Nick Vanos

Summary

Nicolaas Peter Vanos (April 13, 1963 – August 16, 1987) was an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The San Mateo, California, native was selected 32nd by the Suns in the 1985 NBA draft, after playing for Hillsdale High School and collegiately at Santa Clara University. He played for the Suns as a center on the team.[1]

Nick Vanos
Personal information
Born(1963-04-13)April 13, 1963
San Mateo, California, U.S.
DiedAugust 16, 1987(1987-08-16) (aged 24)
Romulus, Michigan, U.S.
Listed height7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
Listed weight225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High schoolHillsdale (San Mateo, California)
CollegeSanta Clara (1981–1985)
NBA draft1985: 2nd round, 32nd overall pick
Selected by the Phoenix Suns
Playing career1985–1987
PositionCenter
Number30
Career history
19851987Phoenix Suns
Career highlights and awards
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at NBA.com
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at Basketball-Reference.com

His career with the Suns lasted only two years before his death. On August 16, 1987, Vanos and his fiancée, Carolyn Cohen, boarded Northwest Airlines Flight 255, after visiting his fiancée's parents, for a trip to Phoenix, Arizona.[2] The plane crashed after takeoff from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Michigan, killing 154 passengers and crew, including Vanos and his fiancée, as well as two motorists.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Nick Vanos Remembered: 1963-1987". NBA.com. February 3, 2016. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  2. ^ "The parents of Phoenix Suns basketball player Nick Vanos,..." United Press International. October 29, 1987. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  3. ^ "Welcome to Northwest Flight 255 Memorial". Northwest. Retrieved August 24, 2008.

External links edit

  • Career statistics and player information from NBA.com   and Basketball-Reference.com