“Shu” was an active member of basketball in the Valley.
Former Phoenix Sun John Shumate passed away Monday morning. He was 72 years old. Shumate was drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the 4th overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft out of the University of Notre Dame. “Shu” played just 1 season with the Suns, but he also served in various front office positions for Phoenix after his 5 year NBA career, and was the head coach for the Phoenix Mercury in 2003.
Shumate played his college ball at Notre Dame. Shumate was on the Irish team that ended UCLA’s 88-game winning streak. He scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Bill Walton-led Bruins.
John Shumate, 6-9 center on Notre Dame’s ‘74 team that ended UCLA’s 88-game win streak, has died. He was 72. His playing college & NBA career was plagued by blood clots. Drafted 4th overall by the Suns, he worked for the team as an assistant, scout & within the community.
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) February 3, 2025
Shumate earned all-rookie honors for the 1975-76 season after missing the previous season due to an illness. Later, he was traded to the Buffalo Braves for Garfield Heard. Yes, that guy.
John Shumate #Braves #NBA pic.twitter.com/hDKKIEVGvv
— kelly Hammond (@kellyHammo71824) June 8, 2024
After he retired, Shumate coached the Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team from 1983-86. As noted, he coached the Mercury for one season served in the Suns front office, and was an assistant coach for the 2009-10 season.
Rest easy Shu…
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