Frank Card Explained

Frank Card
Height Ft:6
Height In:7
Weight Lb:195
Birth Date:28 December 1944
Birth Place:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nationality:American
Highschool:West Philadelphia
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
College:South Carolina State (1962–1964)
Draft Year:1967
Draft Round:7
Draft Pick:77
Draft Team:Philadelphia 76ers
Career Start:1965
Career End:1974
Career Number:35, 34, 13, 20
Career Position:Power forward / small forward
Years1:1965–1966
Team1:Camden Bullets
Years2:1966–1968
Team2:Allentown Jets
Years3:1968–1969
Team3:Minnesota Pipers
Years4:1969–1970
Team4:Washington Caps / Virginia Squires
Years5:1970–1971
Team5:Carolina Cougars
Years6:1971–1973
Team6:Denver Rockets
Years7:1972–1974
Team7:Allentown Jets

Frank Howard Card (December 28, 1944 – April 14, 2021) was an American basketball player who played five seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA).

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he played collegiately for the South Carolina State University.

He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 7th round (77th pick overall) of the 1967 NBA draft.

He played for the Minnesota Pipers (1968–69), Washington Caps (1969–70), Virginia Squires (1970–71), Carolina Cougars (1970–71) and Denver Rockets (1971–73) in the ABA for 306 games.

Following his retirement from basketball, Card worked for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority for nearly 25 years.[1] He died on April 14, 2021.[2]

Early life and education

Frank Howard Card was born to Catherine Cheers and Frank Card on December 28, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA. Card graduated from West Philadelphia High School and earned a scholarship to South Carolina State University. His passion in life at that time was to play basketball, and growing up he honed his skills on the playgrounds of his West Philly neighborhood.

Work and career

Card served in the Army from April 1965 for three years.

During this time he started playing for the Baker League, where he became known for his jumping ability and earned the nick name “Watusi”. He went on to be selected by the 76ers in the 7th round of the 1967 NBA draft. He played for the Minnesota Pipers, Washington Caps, Virginia Squires, Carolina Cougars and Denver Rockets. He also played pro ball in Europe for several years. During that time he also served in the Army from April 1965 to April 1968.

Following his retirement from basketball, Card worked for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority[SEPTA] for nearly 25 years.

Death and legacy

Card was known for socializing and making friends. His infectious smile, energy and sense of humor was as big as he was. He mentored many of his younger male coworkers who often called him “Mr. Frank”. He showed respect to everyone he met and felt one of the most important jobs he ever had was being a positive role model and father to his two step sons.

Card was honored at the ABA's 50th Anniversary for his professional achievements and a proud supporter of the Dropping Dimes Foundation.

Notes and References

  1. News: Former ABA players struggling and running out of time: 'The NBA's waiting for us to die off' . Dana. Hunsinger Benbow. February 21, 2021. April 28, 2021. USA Today.
  2. News: Frank "Watusi" Howard Card. cavanaughfuneralhome.com. April 28, 2021.