Dwight Bo Lamar

Dwight “Bo” Lamar, a prodigious scoring guard who captivated college basketball fans and later played professionally in both the ABA and NBA, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 74. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Lamar left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional offensive talent and long-range shooting prowess. He was widely regarded as one of the most exciting players of his era, known for his ability to light up the scoreboard with remarkable consistency.

Lamar rose to national prominence during his collegiate career at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. There, he became a three-time collegiate All-American, leading the NCAA in scoring in 1972 with an astounding 36.3 points per game. His collegiate career average of 31.2 points per game remains among the top ranks in NCAA history, a testament to his scoring ability even before the advent of the three-point line. He guided the Ragin' Cajuns to an impressive 90-23 record during his four seasons, with their performance in his last three years bettered only by UCLA during that span.

Following his stellar college career, Lamar was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1973 American Basketball Association Draft, joining the San Diego Conquistadors. He quickly made an impact, earning ABA All-Rookie First Team honors in 1974 and once scoring a franchise-record 50 points in a single game. He continued his professional journey with the Indiana Pacers and later the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, showcasing his skills against the sport's elite.

Beyond his playing days, Lamar remained connected to basketball, serving as a color analyst for Louisiana-Lafayette radio broadcasts before retiring to his native Ohio. His contributions to the game were recognized through his induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 and the UL Athletics Hall of Fame. Bo Lamar will be remembered as a true scoring sensation whose legacy continues to inspire basketball enthusiasts.