WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — In 1983, Dave Popson was in his senior year, playing basketball at Bishop O'Reilly High School In Kingston. Fast forward to now, more than 40 years later, as Popson reflects on his basketball career. From high school to the University of North Carolina and then to the NBA.
That journey comes full circle as Popson joins several other outstanding athletes into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class of inductees.
"There's so many good athletes here in this area alone and to be, incorporate the whole state, I was blown away," Popson said.
Popson played alongside some incredible athletes, to include Michael Jordan as a Tar Heel and Larry Bird while he played for the Boston Celtics.
"I got to know Larry a little bit this despite this being that close to him and having to guard him every day in practice. So you, you got to appreciate what the guy was all about," said Popson.
It's quite an achievement to be sports royalty in Pennsylvania and here in Luzerne County, but Dave Sr. says he's proud of his son, Dave Jr. who is continuing that basketball legacy here at Holy Redeemer.
"Not a doubt. He's my pride and joy. I can't take my eye off him here. He gets after it. He's working his butt off. He worked hard this summer. I just want him to go out and just play pressure free because he has the skills, he has the talent and if he just puts it all together, he's going to be something special," Popson said.
Dave Popson Jr. didn't get to see his dad play, other than a few short clips online, but has taken pointers to improve his game. It's hard not to notice some similarities in their style.
"The hook shot that he taught me that that's a big staple in my game. Like the midrange shot. He's always stressed to me to work on that and I did eventually develop that and that's a big staple in my game too," said Popson Jr.
Dave Popson Sr. will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on November 2nd at the Delaware County Drexelbrook Event Center.