Dedric Willoughby

Dedric Demond Willoughby (May 27, 1974 – July 19, 2023) was an American professional basketball player. He played for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Playing career
Willoughby attended Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, Louisiana. He enrolled at the University of New Orleans and played college basketball for the New Orleans Privateers for two years. He transferred to Iowa State University to play for the Iowa State Cyclones for two years. His coach at both schools was Tim Floyd. During each of his two seasons at Iowa State, Willoughby was the runner-up for the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year Award. As a senior, he averaged 18.9 points per game and made 45% of his three-point field goal attempts.

After playing professionally in Italy, Willoughby made the roster of the Chicago Bulls for the 1999–2000 NBA season, and was reunited once again with coach Tim Floyd. He appeared in 25 games that season, registering one start, and averaged 7.6 points.

During the next season, Willoughby signed with the Sydney Kings of the Australian National Basketball League. However, he injured his knee in a practice, and was released shortly afterward, only having played in one game with the team.

Later life
Willoughby later became a coach with the All-Iowa Attack youth basketball program in Ames, Iowa.

Death
Willoughby died on July 19, 2023, at the age of 49. He suffered a heart attack during a pick-up game of basketball in Atlanta.

NBA
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