knicks, dies at 88

"We are terribly saddened to hear about the passing of Knicks legend Dr. Richard Barnett," the team said in a statement. "Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick, both on and off the court.

"He left a positive impact on everyone he countered and this organization is incredibly fortunate to have him be such an integral part of its history."

The Knicks gave no details on the cause of death. The New York Times reported Barnett died over the weekend at an assisted living center in Florida.

Barnett, who was the fifth pick in the 1959 NBA draft by the Syracuse Nationals, also played for the Los Angeles Lakers before arriving in New York in 1965.

In nine seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 15.6 points per game and is ninth on their career scoring list.

The left-hander became best known for his unorthodox "Fall back, baby" jump shot -- letting his legs kick back as he lofted up the ball.

The Knicks retired his number 12 jersey in 1990.

Barnett, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the men's veterans category last year, was born in Gary, Indiana, on October 2, 1936.

He led Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University, now Tennessee State, to three straight National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national titles from 1957 to 1959. It was the first historically black college/university to win a national basketball crown.

M.AlAhmad--SF-PST