HISTORY OF THE AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION
Compiled by Robert Bradley
Contributors - Bob Chaikin, Steve Dimitry, John Duxbury, Dave Hall,
Arthur Hundhausen, Roger Meyer, Dave Quinn and Jim Rasco
THE HEYDAY OF THE AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION 1935 - 1968
Technically they were amateurs. But realistically, the players who left
college before the formation of the American Basketball League and
American Basketball Association in the 1960s had two three options: The
National Basketball League, the Eastern League or AAU basketball.
AAU basketball was attractive to many players for two important reasons,
first, for those who wished to remain eligible for the Olympics, they
were able to maintain their amateur status. Second, for players looking
to earn a living, many teams were sponsored by corporations which
provided jobs to the players on their teams.
Top players who played AAU basketball at one point in their career include
Ace Gruenig, Jack McCracken, Bob Kurland, Clyde Lovellette, Jim Pollard,
Don Barksdale, Richie Guerin, Andy Phillip, Burdie Haldorson, Hank
Luisetti, Kenny Sailors, Vince Boryla, Burdie Haldorson, Cazzie Russell,
K.C. Jones, Bailey Howell, Larry Brown, Bob Boozer, George Carter, Darel
Carrier, Steve Jones, Roger Brown, Chuck Darling, George Yardley, Elgin
Baylor, Jim Loscutoff and Don Ohl. And although some never went on to play
in the professional leagues, they were among the top players of the era.
DENVER AAU BASKETBALL HISTORY 1935 - 1968
AAU CHAMPIONS 1935 - 68
Year Champion Runner-up Score
1935 South Kansas Stage Lines Globe Refiners 45-26
Kansas City, MO McPherson, KS
1936 Globe Refiners Universal Pictures 47-35
McPherson, KS Hollywood, CA
1937 Safeway Stores Phillips 66ers 43-38
Denver, CO Bartlesville, OK
1938 Healey Motors Safeway Stores 40-38
Kansas City, MO Denver, CO
1939 Denver Nuggets Phillips 66ers 25-22
Denver, CO Bartlesville, OK
1940 Phillips 66ers Denver Nuggets 39-36
Bartlesville, OK Denver, CO
1941 20th Century Fox San Francisco Olympic Club 47-34
Hollywood, CA San Francisco, CA
1942 Denver American Legion Phillips 66ers 45-32
Denver, CO Bartlesville, OK
1943 Phillips 66ers Denver American Legion 57-40
Bartlesville, OK Denver, CO
1944 Phillips 66ers Denver Ambrose-Legion 50-43
Bartlesville, OK Denver, CO
1945 Phillips 66ers Denver Ambrose Jellymakers 47-46
Bartlesville, OK Denver, CO
1946 Phillips 66ers San Diego Dons 45-34
Bartlesville, OK San Diego, CA
1947 Phillips 66ers Oakland Bittners 62-41
Bartlesville, OK Oakland, CA
1948 Phillips 66ers Denver Nuggets 62-48
Bartlesville, OK Denver, CO
1949 Oakland Bittners Phillips 66ers 55-51
Oakland, CA Bartlesville, OK
1950 Phillips 66ers Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas 65-42
Bartlesville, OK Oakland, CA
1951 Stewart Chevrolet Poudre Valley Creamery 76-55
San Francisco, CA Ft. Collins, CO
1952 Peoria Cats Phillips 66ers 66-53
Peoria, IL Bartlesville, OK
1953 Peoria Cats Los Alamitos NAS 73-62
Peoria, IL Los Alamitos, CA
1954 Peoria Cats Grihalva Motors 63-55
Peoria, IL San Diego, CA
1955 Phillips 66ers Luckett-Nix Clippers 66-64
Bartlesville, OK Boulder, CO
1956 Buchan Bakers Phillips 66ers 59-57
Seattle, WA Bartlesville, OK
1957 U.S. Air Force All-Stars San Francisco Olympic Club 87-74
San Francisco, CA
1958 Peoria Cats Denver-Chicago Trucking 74-71(4 OT)
Peoria, IL Denver, CO
1959 Wichita Vickers Phillips 66ers 105-83
Wichita, KS Bartlesville, OK
1960 Peoria Cats Goodyear Wingfoots 87-73
Peoria, IL Akron, OH
1961 Cleveland Pipers Denver-Chicago Trucking 107-96
Cleveland, OH Denver, CO
1962 Phillips 66ers Denver-Chicago Trucking 70-59
Bartlesville, OK Denver, CO
1963 Phillips 66ers Denver-Chicago Trucking 100-70
Bartlesville, OK Denver, CO
1964 Goodyear Wingfoots Phillips 66ers 86-78
Akron, OH Bartlesville, OK
1965 U.S. Armed Forces All-Stars Capitol Federal 77-75
Denver, CO
1966 Ford Mustangs Phillips 66ers 71-67
Detroit, MI Bartlesville, OK
1967 Goodyear Wingfoots Phillips 66ers 77-62
Akron, OH Bartlesville, OK
1968 U.S. Armed Forces All-Stars Vaughn Reality 73-69
Spokane, WA
AAU ALL-AMERICANS 1935 - 1968
1935
Chuck Hyatt, Hollywood Universal Pictures
Bud Browning, Kansas City Santa Fe Trails
Joe Fortenberry, McPherson Globe Refiners
Jay Wallenstrom, Kansas City Santa Fe Trails
Bill Wheatley, McPherson Globe Refiners
1937
Ace Gruenig, Denver Safeway Stores
