Hal Greer
(1936-2018)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1982
Card Shown:
2014-15 Panini Flawless
Association Autographs
Position: G
Height: 6’2″
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Hal Greer was a low-key, hard-working player known for his accurate mid-range jump shot. Hal played college basketball at Marshall University and spent fifteen seasons in the NBA with the Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers. He produced consistent, if not flashy, results over his professional career and helped lead Philadelphia to an NBA championship.
Awards and Honors
- Hal was the first African-American athlete to receive a scholarship at Marshall University. At the school, he averaged 19.4 points per game, was all-conference in 1957 and 1958, and an All-America selection in 1958.
- Greer was honored as an NBA All-Star selection in ten consecutive seasons from 1960-61 to 1969-70. He was the 1968 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player.
- Hal teamed with Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham, and Chet Walker to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA championship in 1967. The 76ers defeated the San Francisco Warriors, led by Rick Barry and Nate Thurmond, in six games.
- Greer was named to the All-NBA Second Team in seven consecutive seasons from 1962-63 to 1968-69.
- In 1996, Hal was named one of The 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
Points of Interest
- The Syracuse Nationals chose Greer with the thirteenth overall pick in the second round of the 1958 NBA Draft. Other notable selections that year included Elgin Baylor (with the first overall pick by the Minneapolis Lakers) and Guy Rodgers (a territorial pick of the Philadelphia Warriors).
- Hal used a jump shot from the free throw line, one of the few players to use this unique technique in NBA history.
- The 76ers retired Greer’s number 15 jersey on November 19, 1976, making him the first player from that team to be so honored.
- Greer finished his NBA career with averages of 19.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He also shot 80.1% from the free throw line.
- In his Hall of Fame speech, Hal explained that he had four goals when he entered the NBA in 1958. His first priority was to buy a shiny, new car. His other goals were to be an NBA All-Star, to win an NBA championship, and to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Greer accomplished all four goals.
Statistics
Hal Greer Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com