Background
Friend was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and played basketball at Marshall High School in Chicago.
Friend was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and played basketball at Marshall High School in Chicago.
Fairfax High School.
However, he moved to Los Angeles, California before his senior year and played basketball at Fairfax High School. Friend first played college basketball at Los Angeles City College, where he was named an All-American Junior College. He then transferred to the University of California, where he was a three-year starter.
He averaged 19.1 points per game his senior season and was also named to the Associated Press All-American third team
In his one season with the Knicks, Friend averaged 4.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. He appeared in thirty-nine games for the Jets and averaged 11.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, while also leading the league in three-point shooting (58-163).
Due to financial problems, the Jets folded midway through their first season. Following his playing career, Friend owned an investment business.
He died on February 27, 1998 in Newport, California of prostate cancer.
He is survived by four children, Denise, Russell, Matthew, and Nicholas.