Friday, October 28, 2016

Elmo Morgenthaler

Elmore Robert Morgenthaler


Born:
August 3, 1922
Otto, TX

Died:
November 25, 1997
Marlin, TX


Career
Hobbs High School - New Mexico (High School)
1945-46 New Mexico Institute of Mines (College)
1946-47 Boston College (College)
1946-47 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1947-48 Birmingham Skyhawks (PBLA)
1947-48 Philadelphia SPHA's (ABL)
1948-49 Philadelphia Warriors (BAA)
1948-49 Philadelphia SPHA's (ABL)
1949-50 Hartford Hurricanes (ABL)
1949-50 Scranton Miners (ABL)
1950-51 Grand Rapids Hornets (NPBL)
1950-51 Waterloo Hawks (NPBL)
1950-51 Scranton Miners (ABL)
1951-52 Scranton Miners (ABL)
1952-53 Scranton Miners (ABL) Head coach / player

At 7'1, Elmo was on of the tallest players in the pro game and was the first 7-foot player in the NBA/BAA. He worked the railways in the Southwest during World War 2 (being too tall to serve in the military) and he transferred from NMI to Boston College. He left BC to play the game professionally, which he did for seven years

He, like many of other his fellow players, lived their lives in poverty, fighting for a pension from the NBA which never came, or came too late. Morgenthaler was the poster child of the cause, with his plight being described in articles across the country in 1996.

Elmo died of pneumonia in 1997.

He was married to Helen.

Source:
Los Angeles Times, October 28, 1996
Criswell Cemetary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/morgeel01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=morgeel01

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Harry Miller

Harry David "Moose" Miller



Born:
July 28, 1923
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
April 18, 2007
Latrobe, PA


Career
Seton Hall Prep - West Orange, NJ (High School)
1940-41 Adelphi Academy (High School)
1945-46 University of North Carolina (College)
1946-47 Toronto Huskies (BAA)
1947-48 Atlanta Crackers (PBLA)
1947-48 Youngstown Cubs (AABL)
1947-48 Saratoga Indians (NYSL)
1949-50 Sharon Pioneers (AABL)
Derry Area High School - Pennsylvania (High School) Head coach
1973-74 Westmoreland Community College - Pennsylvania (High School) Head coach
Saint Vincent College - Pennsylvania (College) Head coach

Born in Brooklyn to Benjamin and Estella Miller, Miller went to Seton Hall Prep in New Jersey before going to college. After serving his country in the USMC during World War 2, he signed with the Toronto Huskies and played in the first BAA game. He played a few more seasons of minor league basketball after that. He later coached the game at the high school and college levels, and was also the longtime physical education dierector at the Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.


Harry died of kidney failure in 2007.



Harry had 4 kids with his first wife, Gay. He remarried in 1961 to Cecilia (1932-2008) and they had two boys and a son. He and his third wife, Helen Lechman (1937-2007), had one son.

Source:
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, January 17, 1941
Daily Tar Heel, July 14, 1945
Obituary, Greensburg Tribune Review, April 20, 2007

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/milleha01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=milleha01

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Nat Militzok

Nathan Militzok


Born:
May 3, 1923
New York, NY

Died:
May 14, 2009
Las Vegas, NV


Career
Stuyvesant High School, New York City (High School)
1941-42 CCNY (College) Freshmen
1942-43 Hofstra University (College)
1943-44 Cornell University (College)
1946-47 New York Knicks (BAA)
1946-47 Toronto Huskies (BAA)
1947-48 Cohoes Mastadons (NYSL)
1948-49 Cohoes Mastadons (NYSL)
1948-49 Scranton Miners (ABL)
1949-50 Scranton Miners (ABL)
1950-51 Scranton Miners (ABL) 
1950-51 Saratogs / Schenectady Harlem Yankees (ABL)

Nathan served in the U.S. Navy during World War 2. He played for the Knicks and the Huskies in that first BAA season. He went on to become an attorney, and later moved from Brooklyn to Miami, and eventually to Las Vegas, where he died in 2009 at 86 years of age.

He was married to Eileen in 1951 and they had a son, Steven.

Source:
Democrat and Chronicle, January 12, 1944
Jews In Sports
Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/militna01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=militna01

Stan Miasek

Stanley Miasek


Born:
September 19, 1923
New York, NY

Died:
October 18, 1989
Parkville, MD


Career
1944-45 Dayton Harvey Mizers (Independent)
1945-46 Dayton Mickeys (Independent)
1945-46 Ottuma (Iowa) Seahawks (Military)
1946-47 Detroit Falcons (BAA)
1947-48 Chicago Stags (BAA)
1948-49 Chicago Stags (BAA)
1949-50 Chicago Stags (NBA)
1950-51 St. Paul Lights (NPBL)
1950-51 Louisville Alumnites (NPBL)
1951-52 Baltimore Bullets (NBA)
1952-53 Milwaukee Hawks (NBA)
1954-55 Wilkes-Barre (EBL)
1955-56 Williamsport (EBL)
1956-57 Williamsport (EBL) 

Miasek grew up in the Bronx and served in U.S. Navy during World War 2. Aside from a lengthy pro career on the court, he was also played minor league baseball in the Detroit Tigers and the New York Giants farm systems.


