Thursday, September 26, 2019

1947-48 Sacramento Senators (ABL-AAU)

1947-48 SACRAMENTO SENATORS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 4-15 .211 (9-15 .400), 4th place

Received five forfeit wins from Phoenix.


Head Coach:
  • Dave Kelley (July 24, 1913 - August 31, 1991)
PLAYERS:
  • Sam Alaimo (April 18, 1922 - April 26, 2015)
  • Tony Braginetz (March 23, 1921 - May 8, 2016)
  • Don Delaney (April 26, 1924 - October 4, 1982)
  • Gordon Garetson (December 9, 1918 - December 24, 1994)
  • Bob Gill (October 4, 1925 - July 19, 2016)
  • Warren Hubbart (October 29, 1921 - January 15, 2004)
  • Woody Hutchinson (November 3, 1918 - October 21, 2009)
  • Jim Reese (July 4, 1923 - October 12, 2010)
  • Charlie Reyner (September 13, 1921 - May 21, 2003)
  • Roy Tamm (June 26, 1920 - May 2014)
  • Al White
  • Roy Willhoite (February 9, 1916 - December 27, 1992)

1947-48 Phoenix J.W. Nick's Contractors (ABL-AAU)

1947-48 PHOENIX J.W. NICK'S CONTRACTORS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 1-14 .067 (1-23 .042), 5th place

Team was suspended February 10, 1948, with a 1-14 record. They forfeited their remaining nine games.

Head Coach:
  • Bill Ogilvie (October 12, 1916 - December 30, 1975)

PLAYERS:
  • Ernie Baker
  • Ralph Baskett (March 17, 1924 - December 20, 2007)
  • Daffy Douthit (November 23, 1926 - August 20, 1983)
  • Bill Dycus
  • Ford Ferguson (August 31, 923 - May 17, 2008)
  • Marshall Fox (December 28, 1923 - July 11, 1987)
  • Carroll Gunnett (November 13, 1921 - June 11, 1979)
  • Dick Gustin (May 30, 1921 - February 21, 1948)
  • Earl Jones (August 20, 1917 - February 5, 2009)
  • Jim Mackey (June 10, 1922 - May 7, 1995)
  • Bill Moylan (December 13, 1922 - June 25, 2001)
  • Bill Nicks (November 30, 1923 - January 23, 1981)
  • Bill Ogilvie (October 12, 1916 - December 30, 1975)
  • Elmer Olson
  • Bill Rainey
  • John Roper (January 19, 1928 - October 25, 2004)
  • Hank Slagle (August 9, 1916 - August 20, 2004)
  • Hank Slider (May 21, 1925 - June 15, 1999)

1947-48 Oklahoma Phillips 66 Oilers (ABL-AAU)

1947-48 OKLAHOMA PHILLIPS 66 OILERS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 19-3 .864 (21-3 .875), 1st place

Record includes two forfeits from Phoenix

Head Coach:
  • Bud Browning (October 5, 1911 - September 11, 1978)
PLAYERS:
  • Lew Beck (April 19, 1922 - April 25, 1970)
  • Ed Beisser (May 9, 1919 - October 7, 2000)
  • Gordon Carpenter (September 24, 1919 - March 8, 1988)
  • Gene Jones (May 6, 1919 - January 1, 1983)
  • Bob Kurland (December 23, 1924 - September 29, 2013)
  • Marty Nash (February 16, 1920 - May 20, 2006)
  • Jack Perrault (May 6, 1923 - October 6, 1974)
  • R.C. Pitts (June 23, 1919 - October 29, 2011)
  • Cab Renick (September 29, 1917 - November 25, 1999)
  • Frank Stockman (February 10, 1920 - October 31, 2010)
  • Ruddy York (April 25, 1921 - May 18, 1996)

1947-48 Oakland Bittners (ABL-AAU)

1947-48 OAKLAND BITTNERS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 12-11 .522 (13-11 .542), 3rd place

Received one forfeit win from Phoenix.

Head Coaches:
  • Al Kyte (May 3, 1903 - March 9, 1992 ) 3-1
  • Laddie Gale (April 22, 1917 - July 29, 1996) 10-10 Also played. See below.

