Len Ford

Leonard Guy Ford, Jr.


Born:
February 18, 1926
Washington, DC

Died:
March 13, 1972
Detroit, MI


Career
1941-42 Armstrong High School - Washington, DC (High School)
1942-43 Armstrong High School - Washington, DC (High School)
1943-44 Armstrong High School - Washington, DC (High School)
1944-45 Morgan State University (College)
1945-46 University of Michigan (College)
1946-47 University of Michigan (College)
1947-48 University of Michigan (College)
1948-49 New York Rens (Independent)
1948-49 Dayton Rens (NBL)

Born in D.C., Ford was a football and basketball player in college as well as professionally. After a year at Morgan State, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy but was discharged a short time later as World War 2 came to a close. He moved on to the University of Michigan where he became an all-pro football player. He played basketball professionally briefly for Dayton, but he turned in a professionally football career that spanned 11 season. as a defensive end primarily for the Cleveland Browns, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976, four years after his sudden death from a heart attack at 46 years of age.

Len was married to Geraldine Bledsoe and they had two daughers prior to their 1959 divorce.

Source:

NFL Stats:
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FordLe00.htm

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/f/fordle01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=fordle01

Dave Williams (Indianapolis Kautskys) Identified

Another one that I had no information, but came back a few months later with fresh eyes. Seeing that he went to Central Normal College, I found an article that said he was from Auburn, Illinois. A search into census records lead to a possible identification, but considering how common his name is, I needed more confirmation. I checked the parents of the suspected-Dave and found his mother's obituary. From Auburn herself, it mention her son was a Central Normal student. Bingo.

I even added a photo I found.

Dave Williams
1913-1983

Ray Ellefson

Eugene Raymond "Ray" Ellefson


Born:
November 18, 1922
Brookings, SD

Died:
October 7, 1994
Sioux Falls, SD


Career

1942-43 West Texas State (College) freshmen
1944-45 Colorado University (College)
1944-45 Denver Ambrose (AAU)
1945-46 San Francisco Dardis Dandies (ABL-AAU)
1947-48 Oklahoma A&M (College)
1948-49 Waterloo Hawks (NBL)
1948-49 Minneapolis Lakers (BAA)
1949-50 Cedar Rapids Raiders (independent)
1949-50 New York Celtics (independent)
1950-51 Baltimore Bullets (NBA)
1950-51 Wilkes-Barre Barons (ABL)
1951-52 Wilkes-Barre Barons (ABL) 

Grew up in Kopkins, Minnesota.

Source:


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/e/ellefeu01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ellefra01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=ellefra01

Bob Doll

Robert William Doll


Born:
August 10, 1919
Steamboat Springs, CO

Died:
September 13-14, 1959
Rabbit Ears Pass, CO


Career
1935-36 Chaffey High School - Ontario, California (High School)
1936-37 Chaffey High School - Ontario, California (High School)
1937-38 Chaffey High School - Ontario, California (High School)
1939-40 Colorado University (College)
1941-42 Colorado University (College)
1942-43 Denver American Legion (AAU)
1946-47 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1947-48 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1948-49 Denver Nuggets (NBL)
1948-49 Boston Celtics (BAA)
1949-50 Boston Celtics (NBA)

Born to Henry and Mary Ellen Doll in Colorado. He attended Chaffey HS in Ontario before returning to Colorado to go to college. As a sophomore he lead CU to the NCAA tournament and the NIT. He apparently missed a year for reasons unknown before returning to the court in 1941-42. He served in the U.S. Army during World War 2, and then played for four seasons professionally. After his playing career, he returned to Steamboat Springs where he worked as a salesman.

On September 14, 1959, Doll was reported missing by his wife. His body was found on September 18 on Rabbit Ears Pass in Colorado. He apparently shot himself with a .45 cailber handgun he purchased the day he disappeared. A lot of different dates are given for his death (Sept 5, 8, 18) so I am going with the newspaper articles to estimate. He was only 40 years of age. He left behind a wife and his mother.

Source:
Oregon Statesman, September 19, 1959

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/dollro01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dollbo01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=dollbo01

Hank DeZonie

Henry Lincoln DeZonie


Born:
February 12, 1922
Harlem, NY

Died:
January 2, 2009
Harlem, NY


Career
1941-42 Clark - Georgia (College)
1942-43 New York Rens (Independent)
1943-44 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1944-45 New York Rens (Independent)
1945-46 New York Rens (Independent)
1946-47 New York Rens (Independent)
1947-48 New York Rens (Independent) 
1947-48 Paterson Crescents (ABL)
1947-48 Saratoga Indians (NYSL)
1948-49 Harlem Yankees (NYSL)
1948-49 Dayton Rens (NBL)
1949-50 New York Harlem Yankees (ABL)
1949-50 Danbury Fedoras (EBL-Ct)
1950-51 Manchester Nassiff Arms (EBL-Ct)
1950-51 Tri-Cities Blackhawks (NBL)
1950-51 Saratoga Harlem Yankees (ABL)
1951-52 Saratoga Harlem Yankees (ABL) 
1952-53 Saratoga (ABL)

