Inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame, Len Bias is one of Maryland's most iconic players. Terrapin Club+ brings you an unprecedented look inside Bias' life and legacy, told by some of the biggest names in sports.
He died when I was 16. He was everything to me. My friend and I would play one on one,and he would be Michael Jordan, and I would be Len Bias. I'll never forget that day, I was crushed. RIP Lenny, I'll never forget you.
Without a doubt, Len Bias would have provided MJ a true rival, the NBA with another superstar and added to the Celtics lore so much that Paul Pierce would not have been able to wear that #34 jersey.
He probably would have been good, but probably not as good as say the top 5 to 10 players. Statistically it's unlikely he would be a very very top player. Top 10 I think is an accurate realistic guess. Could be better or worse than that though. So many huge stars come and go. EVERYTHING has to go exactly right for someone to be an MJ or a Lebron. They also have to work on their game every single day trying to improve it to get to that level as well. Hype is only a small part of being the best. RIP to Len though, it's really a tragic story.
I don't know about that. He had the potential to be more Dominique like. He was good, but he still had alot of holes in his game that he would've had to fix to be elite. Not to mention he would've had to stay off the smack, which ruined the bball lives of a lot of those players in that draft class.
@Servant Leader K Woods Perhaps you may have missed it, but the Boston Celtics had already given out the number #30 to their top draft selection though I'm unable to recall the player from the 1986 NBA championship team who had the #34 Celtics uniform.
Len Bias was my idol as a child. I had his poster hanging on my bedroom wall. Behind Magic Johnson....and yes, over Michael Jordan...Bias was "THAT DUDE". A true G.O.A.T for sure. R.I.P my Hero.
One can only imagine what would have happened if Bias and Bird had played together. Bias was one of those special players that we just don't see often.
What would happen? 6'10" 280LBs you've been seeing what would have happened for 20 years now, Boston would've won 12 in a row with him and Bird. Unfortunately he cared more for his vices than his health, before the love of Instagram 304s there was the love of coke.
Len passed away when I was in the 4th grade. Growing up in P.G. County Maryland, Len Bias was our hero! He was a super star. Michael Jordan was great, but he had absolutely nothing on the talent level of Len Bias. He would have been the baddest dude the NBA had ever seen. Rest in peace bro.
@@Dstylzno disrespect but yes he would have been on that level or even better Bias was a Beast back then Sean Branch was the Man at MD until Bias hit the seen even Horace Grant who played with Jordan said Bias was the Greatest he'd ever seen
Lenny Bias was one of the greatest basketball players in the world! Who left us too soon! RIP may your life and legacy be an example for others to follow!🙏🏿🙏🏿
I played college basketball at a small school in North Carolina. I graduated in 1970 and have seen every NCAA Basketball championship since 1961. From going to school in North Carolina, I became very familiar with ACC basketball. I knew several ACC players who were world class athletes. But never did I witness a player like Len Bias.
I was just 10 years old when Bias passed. When I heard about the cause, it scared me. The war on drugs were strong at the time. If I remember correctly, the crack epidemic was just beginning & the JUST SAY NO campaign was fresh at the time as well. To this very day, I still tell people that his death is the very reason why I never tried cocaine even tho friends all around me were snorting from our teen years into our 20s. RIP LEGEND! Mr. Bias
I hate when drugs take down anyone, but when they take down someone that's already in the NBA and who had a TON of expected talent it's a sad thing. So many very talented intelligent capable people taken down by drugs unfortunately. RIP Len Bias. It's a lesson to stay away from drugs and heavy alcohol if you can though. So many examples of that these days especially.
I was 15 when he passed away. Living here in Georgia, i never had the opportunity to watch him in person and so I always wat hed him when he was on t.v. in our area. His story is the most tragic one that I have ever heard of. Its saddening to know that he made it to the NBA but its much more saddening to know that his parents had to experience the death of not only him but his brother as well. My heart goes out to Mr and Mrs Bias in having to experience the death of two kids like they had to. They had to deal with something that no parent should have to deal with, not once, but twice.
For real, the public consensus is he would've been Jordans rival. But you have to wonder if some people are just saying that because he was a good guy who died too early, like maybe hyping him too much?
