July 15, 1963 - Dolph Schayes (pictured with Bill Russell in 1958), who has scored more career points than any other professional basketball player, today was named coach of Philadelphia’s still unnamed entry in the NBA. Last year, the club was the Syracuse Nationals. Schayes, who signed a two-year contract, replaces Alex Hannum, who coached Syracuse for three seasons. Schayes said he most likley retire as a player. “It’s going to be quite a change for me after playing two million games in the last 40 years,” smiled Schayes, exaggerating slightly during a press luncheon during which he showed a good sense of humor throughout. The 35-year-old Schayes has played in more regular-season games (1,035) and has scored more points (19,115) than any other player. His entire 15-season NBA career was with the Nats. A fierce competitor, he was regarded as one of the finest one-hand set shots in the game. Schayes holds the NBA record for consecutive games played (765), set from Feb. 17, 1952 to Dec. 26, 1961. The new coach promised “fast-breaking, exciting winning basketball” from a club that will be basically the same one that finished second to Boston in the Eastern Division last season then was knocked off by Cincinnati in the first round of the playoffs. Key men include Johnny (Red) Kerr, Lee Shaffer, Hal Greer — the “most underrated player on the team,” according to Schayes — ex-Warrior Larry Costello, and Chet Walker. “Frankly, the thing that kept this club from winning the championship is the lack of a rebounder,” said Schayes. “If a guy shows me he can get 15 rebounds a game, I don’t care if he can’t put the ball in the ocean, I’ll use him.” The new name for the old Nats will be determined in a two-week contest, starting immediately. The first 1,000 fans sending suggestions to “Philadelphia NBA team, Sheraton Hotel” will get a free ticket, it was announced. WFIL announced it will broadcast 50 games (home and away) next season and televise a minimum of 10 road games on Channel 6 in Philadelphia.
Comments