Norman Taylor (basketball)
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 10, 1965 undrafted |
| Playing career | 1989–1991 |
| Position | Center |
| Number | 42 |
| Career history | |
| 1989–1991 | Illawarra Hawks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Norman Taylor (September 10, 1965 – November 14, 2020)
College career
Born and raised in
NBL career
In 1989, Taylor moved to Australia to play for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL.[6] He played 67 games for the Hawks over three seasons. He averaged 27.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in his career and was selected to play in the NBL All-Star game in both 1989 and 1990. As of November 2020, he is the only Hawks player ever to score 50 points in a game when he posted 54 against the Eastside Spectres in May 1990 on 22-from-29 shooting from the field and 13 rebounds. He also became the first Hawks player to record a triple-double in the NBL when he recorded 27 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds against Newcastle in 1991. He was named the Hawks' Club MVP in each of his three seasons and his career shooting percentage from the field of 65.2% remains the best in NBL history by any player. He also led the NBL in field goal shooting in 1990 at 67% and in 1991 at 70%.[7] As of September 2017, his 1990 season is considered the greatest individual statistical season in NBL history.[8]
In January 2018, Taylor was named one of the 12 Greatest Hawks of All Time by the Illawarra Mercury.[9]
Post-playing career and personal life
Taylor remained in Australia following his three-year NBL stint, settling down in New South Wales. He was well known in the Illawarra region and in the Wollongong suburb of Woonona.[6] He ran a successful chicken shop and worked for Qantas.[10] He had two sons, Jordan and Adonis, who both played basketball for Illawarra under age sides.[11]
Taylor died from a heart attack at age 55 on November 14, 2020.[1][6]
References
- ^ a b "Norman Taylor". Divinity Funerals. November 17, 2020. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Welch, Matt (November 17, 2020). "NBL and Moss Vale Magic legend, Norman Taylor passes away". illawarramercury.com.au. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
He stood as tall as the New York skyline in which he was raised. Born in New York, 1965 and standing at six foot seven, Norman Taylor was a beast on the court, but a gentleman off of it.
- ^ a b c Geary, Leslie (September 27, 2011). "UB to induct five new members to Athletic Hall of Fame on November 5". bridgeport.edu. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020.
- ^ a b c "2011 UB Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony Set For Saturday, November 5th". ubknights.com. October 25, 2011. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020.
- ^ "NABC Division II All-America Teams". nabc.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020.
- ^ a b c Fuller, Kelly (November 15, 2020). "Illawarra Hawks great 'Stormin' Norman Taylor dies aged 55". abc.net.au. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
- ^ "Vale Norman Taylor". NBL.com.au. November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
- ^ Boyce, Dan (September 18, 2017). "THE GREATEST SEASONS IN NBL HISTORY, AS PER THE NUMBERS". aussiehoopla.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020.
- ^ "Your 12 greatest Illawarra Hawks of all time revealed". illawarramercury.com.au. January 13, 2018. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018.
- ^ Barrow, Tim (November 15, 2020). "Stormin' Norman Taylor leaves giant Illawarra Hawks legacy". illawarramercury.com.au. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020.
- ^ Keeble, Tim (February 6, 2009). "Hawks demise leaves big Norm devastated". illawarramercury.com.au. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.