Tex Colvin, Denver Safeway Stores
Jack McCracken, Denver Safeway Stores
Jack Ozburn, Kansas City Santa Fe Trails
Jay Wallenstrom, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
1938
Ace Gruenig, Denver Safeway Stores
Frank Groves, Kansas City Healey Motors
Dick Smith, Wichita Gridleys
Herman Fischer, Kansas City Healey Motors
Jack McCracken, Denver Safeway Stores
1938
Ace Gruenig, Denver Safeway Stores
Frank Groves, Kansas City Healey Motors
Dick Smith, Wichita Gridleys
Herman Fischer, Kansas City Healey Motors
Jack McCracken, Denver Safeway Stores
1939
Ace Gruenig, Denver Nuggets
Jack McCracken, Denver Nuggets
Dick Wells, Denver Nuggets
Ray Ebbing, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jack Hump, Hollywood Metro-Goldwin-Meyer
1940
Ace Gruenig, Denver Nuggets
Tee Connelley, Denver Nuggets
Doc Lockard, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Joe Fortenberry, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Grady Lewis, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
1941
Hank Luisetti, San Francisco Olympic Club
Carl Knowles, Hollywood 20th Century Fox
Frank Lubin, Hollywood 20th Century Fox
Ralph Giannini, San Francisco Olympic Club
Chet Carlisle, Oakland Athens A.C.
1942
Ace Gruenig, Denver American Legion
Jack McCracken, Denver American Legion
Bill Strannigan, Denver American Legion
Hank Luisetti, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Bill Martin, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
1943
Ace Gruenig, Denver American Legion
Bob Doll, Denver American Legion
Jimmy McNatt, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Shorty Carpenter, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Kenny Sailors, Wyoming University
1944
Bob Gruenig, Denver Ambrose-Legion
George Hamburg, Denver Ambrose-Legion
Bob Marsh, Denver Ambrose-Legion
Chuck Hyatt, Denver Ambrose-Legion
Shorty Carpenter, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Fred Pralle, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jimmy McNatt, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Ed Beisser, Colorado Springs Army
Jules Rivlin, Wyoming Ft. Warren
Gale Bishop, Fircrest Dairy
1945
Ace Gruenig, Denver Ambrose Jellymakers
Jack McCracken, Denver Ambrose Jellymakers
George Hamburg, Denver Ambrose Jellymakers
Paul Lindman, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jimmy McNatt, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Shorty Carpenter, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Frank Lubin, Hollywood 20th Century Fox
Gale Lewis, Washington Ft. Lewis Warriors
Dick Smith, Wichita Cessna Aircraft
Frank Fullmer, Idaho Simplots
1946
Ace Gruenig, Denver Ambrose Jellymakers
Marty Nash, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Bill Martin, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Shorty Carpenter, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jimmy McNatt, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Tee Connelley, San Diego Dons
Jim Pollard, San Diego Dons
Kenny Sailors, San Diego Dons
Art Mollner, Hollywood 20th Century Fox
Andy Phillip, Fleet Marine Force
1947
Vince Boryla, Denver Nuggets
Jimmy Darden, Denver Nuggets
Marty Nach, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Shorty Carpenter, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Bob Kurland, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Cab Renick, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jim Pollard, Oakland Bittners
Paul Napolitano, Oakland Bittners
Ron Livingstone, Oakland Bittners
Bill Calhoun, Oakland Bittners
1948
Vince Boryla, Denver Nuggets
Roy Lipscomb, Denver Nuggets
Jimmy Darden, Denver Nuggets
Ace Gruenig, Denver Murphy Mahoney
Bob Kurland, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
R.C. Pitts, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Cab Renick, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Les O'Gara, Oakland Bittners
Don Barksdale, Oakland Bittners
Warren Taulbee, Oakland Bittners
1949
Harold Howey, Denver Chevrolets
Don Barksdale, Oakland Bittners
Les O'Gara, Oakland Bittners
Chuck Hanger, Oakland Bittners
Bob Kurland, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Gerry Tucker, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Roy Lipscomb, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Johnny Stanich, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Bill Vandenburgh, Seattle Alpine Dairy