Minor League Baseball Stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=miasek001sta

Source:
Council Bluffs (Iowa) Nonpareil,  December 24, 1945
Detroit Free Press, January 19, 1947


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/miasest01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=miasest01

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Ed Melvin

Edward Michael Melvin
(born Ed Milkovich)


Born:
February 13, 1916
Pittsburgh, PA

Died:
July 30, 2004
Toledo, OH


Career
1933-34 South High School - Pittsburgh (High School)
1937-38 Duquesne University (College) Freshmen
1938-39 Duquesne University (College)
1939-40 Duquesne University (College)
1940-41 Duquesne University (College)
1946-47 Pittsburgh Ironmen (BAA)
1948-49 St. Bonaventure (College) Head coach 
1949-50 St. Bonaventure (College) Head coach 
1950-51 St. Bonaventure (College) Head coach 
1951-52 St. Bonaventure (College) Head coach 
1952-53 St. Bonaventure (College) Head coach 
1953-54 St. Bonaventure (College) Head coach 
1954-55 University of Toledo (College) Head coach
1955-56 University of Toledo (College) Head coach
1956-57 University of Toledo (College) Head coach 
1957-58 University of Toledo (College) Head coach
1958-59 University of Toledo (College) Head coach 
1959-60 University of Toledo (College) Head coach
1960-61 University of Toledo (College) Head coach 
1961-62 University of Toledo (College) Head coach
1962-63 University of Toledo (College) Head coach 
1963-64 University of Toledo (College) Head coach
1964-65 University of Toledo (College) Head coach 

After playing with the Ironmen, Melvin went on to coach at St. Bonaventure, turning the college team into a nationally-ranked program. From there he went to Toledo, where he coached for 11 years.


Melvin died in 2004 after suffering from dementia for many years.

He married Mary Jean in 1950 and they had two sons.

Source:
Obituary, Toledo Blade, August 1, 2004

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/melvied01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=melvied01

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

George Mearns

George Mearns


Born:
April 18, 1922
Westerly, RI

Died:
December 27, 1997
Rockport, ME


Career

1938-39 Westerly High School - Rhode Island (High School)

1939-40 University of Rhode Island (College) Freshmen
1941-42 University of Rhode Island (College)
1942-43 University of Rhode Island (College)
1946-47 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1947-48 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)

In December of 1939, Westerly HS crushed Stoneington, 158-12, with Mearns putting up 62 points. He entered Rhode Island before serving in the U.S. Army during World War 2.

George Married Helen Fitton in 1943.

Source:
Morning News (Wilmington, DE), December 23, 1939

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mearnge01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=mearnge01

Bones McKinney

Horace Albert "Bones" McKinney


Born:
January 1, 1919
New Bern, NC

Died:
May 16, 1997
Raleigh, NC


Career
1939-40 Durham High School - North Carolina (High School)
1940-41 North Carolina State (College) Freshmen
1941-42 North Carolina State (College)
1944-45 North Carolina (College)
1945-46 North Carolina (College)
1946-47 Washington Capitols (BAA)
1947-48 Washington Capitols (BAA)
1948-49 Washington Capitols (BAA)
1949-50 Washington Capitols (NBA)
1950-51 Washington Capitols (NBA) Head coach
1951-52 Boston Celtics (NBA)
1951-52 Wake Forest (College) Assistant coach
1952-53 Wake Forest (College) Assistant coach
1953-54 Wake Forest (College) Assistant coach
1954-55 Wake Forest (College) Assistant coach
1955-56 Wake Forest (College) Assistant coach
1956-57 Wake Forest (College) Assistant coach
1957-58 Wake Forest (College) Head coach
1958-59 Wake Forest (College) Head coach
1959-60 Wake Forest (College) Head coach
1960-61 Wake Forest (College) Head coach 
1961-62 Wake Forest (College) Head coach
1962-63 Wake Forest (College) Head coach 
1963-64 Wake Forest (College) Head coach
1964-65 Wake Forest (College) Head coach 
1969-70 Carolina Cougars (ABA) Head coach
1970-71 Carolina Cougars (ABA) Head coach

He attended NC State before entering the army. After his discharge, Bones enrolled at UNC where he played another couple seasons. He played for the Washington Capitols for four seasons before retiring to become their head coach. He came out of retirement after one season at the Cap's helm to play for the Celtics. He took a job as assistant coach at Wake Forest before assuming the head duties in 1957. He later coached the ABA's Carolina squad and then became an announcer.

One of the more popular and well-liked figures on Tobacco Road, Bones suffered a stroke on May 2, 1997, and died a couple weeks later.

He married Edna in 1942 and they had two sons and four daughters.

Source:
Asheville Citizen-Times, May 17, 1997
Fayetteville Observer, May 17, 1997
Obituary, News and Observer, May 17, 1997

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mckinbo01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=mckinho01

Mike McCarron

Michael Thomas McCarron


Born:
March 2, 1922
New York, NY

Died:
October 2, 1991



Career
Newtown High School - Elmhurst, NY (High School)
1941-42 Seton Hall University (College) Freshmen
1944-45 New York Westchesters (ABL)
1945-46 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1946-47 Toronto Huskies (BAA)
1947-48 Atlanta Crackers (PBLA)
1947-48 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1947-48 Twin Cities Celtics (NYSL)
1947-48 Mohawk Redskins (NYSL)
1947-48 Danbury Fedoras (EBL-Ct)
1948-49 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1948-49 Schenectady Packers (NYSL)
1949-50 Baltimore Bullets (NBA)
1949-50 St. Louis Bombers (NBA)
1949-50 Schenectady Packers (ABL)
1949-50 Meriden Sons of Italy (EBL-Ct)
1950-51 Bridgeport Aer-A-Sols (ABL)
1950-51 Bristol Tramps (EBL-Ct)
1951-52 Elmira Colonels  (ABL)

Served in the army during World War 2.

Mike was married to Sonia.

