DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Early University of Dayton basketball hero and NBA player Don Meineke (MYE'-nuh-kee) has died at age 82 after a long illness.
The school says he passed away Tuesday at his home in a suburban Dayton retirement community.
Nicknamed "Monk," the 6-7 Dayton native led the Flyers to their first 20-victory season and first NIT appearance. In 1953, he was the first NBA rookie of the year as a member of the Fort Wayne Pistons. He was the first University of Dayton product to play in the National Basketball Association, and also played for the Cincinnati Royals.
He was named AP second-team All-American his senior year, and was the first Flyer to top 1,000 career points. He totaled 1,866.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Survivors include four children and eight grandchildren.
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