1954 Finals vs. Lakers, 1955 Finals vs. Pistons

The 24-second clock

“Most people forget that Danny Biasone was the Wilbur Wright of basketball. Because he invented the 24-second clock, the game took off. Yet he was a man who never played the game.”
–Dolph Schayes

This is Blodgett Middle School, where in 1954, Danny Biasone tested the 24-second clock in a scrimmage game. Many credit this idea with saving the game of basketball.

Here is a great commentary by Sean Kirst of the Syracuse Newspapers.

Swede Halbrook

Harvey Wade “Swede” Halbrook (January 30, 1933 – April 5, 1988) played for the Nationals during the 1960-62 NBA seasons, wearing jersey #11. During his pro career, he averaged 5.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. At 7′ 3″, Swede was, at the time, the tallest player in the NCAA. He left after his junior season from Oregon State University as the “Tallest Beaver Ever“. Halbrook played AAU basketball for the Wichita Vickers in Kansas, where he stayed five seasons and lead his team to the AAU title in 1959. Halbrook’s NBA career came to an end when the Nationals cut him from the roster in 1963.

Swede became known for his off-the-court disappearances during his career. Coach Alex Hannum once sent the police out to look for Halbrook after he had been missing for a week, returning on his own and never explaining where he had been.

Among achievements Swede received, he was selected as an All-American in 1955 and All-Pacific Coast Conference first team and All-Northern Division first team honors in 1954 and 1955. He was elected to the Portland Interscholastic League Sports Hall-of-Fame in 1992. Halbrook was also part of the 1954-55 Men’s Basketball team that was inducted into the Oregon State University Sports Hall of Fame.

1955 NBA Finals – Detroit vs. Nats

Found this video on Youtube. Syracuse would go on to win this game, as every home team won in this series. Lots of names in this video, including HOF George Yardley, who would play for the Nats in a few years.

Seymour Ices The Win

Found this video on Youtube. Paul Seymour sinks the go-ahead basket to win game 2 of the 1954 NBA finals.