Johnny Egan

John Francis Egan (January 31, 1939 – July 21, 2022) was an American professional basketball player and coach. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he played at Weaver High School, whose team won the New England high school basketball championship in 1956 and 1957, and was named to the Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team. Known as "Space" — a nickname alluding to his ability to stay in the air during drives to the basket or to the length of his long-distance shots — Egan went on to Providence College, where he played for the Providence Friars and won the 1961 National Invitation Tournament.

The Detroit Pistons selected Egan in the second round of the 1961 NBA draft. He played in the National Basketball Association from 1961 to 1972 for the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Baltimore Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the San Diego / Houston Rockets. The New York Knicks acquired him from the Pistons in a three-team trade on December 16, 1963.

After his playing career, Egan turned to coaching, leading the Houston Rockets from 1973 to 1976. He died on July 21, 2022.