DeZonie was a talented basketball player who played with the New York Rens for many years before playing with Paterson in the ABL. He joined the Dayton Rens, who became a member of the NBL when the Detroit franchise dropped out a couple months into the season. However, when the NBL merged with the BAA to form the NBA, the all-black Rens were not one of the teams invited to join. Not able to play with the all-white NBA, DeZonie returned to the ABL to play with the Harlem Yankees for a season. Finally, in 1950, DeZonie, along with Chuck Cooper, Earl Loyd and Sweetwater Clifton, signed with NBA teans to become the first black players in the NBA, forever breaking the color barrier in the league. However, he only played briefly for the Blackhawks before quitting the team, citing the racist climate there. He returned to the ABL for one more season.
Later in life, he operated a popular nightclub and was also a fairly accomplished drummer.

He was married to Ethel and they had two sons.

Source:
http://www.blackfives.org/hank-dezonie-blacks-nba-birthday-today-death/


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/dezonhe01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dezonha01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=dezonha01

Hal Devoll

Harold Reed Devoll


Born:
September 29, 1923
Detroit, MI

Died:
January 12, 2010
Allen Park, MI


Career
Michigan State (College) ??
1946-47 Lawrence Tech (College)
1948-49 Detroit Vagabond Kings (Independent)
1948-49 Detroit Vagabond Kings (NBL)
1948-49 Hammond Calumet Buccaneers (NBL)
1953-54 Detroit Vagabond Kings (Independent)

Devoll grew up in Pontiac, Michigan. He is listed as trying to make the Michigan State basketball team, but a month later he was putting up points for Lawrence Tech. I think he changed schools after failing to make the Spartans. Nothing indicates he ever actually played for MSU.

He married Joyce Nelson on April 1, 1950. They had a daughter and two sons.

Source:
Traverse City Record-Eagle, November 19, 1946
Detroit Free Press, January 18, 1947

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/devolha01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=devolha01

Aubrey Davis

Aubrey D. Davis


Born:
March 28, 1921
Apache, OK

Died:
November 23, 1996
Oklahoma City, OK


Career
East Central at Ada?, OK (High School)
1941-42 Oklahoma Baptist (College)
1942-43 East Central State - Oklahoma (College)
1946-47 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1947-48 Oklahoma City Drillers (PBLA)
1948-49 Hammond Calumet Buccaneers (NBL)
1948-49 Sunbury Mercuries (EPBL)
1948-49 Saratoga Indians (NYSL)

Aubrey was the captain for Oklahoma Baptist in 1941-42, but transferred to East Central for the next season. Davis also played minor league baseball after World War 2.
Born to Herman and Eula Davis in Oklahoma. He was married to Marguerite (Rita).

Minor League Baseball Stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=davis-001aub

Source:
Miami Daily News Record, December 4, 1942

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/davisau01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davisau01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=davisau01

Jimmy Darden

James Wesley Darden


Born:
June 19, 1922
Cheyenne, WY

Died:
April 29, 1994
Arvada, CO


Career
Cheyenne Central High School - Wyoming (High School)
University of Denver (College) ??
1941-42 University of  Wyoming (College) ??
1946-47 Denver Nuggets (ABL-AAU)
1947-48 Safeway (AAU)
1948-49 Denver Nuggets (NBL)
1949-50 Denver Nuggets (NBA)
1950-51 Denver Refiners (NPBL) Player / Head coach
1954-55 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1955-56 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1956-57 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1957-58 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1958-59 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1959-60 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1960-61 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1961-62 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1962-63 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1963-64 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach
1964-65 Colorado School of Mines (College) Head coach  

Born to Homer and Lillian Darden in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I don't see him on either the UD or UW all-time rosters. He did play baseball at UW in 1942, but I don't see any basketball time there yet. Darden served as the longtime basketball and baseball coach at CSM. He was a World War 2 veteran.

He married Genevieve Peters (1927-2011) and they had one daughter, Donna (1950-1995).

Source:


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/dardeja01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dardeji01.html
www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=dardeji01

George Crowe

George Daniel Crowe


Born:
March 22, 1921
Whiteland, IN

Died:
January 18, 2011
Rancho Cordova, CA


Career
1936-37 Franklin High School - Indiana (High School)
1937-38 Franklin High School - Indiana (High School)
1938-39 Franklin High School - Indiana (High School)
1939-40 Indiana Central College - now U. of Indianapolis (College)
1940-41 Indiana Central College - now U. of Indianapolis (College)
1941-42 Indiana Central College - now U. of Indianapolis (College)
1942-43 Indiana Central College - now U. of Indianapolis (College)
1943-44 Indianapolis Pure Oils (Independent)
1946-47 L.A. Red Devils (Independent)
1946-47 New York Rens (Independent)
1947-48 New York Rens (Independent)
1948-49 New York Rens (Independent)
1948-49 Dayton Rens (NBL)
1949-50 New York Harlem Yankees (ABL)
1952-53 Hazleton / Saratoga Harlem Yankees (ECL)

