Terry Dischinger, Purdue Basketball Star and Olympic Gold Medalist, Dies at 82
Terry Dischinger, a legendary basketball player at Purdue University and a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team that won a gold medal in Rome, passed away on October 9 at the age of 82. His son, Bill Dischinger, confirmed that the cause of death was complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dischinger, known for his exceptional skills on the court, was a standout player at Purdue. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 190 pounds, he led the Big Ten in scoring for three consecutive seasons and set a Purdue record by scoring at least 40 points in a game nine times. He was also a two-time first-team consensus All-American.
In 1960, Dischinger represented the United States in the Olympics alongside basketball legends such as Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Jerry Lucas, and Walt Bellamy. The U.S. team went undefeated, winning all eight of their games, including the final against Brazil, to secure the gold medal. Dischinger averaged 11.8 points per game during the tournament, ranking fourth on the team.
After his successful college career, Dischinger went on to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In his rookie season with the Chicago Zephyrs, he averaged an impressive 25.5 points per game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He continued to excel in the league, earning All-Star honors in his first three seasons.
Former NBA player and U.S. senator Bill Bradley, who frequently played against Dischinger, praised his intelligence and shooting ability. Bradley recalled Dischinger’s impact in the 1960 Olympics, stating, “I remember him as much for the 1960 Olympics as for him playing in the NBA.”
Dischinger’s professional career included stints with the Baltimore Bullets and the Detroit Pistons. However, a knee injury limited his playing time and affected his performance in his later years. He retired from basketball in 1973 and pursued a career in dentistry. Dischinger earned a D.D.S. degree in 1974 and specialized in orthodontics, holding several patents in the field.
Terry Dischinger was born on November 21, 1940, in Anderson, Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his son Bill, his daughter Kelly, his sisters Nancy and Tommy, and nine grandchildren. His son Terry passed away in 2010.
Dischinger’s legacy as a basketball icon and his contributions to the sport will be remembered by fans and players alike. His induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 solidified his status as one of the greatest players in Purdue University history.
Terry Dischinger, Former Purdue Basketball Star and Olympic Gold Medalist, Dies at 82
Remembering a Basketball Legend
Terry Dischinger, a prominent figure in Purdue University basketball history and the youngest member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team that won a gold medal in Rome, passed away on October 9 at the age of 82. Dischinger’s son, Bill Dischinger, confirmed that his father’s death was due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Dischinger, pronounced DISH-ing-er, left an indelible mark on Purdue’s basketball program. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 190 pounds, he dominated the court as a center, leading the Big Ten in scoring for three consecutive seasons. His exceptional skills earned him two-time first-team consensus All-American honors, and he still holds the record for scoring at least 40 points in a game nine times.
In 1960, Dischinger represented the United States in the Olympics alongside basketball legends such as Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Jerry Lucas, and Walt Bellamy. The U.S. team went undefeated, winning all eight games, including the final against Brazil, and securing the gold medal. Dischinger contributed an average of 11.8 points per game, ranking fourth on the team.
A Star on and off the Court
Following his Olympic success, Dischinger embarked on a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected by the Chicago Zephyrs in the first round of the 1962 NBA draft and made an immediate impact, earning the Rookie of the Year title. Dischinger’s remarkable performance continued, and he was selected for the All-Star team in his first three seasons.
Bill Bradley, former New York Knicks forward and U.S. senator, praised Dischinger’s intelligence and shooting abilities, stating, “I remember him as much for the 1960 Olympics as for him playing in the NBA.”
Dischinger’s professional career saw him play for the Baltimore Bullets and the Detroit Pistons, where he consistently showcased his scoring prowess. However, a knee injury hampered his playing time and productivity, limiting his performance in his final six seasons. Despite this setback, Dischinger’s impact on the court was undeniable.
A Legacy Beyond Basketball
After retiring from basketball in 1973, Dischinger pursued a career in dentistry. He obtained his D.D.S. degree in 1974 and specialized in orthodontics, earning a certificate from the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center. Dischinger’s passion for orthodontics led him to hold several patents, including one for an appliance designed to aid in the growth of underdeveloped jaws.
Dischinger’s dedication to his profession extended to teaching orthodontics and establishing a successful practice in Lake Oswego, Oregon. His son, Bill Dischinger, joined the practice 24 years ago and continues to run it today.
Fondly Remembered
Terry Dischinger is survived by his wife, Mary Dischinger, whom he married in 1962, his daughter Kelly Loomis, his sisters Nancy Rudolph and Tommy Groth, and nine grandchildren. His son Terry passed away in 2010.
Dischinger’s impact on the basketball world and his contributions to dentistry will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. His legacy as a Purdue basketball star, Olympic gold medalist, and dedicated orthodontist will forever be etched in history.