Death is a weird thing in the world of sports. We often treat athletes like they’re immortal until suddenly, they aren't. When people search for a Tom Van Arsdale obituary, there is often a bit of confusion mixed with genuine grief.
Let's get the facts straight first. As of early 2026, Tom Van Arsdale is still with us. However, the world of basketball was hit hard recently by the passing of his identical twin brother, Dick Van Arsdale, who died on December 16, 2024, at the age of 81. Because the two were so inseparable—sharing the same face, the same college career at Indiana University, and even the same final NBA season—the news of one often leads people to search for the other.
Losing Dick was a massive blow to the basketball community, especially in Phoenix. But it also reminded everyone of the incredible, somewhat "unlucky" legacy that Tom Van Arsdale carries.
The Most Productive "Unlucky" Career Ever
Honestly, Tom Van Arsdale might be one of the most statistically impressive players that modern fans barely know. You’ve probably heard of the "best player to never win a ring," but Tom holds a much stranger, more frustrating title.
He played 929 NBA games without a single playoff appearance.
That is an NBA record. It’s almost impossible to be that good for that long and never see the post-season. He scored 14,232 career points. He was a three-time All-Star (1970, 1971, 1972). He averaged over 20 points per game for multiple seasons with the Cincinnati Royals. Yet, the playoffs remained a ghost he could never catch.
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Life as an Identical Twin Legend
Growing up in Indianapolis, the Van Arsdale twins were basically local royalty. They went to Manual High School and then took their talents to Bloomington to play for the legendary Branch McCracken at IU.
- Tom's IU Stats: 1,252 points and 723 rebounds.
- Dick's IU Stats: 1,240 points and 719 rebounds.
Look at those numbers. They were basically the same person on the court. It’s wild. They even shared the Indiana "Mr. Basketball" title in 1961.
When they hit the NBA, they finally split up—mostly. Tom went to the Detroit Pistons (selected 11th overall in 1965), and Dick went to the Knicks. Tom eventually found his groove with the Royals, becoming a scoring machine. He was 6'5", a tough-as-nails guard/forward who could shoot from anywhere.
The Phoenix Reunion
The story of the Van Arsdales reached its "movie ending" phase in 1976. After years of playing against each other, Tom joined Dick on the Phoenix Suns. It was their final season.
It was the only time they played together as pros.
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Dick had already become "The Original Sun," a hero in the Valley. Tom joined him for that 1976-77 swan song. When they retired together in 1977, it felt like the end of an era for basketball purists who loved that gritty, mid-century style of play.
Why the Search for a Tom Van Arsdale Obituary?
The confusion stems from a few places. First, the death of Thomas Van Arsdale (a prominent New York labor leader) in 2018 often pops up in search results. Second, the passing of Dick Van Arsdale in late 2024 was widely covered, and because they are identical twins, images of Tom are frequently used in tributes to Dick.
Kinda confusing, right?
But for those who followed them, the bond was deeper than just basketball. In their later years, the brothers opened an art gallery together in Scottsdale, Arizona. They spent their retirement painting and promoting racial harmony through their "Van Arsdale Twins Art of the Game" project. They were active, healthy, and deeply involved in the community.
A Legacy Beyond the Box Score
If you’re looking for the essence of Tom Van Arsdale, don't just look at the "zero" under the playoff games column. Look at the fact that he showed up for 12 seasons and played with a ferocity that earned him three straight All-Star nods.
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He was the guy who stayed late. He was the guy who played through the lean years of the Royals and the 76ers without complaining. Walt Frazier once said the Van Arsdale twins were the two most underrated players of their era. That's high praise from a guy who knew a thing or two about defense.
Quick Stats at a Glance:
- Career Points: 14,232 (15.3 ppg)
- All-Star Appearances: 3
- All-Rookie First Team: 1966
- NBA Teams: Pistons, Royals, Kings, 76ers, Hawks, Suns.
What to Do Next
If you want to honor the legacy of the Van Arsdale family, there are a few real-world ways to do it.
- Watch the Tape: Look up old footage of the 1970s Cincinnati Royals. Tom's mid-range game was a work of art.
- Support Their Cause: The twins were big supporters of the Arizona Humane Society. In lieu of flowers for Dick's passing, many fans made donations there.
- Read the Book: Tom wrote a book titled JOURNEY MAN: Celebrating an Unlucky, Unpredictable, and Undeniably Successful NBA Career. It’s a great look into what it’s like to be a star on struggling teams.
The "Tom Van Arsdale obituary" might not be a reality yet, but the story of the Van Arsdale twins is a closed chapter in terms of their on-court partnership. Tom continues to carry the torch for both of them, reminding us that success isn't always measured by a playoff trophy—sometimes, it's just about showing up and being the best version of yourself, every single night, for 929 games straight.
To learn more about the golden era of Indiana basketball, you can visit the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, where both brothers are rightfully enshrined.