On Oct. 16, 1963, Jerry Lucas played his first NBA game, a year after Cincinnati drafted him as a territorial pick.

In 44 minutes at Kiel Auditorium he shot 9-for-14 and 5-for-6 at the line for 23 points and 17 rebounds in a 112-93 win over the Hawks.

Wayne Embry scored 25 and Oscar Robertson had 22 points and 15 assists. Bob Pettit poured in 39 for St. Louis.

Lucas averaged 17.7 points and 17.4 rebounds as a rookie and led the league at .527 from the field.

He won the 1973 title with the Knicks, made seven All-Star teams and entered the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Jerry Lucas, photographed in 1961. Photo: Sport Magazine Archives, resized.

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