Crowe was a baseball and basketball star out of Franklin, Indiana. He grew up on his parent's farm, and went to college at Indiana Central. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army. After the service, he went to California, where he played with the Los Angeles Red Devils basketball team (with Jackie Robinson as a teammate.) He played basketball for the Dayton Rens, but is better known nine-year major league baseball career as well as being a star in the Negro Leagues. He was selected to the 1958 All-Star game while with the Cincinnati Reds, and played in the Major Leagues until 1961. After his baseball career, he sold insurance and taught physical education in high school. He eventually moved to the Catskill Mountains in New York, living in an isolated cabin with no electricity, telephone or plumbing. He lived the simple life for 30 years before moving to California to be near his daughter as he aged and his health began to fail. He died in 2011 at 89 years of age.

His brother, Ray, was a prominent high school basketball coach in Indianapolis.

He married Yvonne Moman and they had two daughters.

Source:
Indiana Basketball HOF
SABR Biography
L.A. Times Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/crowege01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=crowege01

Dillard Crocker

James Dillard Crocker


Born:
January 19, 1925
Coffee County, TN

Died:
September 1, 2014
Niles, MI


Career
1940-41 Niles High School - Michigan (High School)
1941-42 Niles High School - Michigan (High School)
1942-43 Niles High School - Michigan (High School)
1945-46 Niles American Legion (amateur)
1947-48 Western Michigan University (College)
1947-48 Benton Harbor Naval Armory (military)
1948-49 Fort Wayne Pistons (BAA)
1948-49 Detroit Vagabond Kings (NBL)
1948-49 Anderson Duffey Packers (NBL)
1949-50 Denver Nuggets (NBA)
1950-51 Denver Refiners (NPBL)
1950-51 Anderson Packers (NPBL)
1951-52 Indianapolis Olympians (NBA)
1951-52 Milwaukee Hawks (NBA)
1952-53 Milwaukee Hawks (NBA)
1953-54 House of David (Independent)
1954-55 House of David (Independent)

Born in Tennessee to John and Sarah Crocker, Dillard's family moved to Niles, Michigan, when he was young. He lead Niles High School to the state basketball championship in 1943, and enlisted in the army after graduating. He enrolled at Western Michigan after the war, and after school, played professional basketball for five years. After his playing days, he owned and operated Crocker Sheet Metal Shop in Niles. I haven't found anything saying he actually played basketball at the collegiate level (Western Michigan or otherwise).

He married Dorothy Beck (d. 2002) on April 28, 1944. He and "Dot" had two sons and two daughters.

Source:
Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/crockja01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/crockdi01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=crockdi01

Jack Cotton

John James Cotton


Born:
October 15, 1924
Miles City, MT

Died:
September 26, 2016
Alamosa, CO


Career
1939-40 Custer County High School - Miles City, MT (High School)
1940-41 Custer County High School - Miles City, MT (High School)
1941-42 Custer County High School - Miles City, MT (High School)
1942-43 Miles CC (College)
1947-48 University of Wyoming (College)
1948-49 Denver Nuggets (NBL)
1949-50 Denver Nuggets (NBA)
1950-51 Dodge City High School - Kansas (High School) - Head coach
1951-52 Dodge City High School - Kansas (High School) - Head coach
1952-53 Dodge City High School - Kansas (High School) - Head coach
1953-54 Southwestern College - Winfield, KS (University) - Head coach
1954-55 Southwestern College - Winfield, KS (University) - Head coach
1955-56 Omaha University (University) - Head coach
1956-57 Omaha University (University) - Head coach
1957-58 Omaha University (University) - Head coach
1958-59 Omaha University (University) - Head coach
1960-61 Adams State College - Colorado (University) - Head coach
1961-62 Adams State College - Colorado (University) - Head coach
1962-63 Adams State College - Colorado (University) - Head coach
1963-64 Adams State College - Colorado (University) - Head coach
1964-65 Adams State College - Colorado (University) - Head coach
1965-66 Adams State College - Colorado (University) - Head coach
1966-67 Adams State College - Colorado (University) - Head coach


Cotton is a World War 2 veteran, serving in the navy in the Pacific. He returned from the war to play one season (I haven't seen anything he played more) at University of Wyoming. After a few years with the Nuggets, he moved on to be a head coach at the high school level for a few years before coaching collegiately. After coaching the men's team at Adams, he moved on to coach the women's team for ten seasons. Also an instructor and athletic director at the school, Cotton retired from Adams in 1989. He received a Masters Degree from Denver University, and a doctorate in education from Wyoming in 1963.

Cotton married Mabel Holmes in 1947 and they have three children.

