The shocking death of Len Bias in 1986 still resonates as a thundering blow to the hearts of UMD alumns, Celtics fans and just about anyone old enough to follow basketball back then. The 6' 8" forward dominated in college for the Maryland Terrapins, averaging 19 points and 6 rebounds in his final three years on the College Park campus. As a senior, he averaged 23.2 ppg and 7 boards, yet somehow did not take home Naismith Player of the Year honors; instead, Duke's Johnny Dawkins at 20 ppg claimed it (speaking of bias).
The Boston Celtics, coming off their third NBA title in the Bird/McHale/Parish era, had the second pick in the 1986 draft (thanks to a trade two years prior) and must have been licking their chops after UNC's Brad Daugherty was taken first. Selecting Len Bias was a no-brainer and made the rest of the league cringe knowing full well the Celtic dynasty would now be even tougher to overcome. On June 19, 1986, two days later, Bias died of a drug overdose at 22 years of age. Supposedly, it was the first time he had even tried cocaine.
Obviously, anything signed by the fallen prospect is in extremely short supply. This perfectly signed 3x5 index card comes courtesy of none other than the guy with one of the largest known basketball autograph collections. (Part 2 of Tim Gallagher's collection is well-represented in this auction.) Inscribed "Best Wishes" with his "#34" jersey number in black ink, it comes encapsulated by PSA/DNA with a perfect GEM MINT 10 grade.