John Brisker
John Brisker (born June 15, 1947) was an American professional basketball player from Detroit, Michigan who disappeared in Uganda in April 1978. He was declared legally dead in 1985.
 Brisker with Toledo c. 1967 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 15, 1947 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died | Disappeared c. April 1978 (aged 30); Declared legally dead in 1985 |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Hamtramck (Hamtramck, Michigan) |
| College | Toledo (1966–1968) |
| Playing career | 1969–1975 |
| Position | Forward / Guard |
| Number | 23, 45, 40, 42 |
| Career history | |
| 1969–1972 | Pittsburgh Pipers/Condors |
| 1972–1975 | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1975 | Cherry Hill Rookies |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Career ABA and NBA statistics | |
| Points | 6,847 (20.7 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 2,152 (6.5 rpg) |
| Assists | 787 (2.4 apg) |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
Sports career
A 6'5" forward/guard who played for the Toledo Rockets basketball team of the University of Toledo, Brisker played six seasons in the ABA and NBA as a member of the Pittsburgh Pipers (1969–1970), Pittsburgh Condors (1970–1972) and Seattle SuperSonics (1972–1975). He averaged 20.7 points per game over the course of his ABA/NBA career (26.1 points per game in the ABA, and 11.9 points per game in the NBA).
Brisker developed a reputation as one of the most volatile players in basketball. According to his Condors teammate Charlie Williams, "He was an excellent player, but say something wrong to the guy and you had this feeling he would reach into his bag, take out a gun and shoot you."[1] He was ejected so often for fighting that he was nicknamed "the heavyweight champion of the ABA." The Condors made much of Brisker's reputation as an enforcer; their media guide portrayed him wearing a pair of six-shooters.
In a 1971 game against the Denver Rockets, Brisker was ejected two minutes into the game for an elbow on the Rockets' Art Becker. Brisker charged back onto the court three times in order to go after Becker. A group of police officers threatened to arrest Brisker and finally persuaded him to return to the locker room.[2]
Disappearance in Uganda
In 1978, Brisker went missing after he traveled to Uganda. Some rumors claim he went to Uganda as a mercenary; others say he was invited as a guest by Idi Amin.[1] The last confirmed communication from Brisker was in April 1978, after which it has been speculated that he was executed by a firing squad when Amin was removed from power in 1979. He was declared legally dead in 1985 by the King County, Washington medical examiner.[3]
See also
Notes
- "Bar Chat". Stocks and News. June 6, 2003.
- Benjamin, Josh (30 September 2011). "The Most Legendary Personalities in ABA History". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- Jamieson, Robert L. (2004-07-01). "Former Sonic forever shrouded in mystery". Seattlepi.com. Retrieved 2012-01-30.