Former New York Knicks guard Luther "Ticky" Burden has been diagnosed with a rare heart disease and is being treated at a Manhattan hospital. Two local fundraisers are being held to give the NBA star a helping hand.
The 61-year-old Burden started his career at Albany's former Phillip Schuyler High School. Ron Sontz (pictured below with Ticky) was Burden’s coach. "We knew about Ticky when he was actually about a sixth grader. He had a nickname there, Ticky, and the way he got that nickname, when he shot he used to use the backboard. And you'd hear the tick and then a swish. So they gave him the name Ticky."
Trinity Alliance CEO Harris Oberlander: "Wilt Chamberlain said when he was 15 years old, 'you have to watch this kid, he's going to be the best in the nation.' Indeed, he became an All-American high school player, an All-American collegiate player, and west on to represent the United States in junior championships and of course, after an illustrious career at the University of Utah, he went on to have a career with the New York Knicks." The year was 1976: Burden joined the Knicks when the ABA merged with the NBA. He was a reserve for two seasons before retiring.
No stranger to hard times, Burden was jailed for two years for his alleged involvement in a bank robbery that was never proven. His wife battled breast cancer. Burden himself has undergone multiple surgeries.
Now wheelchair-bound with ATTR amyloidosis, a disease that causes the body's immune system to produce abnormal forms of antibodies, Burden's doctor at New York Presbyterian describes the ex-player as having been "ravaged." You wouldn't know it just talking with him. "What can I say, man, what it is is what is. I'm happy just to be here above ground."
Burden has helped teach basketball at a YMCA near his home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he's lived for two decades. Being in a wheelchair limits his interaction with the youth players. Burden still follows and is genuinely excited about the NBA. "The balance of power of the East is up for grabs and it's Division One's chance to win the East Conference Championships. So I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out!”
Warren Mackey helped organize two fundraisers for Burden this weekend: "To help with his medical expenses." The first is Friday 6 p.m. at Albany High School . Mackey says "We'll have a reception where you can talk to Ticky and meet Ticky and take pictures or whatever. And then we're gonna have a program, some people from the community are gonna speak. Coach Ron Sontz is gonna speak. The function is $40. They can get a ticket at the door. If they just want to give a donation, they can go through First Niagara Bank and give a donation to the Luther 'Ticky' Burden Fund."
The Luther “Ticky” Burden Fund has been established at First Niagara Bank, 899 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203.
Saturday, a benefit basketball game for Burden is being held at Albany’s Green Tech High Charter School, featuring both of the area’s state championship schools; Green Tech vs. Scotia-Glenville. The game begins at 6. Admission is a $5 donation at the door.
