Darnell Valentine made his mark in the NBA

In my last blog entry, I wrote about Darnell Valentine’s jersey retirement in Allen Fieldhouse in 2005. Now, I feature him again with a story about his NBA career. I rank Valentine as the No. 3 former Jayhawk guard with the best NBA career behind Jo Jo White and Kirk Hinrich. And I have D.V. as the No. 11 ex-’Hawk overall with the top NBA career.

Like I did with Paul Mokeski, yet even more so, I followed Valentine’s pro career religiously as my fandom reached new heights. Every time he was on TV, it was like Hanukkah, a time to celebrate and rejoice with my dad in watching my childhood hero perform on basketball’s greatest stage. I remember getting so nervous when he was at the free throw line; I wanted so much for the ball to swish through the net. And when he missed, which wasn’t very often (78.7 percent career free throws), I felt badly for him. 

I would also listen to his games on the AM radio and chart his statistics for the season. Following Darnell in the NBA became a central part of my life in high school and college. The first thing I did when I got the paper was look at the box scores to see how Darnell performed the previous night. I cheered his successes and became saddened whenever he was injured. Once in college at KU, after he suffered an injury while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, I took a break from studying in the stacks of Watson Library and wrote a long, heartfelt letter to him, closing with an inspirational poem about D.V. taking the ball coast to coast and scoring a layup over Moses Malone.

It was a letter I needed to write; I had to let my childhood hero know how important he was to me.

Several months later, Darnell wrote me back as I leaped for joy when the letter arrived in my mailbox. Oh, I’ll never forget that letter postmarked Dec. 17, 1986 written on stationary from the Holiday Inn Westwood Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles:

“Dear David: How are ya? I’ve spent a lot of time in Lawrence this summer and I’m surprised I didn’t meet you. But I received your letter, and it was really inspiring. I appreciate your support and loyalty. The amazing thing that may surprise you is fan support goes a long, long way and it makes the game of basketball that much more enjoyable. Kansas is truly a beautiful place with beautiful people and I’m proud to be a part of it. Thank you and take care. God Bless, Darnell.”

I’ve always appreciated Darnell for taking the time to write me back, and will forever cherish that letter. 

I ached for D.V. to reach the upper rank of NBA point guards, and while it never happened, I always admired his tenacious defense and how hard he worked and competed to become the best player possible.

...

Darnell Valentine first exploded on the national scene the summer after his junior year at Wichita Heights at Howard Garfinkel’s prestigious Five-Star camp in Wheeling, W.Va. After Valentine’s performance, Garfinkel simply gushed that he was the best guard in the history of the camp, even superior to Butch Lee of Marquette and Phil Sellers of Rutgers.

Scouts continued to rave over Valentine’s game as the phenom joined Kansas basketball. During his sophomore year in 1978 while scouting at the Big Eight Holiday Tournament in Kansas City, Boston Celtics general manager Red Auerbach was awed over Valentine’s skills.

“Valentine is quicker than Jo Jo (White) and he penetrates better,” Auerbach told The Sporting News in comparing him to the former Celtics’ star (1969-1979) who was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame last September.

As Valentine earned All-American honors his senior year in 1981 and prepared for the NBA Draft, Auerbach predicted the Wichita native was destined for stardom.

“He is,” Auerbach marveled, “going to be a great one.”

While Valentine never lived up to the hype, he had a very commendable nine-year NBA career and was a true defensive wizard with an unwavering work ethic. The 6-1 guard’s career all began with the Portland Trail Blazers, who chose him as the No. 16 pick in the first round of the draft.

After learning the ropes his rookie season under starter Kelvin Ransey and averaging 6.4 points per game, Valentine became the starting point guard in Year 2. Portland head coach Jack Ramsay was so high on Valentine that he raved about him to Sports Illustrated just before his second season.

"Darnell Valentine may be the best point guard in the NBA, you'll see," Ramsay said.

Valentine averaged a career-high 12.5 points and 2.1 steals per game in 1982-83, endearing himself to Ramsay and Blazers fans with his nonstop hustle, defensive prowess, and charming personality.

"He's a fierce competitor," Ramsay told "The Complete Handbook of Pro Basketball." "He never stops. He's never going to be outplayed."

Unfortunately, Valentine never rose to NBA stardom despite his outstanding defense and great playmaking and penetration ability. He was a questionable outside shooter, battled injuries, and was constantly fighting for minutes with fellow point guards Lafayette Lever and Steve Colter in Portland. He also played in a complex halfcourt offense under Ramsay, which restricted his freedom.

Then with the arrival of rookie and future All-Star Terry Porter in 1985-86, the Blazers dealt Valentine to NBA purgatory with the woeful Los Angeles Clippers for a first-round draft pick, where he played in obscurity for two and a half seasons before finishing his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers (two seasons) at age 31 in 1991.

Valentine talked about that trade to Los Angeles to the Oregonian in 2009.

"It was an open competition in training camp (with Colter and Porter), and I came out the starter," Valentine said. "I was playing well, but then they wanted to change directions."

Before the Clippers’ deal, a trade to Indiana fell apart as Valentine became “a lame duck.”

"Everything was so abrupt. So I passed the baton to Terry,” Valentine said of Porter, who became an All-Star and one of the top assist men in NBA annals.

Valentine, who was ranked the No. 33 best player in Trail Blazers' history by the Oregonian in 2009, always elevated his game in the playoffs for Portland. He averaged 12.0 points, 6.8 assists, and shot a scorching 88.4 percent from free throw line during the postseason, and is tied for the team record for most assists in a playoff game with 15. Valentine, who averaged 18.4 points and 8.4 assists in a playoff series with Phoenix in 1984, also ranks fifth all time in Blazer history in playoff assists.

"I was never the greatest player during the season," Valentine said. "But when it got to playoffs, I think teams were so intent on stopping our strengths – (Jim) Paxson and (Calvin) Natt – that it allowed me to make things happen."

Valentine, whose trademark was his tree-trunk thighs, has a favorite story about his time in Rip City.

"I had those big legs, which were probably my rite to passage,” he said. “Well, there was another player in the league who had big legs too – World B. Free – and Mychal Thompson would never let me hear the end of it. He always wondered why I couldn't jump like World B. Free. So he always called me 'Ground Jordan'."

While he wasn’t a leaper, Valentine was the consummate and unselfish point guard for Ramsay. The Hall of Famer and late Portland head man loved coaching Valentine and greatly admired his work ethic.

Under the caption, “Heart of a Champion,” here’s what Ramsay wrote in his 2004 book, “Dr. Jack’s Leadership Lessons learned from a Lifetime in Basketball”:

“Many of the players I coached who weren’t among the team’s most gifted players were the hardest workers and made maximum use of their skills. Darnell Valentine was perhaps the most self-disciplined player I ever dealt with.

“DV — who had watermelon-sized quads, a strong upper body and excellent quickness handling the ball and defending — worked fanatically on his conditioning.  He was on the floor an hour before practice, working on his defensive footwork, pull-up jumpers, or full-court drives to the hoop. Then he would stretch for about 15 minutes before the team practice began. He was also extremely careful about his diet. He ate primarily foods high in carbohydrates and supplemented them with enough protein and fat to fuel his extraordinary energy level. Valentine even brought his own food blender with him on road trips and often boarded the team bus carrying large bags of fruit and veggies, which he offered to everyone. In addition to his fierce work ethic, relentless self-discipline and powerful will to win, he always wore a smile and was one of the best team players I ever coached.”

Valentine was overwhelmed with gratitude when I relayed Ramsay’s statement to him before his jersey retirement at KU on Jan. 1, 2005. The two were good friends and fellow fitness addicts; they used to take bike rides together.

“Coming from him, that’s an incredible compliment,” Valentine said. “I appreciate that. We did a lot of things alike. We thought alike. Even when I was traded to the Clippers, I know that I understand the business of basketball now, sometimes it’s not about the coach and it’s not about your playing. It’s a business. Sometimes, things are done by committee. Jack and I, we had a great relationship.”

Valentine, who has lived in Portland since he retired from basketball and worked for Precision Castparts (a Fortune 500 manufacturing company) as employee engagement leader since 2007, richly enjoyed his time with the Blazers.

"Coming out of Kansas, I was afraid that the NBA would be an overwhelming challenge," Valentine said. "But the Blazers — the Stu Inmans the Harry Glickmans — they embraced and cared about us, and I think that eventually was reflected in the community. And it's amazing how that regenerates itself. Portland is a special place. I could feel that right from the start.”

Valentine boasts career averages of 8.7 points (5,400), 5.0 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 23.2 minutes per game. He started 345 of 620 contests, while shooting 43.7 percent from the field, 26.1 percent from beyond the arc, and 78.7 percent at the free throw line.

I asked my childhood hero when he returned to Allen Fieldhouse for his jersey retirement in 2005 how he felt about his pro career.

“I think it could have possibly been better, and it could have possibly been a lot worse,” he replied. “I’m just thankful that it was what it was. I think I had some tough breaks. ... I’m proud of what I was able to accomplish.”

