Definition
Stan McKenzie (October 6 1944 – July 21 2021) was an American professional basketball player who competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1966 to 1973.
Overview
Born in Miami, Florida, McKenzie attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School before playing collegiate basketball for the New York University (NYU) Violets, where he scored more than 1,000 points and was later inducted into the NYU Hall of Fame (1984). Selected in the 11th round (94th overall) of the 1966 NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets, he began his professional career overseas with Ignis Varese (Italy) for the 1966‑67 season. Returning to the United States, McKenzie played for the Baltimore Bullets (1967‑68), Phoenix Suns (1968‑70), Portland Trail Blazers (1970‑72), and Houston Rockets (1972‑73). Over 396 regular‑season games, he averaged 9.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. After retiring from basketball, McKenzie was active in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, serving as the first male Supervisor of Missions and holding leadership positions in multiple episcopal districts. He was married to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first woman bishop in the AME Church.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “McKenzie” is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic “MacCoinnich,” meaning “son of Coinneach” (with Coinneach meaning “handsome” or “fair”). The given name “Stan” is a diminutive of “Stanley,” an English name meaning “stone clearing” or “stony meadow.”
Characteristics
- Positions: Primarily a small forward and shooting guard, known for versatility on both offense and defense.
- Physical profile: Stood 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and weighed 195 lb (88 kg).
- Playing style: Utilized a mid‑range shooting ability and contributed solid rebounding for his size; career field‑goal percentage of .444 and free‑throw percentage of .802.
- Statistical highlights: Career‑high season averages of 13.8 points per game (1971‑72 with Portland) and 3.8 rebounds per game (1970‑71 with Portland).
- Post‑playing contributions: Pioneered leadership roles within the AME Church, becoming the first male Supervisor of Missions in its more than two‑century history and overseeing mission work across three episcopal districts.
Related Topics
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- NYU Violets men’s basketball program
- Baltimore Bullets, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets (NBA franchises)
- Ignis Varese (Italian professional basketball club)
- African Methodist Episcopal Church and its missionary programs
- Vashti Murphy McKenzie, AME bishop and spouse of Stan McKenzie
- NBA draft processes and late‑round selections in the 1960s
References available from the player’s Wikipedia entry and associated NBA statistical archives.