Rich Rinaldi (part two): St. Peter's College Hall of Famer, NBA / ABA veteran and European star - AIR138

NBA History Conversations: Basketball Record

Episode • Oct 6, 2024 • 1h 1m

Part two of my extended conversation with Rich Rinaldi. We now focus on Rico's - he shares the origins of his nickname - professional career. Rich offers fascinating insights into the ups and downs of his NBA and ABA tenure.

Aged just 26 and his hoops life at a crossroads, Rinaldi traded the hardwood for a chalkboard. He worked as a physical education teacher before an offer to play basketball overseas rejuvenated his life. Rico's talents flourished in Europe. After an initial stumbling block, he starred in Switzerland for five years.

At age 50, Rinaldi began working with the National Basketball Players Association. A position he relished and was arguably tailor-made for. Rich details the highlights of his almost 20 years at the NBPA.

If you can't identify with the highs and lows of Rich's life story, I'm not sure what to tell you. This conversation is why I love producing my podcast.

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