Lari Arthur Ketner (February 1, 1977 – October 10, 2014) was an American professional basketball player. A 6-foot-9-inch (2.06 m), 277-pound (126 kg) forward/center, Ketner played college basketball at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 49th overall pick (second round) of the 1999 NBA draft.

Lari Ketner
Personal information
Born(1977-02-01)February 1, 1977
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedOctober 10, 2014(2014-10-10) (aged 37)
Avon, Indiana, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight277 lb (126 kg)
Career information
High schoolRoman Catholic
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
CollegeUMass (1996–1999)
NBA draft1999: 2nd round, 49th overall pick
Selected by the Chicago Bulls
Playing career1999–2004
PositionPower forward
Number6, 0, 8
Career history
1999Chicago Bulls
1999–2000Fort Wayne Fury
2000Cleveland Cavaliers
2001Indiana Pacers
2003–2004Idaho Stampede
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Career

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Ketner played in two National Basketball Association (NBA) seasons for three teams: Chicago Bulls (1999–2000), Cleveland Cavaliers (1999–2000) and Indiana Pacers (2000–01). He averaged 1.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.1 assists. After his brief NBA career, Lari tried a few minor league basketball teams. He played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the Fort Wayne Fury and Idaho Stampede.[1] On January 1, 2005, while standing outside of a nightclub talking to associates, Lari was shot eight times by an unknown person, ultimately ending his basketball career. Lari later followed his passion of working with disadvantaged children by working at several group homes in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Personal life

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On August 28, 2013, at 36 years old, Ketner was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.[2][3] After being diagnosed with cancer, Ketner completed the three courses needed to receive his bachelor's degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst. He completed his final course in August 2014 and received his degree. Lari was married to Aquarius Ketner and was the father of three children and stepfather of two. He resided in Indianapolis, Indiana. He died on October 10, 2014, in Avon, Indiana, from colon cancer at age 37.[4]

References

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  1. ^ [2004–2005 Official CBA Guide and Register, page 273]
  2. ^ Hewitt, Stephen. "Former UMass basketball star Lari Ketner fighting for his life against cancer". Massachusetts Daily Collegian. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  3. ^ "Ten college football programs ready to take the next step". Fight Massachusetts. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  4. ^ Writer, By Rick O'Brien, Inquirer Staff. "Roman grad Ketner dies of cancer". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved April 15, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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