Beyond the buzzer: The Armen Gilliam story

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer • December 12, 2024

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1988-1989: Forward Armon Gilliam of the Phoenix Suns looks to shoot the ball during a game. Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport

The second overall pick in the NBA is always a prime spot for premiere talent in the NBA.

Talents such as Gary Payton (1990), Alonzo Mourning (1992), Jason Kidd (1994), Kevin Durant (2007), Ja Morant (2019), and Chet Holmgren (2022) can all say they were drafted second overall.

Though, did you know Bethel Park can also claim fame for having a second overall in the 1987 NBA draft?

In the 1987 NBA draft, the Phoenix Suns selected BPHS alumnus Armen Gilliam second overall.

Armen was selected over future NBA legends like Scottie Pippen and Reggie Miller. He also followed two-time NBA champion David Robinson.

You can not blame head coach Dick Van Arsdale for drafting Armen at the time. In college, standing 6-foot-9 and 230 lbs, he dominated the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In his final college season, Armen averaged 23.2 points and made the 1986-87 All-American second team.

Those stats weren’t far off either from when he made it to the big leagues, as in his rookie season with the Phoenix Suns he averaged 14.8 points. When taking into regard that the NBA was filled with all-stars such as Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Dominique Wilkins, Karl Malone, and Michael Jordan, that’s an impressive feat.

Armen “The Hammer” Gilliam would go on to be a legendary journeyman in his 13-year NBA career, playing for the Phoenix Suns, the Charlotte Hornets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey now Brooklyn Nets, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Utah Jazz.

Over the years, he showcased a combination of strength and finesse that few players possessed, allowing him to carve out a unique niche in a league that was rapidly evolving.

Armen ended his career with 12,700 points, 6,401 rebounds, and 1,088 assists all-time.

The dynamic big-man style pioneered by Armen Gilliam earned him the respect of millions and was the blueprint for many NBA players in the league today. His legacy is evident in the physical play of modern power forwards and centers that emulate his drive, versatility, and work ethic.

In honor of being one of the most successful athletes to come out of BPHS, Armen Gilliam took his rightful spot in the Bethel Park Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999 and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’s Hall of Fame in 1998.

The former NBA star went on to have an impact beyond the court. After his NBA career ended in 2000, he coached at Mount Lebanon and multiple Penn State teams.

Unfortunately, Armen passed away on July 5, 2011. While the passing was heartbreaking, the memory of Armen still lives on in Bethel Park.

Armen Gilliam’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of athletic excellence, reminding us that legends leave behind more than just statistics—they leave behind a legacy that inspires future generations.

From his groundbreaking achievements in the NBA to his enduring influence in coaching, Armen’s spirit thrives in the hearts and memories of those he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer