Sports History

Born December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Forward/Center Bob Pettit. During his 11 seasons in the NBA, all with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks (1954–1965) he was a star player. In 1956, he became the first recipient of the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award and he won the award again in 1959. This legend was an eleven-time NBA All-Star. He really played well in Big games. Pettit led the Hawks to an NBA Championship with a then-playoff record 50 points in the Hawks' 110-109 series-clinching victory in game 6 over the Boston Celtics.

Bob Houbregs' story in basketball is a bittersweet one. A dominant collegiate player with a tantalizing glimpse of NBA stardom, his career was tragically cut short by injury, leaving behind a legacy of "what if."

Houbregs' journey began at the University of Washington, where he established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Standing at a formidable 6-foot-8, he possessed a rare combination of size, athleticism, and shooting prowess. Nicknamed "The Golden Brett" after his father Bobby Houbregs, a baseball player, he was known for his powerful one-handed jumpshot, a rarity in the 1950s. In his senior year, he averaged a staggering 34.8 points per game in the postseason, leading the Washington Huskies to the Final Four and earning him the title of NCAA Player of the Year.

Drafted second overall by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1953, NBA expectations were high. Houbregs didn't disappoint in his rookie season, showcasing his offensive skills and averaging a respectable 9.3 points per game. He seemed poised to become a cornerstone for the young franchise.

However, fate intervened in December 1955. During a game against the Knicks, Houbregs collided with a basket support, suffering a devastating back injury. He underwent surgery and missed the remainder of the season. While he attempted a comeback the following season, the injury significantly hampered his mobility and explosiveness. After playing just eight games in 1956-57, Houbregs was forced to retire at the age of 24, his NBA career tragically cut short.

Despite the brevity of his professional career, Houbregs' impact is undeniable. He holds the record for the highest scoring average in a single NCAA tournament (minimum four games) at 34.8 points per game. His influence extended beyond statistics – his one-handed jumpshot inspired future generations of players.

Bob Houbregs' legacy serves as a reminder of the fragility of athletic careers. He was a player with immense potential, destined for greatness, whose trajectory was tragically altered by injury.

Born March 12, 1932, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada was Bob Houbregs, a Basketball Hall of Fame Center and Power Forward drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks, in 1st round (3rd pick, 3rd overall), of the 1953 NBA Draft. Bob was Inducted as Player in 1987 to the Hall of Fame. He wore the jersey number of 14, 10, 20, 8, and 17. Houbregs played college basketball at the University of Washington.

Born September 29, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Forward Chuck Cooper. In 1950, this legend was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 1950 NBA draft, becoming the first African-American player to be drafted by an NBA team.
Cooper's rookie season with the Celtics was difficult. He was often subjected to racism and discrimination from fans and players alike. However, he persevered and played two seasons with the Celtics, averaging 6.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

After leaving the Celtics, Cooper played for the Milwaukee Hawks and the Fort Wayne Pistons. He retired from the NBA in 1956.

Cooper's career was relatively short, but his impact on the NBA was significant. He paved the way for other African-American players to enter the league, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the sport.