Paul Whalen, Peoria Cats
1950
Thornton Jenkins, Denver Chevrolets
Shorty Carpenter, Denver Chevrolets
Don Barksdale, Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas
Chuck Hager, Denver Blue 'n Gold Atlas
Dave Minor, Denver Blue 'n Gold Atlas
Bob Kurland, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Gerry Tucker, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Roy Lipscomb, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Les O'Gara, Los Angeles Police
Andy Wolfe, San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets
1951
George Yardley, San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets
Cliff Crandall, San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets
Frankie Kuzara, San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets
Glen Anderson, Ft. Collins (CO) Poudre Valley Creamery
Bill Gossett, Ft. Collins (CO) Poudre Valley Creamery
Bob Kurland, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Ken Pryor, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Howie Williams, Peoria Cats
Frank McCabe, Peoria Cats
Don Barksdale, Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas
1952
Howie Williams, Peoria Cats
Frank McCabe, Peoria Cats
Dan Pippin, Peoria Cats
Bob Kurland, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Ken Pryor, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Bus Whitehead, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Bobby Wallace, Air Force All-Stars
Bryce Heffley, Air Force All-Stars
Jack Stone, Los Angeles Fibber McGee & Mollys
Billy Donovan, Los Angeles Fibber McGee & Mollys
1953
Dan Pippin, Peoria Cats
Ron Bontemps, Peoria Cats
Howie Williams, Peoria Cats
Frank McCabe, Peoria Cats
George Yardley, Los Alamitos Naval Air Station
John Arndt, Los Alamitos Naval Air Station
Jim Hoverder, San Diego Grihalva Motors
Glen Anderson, San Diego Grihalva Motors
Hugh Faulkner, San Diego Grihalva Motors
Chet Noe, Eugene (OR) Everybody's Drug
1954
Ron Bontemps, Peoria Cats
Dick Retherford, Peoria Cats
Frank McCabe, Peoria Cats
Jim Hoverder, San Diego Grihalva Motors
Glen Smith, Denver Central Bankers
Frankie Kuzara, Denver Central Bankers
Glen Anderson, San Diego Grihalva Motors
Joe Stratton, San Diego Grihalva Motors
Ken Leslie, San Diego Grihalva Motors
Chuck Darling, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
1955
Burdie Haldorson, Boulder (CO) Luckett-Nix Clippers
Bob Jeangerard, Boulder (CO) Luckett-Nix Clippers
Charlie Mock, Boulder (CO) Luckett-Nix Clippers
Chuck Darling, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jim Walsh, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Arnie Short, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Ron Tomsic, San Francisco Olympic Club
Ken Sears, San Francisco Olympic Club
Richie Guerin, Quantico Marines
Jim Bingham, Quantico Marines
1956
Dick Eicher, Denver Central Bankers
Chuck Koon, Seattle Buchan Bakers
George Swyers, Seattle Buchan Bakers
Burdie Haldorson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Chuck Darling, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jim Walsh, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Terry Rand, Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys
Dick Miller, Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys
George Lind, Houston Ada Oilers
Jerry Harper, Houston Ada Oilers
1957
Ron Tomsic, U.S. Air Force All-Stars
Dick Boushka, U.S. Air Force All-Stars
Dick Welsh, U.S. Air Force All-Stars
Barry Brown, San Francisco Olympic Club
Russ Lawler, San Francisco Olympic Club
Bert Born, Peoria Cats
Howie Crittenden, Peoria Cats
R.C. Owens, Seattle Buchan Bakers
Carroll Williams, U.S. Army All-Stars
Bill Reigel, Lake Charles (LA) McDonald Scotts
1958
Harv Schmidt, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers (MVP)
Barry Brown, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Jimmy Ashmore, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Jim Palmer, Peoria Cats
Burdie Haldorson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Howie Crittenden, Peoria Cats
Gary Thompson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
K.C. Jones, Ft. Leonard (MO) Wood
Bill Reigel, Lake Charles (LA) McDonald Scotts
Bert Born, Peoria Cats
1959
Dick Boushka, Wichita Vickers (MVP)
Dan Swartz, Wichita Vickers
Don Boldebuck, Wichita Vickers
Les Lane, Wichita Vickers