Source:


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mccarmi01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=mccarmi01

Ariel Maughan

Ariel Leishman "Ace" Maughan


Born:
February 23, 1923
Salt Lake City, UT

Died:
August 4, 1997
Asheville, NC


Career
1938-39 South Cache at Hyrum, UT (High School)
1939-40 South Cache at Hyrum, UT (High School)
1940-41 South Cache at Hyrum, UT (High School)
1941-42 Utah State University (College)
1946-47 Detroit Falcons (BAA)
1947-48 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1947-48 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1948-49 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1949-50 St. Louis Bombers (NBA)
1950-51 Washington Capitols (NBA)
1950-51 Wilkes-Barre Barons (ABL)

Ariel was born in Utah to Ariel and Gladys Maughan. He played basketball at Utah State, and entered the U.S. Army in 1943. He re-enlisted in 1945, but was discharged in 1946 after the ending of armed conflict. Now living in North Carolina, he signed with the Detroit Falcons and later joined the Steamrollers before being traded to St Louis.

Ariel married Carole Nelson (1923-2011) in 1942, but they divorced in 1945. He remarried to Edna Whitley (1920-2008) in 1946, with this union ending in divorce in 1951. In 1966, he married 21-year old Georgia "Billie" Ward, and this marriage only last two years. He married a fourth time, to Betty Young. He had two sons and two daughters (I think).

Source:
Obituary, Asheville Citizen-Times, August 6, 1997

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/maughar01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=maughar01

Don Martin

James Donald "Don" Martin


Born:
February 7, 1920
Poplar Bluff, MO

Died:
September 30, 1997
Goreville, IL


Career
1939-40 Central Missouri (College)
1940-41 Central Missouri (College)
1941-42 Central Missouri (College)
1946-47 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1947-48 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1948-49 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1948-49 Baltimore Bullets (BAA)
1949-50 Effingham High School - Illinois (High School) Head coach
1950-51 Effingham High School - Illinois (High School) Head coach
1951-52 Effingham High School - Illinois (High School) Head coach 

After his basketball career, he went into education, teaching phys ed and coaching junior high basketball He married Josephine in 1944 and they had three sons; James, Thomas and Steven.

Source:
Obituary, Southern Illinoisian, October 3, 1997

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martido01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=martido01

Dino Martin

Patrick Donald "Dino" Martin


Born:
May 25, 1920
Newport, RI

Died:
July 24, 1999
Bonita Spring, FL


Career
1935-36 De La Salle Academy - Newport, RI (High School)
1936-37 De La Salle Academy - Newport, RI (High School)
1937-38 De La Salle Academy - Newport, RI (High School)
1939-40 Georgetown University (College)
1940-41 Georgetown University (College)
1941-42 Georgetown University (College)
Jefferson Barracks - Missouri (Military)
Atlantic City (Military)
Selman Field - Louisiana (Military)
1946-47 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1947-48 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1948-49 De La Salle Academy - Newport, RI (High School) Head coach
1949-50 De La Salle Academy - Newport, RI (High School) Head coach
1950-51 De La Salle Academy - Newport, RI (High School) Head coach
1951-52 De La Salle Academy - Newport, RI (High School) Head coach
1952-53 De La Salle Academy - Newport, RI (High School) Head coach
1953-54 Boston College (College) Head coach
1954-55 Boston College (College) Head coach
1955-56 Boston College (College) Head coach 
1956-57 Boston College (College) Head coach
1957-58 Boston College (College) Head coach 
1958-59 Boston College (College) Head coach
1959-60 Boston College (College) Head coach 
1966-61 Boston College (College) Head coach
1961-62 Boston College (College) Head coach 

Born in Newport, Rhode Island, to Patrick and Mary Martin, "Dino" served in the U.S. Army during World War 2. After a couple season of professional basketball with the Steamrollers (where he once held the BAA record with a 40-point game), he returned to De La Salle to coach basketball and tennis. He then took over the reigns of the basketball team at Boston College, where he stayed for nine seasons. He was a notable tennis player, being one of the higher-rated amateur senior players in Florida during his golden years.

He was married twice, the second time to Ruth in 1966, and had three daughters and four step-children.

Source:
The Heights (Boston College Newspaper), May 15, 1953
Obituary, The News-Press, July 27, 1999
Ancestry Death info (includes full name)

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martidi01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=martidi01

Frank Mangiapane

Francis E. Mangiapane

Born:
August 5, 1925
New York, NY

Died:
July 31, 2005
Long Beach, NY


Career
1940-41 George Washington High School - NYC (High School)
1941-42 George Washington High School - NYC (High School)
1942-43 George Washington High School - NYC (High School)
1943-44 NYU (College) Freshmen
1944-45 NYU (College)
1945-46 NYU (College)
1946-47 NYU (College)
1946-47 New York Knicks (BAA)
1946-47 Paterson Crescents (ABL)
1946-47 Elizabeth Braves (ABL)
1947-48 Paterson Crescents (ABL)
1948-49 Paterson Crescents (ABL)
1949-50 Hartford Hurricanes (ABL)

Born in New York City, Mangiapane played basketball (as well as football and baseball) at NYU as a walk on, and in his senior year was second team All American. After his basketball days, he worked for the Oceanside School District as an Athletic Director.
Frank died in 2005 following a ruptured abdominal aorta.

He married Ann Kavanagh in 1948 and they had a daughter, Patricia.

Source:
Obituary, Newsday, August 3, 2005

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mangifr01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=mangifr01

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Allie Lujack

Aloysius Richard "Allie" Lujack


Born:
October 5, 1920
Connellsville, PA

Died:
December 26, 2002
Bethesda, MD


Career
1935-36 Connellsville High School - Pennsylvania (High School)
1936-37 Connellsville High School - Pennsylvania (High School)
1937-38 Connellsville High School - Pennsylvania (High School)
1938-39 Georgetown University (College) Freshmen
1939-40 Georgetown University (College)
1940-41 Georgetown University (College)
1941-42 Georgetown University (College)
1946-47 Washington Capitols (BAA)

Born to Alice and John Lujack, Allie starred in basketball and track at high school, and attended Georgetown. He served in the U.S. Army during World War 2, stationed in Burma and China, and then played briefly with the Washington Capitols. He worked in the insurance industry and as a manufacturing representative before purchasing Surf Building and Maintenance in Cottage City, Maryland. Lujack died of Alzheimer's Disease in 2002.

