This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Class of 1972 - A showman on the sidelines with his trademark towel, Ed Diddle coached Western Kentucky for 42 seasons (1922-1964). He won 759 of 1,061 games and guided the Hilltoppers to 31 Conference titles, and to eight NIT and three NCAA Tournaments. Contributor Robert Douglas founded and coached the barnstorming New York Renaissance team. His leadership enabled the Rens to become the dominant team in basketball in an era of segregation and racism. Under Douglas, the Rens won 2,318 games and the 1939 World Professional Championship. At the University of Kansas, Paul Endacott earned All-Conference honors twice and was named National Player of the Year as a senior. He led the Jayhawks to two national titles and the first ever undefeated season in the Missouri Valley Conference. One of the greats to play in the 1910s and 1920s, Max Friedman led his Utica (NY) team to the World Championship, and his Carbondale (PA) team to 35 straight wins en route to the Pennsylvania title. Friedman finished his playing career as captain of the 1926 ABL Champion Cleveland Rosenblums. Contributor Eddie Gottlieb began as a player and then coach of the Philadelphia SPHAs, winning 11 league championships from the 1920s to 1940s. In 1946, Gottlieb help found the NBA, and served as owner, general manager, coach, and chief ticket seller of the Philadelphia Warriors, the league's first Champion. Eddie was responsible for developing the annual NBA game schedule from 1946 through the 1950s, and chaired the NBA Rules Committee for 25 years. Contributor Clifford Wells was known as the "Dean of Indiana High School Coaches." In three decades his teams won 617 games and captured over 50 regional, district and invitational titles, including two Indiana State titles. Class of 1973 - Considered the "Babe Ruth of Basketball" in his 27 years of professional play, John Beckman was the sport's premier attraction in the 1910-20s. Known for his passing skills and team defense, Beckman was named captain of the Original New York Celtics in 1922. Bruce Drake coached Oklahoma for 17 seasons (1938-55) leading the team to six Big Six Conference titles and three NCAA appearances. He chaired the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee and traveled worldwide conducting basketball clinics. Coach for 29 years at McPherson, Washburn and Northwestern, Arthur "Dutch" Lonborg served as chair of the NCAA Tournament Committee from 1947 to 1960. His 1925 Washburn team was the last college to win an AAU National title. After playing professionally in various leagues in the 1910-30 era, Contributor Elmer Ripley turned to coaching, and in 26 seasons, recorded 298 wins. His main contribution to the sport was the clinics he conducted worldwide for players and coaches. He also helped the Israeli and Canadian Olympic basketball teams. All are Silver Relief medallions. Diddle, Douglas and Drake are in NM condition. Endacott is in good condition; chipped on right eyebrow and at bottom edge, slight scratch on tip of nose. Friedman is in very good condition; very slight scratch and wear on tip of nose. Gottlieb is in fair to good condition; nose slight worn, top edge of medallion is bend in slightly. Wells in very good condition; tip of nose worn and scratched. Beckman is in very good condition; slight wear on tip of nose and scratch on chin. Lonborg is in very good condition; small chip on one edge. Ripley is in very good condition; tip of nose slightly worn and scratched, scratch on sweater.