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This Day in Basketball History

Peter Jones / REUTERS

1987 - Nick Vanos dies in plane crash

Phoenix Suns center Nick Vanos and his fiancee are among 154 people killed when Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashes at takeoff. 

The San Mateo, Calif., native plays in just 68 NBA games in two seasons before having his life tragically cut short at the age of 24.

The Santa Clara product was selected 32nd overall in 1985. 

2006 - Lonny Baxter arrested in Washington

Former NBA journeyman and NCAA star Lonny Baxter is arrested just blocks from the White House after firing a handgun into the air. 

He is sentenced to 60 days in prison after pleading guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm. 

A national champion with the Maryland Terrapins in 2002, Baxter continues to ply his trade internationally after an underwhelming NBA career. The 6-foot-8 power forward played for Venezuela's Guaiqueries de Margarita last season. 

Birthdays

1928 - George King
1942 - Les Hunter
1957 - James Donaldson

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