Updated 10/4/2016
Cotton passed away September 26, 2016

Source:
Iola (Kansas) Register, April 17, 1953
Greeley Daily Tribune, March 7, 1960
Adams Newsletter, 2009
Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/cottojo01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cottoja01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=cottoja01

Bobby Cook

Robert Bernard Cook


Born:
April 1, 1923
Harvard, IL

Died:
October 11, 2004
Lake Geneva, WI


Career
1938-39 Harvard High School - Illinois (High School)
1939-40 Harvard High School - Illinois (High School)
1940-41 Harvard High School - Illinois (High School)
1945-46 University of Wisconsin (College)
1946-47 University of Wisconsin (College)
1947-48 University of Wisconsin (College)
1948-49 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1949-50 Sheboygan Redskins (NBA)
1950-51 Sheboygan Redskins (NPBL)
1951-52 Sheboygan Redskins (Independent) - Player / coach

Born to Rudolph and Clara Cook in Harvard, Illinois, Cook entered the U.S. Navy for service during World War 2. After his time in the navy, he attended Wisconsin, playing basketball and baseball.

He later owned and operated a car dealership until retiring in 1996.

He married Verone Hetland (1928-2010) in 1950 and had two daughters and two sons.

Source:
Grave and Obit

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/cookro01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cookbo01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=cookbo01

Doyle Cofer

Doyle Cofer


Born:
January 18, 1923
Bruceville, IN

Died:
January 15, 1999
Noblesville, IN


Career
1945-46 Indiana State University (College)
1946-47 Terre Haute Commercial Solvents Norways (Independent)
1947-48 Terre Haute Flamingos (Independent) 
1948-49 Detroit Vagabond Kings (NBL)
1948-49 House of David (Independent)
1949-50 New York Celtics (Independent)
1949-50 Indiana Clark Twins (Independent)

Born to John and Mary Cofer, Doyle played basketball for Indiana State as well as serving in the Marines during World War 2. He played professional basketball for the House of David and the Vagabond Kings. Cofer became a civil engineer and owned Cofer Construction Company. He was killed in an accident on a construction site when the bulldozer he was trying to load onto a flatbed toppled over and crushed him. He was just three days short of his 76th birthday.

He had a son and three daughters.

Source:
Grave and Obituary
Sandusky Register, December 19, 1949
Daily Clintonian, December 20, 1946
Independent Record (Montana), February 20, 1950
Indianapolis Star, January 16, 1999

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/coferdo01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=coferdo01

Jake Carter

John Douglas "Jake" Carter


Born:
July 25, 1924
Larue, TX

Died:
April 17, 2012
Lubbock, TX


Career
LaPoynor High School - Larue, TX (High School)
1945-46 East Texas State (College)
1946-47 East Texas State (College)
1947-48 East Texas State (College)
1948-49 Hammond Calumet Buccaneers (NBL)
1949-50 Denver Nuggets (NBA)
1949-50 Anderson Packers (NBA)
1950-51 Kansas City Hi-Spots (NPBL)
Chance Vought Airmen (Semi-pro)
1954-55 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1955-56 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1956-57 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1957-58 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1958-59 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1959-60 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1960-61 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1961-62 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1962-63 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach 
1963-64 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1964-65 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1965-66 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1966-67 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1967-68 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1968-69 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1969-70 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach 
1970-71 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1971-72 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1972-73 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1973-74 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1974-75 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1975-76 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1976-77 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1977-78 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1978-79 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1979-80 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1980-81 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1981-82 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1982-83 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach
1983-84 Adamson High School - Oak Cliff, TX (High School) Head Coach

A long-time coach after three years of profesionally playing basketball, Carter died days after suffering injuries in a fall at his home.

Jake married Freida Jo Dye in 1952 and they had two daughters.

Source:
Dallas News Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/cartejo01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/carteja01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=carteja01

Kenton Campbell

Albert Kenton "Dutch" Campbell


Born:
June 10, 1926
Chesterhill, OH

Died:
October 6, 1999
Maitland, FL


Career
1941-42 Newark High School - Ohio (High School)
1942-43 Newark High School - Ohio (High School)
1943-44 Newark High School - Ohio (High School)
1944-45 University of Kentucky (College)
1945-46 University of Kentucky (College)
1946-47 University of Kentucky (College)
1947-48 University of Kentucky (College)
1948-49 Saratoga Indians (NYSL)
1948-49 Hammond Calumet Buccaneers (NBL)

1949-50 Lancaster Rockets (EPBL)
Harrison County High School - Cynthiana, KY (High School) Head Coach

He originally went to UK on a football scholarship, but wound up also playing basketball under Adolph Rupp. After a brief pro career, he went on to coach high school basketball.

He married Betty Barnes and they had one son and two daughters.