Lafayette Norwood, Valentine’s close friend, mentor and coach at Wichita Heights and assistant at Kansas, believed he caught a tough break by never catching on with the Chicago Bulls and superstar Michael Jordan. The Bulls were close to trading for Valentine after the 1984-85 season (his fourth year with Portland), but the deal never happened.

“I thought that was the turning point in his life,” said Norwood, who added the Bulls didn’t have a point guard at the time. “I thought if the Bulls could have got him, he could have been able to experience some things I thought we had in mind at the beginning of his career. Chicago was in the process of beginning to evolve as far as being a championship final team. If he could have gone to Chicago, obviously with Michael, he could have made that happen and become a critical (part to their success).”

Norwood thought Valentine could have elevated Jordan and his Bulls’ teammates’ games with his tenacious defense and become one of the best NBA point guards. Despite not getting with the Bulls, Norwood was proud of what D.V. accomplished during his nine NBA seasons.

“Oh, he had a great career,” Norwood said with a smile.

Like many others, Norwood was deeply impressed with Valentine’s competitive fire.

“I've never been around a young man so obsessed to be a professional athlete,” Norwood told the Lawrence Journal-World on Jan. 17, 1986.

David Magley, Valentine’s teammate at KU, also greatly admired his work ethic. Magley saw Valentine compete in the NBA when he played briefly for the Cleveland Cavaliers as a rookie in 1982-83.

“I gained even greater respect for Darnell,” Magley told the Journal-World after the Cavs released him. “I respected Darnell at KU because he worked so hard. He’s kept it up in the NBA. Darnell is so devoted. A lot of NBA players just don’t show the intensity he does.”

“He was a warrior,” former Missouri guard and NBA rival Larry Drew told me several years ago.

Valentine credits his mother, Rose, for his superior drive.

“My mother instilled in me was the fact I had a real strong work ethic,” he said. “I was dedicated to the game and I respected the game.” 

And Valentine, of course, loved the game.

Recalling Jayhawk legend Darnell Valentine's jersey retirement ceremony in Allen Fieldhouse

"Without heroes, we are all plain people and don't know how far we can go." --Bernard Malamud in "The Natural"

Darnell Valentine was my childhood hero; I idolized everything about the former Jayhawk star. I shot free throws using his distinctive style and wore my socks high like him. When Darnell played for Portland in the NBA, I bought my beloved dog Snoopy Trailblazer dog food. I used to work out at home gaining motivation by looking at a framed picture of Darnell leading a fast break with Portland. Just when I thought I couldn’t run in place anymore, I focused even more on the picture and kept on running, kept on sweating, kept on persevering. I ran even faster, lifted my legs even higher, doing this all for Darnell. I admired his unwavering work ethic so much, and wanted to be just like him.

In this blog entry, I look back at a historic moment with his jersey retirement ceremony in Allen Fieldouse 12 years ago, when Valentine took his rightful place among the Jayhawk greats to have his No. 14 jersey unfurled from the hallowed rafters in the Phog.

...

It was halftime of the thrilling Kansas-Georgia Tech game in Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 1, 2005, as the resounding cheers and memories all came racing back for Darnell Valentine.

Dressed stylishly in a maroon suit, white shirt and glasses and still looking extremely physically fit — “I’m still playing weight, baby,” he  told a small group of reporters earlier that day — Valentine stood at midcourt flanked by his former KU head coach Ted Owens and assistant Lafayette Norwood.

And then it happened. At 2:34 p.m., Valentine’s No. 14 jersey was retired and unfurled from the rafters. The crowd roared in approval while Valentine got chills and flashed a broad smile. After composing himself, he took the microphone and addressed the crimson and blue faithful while speaking from the heart.

“This is such an overwhelming ceremony and opportunity for me,” said Valentine, who starred at KU from 1977-1981. “I'm so proud; I'm so honored. My wife, Cindy, my daughter, Tierra, we are so proud. This has just been a 24-year fulfillment of my desire to be up there among some of the greats of Kansas basketball. First, I'd like to acknowledge our heavenly Father for giving me the gift of basketball. Also, for surrounding me with love and support to allow me to accomplish the things I was able to accomplish. My mother, she instilled in me to always try to leave a place better then I found it. She would be pleased today. Lafayette Norwood and Mrs. Betty Norwood, my adopted parents — I don’t know if they adopted me, or if I just tried to grab a leg and hold on. He’s certainly given me a life full of lessons and guidance, and I’m just honored to have him here with me as well. 

