Darel Carrier

Who is Darel Carrier?

James Darel Carrier is a former professional basketball player. Born in Warren County, Kentucky, Carrier played his high school basketball at the now defunct Bristow High School. A 6'3" guard, Carrier played college basketball at Western Kentucky University under legendary coach E.A. Diddle. Carrier was selected in the 9th round of the 1964 NBA Draft by the St. Louis Hawks. However, Carrier opted instead to sign with and play for the Kentucky Colonels of the rival American Basketball Association.

Carrier was a three-time ABA All-Star with the Colonels, teaming with Louie Dampier to form the most explosive backcourt in the ABA; in each of the league's first three seasons, both averaged at least 20 points per game. Carrier played for the Memphis Tams during the 1972-73 season and then retired from pro basketball with 7,011 career points. He had the highest career 3 point shooting percentage in ABA history.

Carrier and his wife, Donna, a retired schoolteacher live on a farm just west of Oakland, Kentucky. They have two sons, Jonathan and Josh. The Carrier's youngest son, Josh, played basketball for the University of Kentucky for Tubby Smith. Like his father, he was also a guard.