Ricky Gallon, former Louisville basketball star under Denny Crum, NBA player, dies
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Former Louisville basketball player Ricky Gallon, the first native of Tampa, Florida, to get drafted into the NBA, has died. He was 67.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay announced Gallon’s death in an Instagram post Friday. According to the city’s Spectrum News affiliate, the former Cardinal had been involved in the organization since 1995.
“Ricky’s passion for Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay was evident in everything he did,” the post reads. “He poured his heart into serving the children and communities we support, always going above and beyond to ensure every young person had the opportunity to reach their full potential and that every team member had a lending hand. His deep love for the kids and teens he connected with over his 30-plus-year career, and his unwavering belief in our mission, left a lasting impression on all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him.
“Together, our Boys & Girls Clubs family will celebrate Ricky’s shining life and carry forward the legacy he left behind in service to our mission.”
A 6-foot-11 center, Gallon played in 117 games for U of L and Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum from 1974-78, averaging 11.6 points on 55.2% shooting with 6.6 rebounds across 26.6 minutes per appearance. He ranks 28th among the program’s all-time leading scorers with 1,355 points.
The Cards went 92-25 during Gallon’s career and reached the NCAA Tournament three times — advancing to the Final Four in 1975 and the Sweet 16 in 1978.
Gallon made history in his hometown when the Buffalo Braves selected him with the 51st overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft. Per Spectrum News, he spent three seasons in the NBA and 17 in Europe before retiring to Tampa with his wife and two children.
After having such a positive experience with the Boys & Girls Club as a youngster, he decided to team up with the organization for a full-time job.
“I wanted to be a coach or a teacher; because I felt like I had something to give back,” Gallon told the television station during a 2023 interview. “My mom always taught us about sharing.”
This story will be updated.
Reach Louisville men’s basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
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