His younger brother, Johnny, was a star athlete at Notre Dame, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1947. An older brother, Stanley, played minor league baseball in the Appalachian League.

He was married to Katherine Knights (1924-2014) and the couple had six daughters.

Source:
Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), March 21, 1939
Washington Post Obituary, December 28, 2002

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lujacal01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=lujacal01

Thursday, October 13, 2016

John Logan

John Arnold Logan


Born:
January 1, 1921
Richmond, IN

Died:
September 2, 1977
Charlotte, NC


Career
1936-37 Richmond High School - Indiana (High School)
1937-38 Richmond High School - Indiana (High School)
1938-39 Richmond High School - Indiana (High School)
1940-41 Indiana University (College)
1941-42 Indiana University (College)
1942-43 Indiana University (College)
1946-47 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1947-48 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1948-49 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1949-50 St. Louis Bombers (NBA)
1950-51 Tri-Cities Blackhawks (NBA) Player / interim head coach

After playing at Indiana, Logan served in the U.S. Army during World War 2. He played for the St. Louis Bombers for four seasons before moving to Tri-Cities. While with the Blackhawks, he also served as interim head coach for three games. He also served in the Korean War.

I heard he was stabbed to death in 1977, but as of yet cannot find any newspaper article to substantiate this.

Source:


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/loganjo01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=loganjo01

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Grady Lewis

Grady W. Lewis


Born:
March 25, 1917
Boyd, TX

Died:
March 11, 2009
Peoria, AZ


Career
Mangum High School - Oklahoma (High School)
Southwestern Oklahoma (College)
University of Oklahoma (College)
1938-39 Phillips 66 (AAU)
1939-40 Phillips 66 (AAU)
1940-41 Phillips 66 (AAU)
1941-42 Phillips 66 (AAU) 
1942-43 Olathe Clippers (Military)
1943-44 Beeville Naval - California (Military)
1945-46 Phillips 66 - Oklahoma (ABL/AAU) 
1946-47 Detroit Falcons (BAA)
1947-48 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1947-48 Baltimore Bullets (BAA)
1948-49 St. Louis Bombers (BAA) Player / Head coach
1949-50 St. Louis Bombers (BAA) Head coach

Not sure of his dates at Oklahoma because he does not appear on their all-time roster.

Lewis attended SW Oklahoma before moving over to Oklahoma. After college, he joined up with Phillips 66 in the AAU, playing four years with them. He played for the Detroit Falcons in the BAA, and then with St Louis before being traded to Baltimore. He got the head coach job for St Loios in 1948 and lead the team for two seasons before leaving to work for Converse, where he developed a low-cut basketball shoe that became the norm for many pro hoopsters in the 60's.

He and his wife Maxine had a son and a daugher.

Source:
Miami (Oklahoma) Daily Record, February 19, 1943
Montgomery County Chronice, March 25, 2009

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lewisgr01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=lewisgr01

Monday, October 10, 2016

Hank Lefkowitz

Henry A. Lefkowitz


Born:
August 31, 1923
Cleveland, OH

Died:
April 21, 2007



Career
1940-41 Cleveland Heights High School - Ohio (High School)
1941-42 Western Reserve University (College) Freshmen
1942-43 Western Reserve University (College)
1945-46 Western Reserve University (College)
1946-47 Western Reserve University (College)
1946-47 Cleveland Rebels (BAA)

Lefkowitz served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War 2. After graduating in 1947, he signed with the Rebels, and when the Rebels folded at the end of the season, Hank was sold To Baltimore, but he chose to leave the game. He worked for Dover Construction for just under 20 years.

He married Joan Rubin and they had two sons and a daughter.

Source:
Jews In Sports
Case Western Throwback

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lefkoha01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=lefkoha01

Hal Kottman

Harold William Kottman


Born:
August 22, 1922
Forest Green, MO

Died:
November 30, 2004
Panama City, FL


Career
1938-39 Glasgow High School - Missouri (High School)
1939-40 Glasgow High School - Missouri (High School)
1940-41 Glasgow High School - Missouri (High School)
1941-42 Culver-Stockton College - Missouri (College)
1944-45 Culver-Stockton College - Missouri (College)
1945-46 Culver-Stockton College - Missouri (College)
1946-47 Boston Celtics (BAA)
1947-48 St. Paul Saints (PBLA)
1947-48 Seattle Athletics (PCBL)
1948-49 Montgomery Rebels (SPBL)

After playing professionally for a couple years, Hal went on to be a teacher, coach and superintendent.

He married Sue Hess (d. 1970) in 1950 and they had three daughters and two sons. He remarried to Kathryn Vance in 1980.

Source:
Obituary, Fayetteville, December 9, 2004


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kottmha01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=kottmha01

Lee Knorek

Leonard Jacob Knorek


Born:
July 15, 1921
Rossford, OH

Died:
July 22, 2003
Rossford, OH


Career
Rossford High School - Ohio (High School) ??
Toledo Catholic Central - Ohio (High School) ??
1939-40 DeSales College - Toledo (College)
1940-41 DeSales College - Toledo (College)
1941-42 DeSales College - Toledo (College)
1942-43 University of Detroit (College)
1943-44 Denison University (College) - During V12 training
Great Lakes (military)
1946-47 University of Detroit (College)
1946-47 New York Knicks (BAA)
1947-48 New York Knicks (BAA)
1948-49 New York Knicks (BAA)
1949-50 Baltimore Bullets (NBA)

Lee attended DeSales College but the school shut down following the 1942 season. He moved to the University of Detroit where he played basketball, football and baseball. He entered the U.S. Army in 1943, but was declared 4-F because at 6'5 he was an inch too tall. However, the navy took him and he served for three years in the Pacific, working as an underwater demolition swimmer. During his V12 training at Denison, he played for their basketball team. He returned to Detroit in 1946 and was named captain of the team, but left the team in February of 1947 to sign with the Knicks. After playing basketball professionally, he went into private business in Ohio. He died in 2003.

