Elgin Baylor, Basketball Legend, Passes

[IdaGriz01]

Since no one has posted this, I will … even though it’s being covered pretty well on the web. The event also makes the cut because there is both a Montana and an Idaho connection. Here’s a relevant link from the College of Idaho:
https://yoteathletics.com/news/2021/3/22/mens-basketball-c-of-i-nba-legend-elgin-baylor-passes-away-at-86.aspx

Key quote from the article:

Originally from Washington, D.C., Baylor was recruited by Sam Vokes to play for the Coyotes in 1954 – teaming with R.C. Owens for one of the greatest basketball season's in C of I history. Baylor averaged 32.4 points per game – scoring 40-or-more points six times, including a school record 53 points vs. Whitman. The 1954-55 C of I team became the first Northwest Conference squad to complete an unbeaten conference season (15-0), finishing the year 23-4 after losing at Montana State, 78-76, in the title game of the NAIA District 5 Tournament.

I was just the right age to see Baylor play during the prime of his career. No doubt one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

 

[citygriz]

Oops! Failed to read the above re him playing against the Cats.

 

[PlayerRep]

My law partner has always claimed that Baylor taught her to play basketball. Her dad owned the Minneapolis Lakers. She played at BC. In her basement, there's a great black and white photo of a Lakers game, which is shot through the play of the teams (with I think Baylor, LaRusso, Hundley, West et al on the court), and with the Short family sitting across court in the first row. My law partner was a little girl then. I'm pretty sure West is in the photo, so it must have been after the move to LA in about 1960.

 

[Hoops watcher]

Since no one has posted this, I will … even though it’s being covered pretty well on the web. The event also makes the cut because there is both a Montana and an Idaho connection. Here’s a relevant link from the College of Idaho:
https://yoteathletics.com/news/2021/3/22/mens-basketball-c-of-i-nba-legend-elgin-baylor-passes-away-at-86.aspx

Key quote from the article:

Originally from Washington, D.C., Baylor was recruited by Sam Vokes to play for the Coyotes in 1954 – teaming with R.C. Owens for one of the greatest basketball season's in C of I history. Baylor averaged 32.4 points per game – scoring 40-or-more points six times, including a school record 53 points vs. Whitman. The 1954-55 C of I team became the first Northwest Conference squad to complete an unbeaten conference season (15-0), finishing the year 23-4 after losing at Montana State, 78-76, in the title game of the NAIA District 5 Tournament.

I was just the right age to see Baylor play during the prime of his career. No doubt one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Hadn't realized he played in Idaho. Averaged 19.8 boards a game at 6'5" one year. Too bad his knee's went bad early yet he was still one of the best ever.