Atlanta Hawks: Former Hawks All-Star Dan Roundfield drowns in Aruba
Former Hawks All-Star Dan Roundfield drowned yesterday off the coast of Aruba.
According to reports, Roundfield’s wife became distressed while swimming off of Baby Beach and Roundfield tried to assist her. The Aruba Herald reported that witnesses saw the woman return to shore but that Roundfield was taken out to sea. Authorities found Roundfield’s body under some rocks, the Herald reported.
A police spokesman in Aruba told the Associated Press that Roundfield and his wife went beyond a protected reef area and got caught up in rough waters. The couple were vacationing at the Renaissance Resort.
“It’s a real tragedy,” the spokesman, John Larmonie, told the AP. “He drowned saving his wife.”
Roundfield’s sister-in-law, Julia Roundfield, also confirmed his death to the AP.
“He was a real sweet guy,” Julia Roundfield told the AP. “He really was a sweetheart.”
Roundfield’s survivors include his wife, Bernie, sons Corey and Christopher, and their grandchildren.
Roundfield, 59, played six seasons for the Hawks from 1978-79 to 1983-84. He was named to All-Star teams in 1980, ‘81 and ‘82 and was second-team All-NBA in 1979-80. Roundfield also was voted to the All-Defensive team in five of his 12 NBA seasons.
In a 2006 interview with the Hawks’ Web site, Roundfield said he worked in marketing for an environmental engineering company. He said his favorite NBA memories included making the playoffs in his first season with the Hawks and playing alongside Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins.
The 1978-79 Hawks, coached by Hubie Brown, earned the franchise’s first playoff series victory since 1969-70 by defeating Houston. The Hawks lost a seven-game series to the Washington Bullets in the conference semifinals; Roundfield, in the Website interview, said the Hawks “probably should have beat” the Bullets.
“Danny was the most honest and upfront person I knew, and I’m very stunned at hearing the news of his death,” Wilkins, now a Hawks vice president, said in a statement released by the team. “Danny’s one of my closest friends and he was a tremendous influence on my NBA career, on and off the court. He taught me how to be a professional and took me under his wing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, I will truly miss him.”
Danny Solomon, a Hawks ball boy during Roundfield’s final season with the Hawks, said Roundfield still lived in the Atlanta area. Solomon said Roundfield was “the nicest dude in the world,” a personality that contrasted with his physical playing style.
“Strong as an ox,” Solomon said. “Back then, all the centers were very, very strong. That’s back when it was ‘real’ basketball and if you tried to go to the hole against a guy like Roundfield, you would go straight down to the floor. He was known for being really rough. He was a stud down low.”
The Cavaliers selected Roundfield in the second round of the 1975 draft after the Detroit native starred at Central Michigan University. The Hawks signed Roundfield as a free agent before the 1978-79 season. In the summer of 1984 Atlanta traded Roundfield to the Pistons for Cliff Levingston, Antoine Carr and two draft picks.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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299 comments Add your comment
Woody
August 8th, 2012
7:29 am
One tough nut of a player but one really tender hearted guy. He used to come to Lipscomb University’s basketball camps as the guest pro and actually worked the day he came teaching kids, playing against coaches, signing autographs, and modeling what a real pro looked like. Died as he lived, honorably.
GoodMan
August 8th, 2012
7:53 am
After reading all the comments on how much of a loving husband Dan was to give his life to save his wife, I can see such a hero. I can only hope that Corey and Chris have learned from their father to love, cherish and protect their wives. Dan and Bernie seemed to be each other’s best friends from all the comments posted. Alot of men by today’s standards do not seem to see their wives as an extension of themselves, therfore they do not take care of them in that manner. The bible states that when you get married then “two become one.” Dan’s legacy certain proved that he and Bernie became one during their marriage. I pray that Dan’s grandsons will remember the heroic, selfless act that took him away when they are adults.
Kevin Taylor
August 8th, 2012
7:56 am
Wow! I am so sorry to hear of Dan Roundfield’s passing. He was my all time favorite Atlanta Hawk player. He was the very best Atlanta Hawk power forward ever. A true professional in every aspect of the game. I am so glad that I was able to meet him in person at a Hawk game last year. He was so kind and approachable. He will be missed.
