Joe Lapchick

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 (1951–53). He returned to St. John's, coaching them until 1965.

Joe Lapchick
Joe Lapchick in his first Celtic uniform
Biographical details
Born(1900-04-12)April 12, 1900
Yonkers, New York, U.S.
DiedAugust 10, 1970(1970-08-10) (aged 70)
Monticello, New York, U.S.
Playing career
1923–1928Original Celtics
1928–1930Cleveland Rosenblums
1930–1931Toledo Red Man Tobaccos
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1936–1947St. John's
1947–1956New York Knicks
1956–1965St. John's
Head coaching record
Overall334–130 (college)
326–247 (NBA)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
As player:
  • ABL champion (1927–1930)

As head coach:

  • 3× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1951, 1953, 1954)
  • 4× NIT champion (1943, 1944, 1959, 1965)
  • 6× Metropolitan New York Conference regular season championships (1943, 1946, 1947, 1958, 1961, 1962)
Basketball Hall of Fame
Inducted in 1966
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