PLAYERS:
  • Jack Abell (March 26, 1926 - October 26, 1949)
  • Bob Alameida (March 13, 1920 - April 7, 1994)
  • Tom Amberry (November 13, 1922 - March 18, 2017)
  • Don Barksdale (March 31, 1923 - March 8, 1993)
Biography
  • Lou Bogan (May 6, 1921 - March 7, 2008)
  • Billy Burke (September 22, 1922 - October 25, 2006)
  • Don Burness (June 1, 1919 - March 3, 1987)
  • Dick Faszholz (September 24, 1925 - August 21, 2001)
  • Hal Fisher (May 10, 1919 - November 12, 2004)
  • Laddie Gale (April 22, 1917 - July 29, 1996)
Biography 
  • Bob Hogeboom (November 19, 1925 - January 2, 2020)
  • Bob Matthews (June 22, 1919 - July 16, 1994)
  • Les O'Gara (May 24, 1920 - December 26, 2000)
  • Mushy Silver (February 15, 1922 - 1980)
  • Slats Taulbee (August 14, 1924 - April 6, 1998)
  • Don Williams (September 30, 1918 - August 11, 2004)

1947-48 Denver Nuggets (ABL-AAU)

1947-48 DENVER NUGGETS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 15-8 .652 (16-8 .667), 2nd place

Received one forfeit win from Phoenix

Head Coach:
  • Ralph Bishop (October 1, 1915 - October 1, 1974)

PLAYERS:
  • Hank Balke (December 27, 1922 - March 13, 2004)
  • Vince Boryla (March 11, 1927 - March 27, 2016)
Biography
  • Jimmy Darden (June 19, 1922 - April 29, 1994)
Biography
  • Ward Gibson (December 5, 1921 - February 1, 1958)
Biography
  • Jack Gray (October 6, 1920 - June 30, 2014)
  • Neal Large (March 6, 1922 - April 28, 2004)
  • Roy Lipscomb (January 3, 1923 - November 24, 1984)
  • Ed Little (March 19, 1925 - November 1978)
  • Ron Livingstone (October 9, 1925 - August 26, 1991)
Biography
  • Robert Salen (September 28, 1924 - October 20, 2022)

1946-47 San Diego Tecate Dons (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 SAN DIEGO TECATE DONS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 5-15 .250, 11th place

Round Robin - Eliminated 3-1


Head Coach:
  • Tee Connelley (August 8, 1913 - February 8, 2003)  Also played. See below

PLAYERS:
  • Jack Balmer (September 22, 1924 - April 14, 2008)
  • Nick Buzolich (October 3, 1918 - February 25, 2003)
  • Tee Connelley (August 8, 1913 - February 8, 2003 
  • Dick Faszholz (September 24, 1925 - August 21, 2001)
  • Bob Fitzpatrick (January 31, 1922 - October 1, 2009)
  • Goyette
  • Scotty Hamilton (November 21, 1921 - April 11, 1976)
  • Jack Herron (July 5, 1919 - May 23, 2003)
  • Fon Johnson (February 7, 1916 - May 29, 2007)
  • Al Martinez (March 15, 1916 - November 27, 2005)
  • Tommy McCarty (June 3, 1921 - February 23, 1965)
  • Meyers 
  • Mitchell
  • Warren
  • Al Wells  

1946-47 Salt Lake City Deseret News (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 SALT LAKE CITY DESERET NEWS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 8-12 .400, T-6th place

Round Robin - Eliminated 2-1


Head Coach:
  • Laddie Gale (April 22, 1917 - July 29, 1996) Also played. See below.

PLAYERS:
Bob Bell
  • Bob Bell (September 6, 1920 - December 17, 1987)
  • Vaughn Bennion (April 25, 1921 - December 3, 1998)
  • Blaine Crowther (March 27, 1922 - May 8, 2005)
  • Glenn Duggins (May 29, 1925 - January 4, 1997)
  • Andy Duncan (April 17, 1922 - April 12, 2006)
Biography
  • Laddie Gale (April 22, 1917 - July 29, 1996)
Biography
  • Floyd Giles (July 25, 1918 - June 25, 1998)
  • Banard Hafen (November 20, 1921 - October 25, 2012)
  • Cliff McLean (November 19, 1912 - March 17, 2004)
  • Matt Pavalunas (May 15, 1917 - May 15, 1991)
  • Ellis Pritchett (July 9, 1926 - November 18, 2012)
  • Ed Scott (July 3, 1922 - July 12, 2014)

1946-47 Sacramento Senators (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 SACRAMENTO SENATORS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 6-14 .300, 10th place