Rhonda
August 8th, 2012
8:12 am
Danny and I knew each other in college, mostly because my best friend, Len Drake, played with him at Central Michigan, and I managed a disco called the Alibi East in Mt. Pleasant. I used to see him at Hawks games, but figured an NBA All-Star would never remember a bar manager he hadn’t seen in over 30 years. When Len died suddenly of a heart attack a couple of years ago I emailed my contact at the Hawks (my company has season tickets) and asked him if he could find a way to forward my contact information to Danny. Shortly after that my phone rang and it was Danny, calling to tell me that he and another former Chippewa were going to drive all night to attend Len’s funeral the next day. After that we emailed back and forth occasionally and saw each other a couple of times at games, but hadn’t talked in a while. Just the other day I was cleaning out some photo files and came across a picture he had sent me of him standing on the court at a Hawks game with Dr. J and ‘Nique, and thought I should email him and see how he was doing, but didn’t. Never hesitate when you have those “moments” because you might never have another chance.
Ricky Jett
August 8th, 2012
8:21 am
I remember meeting him about 5 years ago at one of our pump stations when he worked for Earthtech. He was a tall figure getting out of his older Benz. Recognized him right away. Shook his giant hand with him acting so humble. He never once mentioned who he was just concentrating on the work at hand. I finally confronted the gentle giant about who he was and he acted like it wasn’t a big deal. He talked to me in a real one on one conversation and never mentioned himself. He acted almost embarrassed that I made a big deal about it. A real true down to earth person that was a tough player for the Hawks. RIP Dan!! We really are going to miss you and your influence on our community.
To Tell the Truth
August 8th, 2012
8:29 am
Sorry to hear. May GOD Bless his family during this difficult time.
faye
August 8th, 2012
9:13 am
Rest in Peach Dan!!! I never met you but I saw you all the time when you was play for the Hawks. We all love you and going to miss you so much. As for his wife I am hope she is fine.
Dr.EB
August 8th, 2012
9:14 am
I was a big fan of his. Rest in peace.
True Falcon Fan
August 8th, 2012
9:14 am
Very sad news, Great guy, Great player!!!
RIP – Dan Roundfield
Mike G.
August 8th, 2012
9:16 am
Saw Dan play at my alma mater, Ohio U., back in the 70’s when he played for Central Michigan. Outstanding player who played the game with physicality and intelligence. One of the best players to ever come out of the M.A.C. Sorry to hear of his passing. He always struck me as a gentleman.
Bubba Bean
August 8th, 2012
9:29 am
He is, and always has been my favorite Hawk. This is such sad news. My prayers go out for his wife and family.
Astro Joe
August 8th, 2012
9:32 am
Kind of cool to see all of the wonderful remarks. We’ve become a very cynical (and sometimes disrespectful) society but obviously the vast majority of people respected and/or loved Roundfield.
Again, high-tube socks, dude wore like 8 wristbands on each arm… I always remember he wore those bulky knee pads… he was all legs, arms and elbows and he looked like he was walking onto a football field and not a basketball court. He had a great “game-time look” about him that is etched in my memory bank. And he and Truck Robinson, Antoine Carr and Kevin Willis are why my favorite position on the basketball court is PF. That has historically been where the tough guys play who are willing to do whatever it takes to help their team win. Dude was a PF until the very end, doing whatever it took to help his team (i.e., his family and specifically his bride).
Marsh
August 8th, 2012
9:38 am
I played softball with him while he was playing for the Hawks. He should NOT have been playing for us but we were VERY glad he did. He always said he was a better softball player than a basketball player and he COULD do anything he wanted to on the field. Since he could hit the ball (way way) out whenever he wanted he took great delight in beating the ball down the third base line and striding across first long before the throw. I once saw him jump WAY over the third baseman who was waiting with the ball, but of course he also jumped over the bag and stood grinning while the guy came over to tag him out. Incredibly, he was a far better PERSON than athlete and always had time to talk to anyone who had time for him. Ive been around many successful people in and out of athletics but he was, hands down, the most humble likable person one might encounter. His family was always with him if at all possible and it’s fitting that he died trying to save his wife – his love for family was obvious to all of us. So many memories of a Sweet Gentle Man and an AMAZING Competitor. RIP, Rounds.
Lacasun
August 8th, 2012
9:51 am
Competitor on the court and the consummate gentleman off of it. Danny was one of the best.
Andi Levine
August 8th, 2012
9:52 am
I am proud to say I was a personal friend of Danny’s over the years and although many will remember him as a great NBA All-Star ….. I had the privilage to know him as a fantastic father to Corey & Christopher (who use to babysit my son Zach) and a man who adored his wife Bernie their entire marriage. He was funny & had the kindest soul & was a wonderful role model for many. You will be deeply missed Danny. My heartfelt thoughts & prayers to the Roundfield family.
