The basketball community is mourning the loss of Dwight “Bo” Lamar, who passed away this morning. Lamar was not only one of the greatest players in the history of the University of Louisiana (formerly the University of Southwestern Louisiana) men’s basketball program, but also a beloved ambassador of the game whose impact was felt from Blackham Coliseum to the professional hardwood.

Lamar was born on April 7, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio. He became a household name in Lafayette and beyond during his extraordinary collegiate career. Standing 6-1 but possessing a scoring ability that transcended his size, Lamar left an indelible mark on the Ragin’ Cajuns basketball program and the broader landscape of college hoops.

Collegiate Career: A Scoring Machine for the Cajuns

When Lamar arrived at USL in 1969, the basketball program was poised to make a run. Under coach Beryl Shipley’s guidance, Lamar quickly emerged as a scoring force who altered both expectations and records. Over four seasons, he carved his name into NCAA history by averaging 31.2 points per game, amassing 3,493 career points, a figure that still stands atop the Ragin’ Cajuns’ all-time scoring list.

Lamar’s scoring exploits were prolific across eras: he led the College Division in scoring one season (1971-1972) and then led the University Division the next (1972-1973), a first in NCAA history. He was also a first-team All-American in both seasons. During this pre-three-point era, Lamar’s fearless long-range shooting thrilled crowds and earned him national respect. Coaches have since praised him as one of the purest shooters of his generation.

Those performances helped propel the Cajuns (formerly known as the Bulldogs) to a 90–23 record during his tenure, and the team enjoyed Top-10 national rankings and NCAA Tournament appearances, achievements unprecedented in program history at the time.

Pro Career: From Lafayette to the ABA and NBA

After college, Lamar’s scoring acumen translated to the professional level. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1973 American Basketball Association Draft by the San Diego Conquistadors and was also selected in the NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Lamar starred in the ABA with San Diego and later the Indiana Pacers, averaging around 20 points per game in his early seasons and earning ABA All-Rookie First Team honors in 1974.  He also had a stint in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers (1976-1977) following the ABA–NBA merger, bringing his professional career full circle and cementing his reputation as a scorer at every level.

Legacy: More Than Just Points

Dwight “Bo” Lamar’s legacy stretches far beyond statistical achievements. He helped establish the Ragin’ Cajuns as a competitive force and put Lafayette on the national basketball map. Before Topgolf, Dave and Buster’s, and Mall of Acadiana; Blackham Coliseum was the place in town to watch “Bo” and his teammates light up the floor. His style was fearless, creative, and electrifying which influenced fans and future players alike, inspiring generations who grew up watching his scoring prowess and competitive spirit.

He was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 and is also in the UL Athletics Hall of Fame for his monumental contributions.  In 2018, his high school accomplishments were also honored with induction into the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Circle of Champions, celebrating his lifelong impact on the game from Columbus to Louisiana.

After his professional career, Lamar returned to the Lafayette community, working as a radio color analyst for Cajun broadcasts and remaining a cherished figure in local basketball circles, always generous with his time, stories, and love for the game.

Honoring a Cajun Basketball Legend

Lamar’s legacy will be remembered not just in record books, but in the hearts of those who witnessed his brilliance on the court, heard his voice in the broadcast booth, or were inspired by his journey from a young recruit to a basketball legend. His life was a testament to passion, perseverance, and the profound impact one player can have on a program, a sport, and a community.

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