He was married to Marge Hrabovsky.



Source:
Detroit Free Press, March 30, 1944
Detroit Free Press, September 19, 1946
Battle Creek Enquirer, February 9, 1947
Detroit Free Press, November 21, 1949


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/knorele01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=knorele01

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Tom King

Thomas Van Dyke King


Born:
March 9, 1924
Cincinnati,OH

Died:
November 12, 2015
Amelia Island, FL


Career
East Lansing at East Lansing, MI (High School)
1942-43 Michigan State University (College)
1943-44 University of Michigan (College)
1946-47 Detroit Falcons (BAA)

Born in Cincinnati to Thomas and Lula King, Tom attended Michigan State and then transferred to the University of Michigan, playing both basketball and baseball at both schools. He served in the Marine Corps during World War 2 and later in the Korean War. He briefly played for the Detroit Falcons before being employed by Wirtz Enterprises and Mechandise Mart in Chicago. A very successful businessman in Chicago, as well as an accomplished jazz drummer, King and his wife, Canadian Olympic figure skater Barbara Ann Scott, retired to Florida. Tom died in 2015, one of the last surviving players of the inaugural BAA seasons.

He and Barbara had a son and a daughter.

Source:
Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kingto01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=kingto01

Jerry Kelly

Gerard Allan Kelly


Born:
June 14, 1918
Union City, NJ

Died:
July 23, 1996
Carson City, NV


Career
John Marshall?? (College)
1945-46 Paterson Crescents (ABL)
1945-46 Hartford (NEBL)
1946-47 Boston Celtics (BAA)
1946-47 Jersey City Atoms (ABL) 
1947-48 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1948-49 Lancaster Red Roses (EPBL)
1948-49 Trenton Tigers (ABL) 
1948-49 Schenectady Packers (NYSL)

Kelly grew up in Weehauken, New Jersey, and attended Marshall University.

Source:


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kellyje01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=kellyje01

Ken Keller

William Kenneth "Ken" Keller


Born:
August 16, 1922
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
February 24, 1983
New York, NY


Career
1938-39 Bishop Loughlin High School - Brooklyn (High School)
1939-40 Bishop Loughlin High School - Brooklyn (High School)
1940-41 Bishop Loughlin High School - Brooklyn (High School)
1942-43 St. John's University - New York (College)
1945-46 Syracuse Stars (Independent)
1946-47 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1946-47 Washington Capitols (BAA)
1947-48 Atlanta Crackers (PBLA)
1947-48 Paterson Crescents (ABL)
1947-48 Glens Falls Commodores (NYSL)
1948-49 Mohawk Redskins (NYSL)
1948-49 Bristol Tramps (EBL-Ct)
1949-50 Danbury Fedoras (EBL-Ct)
1950-51 Torrington Howards (EBL-Ct) 

Many encyclopedias have him as being born on July 30, 1925, but that is the incorrect Kenneth Keller. His obituary in the Asbury Park Press straightens this up.

He lettered in baseball, basketball and volleyball in high school before getting a scholarship at St. John's. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War 2, and after his discharge, finished his education at the University of  Vermont.  In signed with Providence of the BAA in 1946. After his playing days, he became the vice president and director of marketing at Helena Rubenstein Cosmetics.

Keller died suddenly in 1983 at 60 years of age.

He married Loretta McNulty (1925-2004) and they had a son and two daughters.

Sometimes referred to as Hank Keller while in NYSL.

Source:
Post-Standard (Syracuse), January 22, 1946
Asbury Park Press, February 26, 1983


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kelleke01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=kelleke01
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/ken-keller/

Ed Kasid

Edward John Kasid


Born:
August 13, 1923
Minneapolis, MN

Died:
November 3, 1989
Minneapolis, MN


Career
1946-47 Toronto Huskies (BAA)

Born to Joseph and Josephine Kasid in Minneapolis.

Source:


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kasided01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=kasided01

Friday, October 7, 2016

Tony Kappen

Anthony George Kappen
born Anthony George Kepezensky 


Born:
April 13, 1919
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
December 18, 1993
Lynbrook, NY


Career
1935-36 Alexander Hamilton High School - New York (High School)
1936-37 Jersey Reds (ABL)
1937-38 New York Celtics (Independent)
1937-38 New York Yankees (Independent)
1938-39 Brooklyn Visitation (ABL)
1939-40 Baltimore Clippers (ABL)
1939-40 New York Celtics (Independent)
1940-41 New York Jewels (ABL)
1940-41 Glen Falls (NYSL) 
1941-42 New York Jewels (ABL)
1940-41 Pittsfield (NYSL)
1944-45 Long Island Pros (Independent) 
1945-46 New York Gothams (ABL)
1946-47 Pittsburgh Ironmen (BAA)
1946-47 Boston Celtics (BAA)
1948-49 Troy Celtics (NYSL)

Born Anthony Kepezensky, Kappen played a lot of pro and semi-pro basketball out east. According to the Daily Eagle from April 16, 1936, he was supposed to attend St. John's, but near as I can tell, he never played basketball anywhere on the collegiate level.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War 2

Source:
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, January 19, 1936
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, April 16, 1936