T-Bone
August 8th, 2012
10:46 am
Rest in peace
TC
August 8th, 2012
10:51 am
I had the pleasure of meeting Dan Roundfield several years ago when he and my wife worked for an engineering company in south Atlanta. He was a gentle giant and was one of the coolest dudes you could ever meet. Since I was much younger than Dan, he would always try to educate me and tell me the facts of life and the do’s and don’t on how to become successful in life. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. My deepest sympathy and condelences go out to the Roundfield family during their loss.
Isaac Booker
August 8th, 2012
11:09 am
To the Roundfield family, please except our sincere condolences. May God be with you during this difficult time. Danny was a great teammate in basketball and track at Chadsey High and he kept in touch with me during our college days. Spoke to him a few months back about family and growing up in Detroit and he was a true gentleman. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. From Isaac Booker and Larry Harvey. Class of 1971.
Hawks Fan
August 8th, 2012
11:23 am
Im sorry to hear of his death. He was a good player.
Redeemer
August 8th, 2012
11:24 am
Dan no longer suffers from the dread he surely felt in his final moments on earth and now abides in God’s eternal love and protection. I’m sure when he arrived in paradise that he was greeted with the affirmation of, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” His life was truly a well-lived one and deserves to be celebrated.
Thank you for representing the Hawks in a way we could all be proud of, Dan.
barry
August 8th, 2012
11:42 am
my favorite Hawk player. great man…God Bles him!
Joe
August 8th, 2012
11:52 am
Roundfield and James McElroy were college teammates at Central Michigan (along with former NBA player Ben Poquette). They played at rival Detroit high schools, Chadsey and Murray-Wright, respectively. When was the last time you read about a 59-year-old NBA player who was still married to his high school and college sweetheart? A wonderful man and terrible loss.
drmaryb.(""_*).
August 8th, 2012
11:54 am
Style over Substance!
everybody who matters on here, know my style. I never post without a theme and a point. scroll-a-troll people! lol!
_________
Here’s my point: Atkinson? Is he perhaps The Hawks next interim coach? Looks like GM – Ferry is looking at his coaching staff ineptness these “Dog-Days of Summer!”
Joe
August 8th, 2012
12:10 pm
The photo of Dan in the AJC shows Roundfield being guarded by Dave Cowens after (obviously) Cowens left Boston.
cybo
August 8th, 2012
12:35 pm
I had a chance to meet Roundield as a kid. Great guy
Rev in Tampa
August 8th, 2012
1:18 pm
Wow. Arthur Triche has been let go. He is a very likable guy, but the marketing has been lacking. Danny Ferry is really serious.
vava74
August 8th, 2012
1:30 pm
Sad news. It’s pretty obvious from all reports and testimonies that not only he was a great player but also an even greater human being making his loss really tragic.
Astro Joe
August 8th, 2012
2:05 pm
Rev., I can’t say that I am shocked by that news.
ag
August 8th, 2012
2:29 pm
I am shocked. Triche has been part of the Hawks a long time. I remember when he used to teach PT at CAU. Very surprised.
Since Lou was not a PG – maybe Mookie or Eddie at pt guard.
After reading all these great post – Roundfield was a great human being. Whnen I read it yesterday at work – it really hit pretty hard – especially for a person I never met.
Rev in Tampa
August 8th, 2012
3:16 pm
“O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather! And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:4-7)
Dan Roundfield lived his life in such a way that he will be missed greatly. May God be very close to his family as they grieve his well-lived life and heroic death.
Buddy Grizzard
August 8th, 2012
4:20 pm
“Wow. Arthur Triche has been let go.”
If you check HoopsHype’s media twitter feed, there is a huge outpouring of support for Triche.
Buddy Grizzard
August 8th, 2012
4:24 pm
“Is he perhaps The Hawks next interim coach?”
Reports are that he will be on the bench, which means one of LD’s assistants is getting displaced (will have to site behind the bench). Sound like a Larry Drew plan or a Danny Ferry plan?
Rev in Tampa
August 8th, 2012
4:41 pm
“Reports are that he will be on the bench, which means one of LD’s assistants is getting displaced (will have to site behind the bench). Sound like a Larry Drew plan or a Danny Ferry plan?”
Definitely a Danny Ferry plan. LD would have known after one year whether NVE was effective and would have made a move then. Danny is shaking things up.
Buddy Grizzard
August 8th, 2012
5:00 pm
“A source close to Atkinson said he’s expected to have more responsibility on Larry Drew’s staff in Atlanta. “He’ll be on the bench and not behind it” with the Hawks, the source said.”
