INDIANAPOLIS – Former Manual High School star, Indiana University All-American and three-time NBA All-Star Dick Van Arsdale has died at age 81, the Phoenix Suns announced Monday.

Van Arsdale was nicknamed “The Original Sun” because he was Phoenix’s first selection in the 1968 expansion draft after spending his first three professional seasons with the Knicks. He was named an All-Star in his first three seasons with the Suns and spent his final nine seasons there, averaging 17.6 points per game.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suns legend Dick Van Arsdale, the ‘Original Sun’ and member of our Ring of Honor,” the Suns said on their X account (formerly Twitter). “Van Arsdale was the first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the first point scorer in team history. He was a cornerstone of the Suns organization. He earned three All-Star selections and was a member of the team’s first trip.” He reached the NBA Finals in 1976 and retired in 1977 as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Van Arsdale was beloved throughout the Suns organization and fan base and held various positions with the team, including broadcaster and front office manager. After his 12-year NBA career, our thoughts are with his friends and friends during this difficult time his family, including his twin brother and Suns teammate Tom.