Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League

 
During what many describe as the "golden era" of high school basketball in Pittsburgh, Billy Knight was a versatile 6-foot-6 guard/forward combo who had one of the greatest playoff games in WPIAL history. In the 1970 Class 1A quarterfinals, Knight was nearly unstoppable, scoring 41 points and pulling down 21 rebounds. That performance is still tied for sixth-best in a WPIAL playoff game. His Braddock High School squad fell to Mohawk in the semifinals three days later in front of more than 9,000 fans at the Civic Arena. Billy was high man in that one, scoring 30 points and grabbing 29 boards. Knight left Braddock for the University of Pittsburgh and enjoyed a sensational career in Oakland. He was named All-American and became the first Panther in school history to average more than 20 points and 10 rebounds over three different seasons. In 1974, Billy led Pitt to a 25-4 record and the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight where the Panthers fell to eventual national champion North Carolina State. He is considered to be one of Pitt's greatest players ever; named to the Panthers all-time starting five. Knight began his pro career with Indiana, earning ABA All-Rookie First Team honors for the 1975-76 campaign during which he averaged 28.1 points per game. He continued with the Pacers as they were merged into the NBA and his average climbed to 26.6; second best in the league that season. After stints with the Buffalo Braves, Boston Celtics, Kansas City Kings, and San Antonio Spurs, Knight returned to Indy before finishing his playing career with a season in France. He is still the Pacers' third all-time leading scorer and is in the top five of several other all-time categories for the franchise. After stepping off the court, he moved into the front office becoming an executive with the Pacers and the Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies. From 2003 to 2008, he served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Atlanta Hawks. In 1989, Pitt retired his number 34.