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kappeto01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=kappeto01

Ralph Kaplowitz

Ralph Kaplowitz


Born:
May 18, 1919
New York, NY

Died:
February 2, 2009
Queens, NY


Career
1936-37 DeWitt Clinton at Bronx, NY (High School)
1937-38 DeWitt Clinton at Bronx, NY (High School)
1939-40 NYU (College)
1940-41 NYU (College)
1941-42 NYU (College) 
1941-42 Aberdeen Bombers (Independent)
1942-43 Galveston Army Airfield (Military)
1945-46 Philadelphia SPHA's (ABL)
1946-47 New York Knicks (BAA)
1946-47 Philadelphia Warriors (BAA)
1947-48 Philadelphia Warriors (BAA)
1948-49 Hartford Hurricanes (ABL)
1948-49 Saratoga Indians (NYSL)
1949-50 Hartford Hurricanes (ABL)
1950-51 Bridgeport Aer-A-Sols (ABL)

Born in the Bronx, Ralph starred on the court in high school before heading off to NYU. (Fellow BAA player Leo Gottlieb was a high school teammate.) He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War 2, and after his discharge, played with the SPHA's in the ABL. He signed with the Knicks in 1946, but was traded to Philly shortly into the season.

His older brother, Danny Kaplowitz, played at Long Island University. His cousin, Walt, also played pro basketball.

Ralph died of kidney failure in 2009.

Source:
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 5, 1937
Galveston Daily News, November 30, 1943
Grave and Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kaplora01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=kaplora01

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Roger Jorgensen

Roger Kennedy Jorgensen


Born:
September 2, 1920
Columbus, OH

Died:
October 3, 2010
Pittsburgh, PA


Career
1936-37 Taylor Allderdice - Pittsburgh (High School)
1937-38 Taylor Allderdice - Pittsburgh (High School)
1938-39 Taylor Allderdice - Pittsburgh (High School)
1939-40 Ohio State Univeristy (College) Freshmen
1940-41 Ohio State Univeristy (College)
1944-45 Washington Capitols (ABL)
1946-47 Pittsburgh Ironmen (BAA)
1947-48 Zanesville Pioneers (AABL)
1947-48 Wheeling Puritans (AABL)
1950-51 Waynesburg College (College) Head coach

Roger grew up in Pittsburgh, and attended Ohio State before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He was discharged in January of 1946 and enrolled at Pitt. He finished his education there and later signed on with the Ironmen, playing alongside his brother Noble Jorgensen. He later coached and taught at Waynesburg College before moving into a career in sales.

He was married to Betsy Bryant and had three daughters.


Source:
Pittsburgh Press, January 6, 1941
Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jorgero01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=jorgero01

Harold Johnson

Harold Harmon Johnson


Born:
January 30, 1920
Richmond, IN

Died:
September 17, 1999
Richmond, IN


Career
1939-40 Indiana State University (College)
1940-41 Indiana State University (College)
1941-42 Indiana State University (College)
1946-47 Detroit Falcons (BAA)

Born to Harold and Mamie Johnson in Indiana. He served in the U.S. Army during World War 2, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

He later became an Indiana State Policeman. Harold died of a stroke in 1999.

He was married to Alice Brown.

Source:


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsha01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=johnsha01

Fred Jacobs

Winfred O. "Fred" Jacobs


Born:
December 2, 1922
Joliet, IL

Died:
October 19, 2008
Golden, CO


Career
1937-38 Fountain High School - Colorado (High School)
1938-39 Fountain High School - Colorado (High School)
1939-40 Fountain High School - Colorado (High School)
1940-41 University of Denver (College) Freshmen
1941-42 University of Denver (College)
1942-43 University of Denver (College)
1945-46 University of Denver (College)
1946-47 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)

Born in Illinois, Jacobs family moved to Alamosa,Colorado in 1933. His time at U of D was interrupted by World War 2. Jacobs was trained to be an acting mayor of a liberated French town at he close of the war in Europe, but did not actually have to step into that role. He returned to the US and finished up his education at Denver. He played one season for the St. Louis Bombers and later worked for many years for AT&T.

He married Katharine Kaiser in 1946 and they had two sons, Richard and Robert.


Source:
Grave and Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jacobfr01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=jacobfr01

Charley Hoefer

Charles Henry "Dutch" Hoefer
born Adolph Hoefer


Born:
September 16, 1921
Hanau, Germany

Died:
June 12, 1983
Sioux Falls, SD


Career
1937-38 Newtown High School - New York (High School)
1939-40 Queens College (College)
1940-41 Queens College (College)
1941-42 Wilmington Bombers (ABL)
1941-42 Albany (NYSL)
1942-43 Camden/Brooklyn Indians (ABL)
1943-44 Wilmington Bombers (ABL)
1943-44 Wateford Pros (Independent)
1944-45 Boston Coast Guard (Military)
1945-46 Wilmington Bombers (ABL)
1945-46 Hartford (NEBL)
1946-47 Toronto Huskies (BAA)
1946-47 Boston Celtics (BAA)
1947-48 Saratoga Indians (NYSL)
1948-49 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1948-49 Schenectady Packers (NYSL)
1949-50 Queens McDermott All-Stars (Independent)
1949-50 Long Island Bombers (Independent)

Hoefer has always been a mystery to me, and it's probably because his previously reported birthdate (July 12, 1917) is not correct. There is other information out there in sports encyclopedias that is not accurate either. Allow me to explain.

