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Jack McCracken

Jack McCracken

Jack McCracken
(1911-1958)

Hall of Fame Induction: 1962

Card Shown:
1986-2002 Hall of Fame Metallic

Position: F
Height: 6’2″

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Jack “Jumpin’ Jack” McCracken was a basketball star in the early 1900s. His career included three years in high school in Oklahoma, a stellar college career in Missouri, and an outstanding AAU career. Jack was named an All-American on a number of occasions and was perhaps the best player of his generation.

Awards and Honors

  • Jack played college basketball at Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College under legendary Hall of Fame coach Hank Iba. He led the team to a 43-game win streak and a 31-0 record in 1930-31. McCracken was named an All-American two times (1930 and 1931) in college.
  • Jack and fellow Hall of Fame player Bob Gruenig teamed up on the Denver Safeway team that won the 1937 AAU championship.
  • McCracken was honored as an AAU All-America selection eight times during his basketball career.
  • Jack led the Denver Nuggets to an AAU championship in 1939. In all, he won three AAU titles.
  • In 1939, McCracken was named the All-Time Greatest Player in AAU history.

Points of Interest

  • Jack played his high school basketball at Classen High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was a standout player who was an All-State team selection in 1928-29.
  • McCracken also earned High School All-America honors at Classen.
  • With his tremendous leaping ability, Jack was one of the earliest players to shoot the jump shot effectively.
  • McCracken played for coach Iba in high school and then followed him to the college level at Northwest Missouri State Teachers College.
  • Jack was inducted into the Helms Hall of Fame in 1957, the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1968, and the Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame in its inaugural class in 1980.

Jack McCracken Videos

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