Aulcie Perry facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 3, 1950 Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American / Israeli |
| High school | West Side (Newark, New Jersey) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Listed weight | 216 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Bethune-Cookman (1971–1973) |
| NBA Draft | 1974 / Round: Supplemental |
| Selected by the Boston Celtics | |
| Pro career | 1974–1985 |
| Career history | |
| 1974–1975 | Virginia Squires |
| 1975–1976 | Allentown Jets |
| 1976–1985 | Maccabi Tel Aviv |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Aulcie Perry (born July 3, 1950) is a retired American-Israeli professional basketball player. He is famous for helping Maccabi Tel Aviv win two major European championships. He played for the team for nine seasons.
During his time as a player, Aulcie Perry was 2.08 meters (6 feet 10 inches) tall. He weighed about 98 kilograms (215 pounds). He played in the center position.
Contents
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
High School Years
Aulcie Perry was born in Newark, New Jersey, in the United States. He went to West Side High School in Newark. There, he played basketball for his high school team.
College Basketball
After high school, Perry attended Bethune-Cookman University in Florida. He continued to play college basketball for the university's team, the Wildcats.
Professional Career
Starting in the United States
In 1974, Aulcie Perry was chosen by the Boston Celtics in the 1974 NBA draft. He then signed with the Virginia Squires, a team in the American Basketball Association (ABA).
Later, during the 1974–75 season, Perry played for the Allentown Jets. This team was part of the Eastern Professional Basketball League. This league later became known as the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). The next season, he signed with the New York Knicks, but he did not play in any games for them. After leaving the Knicks, Perry returned to play for the Allentown Jets.
Becoming a Star in Israel
In the summer of 1976, a scout for Maccabi Tel Aviv saw Perry playing basketball. This happened at the famous Rucker courts in Harlem, New York. Maccabi Tel Aviv, a team from Israel, then signed Perry.
He was paid US$6,000 a month. This was a lot of money for the Israeli Super League at the time. Perry quickly became a leader for the team. They had an amazing season, which many called their best ever.
In 1977, Perry helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win their first FIBA European Champions Cup. This is now known as the EuroLeague championship. They won this important title again four years later. Perry played for Maccabi Tel Aviv for nine seasons. During this time, the team won eight Israeli Cups and nine Israeli League championships.
Life in Israel
A National Hero
Aulcie Perry became very famous in Israel. People loved him and saw him as a national hero. Even Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin and Menachem Begin congratulated him. They said he brought "honor to the people of Israel."
Perry started dating Israeli model Tami Ben-Ami. They were a very popular couple in the news. Everywhere Perry went, fans wanted his autograph. In Israel, his name became a common way to describe a tall person. For example, someone might say a child had grown into a "real Aulcie Perry." A children's song by Arik Einstein even included the words "If only I were tall like Aulcie Perry."
Becoming an Israeli Citizen
After the 1977–78 season, Perry converted to Judaism. He chose the Hebrew name Elisha ben Avraham. Soon after, Aulcie Perry became an Israeli citizen.
After His Playing Career
After his professional basketball career, Aulcie Perry returned to Israel. He managed a Burger Ranch restaurant there. He also helps young people by sponsoring a basketball camp for children in Israel. Today, Perry coaches one of Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth basketball teams.
See also
In Spanish: Aulcie Perry para niños
