Bob Love obit

Chicago Bulls mourn the passing of Bob Love

 

He was not on the list.

The Chicago Bulls mourn the passing of Bob Love, who passed away today in Chicago at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer.

Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family. During his nine remarkable seasons with the Bulls. Bob was a three-time NBA All-Star, a tenacious defender, and a cornerstone of our team. With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters, his on-court achievements are forever etched in history, but Bob’s impact transcended basketball. He became an inspirational figure and a passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches. We are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy both on and off the court in Chicago. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Emily, his family, and his many friends.

Additional information regarding memorial services will be shared at a later date.

JERRY REINSDORF, CHICAGO BULLS CHAIRMAN:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bob Love, a true Chicago Bulls legend and beloved human being. Bob is one of the original Bulls greats. During his nine seasons with the Bulls, Bob became a cornerstone of the franchise, and his tenacious defense set high standards for competition and toughness. Toughness was not only a trademark of Bob’s play on the court, but also apparent in his resiliency throughout his basketball career. His impact on the Bulls and the countless lives he touched through his work in the community will keep him in our memories forever.  We send our deepest condolences to Bob’s wife, Emily, and his entire family.  "

MICHAEL REINSDORF, CHICAGO BULLS CHAIRMAN & CEO:

"We are heartbroken by the loss of Bob Love, who leaves a legacy of excellence, resilience, and community impact.  Some of my first basketball memories were of Bob playing for the Bulls, and it was an honor to get to know him as a colleague and friend.  Bob worked for years for the Bulls as a community ambassador, spending countless hours sharing motivational messages with fans.  Bob will always be remembered for the kindness and determination he demonstrated throughout his career on and off the court, and his unwavering commitment to helping others."

The Bulls said Love died after a long battle with cancer.

Love averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds during his nine seasons with the team.

“With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters, his on-court achievements are forever etched in history, but Bob’s impact transcended basketball,” the Bulls said in a statement. “He became an inspirational figure and a passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches. We are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy both on and off the court in Chicago.”

Growing up in northern Louisiana, Love was one of 14 children. He was nicknamed “Butterbean” because he liked lima beans.

The 6-foot-8 Love starred at Southern University in Baton Rouge before he was selected by Cincinnati in the fourth round of the 1965 NBA draft. He played for the Royals for two seasons before he was taken by Milwaukee in the expansion draft in 1968.

Some of his former teammates and coaches include: Dick Motta, Oscar Robertson, Chet Walker, Freddie Lewis, Flynn Robinson, Jerry Lucas, Jon McGlocklin, Happy Hairston, Connie Dierking, Len Chappell, George Wilson, Walt Wesley, Jim Ware, Ed Rucker, Louis Jacobs, Bill Dinwiddie, Guy Rodgers, Tom Van Arsdale, John Tresvant, John E. Erickson, Larry Costello, Johnny Egan, Wayne Embry, Dave Gambee, Jay Miller, Bob Weiss, Tom Thacker, Dick Klein, Bob Boozer, Tom Boerwinkle, Jerry Sloan, Clem Haskins, Loy Petersen, Pat Williams, Ed Manning, Shaler Halimon, Bob Kauffman, Jim King, Matt Guokas, Johnny Baum, Jimmy Collins, Norm Van Lier,  Clifford Ray, Garfield Heard, Dennis Awtrey, Rick Adelman, Mickey Johnson, Nate Thurmond, Jack Marin and John Block.

 

Career history

1965–1966            Trenton Colonials

1966–1968            Cincinnati Royals

1968            Milwaukee Bucks

1968–1976            Chicago Bulls

1976–1977            New York Nets

1977    Seattle SuperSonics

Career highlights and awards

3× NBA All-Star (1971–1973)

2× All-NBA Second Team (1971, 1972)

3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1972–1974)

No. 10 retired by Chicago Bulls

EPBL Rookie of the Year (1966)

2× NAIA All-American (1963, 1965)

3× First-team All-SWAC (1963–1965)

No. 41 retired by Southern Jaguars

Career NBA statistics

Points   13,895 (17.6 ppg)

Rebounds            4,653 (5.9 rpg)

Assists  1,123 (1.4 apg)