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/tag/_/name/kenny-atkinson
Sautee
August 8th, 2012
5:03 pm
“Since Lou was not a PG – maybe Mookie or Eddie at pt guard.” – AG
Did you forget Doc Rivers?
Ra'mon
August 8th, 2012
5:14 pm
Was this a Ferry move?
**Howard Beck: Absolutely stunned and saddened to hear that Hawks have let go of PR ace Arthur Triche. One of the best and the classiest in the biz. Twitter **
This is totally a move to improve the attendance I believe.
Also, Watching Olympic coverage. I’m hoping there is some kind of a way Ferry could get Rivers to come and be head coach here next season.
soullrenaissance
August 8th, 2012
7:37 pm
Rest Well Dan – he was one of the last of a dying breed in basketball nowadays and combination of hustle/effort/skill and according to Nique, one very honest and upright person (a true rarity nowadays) Was too yound to remember him ball but proud that he went out a hero!
Malik McClain,Calif.
August 8th, 2012
7:44 pm
RIP Dan, He was so STRONG he double pumped the shot with the guy draped all over him and still dunked the ball and the guy too. Never saw anyone else do that .RIP DR He also worked on Wall Street once.
crispo
August 8th, 2012
8:14 pm
“Rounds down Peachtree”
Astro Joe
August 8th, 2012
8:32 pm
Roundfield proved that you can be classy AND excel at your profession. I’m not sure that Triche was able to check both boxes. It was a rare treat to hear a member of the Hawks conduct a local media interview during this 4-5 year playoff run. That always frustrated me, how no one held the players accountable to sell the product. I don’t know if that has anything to do with him being let go, but I’d surely welcome hearing more than just the TV & radio play-by-play guys talking about this team in the future.
peter gillis
August 8th, 2012
8:33 pm
The nicest pro athlete I have ever met. Used to come in the bookstore where I worked and talk books with me.
dean
August 8th, 2012
9:02 pm
i went to college with danny what a great guy… he went to detroit chadsey and played left handed until he broke his arm in high school and then went on to play right…… a great guy . i was in many of his business classes at cmu plus we lived on the same floor in a dorm….rip….
Not So Casual Observer
August 8th, 2012
10:05 pm
As was Dan Roundfield, Arthur Triche is a skilled professional anyone should be proud to call a friend.
Arthur has dealt with the good times and the bad with class and grace. The Hawks will be a lesser organization without Mr. Triche.
This is a sad day and I will miss seeing Dan at the games and working with Arthur who, despite earlier comments, was not responsible for the marketing of the Hawks. Arthur is a gentleman.
My prayers will be with the Roundfield and Triche families.
DaMan
August 9th, 2012
12:55 am
Wild story about Dan Roundfield from when I was a kid……..after a Hawks game, we waited outside the locker room and Rounds came out and threw a big paper bag of his stuff to some of us kids waiting there and me and another kid tore the bag, and I ended up with 1 left shoe (white Converse leather shoe with “Rounds” on the side)……so he lived in my neighborhood in Roswell (Martin’s Landing) and I went to his house and knocked on the door to see if I could get a right shoe to complete the pair…….what a great guy, he invites me and my friend into his house, his kids playing Centipede on a real arcade machine, wife cooking dinner, and not only gives me a brand new pair of his Converse, but autographs them as well…….still have them to this day……..RIP Rounds!!!!!
darrell starks
August 9th, 2012
6:56 am
RIP Dan.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
August 9th, 2012
7:00 am
Dan R, Eddie J, John Drew, Charlie Chris, Tree Rollins, Hubbie, Brown, Skip Carry, and other Hawks players was fun to watch and listen 2 in mid 70’s and early 80’s.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nate ArchiBALL
August 9th, 2012
7:19 am
A great person and player. RIP Dan Roundfield.
George
August 9th, 2012
9:27 am
So saddened by the news. Dan Roundfield was one of my favorite players of all time. Rebounder, shot blocker, scorer, defender. Whatever needed to be done he could do it. He was a dynamic player and dominated the paint. I always remember those classic matchups vs. the Bullets as he battled a pair of Hall of Famers, Unseld and Hayes. I remember getting to go to the Hawks 1978 draft day through a friend. In walked Dan Roundfield holding his son as the Hawks announced they had signed him as free agent. Didn’t know much about his game but he had put up good numbers in Indiana his previous season. Little did I know he would become one of the greatest Hawks ever. RIP Dan.
Michael Cunningham
August 9th, 2012
9:38 am
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.