Duke Basketball Legend Hack Tison Passes Away at 83

Haskell "Hack" Tison, a pivotal figure in Duke University's early basketball history and a member of the Blue Devils' first Final Four teams in 1963 and 1964, has died at the age of 83. Born in 1942, Tison joined Duke during the Vic Bubas era. Although he was a freshman during the 1962-63 season, rules at the time prevented him from playing varsity basketball until his sophomore year. Standing 6-10, he formed a formidable frontcourt with Jay Buckley, helping lead Duke to the 1964 NCAA Championship game, where they lost to UCLA. In 1965, Tison was selected in the sixth round of the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. Despite the opportunity to join a historic dynasty and potentially back up Bill Russell, Tison declined the offer due to low salaries and extensive travel requirements. Instead, he accepted a more lucrative position with IBM, effectively ending his professional athletic career before it began. Tison remained a beloved figure among his former teammates, who visited him during his final days as his health declined. His passing marks the end of an era for Duke sports pioneers, leaving behind a legacy of talent and pragmatic life choices.