Former Phoenix Sun John Shumate passed away Monday morning. He was 72 years old. Shumate was drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the 4th overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft out of the University of Notre Dame. “Shu” played just 1 season with the Suns, but he also served in various front office positions for Phoenix after his 5 year NBA career, and was the head coach for the Phoenix Mercury in 2003.
Shumate played his college ball at Notre Dame. Shumate was on the Irish team that ended UCLA’s 88-game winning streak. He scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Bill Walton-led Bruins.