Cleveland Buckner

Cleveland Buckner (August 17, 1938 – October 5, 2006) was an American basketball player. A forward-center from Yazoo City, Mississippi, he played collegiately for the Jackson State University and was selected by the New York Knicks in the 6th round (51st pick overall) of the 1961 NBA draft. He played 68 games for the Knicks in the NBA from 1961 to 1963.

Cleveland Buckner

Personal information
Born	(1938-08-17)August 17, 1938 Yazoo City, Mississippi
Died	October 5, 2006(2006-10-05) (aged 68) Jackson, Mississippi
Nationality	American
Listed height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight	210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
College	Jackson State (1958–1961)
NBA draft	1961: 6th round, 51st overall pick
Drafted by	New York Knicks
Playing career	1961–1963
Position	Power forward / center
Number	12
Career history
1961–1964	New York Knicks
Career statistics
Points	411 (6.0 ppg)
Rebounds	240 (3.5 rpg)
Assists	44 (0.6 apg)
Stats at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball Reference

After Knicks center Darrall Imhoff fouled out in the second half, Buckner was forced into duty against Wilt Chamberlain during Chamberlain's 100-point game on March 2, 1962. The rookie had a career-high 33 points on 16-of-26 in the field plus 8 rebounds in the historic contest. Starting center Phil Jordon was unavailable because of an injury.

Career statistics

Legend

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high

NBA

Source^[1]

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	PPG
1961–62	New York	62	11.2	.431	.624	3.8	.6	6.4
1962–63	New York	6	4.5	.500	.500	.7	.8	2.0
Career		68	10.6	.432	.620	3.5	.6	6.0