Bill Melchionni
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William P. "Bill" Melchionni (born October 19, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a former NBA and ABA player.
Melchionni was a wispy guard from Bishop Eustace Prep (Pennsauken, NJ) who was a collegiate star in the 1960's at Villanova University. Upon graduation from Villanova, Melchionni joined the famous Phillips 66ers AAU Elite team, where he starred for a season before returning to his hometown to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Melchionni was a key reserve on the greatest of the 76ers teams, NBA Champions led by Wilt Chamberlain, Luke Jackson, Hal Greer, Wali Jones, and Chet Walker in 1967. The team was coached by another AAU Elite alum, Alex Hannum.
Melchionni then jumped to the upstart ABA, becoming a key cog with the New York Nets. He played alongside future Hall-of-Famer Rick Barry, and later mentored a young Julius Erving. Melchionni was a key player in the 1974 ABA Championship, led by Erving, Larry Kenon, John Williamson, and Billy Paultz.
Melchionni played in three ABA All-Star Games, and was named to the All-ABA First Team in 1972. Melchionni led the ABA in assists per game in both 1971 and 1972.
The Nets retired Melchionni's #25 jersey.