Source:
http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Players/Campbell_Kenton.html

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/campbal01n.html

http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=campbke01

Jack Burmaster

John Hagelou "Jack" Burmaster


Born:
December 23, 1926
Elgin, IL

Died:
September 27, 2005
Glenview, IL


Career
1941-42 Elgin High School - Illinois (High School)
1942-43 Elgin High School - Illinois (High School)
1943-44 Elgin High School - Illinois (High School)
1944-45 University of Illinois (College)
1945-46 University of Illinois (College)
1946-47 University of Illinois (College)
1947-48 University of Illinois (College)
1948-49 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1949-50 Sheboygan Redskins (NBA)
1950-51 Sheboygan Redskins (NPBL)
1951-52 Sheboygan Redskins (Independent)
1951-52 duPont Manual - Kentucky (High School) Head Coach
1952-53 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1953-54 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1954-55 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1955-56 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1956-57 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1957-58 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1958-59 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1959-60 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1960-61 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1961-62 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1962-63 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1963-64 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1964-65 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1965-66 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1966-67 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1967-68 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1968-69 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1969-70 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1970-71 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1971-72 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1972-73 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1973-74 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach
1974-75 Evanston Township High School (High School) Head Coach

Born in Elgin, Illinois, to John and Louise Burmaster, Jack went to Elgin HS and then to Illinois. He played professionally for 3 seasons. He later returned to the Chicago area to become the head basketball coach at Evanston Township HS, compiling a 362-145 record and winning the 1968 state championship.

He was married to Judy Johnson (1926-1965) and had a son, John, and a daughter, Terry. He later remarried, to Emily.

Source:
Obituary, Chicago Tribune, Sept 29, 2005


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/burmajo01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burmaja01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=burmaja01

Bill Brown

Wilfred Bailey "Bill" Brown


Born:
August 2, 1922
Blackford, KY

Died:
January 15, 2007
Devon, PA


Career
1945-46 University of Maryland (College)
1946-47 University of Maryland (College)
1947-48 University of Maryland (College)
1948-49 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1948-49 Waterloo Hawks (NBL)
1949-50 York Victory (EPBL)
1950-51 Reading Rangers (EPBL)
1951-52 York A.C. White Roses (EPBL) 


Okay. This was a very tough one.We had his name, Bill Brown, and his school, Maryland. Very common name, so it wasn't going to be easy. Newspaper searches at the time yielded an article about his marriage to Virginia Morse, as well as his hometown (Strugis, Kentucky) and his wife's hometown (Swarthmore, Pennsylvania). Searching for his census information yielded differing results, but a search for Virginia got me her father's name, as well as her high school yearbook. Her father's obituary didn't mention "Virginia" but did mention a Billie Minisci. He yearbook indicated she went by the "Billy" so at least I know we have the right people. Searching for this, I find an obituary for Wilfred B. "Bill" Brown who was formerly married to Billie Minisci.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=wilfred-b-brown-bill&pid=86136974

Born to Floyd and Lillie Brown, Bill served in the military during World War 2, and returned to star at Maryland. Signed with Oshkosh but was sold to Waterloo on November 28.

Married to Virginia Morse and had two daughters and two sons.


Source:
Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD), December 2, 1947
Morning Herald (Hagerstown, MD), February 27, 1948

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/brownbi01n.html
www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=brownbi02

Bill "Rookie" Brown

William J. "Rookie" Brown


Born:
February 15, 1925
Philadelphia, PA

Died:
May 22, 1971
Neptune, NJ


Career
Ben Franklin High School - Philadelphia (High School)
Virginia Union (College) ??
Howard University (College)
1944-45 Washington Bears (Independent)
1945-46 Washington Bears (Independent)
1946-47 Washington Bears (Independent)
1946-47 Hazleton Mountaineers (EPBL)
1946-47 New York Rens (Independent)
1947-48 Hazleton Mountaineers (EPBL)
1947-48 New York Rens (Independent)
1948-49 Dayton Rens (NBL)
1949-50 New York Rens (Independent)
1950-51 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1951-52 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1952-53 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1953-54 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1954-55 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1955-56 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1956-57 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1957-58 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1958-59 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1959-60 Harlem Globetrotters (Independent)
1960-61 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1961-62 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1962-63 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1963-64 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1964-65 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1965-66 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1966-67 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1967-68 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1968-69 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player
1969-70 New York Harlem Satellites (Independent) - Owner / Head coach / player


Brown was a regular on the barnstorming basketball circuit, and even appeared in the film "Go Man Go," about the Harlem Globetrotters. He formed his own barnstorming team in 1960, named the Satellites. Rookie died of cancer in 1971 at 46 years of age.

He was married to Marcella and had two sons and a step-daughter.

