Darnell Valentine was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for nine seasons. He was born on February 3, 1959, in Wichita, Kansas, and attended the University of Kansas, where he played college basketball for four years.
Valentine was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 1981 NBA draft. He played for the Trail Blazers for four seasons, from 1981 to 1985, and was known for his strong defense and playmaking abilities. He was a key player on the Trail Blazers team that reached the NBA Finals in 1990, although they lost to the Detroit Pistons in five games.
After leaving the Trail Blazers, Valentine played for several other NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Kansas City Kings. He also played briefly in Europe, for the Italian team Scavolini Pesaro.
Throughout his career, Valentine was known for his versatility and leadership on the court. He was a solid point guard who could score, rebound, and distribute the ball effectively. He was also a strong defender, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best player.
Off the court, Valentine was known for his community involvement and philanthropy. He was active in several charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics and the Boys and Girls Club. He also founded the Darnell Valentine Foundation, which provided scholarships and other support to underprivileged youth.
Valentine retired from professional basketball in 1991, but his legacy as a player and community leader lives on. He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and continues to be involved in charitable work in his hometown of Wichita.
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