Round Robin - Eliminated 2-2


Head Coach:
  • Dave Kelley (July 24, 1913 - August 31, 1991)
PLAYERS:
  • Jack Adie October 30, 1922 - March 3, 1997)
  • Al Athey (February 21, 1922 - April 2, 1980)
  • Wayne Boulding (March 13, 1927 - March 26, 2013)
  • Tony Braginetz (March 23, 1921 - May 8, 2016)
  • Andy Curtiss (November 2, 1919 - April 26, 1995)
  • Gordon Garetson (December 9, 1918 - December 24, 1994)
  • Bob Gill (October 4, 1925 - July 19, 2016)
  • Ken Hashegan (April 6, 1913 - November 30, 1980)
  • Verne Hoffman (April 8, 1921 - April 23, 2004)
  • Gus Mota (May 6, 1919 - October 2, 1993)
  • Jim Rickert (April 2, 1918 - April 10, 2011)
  • Roy Tamm (June 26, 1920 - May 2014)
  • Warren Taylor (December 12, 1920 - February 4, 1993)
  • Al White
  • Roy Willhoite (February 9, 1916 - December 27, 1992)

1946-47 Pocatello Simplots (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 POCATELLO SIMPLOTS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 8-12 .400, T-6th place

ABL Tournament - Eliminated 0-2


Head Coach:
  • Loren Devel "Cy" Anderson (July 11, 1915 - ????)
PLAYERS:
  • Merlin Ahlquist (May 2, 1915 - March 21, 1998)
  • Chick Atkinson (January 16, 1918 - January 4, 1962)
  • Warren Christensen (March 13, 1922 - February 17, 2011)
  • Frank Fullmer (September 15, 1918 - March 12, 1998(
  • Art Grove (March 17, 1923 - May 25, 1984)
Biography
  • Merle Isham (October 29, 1916 - August 25, 2002)
  • Weldon Kern (April 30, 1923 - April 21, 2014)
Biography
Berkley Parkinson
  • Lindsey 
  • Floyd Morris (December 23, 1916 - July 15, 2006)
  • Bob Muller 
  • Bob Orr (January 1, 1920 - December 10, 1996)
  • Berkley Parkinson (July 15, 1915 - December 14, 2004)
  • Robertson 
  • Ray Turner (September 6, 1917 - September 29, 1995)
  • Red Wade (June 27, 1914 - December 28, 2002)

1946-47 Oklahoma Phillips 66 Oilers (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 OKLAHOMA PHILLIPS 66 OILERS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 19-1 .950, 1st place

ABL Tournament - Eliminated 1-1


Head Coach:
  • Bud Browning (October 5, 1911 - September 11, 1978)
PLAYERS:
  • Ed Beisser (May 9, 1919 - October 7, 2000)
  • Gordon Carpenter (September 24, 1919 - March 8, 1988)
  • Leon Eggleston (June 8, 1918 - July 10, 1996)
  • Bob Kurland (December 23, 1924 - September 29, 2013)
  • Bill Martin (March 31, 1917 - November 24, 1996)
  • Marty Nash (February 16, 1920 - May 20, 2006)
  • Jack Perrault (May 6, 1923 - October 6, 1974)
  • R.C. Pitts (June 23, 1919 - October 29, 2011)
  • Cab Renick (September 29, 1917 - November 25, 1999)
  • Frank Stockman (February 10, 1920 - October 31, 2010)
  • Ruddy York (April 25, 1921 - May 18, 1996)

1946-47 Oklahoma City Continental Airlines (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 OKLAHOMA CITY CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 10-10 .500, 4th place

ABL Tournament - Eliminated, 1-1


Head Coach:
  • Chuck Hyatt (February 29, 1908 - May 9, 1978)

PLAYERS:
  • Bill Budd (January 24, 1921 - July 31, 2016)
  • Don Fitz (February 11, 1919 - November 25, 2002)
Biography
  • Hugh Ford (April 21, 1920 - November 19, 1995)
  • Marvin Gelber (January 24, 1927 - March 30, 1963)
  • George Hamburg (October 13, 1920 - March 3, 1969)
  • Bob Hamilton (April 22, 1922 - December 7, 1995)
Biography
  • Hal Hutcheson (May 16, 1920 - September 17, 1991)
Biography
  • Leroy King (December 24, 1921 - August 8, 2004)
Biography
  • Pete McCloud (December 29, 1918 - July 17, 2013)
Biography
  • Howard Shannon (June 10, 1923 - August 16, 1995)
  • Bill Stranagan (December 1, 1918 - September 7, 1997)