Source:
Obituary, Asbury Park Press, May 24, 1971

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/brownwi01n.html

http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=brownro03

Bob Brannum

Robert Warren Brannum


Born:
May 28, 1926
Winfield, KS

Died:
February 5, 2005
Marshfield, MA


Career
1940-41 Winfield High School - Kansas (High School)
1941-42 Winfield High School - Kansas (High School)
1942-43 Winfield High School - Kansas (High School)
1943-44 University of Kentucky (College)
1946-47 University of Kentucky (College)
1947-48 Michigan State University (College)
1948-49 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1949-50 Sheboygan Redskins (NBA)
1950-51 Sheboygan Redskins (NPBL)
1951-52 Boston Celtics (NBA)
1952-53 Boston Celtics (NBA)
1953-54 Boston Celtics (NBA)
1954-55 Boston Celtics (NBA)
1961-62 Norwich University (College) - Head coach
1962-63 Norwich University (College) - Head coach
1963-64 Norwich University (College) - Head coach
1964-65 Norwich University (College) - Head coach
1965-66 Norwich University (College) - Head coach
1966-67 Norwich University (College) - Head coach
1967-68 Norwich University (College) - Head coach
1968-69 Kenyon College (College) - Head coach
1969-70 Kenyon College (College) - Head coach
1970-71 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1971-72 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1972-73 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1973-74 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1974-75 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1975-76 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1976-77 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1977-78 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1978-79 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1979-80 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1980-81 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1981-82 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1982-83 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1983-84 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1984-85 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach
1985-86 Brandeis University (College) - Head coach

Brannum served in the service during World War 2. He transferred from Kentucky after failing to make the varsity team, heading to Michigan State. He went on to play seven season of professional basketball. He went on to be a very successful coach, mainly at Brandeis.
Brannum died of pancreatic cancer in 2005.

Bob's twin brother Clarence was a teammate of his with the Sheboygan Redskins in 1950-51.

Source:



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/brannro01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brannbo01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=brannbo01

Ralph Bishop

Ralph English Bishop


Born:
October 1, 1915
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
October 1, 1974
Santa Clara, CA


Career
1930-31 Yakima High School - Washington (High School)
1931-32 Yakima High School - Washington (High School)
1932-33 Yakima JC (College)
1933-34 University of Washington (College)
1934-35 University of Washington (College)
1935-36 University of Washington (College)
1936 United States Olympic Team
Tacoma (AAU)
1937-38 Denver Safeways (AAU)
1938-39 Denver Nuggets (AAU)
1939-40 Denver Nuggets (AAU)
1942-43 Norfolk Naval (Military)
1946-47 Denver Nuggets (ABL-AAU)
1947-48 Denver Nuggets (AAU) Head coach (maybe played too)
1948-49 Denver Nuggets (NBL)

Source:
A Biographical Directory of Professional Basketball Coaches, Jeff Marcus
sportspressnw.com - UW Bonanza at 1936 Olympics


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/bishora01n.html

http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=bishora01

Gene Berce

Eugene Daniel Berce


Born:
November 22, 1926
Milwaukee, WI

Died:
November 17, 2018
Brookfield, WI


Career
1943-44 Marquette High School - Milwaukee (High School)
1944-45 Marquette University (College)
1945-46 Cornell University (College)
1946-47 Marquette University (College)
1947-48 Marquette University (College)
1948-49 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1949-50 Oshkosh All-Stars (WSBL)
1949-50 Tri-Cities Blackhawks (NBA)
1949-50 Milwaukee Bright Spots (Independent)
1950-51 St. Paul Lights (NPBL)
1950-51 Kansas City Hi-Spots (NPBL)
1950-51 Racine Knights (Independent)
1951-52 Sheboygan Redskins (Independent)

Born to Louis and Marie Berce in Wisconsin, Gene immediately made an impact on the Marquette University squad as a freshman. He played at Cornell during the war, but returned to Marquette after his service. He was the first Marquette player to score 1000 points in his career, and was drafted in 1948 by the New York Knicks. He signed with the Oshkosh All-Stars instead and plated in the NBL, but when the BAA and NBL merged to form the NBA, he found himself the Tri-Cities club. Berce would play some in the short-lived NPBL in 1950-51.

Gene and his wife Mary had eight children.












Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/berceeu01n.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bercege01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=bercege01
https://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/gene-berce/

Art Bakeraitis

Arthur H. Bakeraitis


Born:
February 19, 1925
Bay City, MI

Died:
July 4, 2014
Auburn, MI


Career
1942-43 Central High School - Bay City (High School)
Bay City JC (College)
1948-49 Detroit Vagabond Kings (NBL)

Born in Bay City or Floyd and Anna Bakeraitis, Art was an prominent athlete in the Bay City area, playing basketball, football and baseball. He signed with the Vagabond Kings, playing one season in the NBL before the Kings left the league. Art served in the Pacific during World War 2, spending time in the Philippines and the Solomon Islands.

He was married to Grace Borchart in 1953.

