UCLA guard was 2-time NCAA champ

LOS ANGELES — Greg Lee, who helped UCLA to consecutive national championships in 1972 and ’73 as a starting guard under coach John Wooden, died Wednesday. He was 70.

Mr. Lee died at a San Diego hospital from an infection related to an immune disorder, the university said Thursday after being informed by his wife, Lisa.

Mr. Lee became a starting guard on the varsity team as a sophomore in 1971- 72, alongside Bill Walton and Jamaal Wilkes. The Bruins had a 30-0 record while winning games by an average margin of over 30 points. They beat Florida State, 81-76, in the national title game.

The following season, the Bruins again went 30-0 and won the national championship, 87-66, over Memphis State.

During Mr. Lee’s senior year in 1973-74, UCLA’s 88game winning streak was

snapped in a 71-70 loss to Notre Dame. The Bruins’ run of national titles also ended at seven when they were beaten by North Carolina State, 8077, in double overtime in the NCAA Tournament semifinals.

Mr. Lee averaged 5.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in 88 games with the varsity, which compiled an 86- 4 record during his three seasons.

In that era, freshmen weren’t allowed to compete, so Mr. Lee, Mr. Walton and Mr. Wilkes helped UCLA’s first- year team to a 20- 0 record as Mr. Lee averaged 17.9 points.

Mr. Lee grew up in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Reseda. His father, Marvin, played basketball at UCLA under coach Wilbur Johns, who preceded Wooden.

After leaving UCLA, Mr. Lee played professionally in the ABA and NBA. He briefly played for the Portland Trail Blazers in 1975-76, reuniting with Mr. Walton, before playing in Germany for several seasons.

Throughout the 1970s, Mr. Lee competed on the professional beach volleyball circuit.