Lakers Players

Rod Hundley

Rod Hundley

Rodney Clark Hundley (born October 26, 1934 in Charleston, West Virginia) is a former professional basketball player and television broadcaster. Hundley's life has revolved around the game of basketball. His love and talent for the game led him to achieve honors in high school and most notably during his college years. At West Virginia University Hundley played to packed crowds at the Old Field House. His dribbling antics and daredevil maneuvers on the floor led to his popular nickname - Hot Rod Hundley. He has most recently been known as the sports announcer for the Utah Jazz.

A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Hundley’s talent for the game was evident during his youth. In high school, he averaged 30 points per game, breaking the state’s four-year scoring record in just three years. He was named a high school All-American and was offered scholarships to many of the nation’s major universities.

Hundley played for WVU from 1954 to 1957. The Mountaineers made their first NCAA appearance and three total appearances between 1955 and 1957. During his junior year, Hundley averaged 26.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. He scored more than 40 points per game six times, which led to the Mountaineers scoring over 100 points in nine games. The Mountaineers were ranked No. 20 in the nation in 1955 and No. 4 in 1956. Hundley holds a varsity school record with 54 points in a single game against Furman and holds a freshmen team record of 62 points against Ohio University.

Hundley was the fourth player in NCAA history to score more than 2,000 points during his career. He averaged 24.5 points per game for three seasons and finished his collegiate career with 2,180 points. He was a two-time, first team All-American and currently holds eight school records. In 1957, the Cincinnati Royals made Hundley the first pick of the NBA Draft and immediately traded his rights to the Minneapolis Lakers. Hundley played for the Lakers in Minneapolis and Los Angeles from 1957 until 1963, averaging 8.4 points per game and recording over 1,400 assists. He also played in two All Star games.

Prior to becoming the voice of the Jazz in 1974, Hundley worked four seasons for the Phoenix Suns. He was an announcer for five years for CBS where he called four All-Star Games and worked two All-Star Games on ABC Radio.

Hundley had been the only voice for the Jazz until the 2005-2006 season, when Craig Bolerjack took over television duties. Hot Rod continues to provide the radio voice for the Jazz.

In 2000, Hundley graduated from WVU with a bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences, 43 years after leaving his alma mater to play in the NBA. In 1982, he received the NCAA Silver Anniversary All-America Team for distinguished service for his life’s accomplishments, and in 1992, he was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame. He received the NBA’s Distinguished Broadcaster award in 1994. In 2003, Hundley received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame - the only former professional player to achieve such an honor. In June 2004, he was voted into the Utah Broadcast Hall of Fame. He is the author of 'Hot Rod Hundley: The Man With A Lot to Smile About' and 'You Gotta Love It Baby'.

During the off-season, Hundley conducts basketball clinics around the country and works with charities in the Salt Lake City area. Previously, he hosted the Hot Rod Hundley Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit the Salt Lake Shriner’s Hospital.

Hundley, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, has three daughters: Kimberly, Jacquie and Jennifer.

Lakers Players News

Syndicated content not available