Cornelius Cash Jr. Obituary, DAYTON, Ohio — Cornelius Cash Jr., a former NBA power forward whose basketball journey took him from Dayton to the professional ranks, died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 74. His passing marks the loss of a player remembered for his determination, talent, and perseverance throughout a distinguished basketball journey.
Born on March 3, 1952, in Macon, Mississippi, Cash grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where he attended Dunbar High School. His early years in Dayton helped shape the path that would eventually lead him to college basketball and, ultimately, the NBA.
Cash continued his basketball career at Bowling Green State University, where he played for the Falcons from 1972 through 1975. A standout forward, he earned First-Team All-Mid-American Conference honors for three consecutive seasons from 1973 to 1975, reflecting his consistency and impact during his collegiate career.
His strong performances at Bowling Green led to Cash being selected in both the NBA and ABA drafts in 1975. The Milwaukee Bucks selected him in the second round with the 24th overall pick of the NBA Draft, while the San Diego Sails selected him in the ABA Draft.
Cash ultimately reached the NBA with the Detroit Pistons during the 1976–77 season. Listed at 6-foot-8 and 215 pounds, the power forward appeared in six games for Detroit. Although his NBA career was brief, reaching the league represented a significant achievement in a journey built on persistence and dedication to basketball.
Beyond his professional statistics, Cash’s legacy is closely connected to his time as a Bowling Green Falcon and his journey from Dayton to the national basketball stage. His career remains part of the history of the teams he represented and reflects the determination that carried him through each level of the sport.
Cash is remembered as a dedicated athlete and a proud Falcon whose quiet perseverance helped him reach professional basketball. His passing leaves behind a legacy within the basketball communities connected to his life and career.
Condolences are extended to the family, friends, former teammates, and all those who knew and remembered Cornelius Cash Jr. May his contributions to basketball and the memories he created continue to be remembered, and may he rest in peace.
