Former College Basketball Star Killed in Car Crash on Final Four Saturday
Gerald Paddio, who was junior college All-American before starring for UNLV's 1987 Final Four team and playing over a decade professionally in America and overseas, died Saturday in single-car accident. He was 60.
According to reports, Paddio, a Louisiana native and resident, was killed in a crash in Acadia Parish in his home state.
Further details emerge
Per KATC, Acadia Parish Sheriff's deputies say the crash occurred on Ebenezer Road near Addie Dr west of the town of Rayne, where Paddio lives.
"The investigation revealed that for unknown reason, the driver's vehicle left the roadway and struck a culvert," KATC reported. "The driver was ejected and died from his injuries at the scene."
Paddio's career remembered
The 6-foot-7 Paddio was a first-team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American at Seminole State in 1985-86 before moving on to UNLV. In his first season with the Runnin' Rebels, Paddio averaged 13.1 points per game, helping UNLV reach the Final Four.
Paddio upped his scoring to 19.4 points per game in 1987-88, earning All-Conference honors and becoming a third-round pick of the Boston Celtics. He would eventually appear in 129 NBA regular season games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Seattle SuperSonics, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks and Washington Bullets, averaging 5.5 points per game.
Paddio also played extensively in the CBA and abroad in Italy, Spain, Israel, Lebanon and Argentina.
Tributes pour in
Fans have been taking to social media to share memories of Paddio and offer condolences to his friends and family.
"Gerald Paddio and Freddie Banks hitting threes are among the earliest things I remember in my college basketball sports consciousness. RIP," one fan wrote.
"Rest in peace to my dear friend, former UNLV Runnin' Rebel. Great, Gerald Paddio!" said longtime college basketball coach Che Jones.
"May God rest the Soul of Gerald Paddio! He was part of the first team that got me into @TheRunninRebels watching him Gilliam, Basnight, banks & wade entertained me! They made me a fan," a third person added.
"First UNLV autograph I ever got was Gerald Paddio, RIP," another fan chimed in.