Alex Trebek and His Connection to the Game of Basketball
Alex Trebek, longtime host of quiz-game show Jeopardy! passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 80 years old. Trebek leaves behind his wife, Jean Currivan, and his two children, Matthew and Emily.
Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020
Trebek’s Basketball Connection
Trebek visited his Alma mater, University of Ottawa’s Mens Basketball team in 2010. Photo Credit: UOttawa Gee Gees
Trebek grew up in Sudbury, Ontario, and got into the sport in, as he called it “an unusual way.” When he was in high school, despite never playing basketball in his life to that point, Trebek tried out for the basketball team.
Trebek told interviewers in 2015:
“I figured they’re gonna cut me after the first few practices, but they didn’t. And after three or four weeks of practices when they selected the team, I was on it, as point guard.”
Trebek moved to the US in 1973 and from there became a Lakers fan. His Mount Rushmore of Laker players is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant.
He was often spotted courtside on Christmas Day games, cheering on the Lakers.
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 25: Alex Trebek (R) and his son Matt attends a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
Trebek also made an appearance in the classic 1992 basketball movie White Men Can’t Jump, where Trebek appeared in the movie as himself.
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