Hoefer attended Queens College. He joined the Wilmington Bombers in 1941-42 and helped lead them to the ABL championship. (A couple on discrepancies occur here. Other sources have him playing for the Washington franchise of the ABL here, but as the News Journal article from December 18, 1941 and Morning News from November 7, 1945 indicate, he was indeed with Wilmington those years. Also worth noting is that the Morning News article states Charley Hoefer was merely 19 when playing with the Bombers in 1941. This contradicts the 1917 birthdate (and begins to coincide with census records from the time. I will get to that). That's why I dismiss 1917 as the birth year. According to the article, he served in the South Pacific in the Coast Guard before returning to the Bombers.

So now going with this information above, I had new doors opened. First off, being he was born in Germany and supposedly named Adolph, I pretty much assumed that when he joined the Coast Guard, he went by Charles or Charley (his middle name is reported in many places to be Charles, and he is called Charley in the articles about his ABL days). The name Adolph could not have been a popular moniker in the service at that time. Searching through military records, I found a Charles Hoefer born in 1921. The branch was the Coast Guard, and he was released November 7, 1945, the same day Wilmington ran the article saying that Hoefer was returning to the team. Now this guy is buried in South Dakota, but was born in Germany, born to Hugo and Ann Metzler. The full name is Charles Henry Hoefer. It may sound like the wrong guy, but his SSN was issued in Connecticut, so his family was out east at some point. A quick search of the census records shows that there was an Adolph Hoefer in Queens in 1930 and 1940. Parents names? Yep. Hugo and Anne.

We got him.

Born in Hanau, Germany, in 1921, the Hoefer family immigrated to the United States in 1926, settling in Queens, New York. Hoefer went to high school at Newtown before enrolling at Queens College. He played basketball at Queens before playing professionally with team like the Wilmington Bombers of the American Basketball League. He served his country during World War 2 with the Coast Guard, and after his discharge, returned to the hardwood. He was a member of the Toronto Huskies, playing in the first BAA/NBA game on November 1, 1946. With the Toronto team faltering in that inaugual season, coaching changes lead to Hoefer being shipped off to the Celtics. After that season, he wound back east, playing in the American, Eastern and New York leagues. He retired from playing and started working with the Department of Agriculture, which eventually moved him to Minneapolis/St Paul in Minnesota. In 1969, he moved to South Dakota, where he lived until his death in 1983.

Charley and his wife, Beverly (d. 2008), had a son and a daughter.

Source:
News Journal (Wilmington, DE), December 18, 1941
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, November 31, 1939
Morning News (Wilmington, DE) November 7, 1945
Troy Record, December 20, 1946
Argus-Leader (Sioux Falls, SD), February 6, 1976

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hoefech01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=hoefech01
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/dutch-hoefer/

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Mel Hirsch

Melvin M. Hirsch


Born:
July 31, 1921
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
December 1968



Career
1937-38 Brooklyn Boys High School - New York(High School)
1940-41 Brooklyn College (College)
1941-42 Brooklyn College (College)
1942-43 Brooklyn College (College)
1942-43 Brooklyn Indians (ABL)
1942-43 Original Celtics (Independent)
1946-47 Boston Celtics (BAA)

The 5'6 Hirsch served in the military during World War 2.

Source:
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, December 16, 1942

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hirscme01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=hirscme01

Art Hillhouse

Arthur Sherwood Hillhouse


Born:
June 12, 1916
Rutherford, NJ

Died:
October 27, 1980
Amelia, VA


Career
1932-33 Rutherford High School - New Jersey (High School)
1933-34 Rutherford High School - New Jersey (High School)
1934-35 Rutherford High School - New Jersey (High School)
1936-37 Long Island University (College) Freshmen
1936-37 Long Island University(College)
1937-38 Long Island University(College)
1938-39 Long Island University(College)
1938-39 Binghamton (NYPAL)
1938-39 Lancaster (TCL)
1939-40 Lancaster (TCL)
1939-40 Newark Canco (Independent)
1940-41 Lancaster (TCL)
1941-42 Lancaster (TCL)
1943-44 Philadelphia SPHA's (ABL)
1944-45 Philadelphia SPHA's (ABL) 
1945-46 Philadelphia SPHA's (ABL)
1945-46 Hartford (NEBL)
1945-46 Syracuse Stars (Independent) 
1946-47 Philadelphia Warriors (BAA)
1947-48 Philadelphia Warriors (BAA)
1947-48 Wilkes-Barre Barons (ABL)
1948-49 Lancaster Red Roses (EPBL)

Born to Arthur and Leila Hillhouse. Served in the military during World War 2.

He was married to Florence.

Source:


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hillhar01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=hillhar01

Sonny Hertzberg

Sidney "Sonny" Hertzberg


Born:
July 29, 1922
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
July 25, 2005
Woodmere, NY


Career
1937-38 Tilden High School - Brooklyn, NY (High School)
1938-39 Tilden High School - Brooklyn, NY (High School)
1939-40 CCNY (College)
1940-41 CCNY (College)
1941-42 CCNY (College)
1941-42 Albany (NYSL)
1942-43 New York Jewels (ABL)
1943-44 New York Americans (ABL)
1944-45 New York Westchesters (ABL)
1945-46 New York Gothams (ABL)
1946-47 New York Knicks (BAA)
1947-48 New York Knicks (BAA)
1947-48 Washington Capitols (BAA)
1948-49 Washington Capitols (BAA)
1949-50 Boston Celtics (NBA)
1950-51 Boston Celtics (NBA)
1951-52 Washington Capitols (ABL)
1951-52 Manchester British Americans (ABL)
1952-53 Manchester British Americans (ABL)

After a lengthy professional basketball career, he worked as a scout and broadcaster for the Knicks, and later became a senior executive at Bear Stearns. Sonny died of heart failure in 2005.

He was married to Irene and they had a son and a daughter.