1946-47 Oakland Bittners (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 OAKLAND BITTNERS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 18-2 .900, 2nd place

ABL Tournament - Tournament Champions, 3-0


Head Coach:
  • Bill Wheatley (July 5, 1909 - February 5, 1992)

PLAYERS:
  • Bob Alameida (March 13, 1920 - April 7, 1994)
  • Ernie Baker 
  • Don Burness (June 1, 1919 - March 3, 1987)
  • Bill Calhoun (b. November 4, 1927)
Biography
  • George Clyne (February 20, 1927 - December 5, 2011)
  • Tom Edwards (March 24, 1918 - August 24, 1996)
  • Sig Jacobson (September 12, 1921 - June 8, 2010)
  • Leon LaFaille (February 20, 1918 - May 21, 2019)
  • Ronnie Livingstone (October 9, 1925 - August 26, 1991)
Biography
  • Don McCaslin (December 13, 1926 - July 16, 2020)
  • Paul Napolitano (February 3, 1923 - June 22, 1997)
Biography
  • Jim Pollard (July 9, 1922 - January 22, 1993)
Biography
  • Jim Sharp
  • Slats Taulbee (August 14, 1924 - April 6, 1998)
  • Don Williams (September 30, 1918 - August 11, 2004)

1946-47 Los Angeles Carroll Shamrocks (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 LOS ANGELES CARROLL SHAMROCKS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 8-12 .400, T-6th place

ABL Tournament - Eliminated 0-2


Head Coach:


PLAYERS:
  • Hal Allen (September 21, 1917 - December 23, 2009)
  • Jack Ballard (March 8, 1922 - May 7, 2002)
  • Ralph Crowton (August 2, 1916 - October 11, 2010)
Biography 
  • Dick Gartrell (October 13, 1922 - February 22, 2010)
  • Ernie Handelsman (December 30, 1922 - March 19, 1993)
  • Wally Kowalski (May 18, 1917 - February 24, 1999)
  • Les O'Gara (May 24, 1920 - December 26, 2000)
  • Bob Ormsby (June 4, 1921 - September 3, 2014)
  • Marty Pelka (May 16, 1920 - February 17, 2013)
  • Don Seidel (September 6, 1925 - August 14, 2014)
  • Jack Stone (October 24, 1926 - November 19, 2004)
  • Vic Townsend (May 22, 1919 - August 14, 2000)
  • George Vulich (May 12, 1925 - February 8, 2011)
  • Doug Winters (April 19, 1920 - February 10, 1992)

1946-47 Kansas City M&O Cigar Smokies (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 KANSAS CITY M&O CIGAR SMOKIES
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 8-12 .438, T-6th place

ABL Tournament - Eliminated 2-2


Head Coach:
  • Herman Fischer (July 7, 1910 - August 10, 1986) Also played. See below.

PLAYERS:
  • Hank Balke (December 27, 1922 - March 13, 2014)
  • Jack Ballard (March 8, 1922 - May 7, 2002)
  • Clarence Brannum (May 28, 1926 - October 9, 2000)
Biography
  • Bob Butherus (July 25, 1923 - December 17, 2001)
  • Bill Feagans (February 2, 1927 - April 5, 2009)
  • Herman Fischer (July 7, 1910 - August 10, 1986)
  • Pat Geraghty (July 9, 1925 - May 7, 1962)
  • Monty
  • Bill Morris (May 14, 1920 - June 16, 1995)
  • Bob Nodler (September 5, 1918 - March 8, 2003)
  • Bob O'Brien (January 26, 1927 - September 19, 2008)
Biography
  • Don Platt (October 15, 1917 - June 26, 2006)
  • Lou Steinmeir (March 22, 1921 - May 4, 1992)
  • Joe Trosper (May 11, 1921 - September 29, 2011)
  • Harold Wiseman (May 30, 1921 - August 21, 2005)
  • Vernon Yates (September 17, 1923 - February 16, 2006)

1946-47 Hollywood 20th Century Fox (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 HOLLYWOOD 20TH CENTURY FOX
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 11-9 .550, 3rd place

ABL Tournament: Finished 3rd, winning consolation game

Head Coach:
  • Jerry Gracin (December 8, 1915 - May 14, 1981) Also played.

