Ken Spain

For the political strategist, see Ken Spain (political strategist).

John Kenneth Spain (October 6, 1946 – October 11, 1990) was an American professional basketball player.

Ken Spain

Spain with the Houston Cougars in 1968
Personal information
Born	(1946-10-06)October 6, 1946 Houston, Texas, U.S.
Died	October 11, 1990(1990-10-11) (aged 44) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Listed height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight	225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school	Austin (Houston, Texas)
College	Houston (1966–1969)
NBA draft	1969: 2nd round, 20th overall pick
Drafted by	Chicago Bulls
Playing career	1969–1971
Position	Center
Number	15
Career history
1969–1971	Wilmington / Delaware Blue Bombers
1970–1971	Pittsburgh Condors
Career highlights
Fourth-team Parade All-American (1964)
Stats at Basketball Reference
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games 1968 Mexico City Team competition

Spain was selected by the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls with the 20th overall pick in the 1969 NBA draft and by the Oakland Oaks in the 1969 ABA Draft. Spain played for the Wilmington / Delaware Blue Bombers of the Eastern Professional Basketball League (EPBL) / Eastern Basketball Association (EBA) from 1969 to 1971.^[1] He played in eleven American Basketball Association games during the 1970–71 season for the Pittsburgh Condors.

A 6'9" center, Spain played college basketball at the University of Houston with Elvin Hayes from 1966 to 1969. Spain graduated from Austin High School in Houston.^[2]

Spain died of cancer at the age of 44 in Houston, Texas.^[3]