Burdie Haldorson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Gary Thompson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jack Sullivan, U.S. Marine All-Stars
Ron Tomsic, San Francisco Olympic Club
Jack Adams, U.S. Army All-Stars
Adrian Smith, U.S. Army All-Stars
1960
Ben Warley, Cleveland Pipers
Bill Reiger, Akron Goodyears
Bob Boozer, Peoria Cats
Carroll Williams, Seattle Buchan Bakers
Charlie Slack, Akron Goodyears
Don Ohl, Peoria Cats
Howie Crittenden, Peoria Cats
Jim Francis, Akron Goodyears
Phil Murrell, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Rolland Todd, Seattle Buchan Bakers
1961
Ben Warley, Cleveland Pipers
Don Swartz, Cleveland Pipers
Horace Walker, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Jack Adams, Cleveland Pipers
Les Lane, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Mike Moran, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Paul Neumann, New York Tapers
Roger Taylor, Cleveland Pipers
Tom Meschery, San Francisco Olympic Club
Tony Jackson, New York Tapers
1962
Bill Reigel, Akron Goodyears
Bill McGill, Sanders State Line
Dennis Price, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Dennis Boone, Denver Denver-Chicago Tuckers
Gary Thompson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jerry Shipp, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Joe Belmont, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Mike Moran, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Pete McCaffrey, Akron Goodyears
Roger Brown, Inland Manufacturing
1963
Bennie Coffman, Akron Goodyears
Bill Green, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Carney Crisler, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Cleveland McKinney, U.S. Army All-Stars
Dennis Price, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Dennis Boone, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Don Kojis, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jerry Shipp, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Mike Morgan, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Pete McCaffrey, Akron Goodyears
1964
Bill Bradley, Tennessee State
Charley Bowerman, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Edwin Correll, Federal Old Line
Jerry Shipp, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jim Hagan, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jim Lyon, Sav-On Stores
Larry Brown, Akron Goodyears
Llyod Sharrar, Akron Goodyears
Willie Porter, Tennessee State
1965
Al Dillard, Denver Capital
Cecil Tuttle, Akron Goodyears
Dave Stallworth, Arkansas City May Builders
Flynn Robinson, Denver Capital
Larry Brown, Akron Goodyears
Ollie Johnson, San Francisco Athletic Club
Randy Robinson, Denver Capital
Rod Holst, Denver Capital
Ron Reid, U.S. Armed Forces All-Stars
Vern Benson, U.S. Armed Forces All-stars
1966
Bobby Rascoe, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Cazzie Russell, Detroit Ford Mustangs
Clyde Lee, Knoxville (TN) Contac Caps
Harold Sergent, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Kendall Rhine, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Leon Clark, Denver Capital
Lonnie Wright, Denver Capital
Ollie Darden, Detroit Ford Mustangs
Ray Bob Carey, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Vern Benson, Akron Goodyears
1967
Bob Rule, Denver Capital
Byron Beck, Denver Capital
Calvin Fowler, Akron Goodyears
Donnie Freeman, Chicago Jamaco Saints
Ed Correll, Akron Goodyears
Harold Sergent, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Jim King, Akron Goodyears
John Beasley, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Manny Lawrence, New York Group Productions
Steve Jones, Chicago Jamaco Saints
Vern Benson, Akron Goodyears
1968
Calvin Fowler, Akron Goodyears
Carl Ashley, Denver Capitals
Gary Lechman, Spokane (WA) Vaughn Realty
Jerry Skaife, Spokane (WA) Vaughn Realty
John Clawson, U.S. Armed Forces All-Stars
Mike Silliman, U.S. Armed Forces All-Stars
Mike Barrett, U.S. Armed Forces All-Stars
Rod McDonald, Spokane (WA) Vaughn Realty
Tom Black, Akron Goodyear
NIBL ALL-STARS
1950-51
Don Barksdale, Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas (MVP)
George Yarley, San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets
Mike O'Neal, Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas
Ken Lemmer, Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys
Bob Kurland, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Chet Giermak, Dayton Air Gems
