Sam Smith: Gentle giant Boerwinkle an unassuming success
In his own words: Tom Boerwinkle: My Most MemoraBull Game
March 27, 2013
"Boerwinkle grabbed more rebounds in a single game than any player in Bulls history, was a team broadcaster during the first three championships, a successful businessman, and the most unassuming seven-footer you’d ever meet," wrote Sam Smith.
(John B. Mitchell/NBAE/Getty Images)
“We were all heartbroken this morning to learn of the passing of Tom Boerwinkle. In addition to being one of the Bulls all-time great players, Tom was one of the kindest men you would ever want to meet with the gentlest of souls. A true gentle giant who made great contributions to the Chicago Bulls organization on and off the court. We will miss him greatly and our condolences go out to his wife, Linda, his son, Jeff, and his daughter, Gretchen,” said Steve Schanwald, Executive Vice President-Business Operations.
Selected by Chicago with the fourth overall pick in the 1968 NBA Draft, Boerwinkle spent his entire career in Chicago. During his 10 seasons with the Bulls, he played in 635 games and averaged 7.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.2 apg and.453 shooting from the floor.
Against Phoenix on Jan. 8, 1970, he grabbed a franchise-record 37 rebounds, a record that still stands over 40 years later. That same season, he set the single-season franchise record for rebounds with 1,133. Following his retirement from the NBA, Boerwinkle also served as a Bulls radio broadcaster from 1991-1994.
In team annals, Boerwinkle ranks second in total rebounds (5,745), third in seasons played (10), fifth in games played (635) and eighth in assists (2,007).