Frank Howard Card (December 28, 1944 – April 14, 2021) was an American
basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, most commonly of five players each, opposing one another on a rectangular Basketball court, court, compete with the primary objective of #Shooting, shooting a basketball (ball), basketball (appr ...
player who played five seasons in the
American Basketball Association
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a major men's professional basketball league from 1967 to 1976. The ABA ceased to exist with the ABA–NBA merger, American Basketball Association–National Basketball Association merger in 1976, ...
(ABA).
Born in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...
, he played collegiately for the
South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University (SCSU or SC State) is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. It is the only public, historically black land-grant institution in South Carolina, is a mem ...
.
He was selected by the
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers, colloquially known as the Sixers, are an American professional basketball team based in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The 76ers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eas ...
in the 7th round (77th pick overall) of the
1967 NBA draft
The 1967 NBA draft was the 21st annual draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The draft was held on May 3 and 4, 1967 before the 1967–68 season. In this draft, 12 NBA teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball play ...
.
He played for the
Minnesota Pipers
Minnesota () is a state in the upper midwestern region of the United States. It is the 12th largest U.S. state in area and the 22nd most populous, with over 5.75 million residents. Minnesota is home to western prairies, now given over to i ...
(1968–69),
Washington Caps
The Washington Caps were an American Basketball Association team from 1969 through 1970. The franchise had previously been the Oakland Oaks. From 1970 through 1976 the team played as the Virginia Squires.
Origins
With the formation of the ABA i ...
(1969–70),
Virginia Squires
The Virginia Squires were a basketball team based in Norfolk, Virginia, and playing in several other Virginia cities. They were members of the American Basketball Association from 1970 to 1976.
The team originated in 1967 as the Oakland Oaks, a ...
(1970–71),
Carolina Cougars
The Carolina Cougars were a basketball franchise in the American Basketball Association that existed from 1969 through 1974. The Cougars were originally a charter member of the ABA as the Houston Mavericks in 1967. The Mavericks moved to North Ca ...
(1970–71) and
Denver Rockets
Denver () is a consolidated city and county, the capital, and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Its population was 715,522 at the 2020 census, a 19.22% increase since 2010. It is the 19th-most populous city in the United ...
(1971–73) in the
ABA for 306 games.
Following his retirement from basketball, Card worked for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority for nearly 25 years.
He died on April 14, 2021.
Early life and education
Frank Howard Card was born to Catherine Cheers and Frank Card on December 28, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA. Card graduated from West Philadelphia High School and earned a scholarship to South Carolina State University. His passion in life at that time was to play basketball, and growing up he honed his skills on the playgrounds of his West Philly neighborhood.
Work and career
Card served in the Army from April 1965 for three years.
During this time he started playing for the Baker League,
where he became known for his jumping ability and earned the nick name “Watusi”. He went on to be selected by the 76ers in the 7th round of the 1967 NBA draft. He played for the Minnesota Pipers, Washington Caps, Virginia Squires, Carolina Cougars and Denver Rockets. He also played pro ball in Europe for several years. During that time he also served in the Army from April 1965 to April 1968.
Following his retirement from basketball, Card worked for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority
EPTA EPTA may refer to:
* European Parliamentary Technology Assessment
* European Pulsar Timing Array
* Phosphotungstic acid
* Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, a United Nations aid network
* European Piano Teachers Association
{{Disambiguati ...
for nearly 25 years.
Death and legacy
Card was known for socializing and making friends. His infectious smile, energy and sense of humor was as big as he was. He mentored many of his younger male coworkers who often called him “Mr. Frank”. He showed respect to everyone he met and felt one of the most important jobs he ever had was being a positive role model and father to his two step sons.
Card was honored at the ABA's 50th Anniversary for his professional achievements
and a proud supporter of the Dropping Dimes Foundation.
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Card, Frank
1944 births
2021 deaths
Allentown Jets players
American men's basketball players
Basketball players from Philadelphia
Camden Bullets players
Carolina Cougars players
Denver Rockets players
Minnesota Pipers players
Philadelphia 76ers draft picks
Power forwards
Small forwards
South Carolina State Bulldogs basketball players
Virginia Squires players
Washington Caps players