Former Local Star Needs Help of Capital Region

Luther "Ticky" Burden used to wow the Capital Region with his play on the basketball court.

But the former Phillip Schuyler High School star, who played for the New York Knicks, and shined at the 1974 FIBA World Championships (20.2 ppg) now needs the help of those who used to watch him play.

Burden is suffering from a rare disease called primary amyloidosis, a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. He needs a heart and lung transplant.

The Friends of Luther "Ticky" Burden have a life-saving benefit planned for Burden this week (July 25th, 6 p.m.) at the Albany High School Gymnasium to help defray his medical expenses.

The 20.2 ppg at the 1974 FIBA Championships was a United States record. It stood until 2010, when it was broken by Kevin Durant.