He was something to see in the 80s. He was the 1 athlete that could compete with Michael Jordan! Also it hit me as young basketball player that drugs were deadly! A absolute sure fire super star in the NBA!!!❤
Had Bias gone on to a 15 year NBA career and stayed healthy I honestly believe he would be included in the top 50 all-time greatest NBA players list and the Celtics would have a couple more championship banners hanging in the rafters.
I'm 55 and was in college, fresh off watching all those Guys playing in College while I was in High School. It's 3oo am and I'm crying like it just happened
Wow, just watched this and so emotional right now. This was my number one basketball hero while I was learning the game myself. I had the worst Asthma attack the hour I found out that he had died. It was as if, a part of me went with him. That’s the only way I know how to explain it. I looked up to his style of play so much, that of course I emulated it as much as I could on the court. I was 19 the day he died, I was serving state time for a few possessions of a controlled substance then. 3 years as a matter of fact, not my proudest moment but that’s my story. I promised myself that when I get out, I will never sell if use drugs ever again. To this day (I’m 56 now of this posting) I have kept my word. Tore my knees up over the years playing basketball on blacktop and concrete courts. I’m just saying that I wanted to give my regards to this man who inspired me with us meeting to do and be better in life and as a person. RIP Len Bias……
How does this change the direction of the Celtics franchise? Truly amazing player!!!! I would have loved to have seen how this guys career would have played out!!!!
I had come home from the Navy and had come back home to Maui.I had seen Len Bias on TV maybe in his Sophomore yr.Maryland came to Maui to play in a Pre season tournament I told my girlfriend we gotta go see them play She could've cared less about basketball,but even she was impressed by his play. He just exploded.And exploded,and exploded.He was fabulous!I was working construction came home after work was sitting in the doorway taking my shoes off my girlfriend walks to me and says I got some bad news I look to her and she says Len Bias died today.I sat there and just cried for I don't know how long.I know in my heart he would've been one of the top 7 players of all time God Bless him and his family Aloha
I had no heard of Len Bias but my son who’s now 33 I showed him a Celtic jersey with Bias name on it that was 250$ and sent it to him with a ? He said look him up. We this is such a tragic to so many and we’ll never know if he would of been way better the MJ or not. But the strength of his parents is something I can not imagine. What they endured not once but 2x is unimaginable to anyone. God bless you both God no doubt has given you the will and ability to move forward. God bless
Was living in Germany, father was in the Army, so we got the news one or two days later because news papers were not available till a day after and there was no nightly new show on American Forces Network. Can tell you after hearing of his death it was the last time I ever used drugs, granted only weed and hash but never again. Knowing what it did to what I saw as the perfect athlete convinced me. RIP Len.
Very tragic end I cannot imagine what his death did to his family probably the worst possible thing you could ever imagine. Drugs ruin your life and took his life away it's all so very sad even almost 30 years later.
I grew up in Montana, I graduated in 86’, basketball was huge in MT back then, everyone followed college and the NBA, we knew about him, I remember when this happened. Think about that, in middle of MT, we had 3 channels, but we had heard about Bias, that’s how big he was.
Never heard of the guy until I started college at UMD in 1992, the in state MD guys talked about this legend. Glad I found this video to get some more insight on the tragedy of a life that ended way to early.
Without a doubt another Jordan 💯💯...dunk on anyone, could shoot, rebound, big...you name it... I was in the military when he passed I remember a guy coming up to me late in the afternoon when I went back to the barracks in Philadelphia and he told me Len Bias had died...I was completely shocked and so sad... It was really unbelievable you can compare it to Kobe passing for that time....just snatched from us... I would love to have seen him play with Bird... I guarantee it the celtics would have won at least 2 to 3 more championships... Still sad to this day...smh
I was a student at the time at Maryland. I was livin in Ocean City working a beach stand on 127st. I was half asleep at 9:30 in the morning when I heard this. I didn't believe it. I remember going through the motions for the next couple days. I'm not sure there is no one stronger than Mrs. Bias. She lost two children and went on to become an amazing public speaker. I think Coach Driesell got run over by the administration of Maryland. Was everything perfect with the basketball program? Probably not but Lefty bled red and white. If your over 45 and remember this day, this was your 9 / 11 moment. Scott and Chick - well done.
