Stan Love, a former NBA forward and the father of basketball player Kevin Love, has died at 76. Kevin announced his father’s death in a social-media post Sunday night, according to the Associated Press. Love was also connected to the Beach Boys through his family: he was the brother of singer Mike Love and, later, a caretaker and protector for his cousin Brian Wilson.
Who was Stan Love?
Love was a 6-foot-9 forward who starred at Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, and at the University of Oregon before beginning a professional basketball career. The Associated Press reported that he was selected ninth overall by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 NBA draft.
At Oregon, Love started for three years and was twice named first-team All-Pac-8. The Los Angeles Times reported that he averaged 21.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in his college career, scored 30 or more points in 12 games—a program record—and was inducted into the Oregon Hall of Fame in 1994.
Which NBA teams did Stan Love play for?
Love played in the NBA for the Baltimore Bullets and Los Angeles Lakers. Across 226 NBA games, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, according to the Associated Press. He also appeared in 12 ABA games for the San Antonio team.
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How was Stan Love connected to the Beach Boys?
Love was not a Beach Boys performer by virtue of his family ties. His brother Mike Love was a singer and founding member of the band, and Brian Wilson was his cousin. The Los Angeles Times reported that after his basketball career, beginning in 1977, Stan became a full-time protector and caretaker for Wilson and toured with the Beach Boys for five years.
That work took place during a troubled period in Wilson’s life. Recalling the strain of trying to protect his cousin, Stan told the Portland Tribune in 2019, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times: “Those were chaotic years. It was 24 hours a day of worrying, trying to keep the creeps away.”
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How was Stan Love related to Kevin Love?
Stan was Kevin Love’s father. In a tribute quoted by the Associated Press, Kevin wrote: “Dad, I’m so proud to be your son. My only hope is that you’re proud of me. It was all I ever wanted. Thank you for everything.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What was Stan Love’s cause of death?
The Los Angeles Times reported that no cause of death was mentioned. Kevin’s references to his father having fought for a long time and to a difficult final six months do not establish a specific medical cause.
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