Grunfeld, Ernie

Ernest Grunfeld

Sport:
basketball

Country Represented:
United States

Years Competed:
1976

Medals Received:
gold

Olympic Info:
Grunfeld, who was born in Romania, obtained his American citizenship in July 1976, just in time to play for the United States in the Montreal Olympics. During the tournament, the U.S. defeated Italy (106-86), Puerto Rico (95-94), Yugoslavia (112-93), Czechoslovakia (81-76), and Egypt (2-0) -- the Egyptians withdrew from the Olympics due to political reasons -- to advance to the gold medal game. In the final, the U.S. faced the host country, Canada, and despite 19,000 loudly cheering Canadians, the Americans won the match, 95-77, to capture the gold medal. Ernie played in every game for the U.S., averaging 3.5 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game; he shot 9-18 from the field and 3-4 from the free throw line.

For Grunfeld's entry in our basketball section, click here

Career Highlights:
Ernie made the Sporting News All-America second team as a senior at the University of Tennessee. He was part of the "Bernie and Ernie Show" with Bernard King while at Tennessee. Grunfeld played for the gold medal-winning basketball team in the 1975 Pan American Games. He later played in the National Basketball Association. Ernie is currently the General Manager of the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. April 24, 1955

Origin:
Satu-Mare, Romania

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