@Chris Coccagna I saw my first college (or pro) basketball game at Cole Field House two nights before New Yrs. Eve, Terrapins ran away by more than 30 pts. over the Miami Hurricanes (Miami then discontinued its team for fifteen yrs.) and two months before that during a Halloween Sat. afternoon saw my first college (or pro) football game as the Terrapins lost to Clemson (this was all in the second yr. Driesell was coach). My uncle was a U.S. Capitol police officer in his early 30s at the time and was finishing his undergrad degree at UMD, he got himself basketball season tickets for UMD, part of the best conference-ACC in the nation. When Len Bias was at the half point in college, the athletic boosters demanded more money in addition to the costs of the season tickets, forcing my uncle to give them up for good. Anyway, on the night of the 20th anniv. after Bias died, a woman that had worked in the Terrapins football office for coach Bobby Ross called in to a Baltimore radio station and said Bias was graduated already, the university shouldn't have been blamed for any of the actions that Bias took that night at the party in the athletic dorm.
Incredibly well done and respectful documentary. Great insights from some legends who lnew hom personally. The reverence for LB, even 40 years later, is hard to grasp, as someone who was born in 85, and wouldn't have known about or remembered him or the events personally. Amazing, interesting, and tragic story of an equally amazing, interesting, and tragic young man gone too soon. RIP, Sir.
I lived in Maryland when Len died. Man that was a crazy day. We thought it was a horrible joke. His death hurt the community who wanted him to show everyone in the NBA, that he could play with the big boys. Maryland basketball was bad for the next 20 years.
I’ve watched this before. As well as ESPN’s 30 for 30 Without Bias documentary. I’m sure I’ve seen Len’s age before. The age he was when he passed. It just accord to me he was 23. The number 23. Which was The GOAT Michael Jordan’s jersey number. When you hear or see that number. Even if you don’t watch Basketball. You think of his airness MJ. I don’t know what it means or what I’m trying to say. But, it seems the universe is trying to tell us something. Rest in Peace Lenny Bias. Just sitting here in awe of this legend. Think OMG Len Bias was drafted by the Boston Celtics. Larry Bird Larry Legend was so high on him. He was going to come up to the Basketball camp. That Lenny would have took part in. Before his NBA Boston Celtics debut. Just thinking what could have been. I see an Instant classic rivalry between Bias and Jordan. Ala Russel vs Chamberlin, Bird vs. Magic, Jordan vs. Bird Magic Thomas Ewing/Starks Drexler Barkley Kemp/Payton Malone/Stockton etc…
He died of a heart attack, induced by cocain consumption. There's a few questions left both unasked and unanswered. The athletic director resigned, why? Was he aware of prior use of cocaine on campus by Bias and others? Who was with Bias in that hotel room? Who did he use with? What form of cocaine? Was anyone ever charged with supplying him? I know this video is a tribute to Bias, but there is more to this than is being said.
Len Bias' death made National News in 1986 and it made the front cover of Sports Illustrated that year. I was in the Marine Corps in California, that's how big Bias was , I was looking forward to seeing Bias play with Larry Bird , what a tradegy, RIP Bias 🙏
There are a lot of things we can point to in all our lives that were truly tragic incidents. Basketball being my favorite sport, For me, two that were very pivotal and heart wrenching in sports was the deaths of Len Bias and Kobe Bryant! Out of respect I will certainly mention Mr. Bryant's wonderful daughter as well and those other passengers that accompanied them on that helicopter that fateful day.... Lenny Bias was something *Very Special*❗️ I truly believe if Len had not left us, MJ probably wouldn't have won those 6 Chips! I'm telling y'all, Bias was just that good❗️ Fundamentally sound forward, great quickness, footwork, athleticism with an expert I.Q and understanding of the moment❗️ Boston would have had Parish, McCale, Bird, who were older, but younger thourobreds in Reg Lewis (Also Another Tragic Loss Of Life) and LB❗️ They would have been set up to be the dynasty once again that Bill Russell's squad was.... R.I.P. to all those we've lost who I mentioned above....🙏▪️
@Manatee Power Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can make your life alot less stressful and certainly more meaningful. I know I'm not perfect and am in no position to judge anyone, and besides, I have had to be forgiven for some past transgressions so who am I to judge anyone? Our King Christ Jesus said to forgive as much as 77 times, meaning there really isn't a number you can put on the act. My comment is related totally to basketball by the way. Respect your point because the infidelity was committed, but that's my stance on it.
