Bluejay Great Paul Silas Dies at 79

Paul Silas, Creighton's first Academic All-American and one of the top players in Bluejay men's basketball history, has passed away at the age of 79. Bob Ryan, longtime Boston Globe reporter and a close friend of Silas over many decades, reported the news on Sunday morning.

Silas was recruited to Creighton by John J. "Red" McManus out of McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., the same high school that produced Bill Russell. Silas arrived on campus in 1960 when freshmen were ineligible to play for the varsity but quickly made a difference a year later when he led CU to the 1961-62 NCAA Tournament and the team closed with a 21-5 record. His 1963-64 team returned to the Big Dance and finished 22-7.

Silas is the only player in NCAA history with three or more seasons of 557 rebounds and owns the top three single-season rebound totals in Bluejay annals, including 631 as a senior in 1963-64. That figure remains fifth-most in NCAA history and is the most by any player since 1960. He's first in CU history with 1,751 rebounds, ninth in career points (1,661), third in career scoring average (20.51) and also in the top-10 in field goals made (8th) and free throws made (6th).

Silas' 21.6 career rebounds per game are third-most in NCAA history and his 1,751 rebounds are sixth in NCAA history as well as the most ever by a three-year player. Silas, along with Bill Russell, Julius Erving, Artis Gilmore and Kermit Washington is one of five players to average at least 20 points and 20 rebounds for an NCAA career. Silas owns the top 29 single-game rebound performances in Creighton history, including a 38 rebound effort vs. Centenary on Feb. 19, 1962 that ranks tied for ninth-most in NCAA history.

He was the first Creighton student-athlete to be named an Academic All-American in 1963-64, was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society, and received the College of Business Administration's Alumni Merit Award in 1993. In an old article, Silas boasted about his education, saying "I'm more proud of my academic success at Creighton than of all my athletic accomplishments. What Creighton University does for an athlete or any student is that they teach you how to think, how to deal with everyday living. What I learned at Creighton has helped me close the gap between professional sports and the business world."

A two-time All-Star and five-time NBA All-Defensive team member, he scored 11,782 points and grabbed 12,357 rebounds while winning three titles (Boston 1974 & 1976, Seattle 1979) during a 16-year NBA career from 1964-80. He later coached 12 seasons in the NBA for the Clippers, Hornets, Bobcats and Cavalier organizations. He was LeBron James' first NBA head coach. His son, Stephen, is the current head coach of the NBA's Houston Rockets.

Paul Silas was inducted into the Creighton Athletics Hall of Fame in 1974, the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame in 2012 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

JohnnyBish1971 · Paul Silas

I am very sad to report that the Great Paul Silas has died at age 79. To watch him play was a joy. To be his friend was an honor.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) December 11, 2022

Paul Silas was a three-time NBA champion and a premier rebounder and defender during his 16 seasons before serving as coach for over two decades, including several years with Stephen working alongside him. pic.twitter.com/T96CohogP6
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 11, 2022

RIP to Hall of Famer, 3X NBA Champion, and my guy Paul Silas. Paul made a huge contribution to the game of basketball and will be sorely missed! Cookie and I send our prayers and condolences to the entire Silas family ??????
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 11, 2022

The Hornets organization mourns the loss of one of our all-time greats, Paul Silas. ?? Chairman Michael Jordan released the following statement. — Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 11, 2022

Rest in Power, Coach! pic.twitter.com/qauzqSGezM — Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 11, 2022

An intense and driven player on the court, the personable and gracious Silas was an ambassador for the sport of basketball and a gentleman off the court. The Boston Celtics mourn his passing and extend our sympathies to his family and loved ones. (2/2)
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 11, 2022

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Creighton legend, Paul Silas. His illustrious career as a player and coach, will be matched by few. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. ???? pic.twitter.com/YYNwkYTQmU
— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) December 11, 2022

We lost one of Creighton's best - a true Bluejay legend in many ways. My condolences to the Silas family. ???? https://t.co/hYKE34x16W
— Marcus Blossom (@MarcusBlossom) December 11, 2022

Rest in Peace to a basketball legend ???? pic.twitter.com/dehuwwoNuG
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 11, 2022

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Creighton basketball legend and NBA All-Star and coach Paul Silas. He was a tremendous athlete and person and a champion for the transformative power of education. Our prayers are with his family and those whose lives he touched.
— Creighton President (@CreightonPres) December 11, 2022

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