The Van Arsdale Twins: Basketball’s Mirror Image Duo

In the golden era of the NBA, where the game was beginning to blossom into a global spectacle, two identical twin brothers left a lasting imprint—Dick and Tom Van Arsdale. Born on February 22, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Van Arsdale twins not only shared DNA, but also a passion and talent for basketball that would carry them from high school courts to All-Star arenas.

Early Life and High School Stardom

Growing up in Indiana, a state synonymous with basketball, the Van Arsdale twins honed their skills at Emmerich Manual High School in Indianapolis. Their chemistry was, naturally, second nature. It became clear early on that they were not only talented but driven by an unspoken connection that only twins can understand.

Their performances at Manual High made them two of the most sought-after high school recruits in the country.

Indiana University: The Foundation of the Van Arsdale Twins’ Legacy

Dick and Tom Van Arsdale were more than just standout players at Indiana University—they were the cornerstones of the Hoosiers’ success in the mid-1960s, contributing significantly to the school’s growing basketball reputation under coach Branch McCracken. They were part of a dynamic era in college basketball, where the Hoosiers were competitive in the Big Ten Conference and looked to make waves on the national stage.

Branch McCracken and the Hoosiers’ Rise

In the early 1960s, Indiana University was on the rise under the leadership of coach Branch McCracken. McCracken, who had already led the Hoosiers to two national championships (1940, 1953), was looking to rebuild the program with strong talent. When the Van Arsdale twins arrived at IU, McCracken recognized the raw potential of the brothers and their complementary skill sets.

Dick, the older of the two by a few minutes, was known for his sharp shooting and calm demeanor on the court, while Tom was a more aggressive and athletic player with an innate ability to score. Both players were versatile—able to contribute offensively and defensively in multiple ways, which made them incredibly valuable to the Hoosiers’ system.

The Van Arsdale Impact: Stats and Contributions

From the moment they joined the Indiana Hoosiers, the Van Arsdales made an immediate impact. Over their three-year careers (since freshmen were not eligible for varsity play at the time), they were pivotal in pushing the team to the upper echelons of college basketball, earning respect in the Big Ten and nationally.

Dick Van Arsdale

• Years at IU: 1961–1965

• Position: Guard/Forward

• Notable Traits: Dick was known for his smooth shooting touch and ability to score in a variety of ways. He was a deadly mid-range shooter and had an impeccable free throw percentage.

Dick’s basketball IQ and calm demeanor on the court made him the perfect complement to his brother Tom. He could run the offense effectively, and his versatility allowed him to play multiple positions. One of his standout performances was in the 1963 Big Ten Championship season, where he played a key role in leading the Hoosiers to a conference title. He finished his college career with a solid scoring average and a reputation as one of the most consistent players in the Big Ten.

Tom Van Arsdale

• Years at IU: 1961–1965

• Position: Guard/Forward

• Notable Traits: Tom had a more aggressive style of play, known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and tenacity on the court. He was a natural scorer who could take over games with his offensive output, but he also had a well-rounded game that included excellent defense.

Tom’s dynamic play style was instrumental in several of Indiana’s victories. He was a key player in both fast breaks and half-court sets, often finishing plays with powerful drives to the basket. His high-scoring games, especially during the 1963-1964 season, helped establish him as one of the premier players in the Big Ten.

The 1964-1965 Season: A Peak Year

While both players had outstanding careers at Indiana, the 1964–1965 season was perhaps the highlight of their college years. This was the year the Hoosiers made a serious run in the NCAA Tournament, and both Dick and Tom were crucial in Indiana’s success.

Under coach McCracken, the Hoosiers finished the season with a 21–5 record, finishing second in the Big Ten behind the University of Michigan. The team was ranked among the top programs in the nation, and the Van Arsdale brothers were integral to the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.

• Tom Van Arsdale was one of the team’s leading scorers, averaging more than 15 points per game that season. He was a key player in Indiana’s fast break, pushing the ball up the floor and finishing plays with confidence. Tom’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether through jump shots, driving layups, or offensive rebounds—made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

• Dick Van Arsdale also contributed significantly, averaging around 14 points per game and establishing himself as a crucial piece of the Hoosiers’ offense. His role as a leader was felt throughout the team, as he helped to orchestrate plays, set up teammates, and deliver crucial baskets in tight situations.

Indiana’s strong play earned them a berth in the NCAA Tournament in 1965, where they reached the Elite Eight before falling to the University of Michigan in a tightly contested game. Although they didn’t win the national title, their run that season helped solidify the Van Arsdale twins as household names in college basketball.

Legacy at Indiana

While the Van Arsdale twins did not win an NCAA championship during their time at Indiana, they left an indelible mark on the program. Their skill, work ethic, and leadership helped elevate the Hoosiers to national prominence, and they both became legends in Indiana University’s basketball history.

• Dick Van Arsdale was known for his steady leadership and shooting touch, earning a reputation as a reliable player who could handle the ball and score under pressure.

