Former Oregon, Bullets Player Greg Ballard Dies at Age 61

Former Oregon Ducks and Washington Bullets forward Greg Ballard died Wednesday at the age of 61.

Per the release on Oregon's official website, Ballard had prostate cancer at the time of his death.

Ballard played at Oregon from 1973 to 1977, averaging 15.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. He earned first-team All-Pac-8 honors in his last two seasons with the program and was an All-American in 1977.

Per Oregon's release, Ballard owns the school record with 1,114 career rebounds and ranks fourth with 1,829 points.

After his college career, the Bullets selected Ballard fourth overall in the 1977 NBA draft. He played 11 seasons as a professional, including eight with the Bullets, and won the NBA title in his rookie season.

Ballard averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest in 802 career games with the Bullets, Golden State Warriors and Seattle SuperSonics.

The Wizards offered their condolences to Ballard's family and friends on Twitter:

Following the end of his playing career, Ballard moved into the coaching ranks. He worked with the Atlanta Hawks from 2004 to 2013 and spent the last two seasons as a scout for the Wizards. 

Ballard was inducted into the Pac-12 Hall of Honor in 2009 and the University of Oregon Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.