I was 15 when Len Bias died and up until then, most people considered cocaine to be a "recreational drug" that couldn't kill you --- but then we all learned the dirty truth about it
By far the greatest semi-professional ever. Could have been a Celtics legend and challenged Jordan for the throne. What a player with some of the highest all time potential.
What could have been..... As a Celtics fan I remember where I was and what I was doing when we heard the news of Len's passing it was like getting kicked in the soul. Absolutely gut wrenching.
I still feel like they did something to him... I don't believe he had a Crack overdose yall it's still crackhead from the 80s still here alive an well... but who am I to go against the media about what happened? I wasn't even talking yet.
It wasn't Crack overdose he snorted powder cocaine Crack didn't hit DC at that time Powder Coke was the Party drug back then Brian Tribble was trying to catch a ride on Len Bias coat tail to meet some NBA players and sell his product to NBA players fans and friends he was looking for a come up. That's what really happened Tribble was trying to be the man and party with the Stars but it all backfired
If Len bias did not touch the coke this would have been a starting lineup for the Celtics. PG Dennis Johnson SG Len Bias SF Larry Bird PF Kevin McHale C Robert parish
What a year 1986 was for the fans oof New England. Patriots got smoked in the Superbowl. The Red Sox lost to.the Mets. The Celtics though had the best team ever and won the Championship. A month later Bias was going to Boston and all I could think of was how many more Championships could Bird win now that they had him. I was heartbroken and I'm sure I wasn't alone. The Cs and Bird never won another, not for over 20 something years. Coke aint no joke.
Him and Bird together. Even if he wasn't quite as good as expected he still would have been enough to turn the celtics into more of a super team than they were in the 80s before. Would have won a lot more championships with him. It's hard to say for sure, but most likely.
We would come from NE DC out to College Park which was 15 mins away every night as teens and play pick up games under the lights these games would go on till 2 or 3 in the morning nothing but pure Street Ballin Bias , Gatlin , Branch were all out there Setting the Nets on 🔥 ive never played with any pickup games like those in the 80's out in College Park under the Lights later on they had games over in SE Barry Farms but U of MD were the greatest pickup games in the DC area at that time. DC area had so many Basketball Stars upcoming and already established
I still would say that if he played in the NBA, we would be talking more about Bias than MJ. Even though they both were transcenders. It would've been a great rivalry.
Len Bias is the Goat in my 61 yrs on Earth hes the best player i ever seen he dominated MJ everytime he faced him. If he didnt die so young of a Drug overdose i promise u he wouldve been the Greatest Player of all times. Compared to LB, Jordan was just a flashlight while Len was a Star.
Bird and McHale were both hurt in 1987 so we never would have seen peak Bird/McHale along with Len Bias, but Bias would have made them a championship team anyway. The 87 Celtics, the championship team that never was.
Len would have dominated MJ' in the pros. MJ came clean in an interview ten yrs after Len was gone, and said' in college he was simply unguardable' I was clearly intimidated just a tad bit he said. Jimmy The Greek' was known for controversial statements about black athletes at the time, and he said this about Len : if you asked God to create the perfect basketball player' it would be Lenny Bias'...NO WEAKNESSES' 😓
I have to say this too. 1ST this was when college basketball 🏀 WAS GREAT SPORT 🏀.!!! I mean it was Like U had football 🏈 season & as that ended U went into b-Ball. WHAT MADE IT SO SPECIAL WAS IT WAS LIKE FOOTBALL 🏈 BECAUSE U have a good team & U have these Super Freshmen coming in to add to the B-Ball team & U got to watch them play 2GETHER for like 4 YRS. & if Some1 graduates U add 1 or 2 more Special players & U reloaded & went to battle.!! Now it’s like UR lucky if U have a kid for 1 YRR. Let alone 2, & it seems like UR just adding something to something that’s not really ready 2BE SPECIAL.!! Imagine watching Jordan, Ewing , Bias etc etc.. Play & grow each YR for the next 4 YRs. Now UR LUCKY IF UU KNOW WHO THE TOP 5-10 Players coming out & they have all this potential and they just get lost after two or three years you forget about them.. & it’s because they didn’t have time to grow up in college developing their game their skills.. That’s why people say this was the BEST ERA of Sports 🏀 🏈 because U got to watch a Team become a team.!! Something these kids don’t understand.. Thanks RIP LENNY BIAS UR NOT 4GOTTEN.!!