Bob Cousy
Born August 9, 1928, in Manhattan, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Point Guard, Bob Cousy. Cousy played for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963, and briefly with the Cincinnati Royals during the 1969–70 season. Number 14 was a 13-time NBA All-Star and 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player, as he was a core piece during the early half of the Celtics dynasty winning six NBA championships. NBA Jersey Number 14
The Unfulfilled Promise of Bob Houbregs
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.
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.
Andy Phillip A Hall of Fame Point Guard and Assisting Pioneer
Andy Phillip, a point guard who played from 1947 to 1958, carved his name in basketball history not only for his exceptional skill but also for his role in revolutionizing the game. Here's a glimpse into his career:
-Early Accolades and Rising Stardom:
Drafted by the Chicago Stags in 1947, Phillip became the first player to record 500 assists in a single season just two years later. This record stood for 12 years, a testament to his innovative and unselfish playmaking style.
During his career, he led the National Basketball Association (NBA) in assists twice and was named to the NBA All-Star team five times.
-Championship Glory and Lasting Impact:
-Phillip enjoyed championship success, playing a crucial role in the Boston Celtics' 1957 NBA Championship victory.
-He retired in 1958 with impressive career averages of 9.1 points and 5.4 assists per game.
-As one of the first players to prioritize and excel in the role of a facilitating point guard, Phillip's impact extended beyond his own statistics. He paved the way for future generations of point guards who focused on orchestrating offense and creating opportunities for their teammates.
-Beyond the Stats: A Legacy of Innovation:
-Phillip's impact on the game goes beyond the box score. He was recognized for his exceptional passing skills, court vision, and leadership.
-He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961, solidifying his place among the game's greatest players and influencers.
-Early Accolades and Rising Stardom:
Drafted by the Chicago Stags in 1947, Phillip became the first player to record 500 assists in a single season just two years later. This record stood for 12 years, a testament to his innovative and unselfish playmaking style.
During his career, he led the National Basketball Association (NBA) in assists twice and was named to the NBA All-Star team five times.
-Championship Glory and Lasting Impact:
-Phillip enjoyed championship success, playing a crucial role in the Boston Celtics' 1957 NBA Championship victory.
-He retired in 1958 with impressive career averages of 9.1 points and 5.4 assists per game.
-As one of the first players to prioritize and excel in the role of a facilitating point guard, Phillip's impact extended beyond his own statistics. He paved the way for future generations of point guards who focused on orchestrating offense and creating opportunities for their teammates.
-Beyond the Stats: A Legacy of Innovation:
-Phillip's impact on the game goes beyond the box score. He was recognized for his exceptional passing skills, court vision, and leadership.
-He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961, solidifying his place among the game's greatest players and influencers.
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