Ossie Schectman facts for kids
Ossie Schectman in 1946
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| No. 24 | |
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| Shooting guard / small forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | March 30, 1919 Queens, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | July 30, 2013 (aged 94) Delray Beach, Florida |
| High school | Samuel J. Tilden (Brooklyn, New York) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Listed weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | LIU Brooklyn (1938–1941) |
| Pro career | 1941–1948 |
| Career history | |
| 1941–1946 | Philadelphia Sphas |
| 1946–1947 | New York Knicks |
| 1947–1948 | Paterson Crescents |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Ossie Schectman was an American professional basketball player. He is famous for scoring the very first basket in the league that later became the National Basketball Association (NBA)! This historic moment happened on November 1, 1946.
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Ossie Schectman's Early Life and College Career
Ossie Schectman was born on March 30, 1919. His hometown was Brooklyn, New York City. He grew up with three siblings.
He loved playing sports in high school. Ossie played both basketball and baseball at Samuel J. Tilden High School. After high school, he went to Long Island University (LIU). There, he played basketball for coach Clair Bee.
In 1939, Ossie's college team won two big championships. They won the National Invitation Tournament and the National Championship. In 1941, he was named to the Converse All-American first team. This meant he was one of the best college players in the country.
Ossie Schectman's Professional Basketball Journey
After finishing college, Ossie Schectman began his professional basketball career. He played for a few different teams.
Playing for the Philadelphia Sphas (1941–1946)
Ossie started his pro career with the Philadelphia Sphas. This team was part of the American Basketball League (ABL). The Sphas joined the ABL in 1933.
In the 1942–43 season, Ossie helped the Sphas win the ABL championship. The next season, 1943–44, he was one of the top scorers in the league. He scored 199 points, averaging 10.5 points per game. He played with the Sphas until 1946.
Making History with the New York Knicks (1946–1947)
In 1946, Ossie joined the New York Knicks. This team was part of a brand new league. It was called the Basketball Association of America (BAA). This BAA league later became the NBA.
On November 1, 1946, the Knicks played the Toronto Huskies. This was the very first game in BAA history! Ossie Schectman made the first basket of the game. This shot is now known as the first basket in NBA history. The Knicks won that game 68–66.
Ossie played 54 games for the Knicks that season. He averaged 8.1 points per game. He was a very important player for the team.
Finishing with the Paterson Crescents (1947–1948)
After his time with the Knicks, Ossie joined the Paterson Crescents. This team was also in the ABL. In the 1947–48 season, the Crescents won the ABL championship. Ossie was recognized as one of the best players in the league that year. He was named to the All-ABL first team.
Ossie Schectman's Later Years and Legacy
After his basketball career, Ossie Schectman continued to be honored. In 1998, he was added to the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. In 2001, he joined the Long Island University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame.
Ossie appeared in a movie called The First Basket in 2008. This film was about the history of Jewish basketball players.
On April 27, 2013, Ossie gave his last autograph to some young NBA fans. They visited him at his home. He was watching a basketball game at the time.
Ossie Schectman passed away on July 30, 2013, at the age of 94. He left behind his two sons, a sister, and two grandchildren. His legacy as the player who scored the first NBA basket lives on.
See also
- List of select Jewish basketball players
- The First Basket
