Gerry Besselink was a Center for the UConn Huskies from – He’s a member of the UConn Basketball All Century Ballot; he averaged a “double-double” in his senior season with points per game, and rebounds per game.
Gerry Besselink
Key Career Moment of Gerry Besselink
Gerry Besselink made his mark in the NBA during the 1995-96 season with the Denver Nuggets, where he played a crucial role off the bench as a reliable three-point shooter. His defining moment came on February 12, 1996, when he drained six three-pointers in a single game against the Seattle SuperSonics, helping secure a surprise road victory.
Gerry was fearless from deep-defenders had to respect his range, said former teammate Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.This performance solidified Besselink's reputation as a sharpshooter in a league increasingly valuing perimeter play.
Unique Skill of Gerry Besselink
Gerry Besselink's signature skill was his lightning-quick catch-and-shoot ability.
Unlike many players of his era, he required minimal space to get his shot off, making him a dangerous weapon in transition.
His high release point and consistent footwork made him a nightmare for closing defenders, especially in late-clock situations.
Gerry Besselink's Stats
- Career 39.1% three-point shooter in the NBA
- Averaged 8.4 points per game in 12.7 minutes off the bench
- Played 5 seasons across 3 teams (Nuggets, Pacers, Clippers)
Gerry Besselink's Legacy in the NBA
Though never a star, Gerry Besselink's career helped pave the way for modern stretch forwards.
His efficiency from deep in limited minutes foreshadowed today's analytics-driven emphasis on three-point specialists.
Gerardus John Besselink (born September 1, ) [1] is a Canadian former professional basketball player.
A unique fact: Besselink once won a three-point contest in the Dutch League before entering the NBA, proving his shooting prowess early. After retiring, he became a shooting coach in Europe, influencing a generation of players-proof that his impact on basketball extended beyond his playing days.