This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/7/2013.
In May of 1963, Lucas signed with the NBA's Cincinnati Royals. The local Middletown star and Ohio legend quickly again became a sensation. Lucas was still so popular that he would boost attendance league-wide that season. Lucas was one of the NBA's most popular players throughout the 1960s. From 1964–1969, Lucas became known for what was then called “the 20-20”, compiling averaging twenty points and twenty rebounds. In an era of high tempo and increased shot attempts, Lucas had plenty of chances for his focus on rebounding. During those six years, only Chamberlain and Boston's Bill Russell out-rebounded Lucas. From 1964 to 1968, Lucas averaged 19.8 rebounds per game for the Royals. Lucas was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980 and in 1996 was named to the NBA 50 Greatest Players. On the left front tail is the “Wilson” manufacturer’s tag with size “46”. Attached is a blank flag tag. Down the front vertically is “ROYALS”. Player number “16” appears on both the front and back. Player name “LUCAS” appears across the back. All numbers and letters are done in white tackle twill. The jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion, shows outstanding use. Accompanied by a LOA from Jerry Lucas.
This lot will come with a hand signed letter from Jerry Lucas as well as a Naismith Memorabilia Basketball Hall of Fame letter of authenticity.
Lots 1–17 presented in this auction catalog are consigned to us directly from NBA Hall of Famer and Top 50 great Jerry Lucas. Jerry Lucas is one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the game. Lucas is one of only three players in history to win championships at every level (high school, college, NBA, Olympics); was named one of the Top Fifty players in NBA history; and named one of the Top 15 All-Time March Madness Players. During his career Lucas was a 7-time All-Pro, was the NBA All-Star Game MVP and is the only forward in league history to pull down 40 rebounds in a game. In 1973, he was a member of the New York Knicks World Championship team. He retired from the game with time remaining on his contract to pursue his passion of education and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979. We are honored to present this collection at our 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Auction.