Garry Nelson, one of Duquesne basketball's legendary Nelson Twins, dies at age 73

Garry A. Nelson, a legendary athlete and unmistakable presence with his twin brother, Barry, on Duquesne basketball teams of the late 1960s and early 1970s and later a law school graduate at his alma mater, died Sunday in Florida after a fall. He was 73.

“The entire Duquesne University community mourns the passing of Garry Nelson,” Duquesne president Ken Gormley said in a statement. “Garry’s impact on our institution, both in the legal field and on the basketball court, cannot be overstated. A big man at 6 (feet), 10 (inches) tall, he leaves an equally large legacy in the entire city of Pittsburgh. (Garry and Barry) were truly part of the fabric of an exciting era in Pittsburgh sports.”

During and after leading Fox Chapel High School to WPIAL section championships in 1966 and 1967, Garry and Barry were known locally and nationally as the “Nelson Twins.” They led the Dukes to the NCAA Tournament in 1969 and 1971, an NIT berth in 1970 and overall record of 59-16. In those days, the Dukes were among the most popular and successful teams in town — any sport, college or pro.

Garry averaged nearly a double-double for his career: 12.8 points and 9.6 rebounds. He totaled 958 points and 722 rebounds while leading the team in field-goal percentage for each of his three seasons and rebounding as a sophomore and junior. He was chosen as a member of Duquesne’s All-Century Team.

Garry Nelson’s name came up last month when former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, speaking at Duquesne’s commencement, talked of traveling from his hometown of Crafton to the Civic Arena as a teenager to watch Duquesne basketball games.

Garry Nelson was a fifth-round draft choice of the NBA’s Buffalo Braves in 1971. He also was selected in the second round of the ABA Draft by the Dallas Chaparrals.

He played professionally in Italy before returning to the U.S. and Duquesne to earn a law degree. He graduated from the Duquesne Kline School of Law in 1982 while raising a family.

At the outset of his law career, Nelson worked in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office, and later he joined the firm Grogan, Graffam, McGinley and Lucchino. He also spent much of his career as a contract attorney and solo practitioner.

“I remember Garry fondly as a devoted alumnus when I had the privilege to serve as dean of the law school,” Gormley said. “He was a giant in the local legal community, just as he had been a giant on the court, and was always eager to support his alma mater and the legal profession that he proudly served.

“He was a faithful member of the Duquesne Kline Law Alumni Association and its Board of Governors, where he lent a gentle but focused hand to every endeavor. Garry loved to mentor student-athletes and law students alike while regaling his many fans from past decades with stories from that golden era of Duquesne basketball.”

Nelson’s personality — soft-spoken but engaging — was memorialized in a 1971 appearance with Barry on the public television program “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.” They talked with Fred Rogers about how twins look the same but have their own independent styles.

“All of Garry’s many friends, fellow alums, colleagues and fans will miss his abiding presence courtside at Duquesne Dukes basketball games,” Gormley said, “but his spirit will live at Duquesne for generations to come. Our prayers are with Barry, his longtime partner, Susan, and his entire family.”

Added Duquesne athletic director Dave Harper, “Garry Nelson was not only a legend in regards to Duquesne basketball history, but truly one of the great men I’ve ever had a chance to meet. We will miss him and send his family and friends our deepest thoughts, prayers and condolences. We will make it a point to honor him this upcoming basketball season.”