Joe Lapchick
Lapchick in his first Celtic uniform | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 12, 1900 Yonkers, New York, U.S. |
| Died | August 10, 1970 (aged 70) Monticello, New York, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1923–1928 | Original Celtics |
| 1928–1930 | Cleveland Rosenblums |
| 1930–1931 | Toledo Red Man Tobaccos |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1936–1947 | St. John's |
| 1947–1956 | New York Knicks |
| 1956–1965 | St. John's |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 334–130 (college) 326–247 (NBA) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
As player:
As head coach:
| |
| Basketball Hall of Fame Inducted in 1966 | |
Joseph Bohomiel Lapchick (April 12, 1900 – August 10, 1970) was an American professional basketball player, mostly known for playing with the Original Celtics in the 1920s and 1930s. He is commonly regarded as the best center of his era, overshadowed (if anything) in his later years only by Tarzan Cooper. 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 (1951–1953). He returned to St. John's, coaching them until 1965.