Rare Photos of Len Bias

SI Staff | Mar 14, 2011

Rare Photos of Len Bias /

Rare Photos of Len Bias

It's been 25 years since the death of Maryland hoops star Len Bias, who led Maryland to the second round of the 1986 NCAA Tournament. During his four-year career, Bias never made it past the Sweet 16. The 22-year-old forward died from cardiac arrest caused by a cocaine overdose on June 19, 1986, two days after being selected with the second overall pick by the Boston Celtics. Here are some rare photos of the former Terrapin. Bias is defended by North Carolina guard Michael Jordan. On the night Bias was drafted, Boston scouts compared him to the Bulls guard and many felt the two would continue their ACC-born rivalry for years to come.

Bias recorded 87 blocked shots in his four seasons at Maryland. Here he attempts to swat a shot against Duke in 1984.

Joel Richardson/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Though he was known as a scorer (he averaged 23 points per game his senior season), Bias also boasted one of the most impressive physiques in college basketball and averaged six rebounds per game over his four seasons at Maryland.

Bias was one of the nation's most gifted athletes and his high-flying dunks made him a highlight reel.

After averaging just 22 minutes per game as a freshman, Bias towered over the competition his final three years, culminating in averages of 23 points and seven rebound per game his senior season.

Bias shows off the leaping ability that wowed fans, NBA scouts and even Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who has been quoted as saying that Bias and Michael Jordan are the two best players to come through the ACC during his tenure.

Bias blossomed into the ACC Player of the Year as a junior in 1985 and again in 1986, joining Dickie Hemric (Duke), Len Chappell (Wake Forest), Larry Miller (North Carolina), John Roche (South Carolina), David Thompson (N.C. State, three-time winner) and Ralph Sampson (Virgina, three-time winner) as the only players to repeat. He was later joined by Danny Ferry (Duke), Tim Duncan (Wake Forest) and J.J. Redick (Duke).

Maryland cheerleaders proudly display a cutout of Bias.

Bias throws down a two-handed flush against UNLV in the 1986 NCAA tournament. Bias and Maryland were a five-seed but lost to UNLV in the second round of the tourney.

Bias dons a Celtics cap on June 17, 1986, the night he was drafted. The Maryland star never had the chance to wear a green and white jersey as he was pronounced dead nearly 48 hours after the draft. Bias was allegedly celebrating with former college friends in a Maryland dormitory when he stopped breathing after a cocaine overdose.

The top five overall picks from the 1986 NBA draft smile as they flaunt their respective team caps. From left to right are Ken Walker, Chuck Person, Brad Daugherty, Bias, and Chris Washburn.

Bias poses with a metallic green Celtics jacket moments after being selected with the second overall pick. There's no telling how many more banners the Celtics could have added to the rafters had Bias played.

Published Mar 14, 2011

SI STAFF