PLAYERS:
  • Len Berg (January 14, 1920 - January 11, 2011)
  • Ralph Crowton (August 2, 1916 - October 11, 2010)
Biography
  • Bob Gilbert (February 24, 1925 - October 15, 2010)
  • Jerry Gracin (December 8, 1915 - May 14, 1981)
  •  Ted Gossard (May 30, 1918 - March 31, 2016)
  • Jack Lippert (January 19, 1918 - October 21, 1974
  • Frank Lubin (January 7, 1910 - July 8, 1999)
  • Bob Matthews (June 22, 1919 - July 16, 1994)
  • Tom McGarvin (April 19, 1917 - June 18, 2005)
  • Ed McGrath (September 2, 1917 - May 14, 2002)
  • Art Mollner (December 20, 1912 - March 16, 1995)
  • Alex Omalev (July 2, 1920 - November 10, 2008)
  • Dale Sears (April 27, 1918 - January 6, 1973)
  • Jim Seminoff (September 1, 1922 - June 12, 2001)

1946-47 Denver Nuggets (ABL-AAU)

1946-47 DENVER NUGGETS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 9-11 .450, 5th place

ABL Tournament - Runner-up 3-1

The Denver club, now known as the Nuggets, tried to improve their fortunes be revamping their roster, only bringing back Ace Gruenig, Larry Varnell as well as returning playing coach Jack McCracken. They stumbled out to a poor start, but played a little better at the end of the regular season. The Nuggets hit their stride in the ABL tournament, advancing to the final game which they lost to Oakland.

Head Coach:
  • Jack McCracken (June 15, 1912 - January 5, 1958) 6-0 Also played. See below

PLAYERS:
  • Chink Alterman (March 8, 1922 - February 6, 2009)
Biography
  • Ralph Bishop (October 1, 1915 - October 1, 1974)
Biography
  • Vince Boryla (March 11, 1927 - March 27, 2016)
Biography
  • Jimmy Darden (June 19, 1922 - April 29, 1994)
Biography
  • Jack Gray (October 6, 1920 - June 30, 2014)
  • Ace Gruenig (March 12, 1913 - August 11, 1958)
Biography
  • Ralph Langer (April 18, 1921 - October 18, 1998)
Biography
  • Bob Marsh (November 10, 1913 - January 20, 1973)
  • Art Mathisen (November 27, 1920 -January 5, 2004)
  • Jack McCracken (June 15, 1912 - January 5, 1958)
  • Ed Sholine (June 2, 1921 - January 9, 2002)
  • Art Unger (August 12, 1915 - November 1, 2003)
  • Larry Varnell (March 8, 1918 - July 15, 2008)

1945-46 San Francisco Dardies (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 SAN FRANCISCO DARDIES
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 9-7 .563, 4th place

Round Robin - Eliminated 3-1


Head Coach:
  • Bill Mortola (February 17, 1917 - May 11, 1993)
PLAYERS:
  • Bob Alameida (March 13, 1920 - April 7, 1994)
  • Ernie Baldini (June 18, 1928 - January 17, 1987)
  • Jack Butterworth (June 19, 1914 - October 19, 1998)
Biography
  • Bill Cowden (September 6, 1920 - October 17, 2007)
  • Gordon Cuneo (January 15, 1924 - January 14, 2010)
  • Ken DeBrunner (November 21, 1922 - January 11, 1989)
  • Ray Ellefson (November 18, 1922 - October 7, 1994)
Biography
  • Bob Feerick (January 2, 1920 - June 8, 1976)
Biography
  • Gene Gallette (February 22, 1919 - November 19, 1976)
Biography
  • Jack Gray (October 6, 1920 - June 30, 2014)
  • Paul Napolitano (February 3, 1923 - June 22, 1997)
Biography
  • Fred Scolari (March 1, 1922 - October 17, 2002)
Biography
  • Tom Siebert (January 14, 1918 - February 3, 2011)
  • Trude Sperry (September 6, 1922 - June 11, 2004)
  • Slats Taulbee (August 14, 1924 - April 6, 1998)
  • Paul Valenti (September 10, 1920 - September 13, 2014)
  • Hal Wood (August 20, 1918 - August 28, 2001)

1945-46 San Diego Dons (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 SAN DIEGO DONS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 6-10 .375, 8th place

Round Robin - Eliminated 2-2


Head Coach:
  • Tee Connelley (August 8, 1913 - February 8, 2003) Also played. See below