• Tom Van Arsdale became one of the most dynamic players in the Big Ten, blending athleticism with scoring ability and cementing his place as one of the top players in Indiana’s rich basketball tradition.

The Van Arsdales were key in establishing the Hoosiers as a force in the Big Ten and set the stage for future successes under McCracken. Their presence on the court helped bring national attention to Indiana basketball, which would later flourish under other greats like Bobby Knight.

In Summary: A Dynamic Duo for Indiana

The Van Arsdale twins were a special case in the history of college basketball—two brothers, both incredibly talented and equally committed to the game, playing together at one of the premier basketball programs in the country. Their time at Indiana University marked the beginning of an era for both the Hoosiers and the NBA, and they went on to leave a lasting legacy both in college basketball and the professional ranks.

Their individual and collective performances at Indiana were a precursor to the successful careers they would have in the NBA, and their time in Bloomington remains a high point in Indiana’s rich basketball history.

Would you like to know more about their post-college basketball careers or their impact on the NBA?

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1965 NBA Draft: The Beginning of a Parallel Journey

In a remarkable twist of fate, both were drafted in the second round of the 1965 NBA Draft:

• Tom Van Arsdale was selected 11th overall by the Detroit Pistons.

• Dick Van Arsdale went 10th overall to the New York Knicks.

This marked the first time in NBA history that identical twins were both drafted in the same round.

This Day In Sports January 20, 1970 First Brothers Play Together NBA All-Star Game

NBA Careers: Diverging Paths, Shared Greatness

Though they would spend most of their careers on separate teams, their statistical production and career arcs often mirrored each other.

Tom Van Arsdale

• Teams: Detroit Pistons (1965–68), Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City-Omaha Kings (1968–72), Philadelphia 76ers (1972–73), Atlanta Hawks (1973–76), Phoenix Suns (1976–77)

• Career Points: 14,232 (15.3 PPG)

• Career Rebounds: 3,942 (4.2 RPG)

• All-Star Appearances: 3 (1970, 1971, 1972)

Tom was a prolific scorer and known for his deadly mid-range jumper. Despite putting up impressive numbers and being an All-Star-caliber player, he holds the unfortunate distinction of being the NBA player with the most career points without ever playing in a playoff game—a record that still stands today.

Dick Van Arsdale

• Teams: New York Knicks (1965–68), Phoenix Suns (1968–77)

• Career Points: 15,079 (16.4 PPG)

• Career Rebounds: 3,807 (4.1 RPG)

• All-Star Appearances: 3 (1969, 1970, 1971)

Dick’s career was defined by his role as “The Original Sun”, as he was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the 1968 expansion draft. He became a franchise cornerstone, earning three All-Star selections and leading the Suns with his trademark defensive intensity and smooth scoring ability. His number 5 jersey is retired by the Suns.

Twins Reunited: The Final Chapter

In an emotional and poetic ending to their careers, Tom joined Dick on the Phoenix Suns in 1976—their final season in the NBA. Though Tom never made the playoffs, he and Dick got to play side by side one last time, rekindling the bond that began on the playgrounds of Indianapolis.

They both retired in 1977, ending 12-year NBA careers that showcased not only their individual talent but also the unique experience of twinhood on the hardwood.

NB70s: Dick Van Arsdale (1976)

Life After Basketball

Both brothers remained close to the game after retirement.

• Dick Van Arsdale transitioned into front office roles with the Suns, eventually becoming general manager and then senior vice president of player personnel. His loyalty to the Phoenix organization made him a beloved figure in the team’s history.

• Tom Van Arsdale pursued artistic passions and business ventures, eventually becoming an accomplished artist and sculptor. His post-NBA life has been defined by creativity, introspection, and an enduring love for basketball.

They have often appeared together at NBA events, charity games, and interviews, reflecting on their unique journey with humor, humility, and deep brotherly affection.

The NBA’s Van Arsdale Twins Commercial (1978)

Legacy

The Van Arsdale twins are not Hall of Famers, but they are basketball legends in their own right. Their story is one of talent, perseverance, and a bond that transcends box scores. They hold a unique place in NBA history as:

• The only set of identical twins to both make the All-Star Game.

• One of the rare stories of simultaneous individual excellence and unbreakable brotherhood in professional sports.

Their careers remain a testament to how basketball, at its best, is about more than stats—it’s about connection, passion, and shared purpose.

Quotes

“We were competitive with each other, but it always came from a place of love. Playing against my brother was hard. Playing with him was the best.” — Tom Van Arsdale

“Phoenix gave me everything. But having that one year with Tom—that was the most special part of all.” — Dick Van Arsdale

Final Thoughts

Though they may not headline the pantheon of NBA greats, Dick and Tom Van Arsdale are enduring symbols of basketball’s spirit—two mirror images chasing the same dream, side by side, step for step, until the very end.