Source:
MLive Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/bakerar01n.html

http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=bakerbo01

Chink Alterman

Leonard Alterman


Born:
March 8, 1922
Denver, CO

Died:
February 6, 2009
Denver, CO


Career
North High School - Denver (High School)
1941-42 Denver University (College)
1942-43 Denver University (College)
1942-43 Denver Legions (AAU)
1946-47 Denver Nuggets (ABL-AAU)
1947-48 Denver University (College)
1948-49 Denver Nuggets (NBL)



Born to Russian immigrants Hyman (1895-1985) and Sarah Alterman (1896-1997), Leonard Alterman grew up in Denver, playing high school and college basketball in Denver as well as professionally. He entered the U.S. Army in 1943, serving in World War 2. Alterman played for the Nuggets in 1948-49, but only played home games because he could not afford to take the time off work to play on the road.

He married Juanita Zinn (1924-2012) and they had two sons, Buzz and Philip, and two daughters, Judy and Nancy.



Source:
Denver Stiffs: Remembering Truly Original Denver

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/a/alterle01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=alterch01

1948-49 Tri-Cities Blackhawks (NBL)

1948-49 TRI-CITIES BLACKHAWKS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 36-28 .563, 2nd place

Opening Round of the playoffs - Defeated Sheboygan, 2-0
Semi-finals - Lost to Oshkosh, 3-1

• Head Coaches:

Bobby McDermott (January 7, 1914 - October 14, 1963) 25-20 - Also played (See below)
Roger Potter (October 5, 1907 - June 8, 1982) 11-8

PLAYERS: 

• Joe Camic (November 28, 1922 - April 3, 2011)

Biography

• Dee Gibson (August 25, 1923 - April 8, 2003)

Biography

• Hoot Gibson (December 5, 1921 - February 1, 1958)

Biography

• Luther Harris (August 27, 1923 - February 3, 1986)

Biography

• Billy Hassett (October 21, 1921 - November 18, 1992)

Biography

• Shag Hawkins (September 23, 1920 - March 10, 2005)

Biography

• Ed Lewinski (September 10, 1918 - April 15, 1962)

Biography

• Bobby Lowther (December 14, 1923 - March 23, 2015)

Biography

• Bobby McDermott (January 7, 1914 - October 14, 1963)

Biography

• Don Otten (April 18, 1921 -September 18, 1985)

Biography

• George Ratkovicz (November 13, 1922 - November 10, 2007)

Biography

• Don Ray (July 8, 1921 - November 23, 1998)

Biography

• Whitey Von Nieda (June 19, 1922 - September 7, 2023)

Biography

• Murray Wier (December 12, 1926 - April 6, 2016)

Biography

1948-49 Waterloo Hawks (NBL)

1948-49 WATERLOO HAWKS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 30-32 .484, 4th place

• Head Coaches: 

Charley Shipp (January 7, 1914 - October 14, 1963) - Also played (See below)


PLAYERS: 

• Harry Boykoff (July 24, 1922 - February 20, 2001)

Biography

• Bill Brown (August 2, 1922 - January 15, 2007)

Biography

• Les Deaton (September 23, 1923 - November 18, 1989)

Biography

• Ray Ellefson (November 18, 1922 - October 7, 1994)

Biography

• Gordon Flick (August 13, 1921 - March 22, 2006)

Biography

• Elmer Gainer (November 22, 1918 - September 29, 1970)

Biography

• Dale Hamilton (August 16, 1919 - August 12, 1994)

Biography

• Leo Kubiak (b. December 25, 1926)

Biography

• Bobby Lowther (December 14, 1923 - March 23, 2015)

Biography

• Dick Mehen (May 20, 1922 - December 14, 1986)

Biography

• Ben Schadler (March 9, 1924 - January 30, 2015)

Biography

• Rollie Seltz (January 25, 1924 - October 13, 2022)

Biography

• Charley Shipp (December 3, 1913 - March 21, 1988)

Biography

• Jack Spencer (April 25, 1923 - June 15, 2004)

Biography

• Dave Wareham (June 18, 1924 - June 2, 1985)

Biography

1948-49 Syracuse Nationals (NBL)

1948-49 SYRACUSE NATIONALS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 40-23 .635, 2nd place

First Round of the playoffs - Defeated Hammond, 2-0
Semi-finals - Lost to Anderson, 3-1

• Head Coach: Al Cervi (February 12, 1917 - November 9, 2009)  also played, see below

PLAYERS: 

• Bob Calihan (August 2, 1918 - September 22, 1989)

Biography

• Al Cervi (February 12, 1917 - November 9, 2009)

Biography

• John Chaney (February 29, 1920 - August 9, 2004)

Biography

• Billy Gabor (May 13, 1922 - June 4, 2019)

Biography

• Jim Homer (December 5, 1921 - October 15, 1992)

Biography

• Whitey Macknowsky (January 7, 1923 - April 8, 2024)

Biography

• Henry O'Keeffe (December 12, 1923 - December 27, 2011)

Biography

• Ed Peterson (June 27, 1924 - March 20, 1984)

Biography

• Jerry Rizzo (March 12, 1918 - August 27, 2011)

Biography

• Dolph Schayes (May 19, 1928 - December 10, 2015)

Biography

• Paul Seymour (January 30, 1928 - May 5, 1998)

