The Spurs 1990 draft saw three rookies who left San Antonio shortly after their first season

With the 1990 draft, the San Antonio Spurs drafted 7’2” Florida big man (and most likely former Gator to win a Billy Ray Cyrus look-alike contest) Dwayne Schintzius in the 24th spot. Schintzius suffered back problems throughout his career and served as a rotation player for six teams over his decade-long career.

Dwayne spent his rookie season with the Silver & Black before heading to Sacramento. His claim to fame during his time in San Antonio consists of having Bob Bass tell him to shave off his glorious mullet, which he did, only to send the remains to Bass as a token.

In 2009, Schintzius was diagnosed with a chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a rare and often fatal form of the disease. He received a bone marrow transplant from his brother. The procedure was considered a success, but Schintzius continued to struggle. He was declared cancer-free in July 2010, but the good health was short lived.

In 2012, Schintzius required a second bone marrow transplant. He died later that year at the age of 43.

Tony Massenburg was also drafted in 1990 as the 43th overall pick during the second round. Massenburg played one season in San Antonio as well, but suffered an injury and played out the rest of the season in Italy in order to rehab. He returned to the Spurs the following season but was waived after one game.

The Spurs and Lakers traded 2nd round picks in 1990, and the Lakers took Tony Smith from Marquette in the 51st spot. The Spurs chose Sean Higgins with the 54th and final draft pick.

Higgins, a 1989 NCAA Champion with the Michigan Wolverines, spent his rookie season in San Antonio. The same fate that befell both Schintzius and Massenburg also landed on Higgins. After his rookie season, Sean played just six games with the Spurs before being released to free up a spot for the recovered Terry Cummings.

Higgins played for six NBA teams as well as small market and overseas teams during his eleven years on the hardwood. Two years later he moved into coaching for nine seasons. He is currently USA director of Nine Star Basketball Camps basketball player development and a chairman to a sport complex real estate corporation.

Next up: 1991- Greg Sutton

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