Michael Eugene Gale (July 18, 1950 – July 31, 2020) was an American basketball player. After graduating from Philadelphia's Overbrook High School, Gale, a 6'4" guard, played college basketball at Elizabeth City State University. He was drafted in the third round of the 1971 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls and by the Kentucky Colonels in the 1971 American Basketball Association draft. Gale opted to play for the Colonels. Gale played in the National Basketball Association and American Basketball Association as a member of the Kentucky Colonels (1971–1974), the New York Nets (1974–1975), the San Antonio Spurs (1975–1980), the Portland Trail Blazers (1980–1981), and the Golden State Warriors (1981–1982). He tallied 6,203 career points to go with 3,146 career assists, and won the 1974 ABA Championship while with the Nets. He was twice named to the ABA’s All-Defensive First Team. Gale died at the age of 70 on July 31, 2020. Nicknamed "Sugar" because his shot was so sweet, as well as "Sticky Fingers" for being able to steal the ball. Settled down in San Antonio, TX. References External links Career statistics 1950 births 2020 deaths American men's basketball players Basketball players from Philadelphia Chicago Bulls draft picks Elizabeth City State Vikings basketball players Golden State Warriors players Kentucky Colonels draft picks Kentucky Colonels players New York Nets players Point guards Portland Trail Blazers players San Antonio Spurs players Shooting guards