Biography

• Paul Yesawich (November 27, 1923 - December 13, 2017)

Biography

1948-49 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)

1948-49 SHEBOYGAN REDSKINS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 35-29 .547, 3rd place

Opening Round of Playoffs: Lost to Tri-Cities, 2-0

• Head Coach: Ken Suesens (October 23, 1916 - May 29, 1992)

PLAYERS: 

• Bob Bolyard (December 4, 1920 - May 21, 2009)

Biography

• Bob Brannum (May 28, 1926 - February 5, 2005)

Biography

• Paul Cloyd (June 13, 1920 - December 28, 2005)

Biography

• Bobby Cook (April 1, 1923 - October 11, 2004)

Biography

• Ted Cook (April 15, 1921 - May 19, 1990)

Biography

• Les Deaton (September 23, 1923 - November 18, 1989)

Biography

• Boody Gilbertson (July 3, 1922 - May 23, 2015)

Biography

• Noble Jorgensen (May 18, 1925 - November 2, 1982)

Biography

• Max Morris (March 14, 1925 - January 8, 1998)

Biography

• Milt Schoon (February 25, 1922 - January 25, 2015)

Biography

• Ken Suesens (October 23, 1916 - May 29, 1992)

Biography

• Mike Todorovich (June 11, 1923 - June 24, 2000)

Biography

• Danny Wagner (August 1, 1922 - December 27, 1997)

Biography

• Jack Watkins (October 27, 1923 - May 22, 1998)

Biography

1948-49 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)

1948-49 OSHKOSH ALL-STARS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 37-27 .578, 1st place

Semifinals - Defeated Tri-Cities, 3-1
NBL Championship - Lost to Anderson, 3-0

• Head Coach: Lon Darling (June 25, 1902 - April 19, 1951)

PLAYERS:  

• Gene Berce (November 22, 1926 - November 17, 2018)

Biography

• Bill Brown (August 2, 1922 - January 15, 2007)

Biography

• Jack Burmaster (December 23, 1926 - September 27, 2005)

Biography
 

• Bob Carpenter (November 6, 1917 - April 18, 1997)

Biography

• Ed Dancker (March 14, 1914 - October 3, 1991)

Biography

• Leroy Edwards (April 11, 1914 - August 25, 1971)

Biography

• Gene Englund (October 21, 1917 - November 5, 1995)

Biography

• Alex Hannum (July 19, 1923 - January 18, 2002)

Biography

• Marshall Hawkins (August 3, 1924 - October 28, 2010)

Biography

• Walt Lautenbach (November 17, 1922 - September 9, 1997)

Biography

• Ed Mills (February 23, 1922 - September 27, 2002)

Biography

• Bob Mulvihill (March 9, 1924 - May 17, 2016)

Biography

• Eddie Riska (October 4, 1919 - August 3, 1992)

Biography

• Glen Selbo (March 29, 1926 - May 29, 1995)

Biography

• Floyd Volker (June 21, 1921 - January 5, 1995)

Biography

1948-49 Hammond Calumet Buccaneers (NBL)

1948-49 HAMMOND CALUMET BUCCANEERS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 21-41 .339, 3rd place

Opening Round of Playoffs: Lost to Syracuse, 2-0

• Head Coach: 

Bob Carpenter (November 6, 1917 - April 18, 1997) 11-16 - also played (see below)
Chips Sobek (February 10, 1920 - April 9, 1990) 10-25 - also played (see below)


PLAYERS:

• Joe Camic (November 28, 1922 - April 3, 2011)

Biography

• Kenton Campbell  (June 10, 1926 - October 6, 1999)

Biography

• Bob Carpenter (November 6, 1917 - April 18, 1997)

Biography

• Jake Carter (July 25, 1924 - April 17, 2012)

Biography

• Ted Cook (April 15, 1921 - May 19, 1990)

Biography

• Aubrey Davis (March 28, 1921 - November 23, 1996)

Biography

• Hal Devoll (September 29, 1923 - January 12, 2010)

Biography

• George Glamack (June 7, 1918 - March 10, 1987)

Biography

• Art Grove (March 17, 1923 - May 25, 1984)

Biography

• Bob Holm (January 22, 1919 - April 14, 2002)

Biography

• Carl Loyd (November 24, 1925 - August 29, 2012)

Biography

• Jack Maddox (December 10, 1919 - July 9, 2006)

Biography

• Bobby McDermott (January 7, 1914 - October 14, 1963)

Biography

• Stan Patrick (May 5, 1922 - January 1, 2000)

Biography

• Lenny Rader (March 29, 1921 - December 29, 1996)

Biography

• John Sebastian (November 20, 1921 - April 26, 2003)

Biography

• Oliver Shoaff (November 10, 1923 - October 5, 2001)

Biography

• Chips Sobek (February 10, 1920 - April 9, 1990)

Biography

• Clint Wager (January 20, 1920 - February 29, 1996)

Biography