Source:
Jews In Sports
NY Times Obituary
NY Daily News Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hertzso01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=hertzso01

Chick Halbert

Charles Pinkney "Chick" Halbert IV


Born:
February 27, 1919
Albany, TX

Died:
March 4, 2013
Coupeville, WA


Career
1935-36 House High School - New Mexico (High School)
1936-37 House High School - New Mexico (High School)
1937-38 House High School - New Mexico (High School)
1939-40 West Texas Teacher's College (College)
1940-41 West Texas Teacher's College (College)
1941-42 West Texas Teacher's College (College)
1943-44 Boeing Bombers (Independent)
1944-45 Phillips 66'ers (Independent)
Lee Tire Co (Independent)
1946-47 Chicago Stags (BAA)
1947-48 Chicago Stags (BAA)
1947-48 Philadelphia Warriors (BAA)
1948-49 Boston Celtics (BAA)
1948-49 Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1949-50 Washington Capitols (NBA)
1950-51 Washington Capitols (NBA)
1950-51 Baltimore Bullets (NBA)

Born to Charles and Mattie Halbert in Albany, Texas, Chick grew up in New Mexico, and attended West Texas Teachers College (now West Texas A&M). He was too tall to serve in the military during World War 2 (he was accidentally listed as 5'9 on his army paperwork, but was discharged when he showed up at his regular 6'9 height.) The center played five seasons in the BAA/NBA. He and his wife, Jean (1919-2007) eventually moved to Washington where he worked as a truant officer, realtor and insurance agent.

Source:
West Texas A&M Hall of Fame

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/halbech01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=halbech01

In memoriam: Jack Cotton

Jack Cotton, one of the original Denver Nuggets and a player in the NBL, died last week just a few weeks shy of his 92nd birthday.


Biography

Obituary

Edward W. Parry Jr. age 98 of Clay Twp., MI. died February 23, 2016.  He was born January 29, 1918 in Detroit, MI. to the late Edward W. and Laura (nee Lenth) Parry.  He married Patricia Frederick who died November 19, 1993.

Mr. Parry retired from the Detroit News as a Pressman.  He was a former professional basketball player having played for Detroit Eagle Basketball Team (1941 World Professional Tournament Winners.)

Mr. Parry is survived by a son Ed (John Cashmore) Parry III, his girlfriend Ann Kossak, a sister-in-law Connie Pauken, and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.  Predeceased by sisters Edna Roby and Edith Melms.

A memorial visitation will be held 1-4 PM Saturday March 5, 2016 in the Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac, MI.

www.gilbertfuneralhomeinc.com



Published in The Times Herald on Feb. 28, 2016 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thetimesherald/obituary.aspx?n=Edward-Parry&pid=177866117#sthash.0TZqUIAQ.dpuf

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Matt Guokas

Matthew George Guokas, Sr.


Born:
November 11, 1915
Philadelphia, PA

Died:
December 9, 1993
Flourtown, PA


Career
Roman Catholic High School - Philadelphia (High School)
1935-36 St. Joseph's (PA) (College)
1936-37 St. Joseph's (PA) (College)
1937-38 St. Joseph's (PA) (College)
1937-38 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1938-39 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1938-39 Wilkes-Barre Barons (ABL)
1938-39 Pottstown Collegians (TCL)
1939-40 Pottstown Collegians (TCL)
1940-41 Reading (TCL)
1941-42 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1941-42 Reading (TCL)
1941-42 SKF - Philadelphia (Independent) 
1942-43 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1943-44 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1943-44 Brooklyn Jewels (Independent)
1944-45 Trenton Tigers (ABL) 
1945-46 Newark CO2's (Independent)
1946-47 Philadelphia Warriors (BAA)

Born to Lithuanian immigrants, Guokas' career ended after he lost his leg in an auto accident. He moved into broadcasting, and spent many years as the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles.

His son, Matthew, also played in the NBA. His brother Al Guokas played professional basketball, also.

He married Joan Burnham in 1941, and in addition to his son, they also had a daughter.

Source:
Courier News, June 27, 1947
NY Times Obituary

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/guokama01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=guokama01

Coulby Gunther

Coulby D. Gunther


Born:
February 5, 1923
New York, NY

Died:
July 14, 2005
Gulfstream, FL


Career
1938-39 Southside High School - Rockville Centre, NY (High School)
1939-40 Southside High School - Rockville Centre, NY (High School)
1940-41 Southside High School - Rockville Centre, NY (High School)
1941-42 St. John's University (College) Freshmen
1946-47 Pittsburgh Ironmen (BAA)
1947-48 Atlanta Crackers (PBLA) - Player / Head Coach
1947-48 Brooklyn Gothams (ABL)
1947-48 Hartford Hurricanes (ABL)
1947-48 Saratoga Indians (NYSL)
1947-48 Schenectady Comets (NYSL)
1947-48 Danbury Fedoras (EBL-Ct)
1948-49 Danbury Fedoras (EBL-Ct) Head coach / player
1948-49 Troy Celtics (NYSL)
1948-49 St. Louis Bombers (BAA)
1949-50 Meriden Sons of Italy (EBL-Ct) Head coach / player
1950-51 Carbondale / Allentown Aces (ABL)
1950-51 Bristol Tramps (EBL-Ct)
1950-51 Meriden (EBL-Ct)
1952-53 Pawtucket Slaters (ABL)

Served in the military during World War 2, stationed in the Philippines. After the war, he went briefly attended Boston College before playing pro basketball.

He owned and operated an insurance company in Long Island. He also founded anti-fraud companies AutoCheck and CARCO. He sold hs insurance company in 1972 and moved to Florida. Coulby and his wife gave a lot of their time to helping troubled youths, 

He and his wife, Jane (1924-2015), had three daughters and a son.

Source:
Sun Sentinel Obituary
Jane Gunther's Obituary



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gunthco01.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=gunthco01
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/coulby-gunther/