“Coach Ted Owens' 19-year career here at the University of Kansas, and he allowed me to be part of this program and to give me a platform to play and surround me with players that complemented me. Thank you coach. My teammates, oh man, I had some great teammates. I’m so proud that I've been able to go forward and represent them, because without them — team, the acronym 'Together, Everyone Accomplishes More" — I think that epitomizes the unity that we had. 

“Also, I'd like to acknowledge a gentleman that certainly has touched this community in a way that no person ever has, Mr. Bob Billings. He exemplified kindness, generosity, and character — what a great man. Also, I’d like to acknowledge Jamie Coulter, who played a big role in me coming here to the University of Kansas, and without the tireless efforts of Mr. Bemie Morgan, we might not be having this ceremony today. Thank you, Bernie.

“I hope that as you come to Allen Fieldhouse, and you young people, I’m going to give a shout out to you guys as well. As you come into Allen Fieldhouse, I hope that these jerseys up here will inspire you to in the tradition of Kansas, to pursue excellence, because it’s so short lived. It’s an opportunity for you to really define yourself. I had the opportunity here at the University of Kansas to have the springboard to allow me to have a lifestyle and life that I have. You guys take advantage of this. I challenge you to leave this place better than you found it.  

“Rock Chalk, Jayhawks!

The packed crowd of 16,300 cheered again — even louder this time. It was a wonderful and heartfelt ovation for a man and player who accomplished so much during his collegiate career. KU’s first McDonald’s All-American from powerhouse Wichita Heights, Valentine is the lone Jayhawk to be named first-team All-Conference four times and the only KU player to be selected as a three-time Academic All-American (1979, ‘80 and ‘81).

Valentine, who was named an All-American on the hardwood after his senior season in 1981, is one of just three Kansas players to earn All-American honors both on the floor and academically.

“He was a complete person,” Owens said. “He did it all.”

Blessed with great instincts and extremely quick hands and feet, Valentine was arguably the greatest defensive guard to wear a KU uniform. He still holds the school record for career steals with 336, while ranking first in free throws made with 541. A deadly penetrator who could blow by opponents at will, Valentine is also fifth in career scoring with 1,821 points. In addition, D.V. was a four-time team MVP and ranks fifth on the career assist list with 609. 

Valentine started from day one, leading the 1977-78 team his freshman year to a 24-5 season and Big Eight championship. After Kansas went 18-11 his sophomore year before stumbling with a 15-14 record as a junior, Valentine guided the Jayhawks to a 24-8 record his senior season, a Big 8 Tournament championship, and a Sweet 16 finish.

It was, quite simply, a career he will never forget. He remains grateful for his decision to attend Kansas over North Carolina and legendary coach Dean Smith. Valentine’s decision was clinched when Owens named Norwood — his high school coach — an assistant at Kansas.

“It’s something that I’ve never looked back on,” Valentine said before the Georgia Tech game. “I’m 300 percent sure that it was the right decision for me.”

Owens remarked that day it was a joy to coach Valentine. He considers Valentine as perhaps the hardest worker he’s ever coached.

 “He wasn’t good by accident,” Owens said. “He was good because he worked at it every single day. Just the opportunity to work with someone with that kind of attitude really was a highlight.”

And No. 14 honored his mother’s wish by leaving Kansas “better than I found it.” The Jayhawks went two seasons without an NCAA berth before Valentine arrived in 1977 and lifted KU back to national prominence. Of course, KU has continued its basketball excellence with reaching phenomenal heights ever since.

“They went on to win the championship since I (was there); they’re still highly touted as a program, and the leadership that they brought in with Larry Brown, Roy Williams, Bill Self, it’s just spectacular,” Valentine said. “I think I did my role.” 

Did he ever.

Whatever more he accomplishes, Valentine will always cherish New Year’s Day, 2005 when he realized a longtime dream with his jersey retired alongside the other KU legends in the hallowed rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.

“This is the crowning of my adult life right now,” he said with a big smile that afternoon before his jersey retirement. 

Then moments after he spoke to the crowd at halftime, Valentine stood near the north goal and continued to soak in the moment.

“I’m looking at 13, that’s Wilt Chamberlain (jersey number in the rafters). I’m looking at 14, that’s me, and I’m looking at 15, that’s Jo Jo White,” Valentine said. “That is just a crowning moment, amongst the great players of all at Kansas, that No. 14 is there. My family and I, we’re very proud.”

Owens certainly was that magical and memorable day.

“Darnell Valentine is one of the greatest players we’ve ever had here,” he said. “To see him honored is a blessing for all of us.”