PLAYERS:
  • Aud Brindley (December 31, 1923 - November 19, 1957)
  • Lou Campbell (March 19, 1918 - August 11, 2011)
  • Tee Connelley (August 8, 1913 - February 8, 2003) 
  • Garnett Corbin (July 1, 1918 - November 6, 1995)
  • Bill Hance (July 9, 1924 - July 23, 2014)
  • Troy Horton (b. June 3, 1923)
  • Fon Johnson (February 7, 1916 - May 29, 2007)
  • Martin
  • Tommy McCarty (June 3, 1921 - February 23, 1965)
  • Allie Paine (July 22, 1919 - March 21, 2008)
Biography
  • Marty Pelka (May 16, 1920 - February 17, 2013)
  • Jim Pollard (July 9, 1922 - January 22, 1993)
  • Rice
  • Estil Robertson (November 9, 1911 - November 28, 1978)
  • Al Wells 

1945-46 Salt Lake City Deseret Simplots (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 SALE LAKE CITY DESERET SIMPLOTS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 7-9 .438, T-6th place

Round Robin - Eliminated 4-2


Head Coach:
  • Bill Wheatley (July 5, 1909 - February 5, 1992)

PLAYERS:
  • Merlin Ahlquist (May 2, 1915 - March 21, 1998)
  • Maynard Bailey (April 10, 1921 - February 3, 2010)
  • Ralph Crowton (April 2, 1916 - October 11, 2010)
Biography
  • Andy Duncan (April 17, 1922 - April 12, 2006)
Biography
  • Arnie Ferrin (July 29, 1925 - December 27,2022)
Biography
  • Frank Fullmer (September 15, 1918 - March 2, 1998)
  • Laddie Gale (April 22, 1917 - July 29, 1996)
Biography
  • Dave Howard  (February 26, 1921 - June 15, 1995)
  • Walt Lozoski (August 20, 1917 - March 27, 2005)
  • Clyde Morris (November 30, 1914 - April 30, 1982)
  • Floyd Morris (December 23, 1916 - July 15, 2006)
  • Bob Orr (January 1, 1920 - December 10, 1996)
  • Berkeley Parkinson (July 15, 1915 - December 14, 2004)
  • Deb Smith (January 7, 1920 - February 25, 2009)
Biography
  • Ray Turner (Spetember 6, 1917 - September 29, 1995)

1945-46 Sacramento Senators (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 SACRAMENTO SENATORS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 2-14 .125, 9th place

Round Robin - Eliminated 0-2


Head Coach:
  • Dave Kelley (July 24, 1913 - August 31, 1991) Also played. See below
PLAYERS:
  • Jack Abell (March 26, 1926 - October 26, 1949)
  • Jack Adie (October 30, 1922 - March 3, 1997)
    Jack Simms
  • Wally Borrevik (November 14, 1921 - December 9, 1988)
Biography
  • Andy Curtiss (November 2, 1919 - April 26, 1995)
  • Bunny Edwards (October 15, 1919 - March 9, 2007)
  • Gaines
  • Marvin Gilberb (February 3, 1921 - June 8, 2002)
  • Norman Keller (October 26, 1923 - December 16, 2004)
  • Dave Kelley (July 24, 1913 - August 31, 1991)
  • Vidi Kriste (July 10, 1917 - October 16, 1988)
  • Leon Lafaille (February 20, 1918 - May 21, 2019)
  • Frank Laney (February 2, 1923 - May 27, 2007)
  • Bob Leighton (February 1, 1926 - July 28, 2014)
  • Jack Lozeau
  • Gus Mota (May 6, 1919 - October 2, 1993)
  • Bob Shaddock (November 15, 1920 - April 22, 1991)
Biography
  • Jack Simms (July 23, 1920 - April 27, 1985)
  • Jim Steen (May 23, 1926 - December 30, 2001)

1945-46 Los Angeles Carroll Shamrocks (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 LOS ANGELES CARROLL SHAMROCKS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 8-8 .500, 5th place

Round Robin - Eliminated 0-2


Head Coach:
  • Eddie Oram (October 5, 1914 - December 18, 2004)

