Joe Lapchick
From Hoopedia
Joseph Bohomiel Lapchick (b. April 12, 1900 in Yonkers, New York – d. August 10, 1970 in New York City) was a professional basketball player, mostly known for playing with the Original Celtics in the 1920s and 30s. He is commonly regarded as the best center of his era, overshadowed (if anything) in his later years only by Tarzan Cooper of the Renaissance Five.
After ending his playing career in 1937, Lapchick became head coach at St. John's University, a position he held until 1947, when he took over the New York Knicks in the NBA. Lapchick coached the Knicks until 1957, leading them to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances (1951-53). He then returned to St. John's, coaching them until 1965. He led St. John's to four National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championships.
In 2006 Gus Alfieri, who played for Lapchick at St. John's, published his biography of Lapchick, Lapchick: The Life of a Legendary Player and Coach in the Glory Days of Basketball.
Joseph B. "Joe" Lapchick was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1966.
