Ken Sears facts for kids
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| No. 12, 20, 17 | |
|---|---|
| Power forward, Small forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | August 17, 1933 Watsonville, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | April 23, 2017 (aged 83) Watsonville, California |
| High school | Watsonville (Watsonville, California) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Listed weight | 198 lb (90 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Santa Clara (1951–1955) |
| NBA Draft | 1955 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall |
| Selected by the New York Knicks | |
| Pro career | 1955–1964 |
| Career history | |
| 1955–1961 | New York Knicks |
| 1961–1962 | San Francisco Saints |
| 1962 | New York Knicks |
| 1962–1964 | San Francisco Warriors |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 7,355 (13.9 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 4,142 (7.8 rpg) |
| Assists | 843 (1.6 apg) |
Kenneth Robert "Ken" Sears (born August 17, 1933 – died April 23, 2017) was an American professional basketball player. He made history by being the first basketball player to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. This happened on December 20, 1954.
Contents
Ken Sears' Early Life and College Career
Ken Sears was born in Watsonville, California. He went to Watsonville High School before attending Santa Clara University. At Santa Clara, he played college basketball for the Santa Clara Broncos from 1951 to 1955.
College Achievements
Sears was a standout player in college. He was named the West Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year twice, in 1953 and 1955. In 1955, he was also recognized as a Third-team All-American. His jersey number, 55, was later retired by Santa Clara University to honor his contributions.
Ken Sears' Professional Basketball Career
Ken Sears played eight seasons in professional basketball. Most of his career was spent in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for the New York Knicks and the San Francisco Warriors.
NBA Highlights
Sears was a strong player, known for his skills as a power forward and Small forward. He averaged 13.9 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game during his NBA career. His talent was recognized when he was chosen as an NBA All-Star twice, in 1958 and 1959.
Playing in the ABL
For one season, 1961–62, Sears played in a different league called the American Basketball League (ABL). He played for the San Francisco Saints. In 1962, he was named to the All-ABL Second Team. After that season, he returned to the NBA.
Later Life and Legacy
Ken Sears passed away on April 23, 2017, at his home in Watsonville, California. He was 83 years old. He is remembered as a pioneering basketball player and a two-time NBA All-Star.
See also
In Spanish: Ken Sears para niños
Images for kids
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Ken Sears