PLAYERS:
  • Bob Bernhard (July 26, 1921 - November 29, 1998)
  • Ronnie Doe (December 27, 1916 - July 1, 2003)
  • Harold Dornsife (November 12, 1915 - March 9, 1999)
  • Dan Ducich (August 1, 1925 - June 19, 1954)
  • Alex Hannum (July 19, 1923 - January 18, 2002)
Biography
  • Wally Kowalski (May 18, 1917 - February 24, 1999)
  • Hank Luisetti (June 16, 1916 - December 17, 2002)
  • Frank McKay or MacKay 
  • Paul Merchant  (July 21, 1924 - October 10, 2020)
  • George Nelmark (May 9, 1917 - December 4, 2010)
Biography
  • Jack Nichols (April 9, 1926 - December 24, 1992)
Biography 
  • Les O'Gara (May 24, 1920 - December 26, 2000)
  • Bob Ormsby (June 4, 1921 - September 3, 2014)
  • Art Stoefen (August 29, 1914 - January 7, 1995)
  • Bob White (February 26, 1917 - January 26, 1995)
  • Tex Winter (February 25, 1922 - October 10, 2018)
  • Doug Winters (April 19, 1920 - February 10, 1992)

1945-46 Oklahoma Phillips 66 Oilers (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 OKLAHOMA PHILLIPS 66 OILERS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 13-3 .813, 1st place

Round Robin - Won 4-1


Head Coach:
  • Bud Browning (October 5, 1911 - September 11, 1978) Also played. See below.

PLAYERS:
  • Ed Beisser (May 9, 1919 - October 7, 2000)
  • Bud Browning (October 5, 1911 - September 11, 1978)
  • Gordon Carpenter (September 24, 1919 - March 8, 1988)
  • Leon Eggleston (June 8, 1918 - July 10, 1996)
  • Pop Freiberger (January 8, 1918 - November 20, 1996)
  • Kenny Jastrow (September 9, 1922 - July 3, 2010)
  • Grady Lewis (March 25, 1917 - March 11, 2009)
  • Paul Lindemann (April 30, 1918 - June 24, 1990)
  • Bill Martin (March 31, 1917 - November 24, 1996)
  • Jimmy McNatt (December 19, 1918 - December 23, 2000)
  • Marty Nash (February 16, 1920 - May 20, 2006)
  • Jack Perrault (May 6, 1923 - October 6, 1974)
  • R.C. Pitts (June 23, 1919 - October 29, 2011)
  • Cab Renick (September 29, 1917 - November 25, 1999)
  • Will Rothman (April 14, 1919 - May 12, 2002)
  • Frank Stockman (February 10, 1920 - October 31, 2010)

1945-46 Kansas City M&O Cigar Smokies (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 KANSAS CITY M&O CIGAR SMOKIES
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 7-9 .438, T-6th place

Coach Buck Weaver
Round Robin - Eliminated 1-2


Head Coach:
  • Frank "Buck" Weaver (September 24, 1907 - July 9, 1952)

PLAYERS:
  • Jack Ballard (March 8, 1922 - May 7, 2002)
  • Bob Butherus (July 25, 1923 - December 17, 2001)
  • Howard Engleman (November 20, 1919 - January 12, 2011)
  • Herman Fischer (July 7, 1910 - August 10, 1986)
  • Frank Groves (September 2, 1913 - June 14, 1996)
  • Bill Hahn (January 25, 1920 - October 23, 2002)
  • Edgar Hinshaw (June 29, 1915 - May 29, 1989)
  • Lynch  
  • Bob Nodler (September 5, 1918 - March 8, 2003)
  • Don Platt (October 15, 1917 - June 26, 2006)
  • Tucker  
  • Vernon Yates (September 17, 1923 - February 16, 2006)

1945-46 Hollywood 20th Century Fox (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 HOLLYWOOD 20TH CENTURY FOX
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 10-6 .625, T-2nd place

Round Robin: Eliminated, 2-1

Head Coach:
  • G. T. "Bud" Fischer

PLAYERS:
  • Harold Allen (September 21, 1917 - December 23, 2009)
  • Chet Carlisle (November 2, 1916 - August 3, 1988)
  • Jerry Gracin (December 8, 1915 - May 14, 1981)
  • Don Jeffries (June 22, 1918 - September 11, 1985)
  • Buck Lasley (October 29, 1920 - March 21, 1974)
  • Law  
  • Jack Lippert (January 19, 1918 - October 21, 1974
  • Frank Lubin (January 7, 1910 - July 8, 1999)
  • Tom McGarvin (April 19, 1917 - June 18, 2005)
  • Art Mollner (December 20, 1912 - March 16, 1995)
  • Alex Omalev (July 2, 1920 - November 10, 2008)
  • Dale Sears (April 27, 1918 - January 6, 1973)
  • Jim Seminoff (September 1, 1922 - June 12, 2001)

1945-46 Denver Ambrose Jellymakers (ABL-AAU)

