Bob Cousy aka the Hardwood Houdini! The Cooz was a masterful passer and dribbler he could give a masters class in how to facilitate and keep defenders on their toes! He was also able to score at will. He starred for the Celtics from 1950 to 1963! A six time champ, 13 time All Star, and 2 time All Star game MVP! He won the overall MVP in 1957!
Originally drafted by the Tri Cities Hawks he refused to report to them an eventually found himself in green and white despite Red snubbing him when he had the first overall pick. When Cooz was up to be selected after floating around other leagues the Celtics ended up with him and we're not too happy. That would sure change in the years he spent in Boston.
Cooz led the NBA in assists for 8 straight years. He did a lot prior to the shot clock putting up some hefty number. In 66 minutes during a playoff game he scored 50 points! This was before he won a ring. In 56/57 the Celtics brought in Russell and Heinsohn which was a great trip when you think about it. In 58/59 he had 19 assists in one half which is an NBA record.
During his career he averaged 20.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists a game. At 34 years of age he retired on March 17, 1963 and it was known as the Boston Tear Party given his 7-minute farewell speech lasted 20. With the infamous moment of a fan yelling "We love ya Cooz"! Whenever Bob was introduced during games, he was referred to as Mr Basketball!
His number 14 hangs in the rafters and he is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame! He is also a member of the 25, 35, and 50th NBA anniversary teams! Talk about impressive! If you ask anyone who saw Cousy play, he was like the Mozart or Beethoven of dribbling and passing the ball. Cooz can be remembered for doing Celtics broadcasts on TV 38 and the way he pronounced Celtics was unique!
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