1945-46 DENVER AMBROSE JELLYMAKERS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - AAU
Finished: 10-6 .625, T-2nd place

Round Robin - Eliminated 1-2


Head Coaches:
  • Floyd Burdette (September 5, 1914 - December 1, 1995) 4-6 Also played. See below
  • Jack McCracken (June 15, 1912 - January 5, 1958) 6-0 Also played. See below

PLAYERS:
  • Jack Barringer (February 3, 1914 - September 10, 2005)
  • Floyd Burdette (September 5, 1914 - December 1, 1995)
  • Cline  
  • Bulbs Ehlers (March 10, 1923 - June 17, 2013)
Biography 
  • Ray Evans (September 22, 1922 - April 24, 1999)
  • Ace Gruenig (March 12, 1913 - August 11, 1958)
Biography
  • George Hamburg (October 13, 1920 - March 3, 1969)
  • Bob Hendren (August 10, 1923 - March 5, 1999)
  • Arnie Johnson (May 16, 1920 - June 6, 2000)
Biography 
  • Jack McCracken (June 15, 1912 - January 5, 1958)
  • Les McKeel (September 30, 1919 - January 16, 1983)
  • Don Putnam (November 13, 1922 - June 26, 2006)
Biography 
  • Bill Strannigan (December 1, 1918 - September 7, 1997)
  • Larry Varnell (March 8, 1918 - July 15, 2008)
  • Roy Willhoite (February 9. 1916 - December 27, 1992)

American Basketball League - AAU (ABL-AAU)

The AAU was formed in the late 1800's to codify the sporting world to commonize rules and practices and to promote amateur competition. Basketball became an AAU sport, and a tournament was held annually to determine the national champion. The teams consisted of a corporate sponsor who would employ players at their business. Since they were paid for their work and not their basketball playing, they maintained their amateur status, which was especially critical if they wanted to compete in the Olympics. More and more highly skilled would forego professional basketball leagues to play AAU ball, and many college players could supplement their income by playing in the AAU without jeopardizing their eligibility. (These waters would become murky, but that is for another blog entry another day.)

After World War 2, a group of AAU teams from the Western half of the United States decided to band together to play in a league. They would play a regular balanced schedule with a playoff and championship, all for the purpose of preparing themselves for the AAU tournament each spring. Notable AAU clubs like the Phillips 66ers, Oakland Bittners and the Denver Nuggets would play in this league, which would be called the American Basketball League. (The other basketball league with the same name at the time had nothing to do with this western league)

In December of 1945, nine teams from western states started play in a 16-game season that would see each team play each other twice. The Phillips Petroleum team from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, was already recognized as an amateur powerhouse. They were in the midst of a six-year streak of victorious AAU titles and were the early favorite in the ABL. They jumped out to a 5-0 start before losing two of three to the M&O Smokies of Kansas City and the Ambrose Jellmakers of Denver. They would finish the season 13-3 and in first place, with the Jellymakers and 20th Century Fox (out of Hollywood) tied for second at 10-6. The 66ers would take the league title in the round-robin playoffs in Denver, setting them out for the AAU tournament and subsequent victory there.

The next season saw the league expand to 11 teams, and the 66ers were challenged by the newly-admitted Oakland Bittners. The Bittners and 66ers would both run through the league, meeting on February 26 for a regular season game that would determine the regular season title. the Bittners were 17-1, the Oilers 18-1. The Oilers would prevail, 36-32, to claim the crown, but would falter in the ABL round robin as Oakland swept its way to the ABL Championship.

Financial issues saw the ABL shrink to a mere five teams for the 1947-48 season, and one of those five teams, the J.W. Nicks Contractors out of Phoenix, Arizona, was suspended from the league in February. The Oilers were again the cream of the crop, going 21-3 (including a couple of forfeits from the expelled Phoenix club). However, the ABL cancelled their postseason tournament and no champion was truly crowned.

Apparently the ABL attempted a 1948-49 season. I saw some box scores and references to games with Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Jose. However, the information is so scarce that I cannot find much of anything. The league apparently failed to finish the season. Other teams from the previous season of the ABL had left for greener pastures. The Denver Nuggets joined the NBL, and with NBL's merger with the BAA, played one season in the NBA before folding. The Oilers would move to the National Industrial League, where they competed until 1968.

I will not go into great detail here. I am just going to list rosters and teams. I found a good portion of  the box scores, so the rosters should be fairly complete.