Chuck Hanger, Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas
Howie Williams, Peoria Cats
Frankie Kuzara, San Francisco Chevrolets
A.L. Bennett, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Johnny Stanich, Denver Chevvies
1951-52
Don Heathington, Artesia REA Travelers
Mike O'Neal, Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas
Jack Stone, Los Angeles Fibber McGee & Mollys
Wayne Glasgow, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Dan Pippin, Peoria Cats
Bob Kurland, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers (MVP)
Chuck Hanger, Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas
Don Hendricksen, San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets
Cliff Crandall, San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets
Howie Williams, Peoria Cats
Johnny Stanich, Denver Central Bankers
1952-53
Glen Smith, Denver Central Bankers (MVP)
Ron Bontemps, Peoria Cats
Wayne Glasgow, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Dan Pippin, Peoria Cats
Grant Wittberger, Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys
Chuck Darling, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Clyde Lovellette, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Marc Freiberger, Peoria Cats
Eddie Sheldrake, Los Angeles Kirby's Shoes
Quentin Sims, Santa Maria Golden Dukes
1953-54
Don Heathington, Artesia CVE Travelers
Ron Bontemps, Peoria Cats
Jay Handlan, Akron Goodyears
Dick Retherford, Peoria Cats
Chuck Darling, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers (MVP)
Grant Wittenberger, Milwaukee, Allen-Bradleys
Frankie Kuzara, Denver Central Bankers
Ladell Andersen, Denver Central Bankers
Ken Milo, Santa Maria Golden Dukes
Quentin Sims, Santa Maria Golden Dukes
1954-55
Arnold Short, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Don Heathington, Artesia CVE Travelers
Dick Eicher, Denver Central Bankers
Chuck Noble, Akron Goodyears
Chuck Darling, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers (MVP)
Grant Wittenberger, Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys
Frank Kuzara, Denver Central Bankers
Ladell Andersen, Denver Central Bankers
Nick Revon, Houston Ada Oilers
Jim Walsh, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
1955-56
Burdie Haldorson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Dick Boushka, Wichita Vickers
Rube Schulz, Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys
Gene Smith, Akron Goodyears
Chuck Darling, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Wade Halbrook, Wichita Vickers
Eddie Solomon, Peoria Cats
Les Lane, Wichita Vickers
S.L. Shofner, Akron Goodyears
Arnold Short, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
1956-57
Ronnie Mayer, Akron Goodyears
Burdie Haldorson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Rube Schulz, Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys
Dick Eicher, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Terry Rand, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers (MVP, ROY)
Chuck Darling, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Les Lane, Wichita Vickers
Wally Walowac, Akron Goodyears
Howie Crittenden, Peoria Cats
Joe Cupa, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
1957-58
Dick Boushka, Wichita Vickers
Harv Schmidt, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers (ROY)
Chuck Slack, Akron Goodyears
Ray Downs, Kansas City KayCees
Burdie Haldorson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers (MVP)
Wade Halbrook, Wichita Vickers
Les Lane, Wichita Vickers
Joe Dean, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
George Swyers, Akron Goodyears
Wally Walowac, Akron Goodyears
1958-59
Dick Boushka, Wichita Vickers
Harv Schmidt, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Chuck Slack, Akron Goodyears
Dan Swartz, Wichita Vickers
Burdie Haldorson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers (MVP)
George Bon Salle, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers (ROY)
Joe Belmont, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Don Ohl, Peoria Cats
George Swyers, Akron Goodyears
Wally Walowac, Akron Goodyears
1959-60
Dick Boushka, Wichita Vickers
Dan Swartz, Wichita Vickers (MVP)
Johnny Cox, Cleveland Sweeny Pipers (ROY)
Chuck Slack, Akron Goodyears
Jim Francis, Akron Goodyears
Burdie Haldorson, Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers
Roger Taylor, San Francisco Investors
Les Lane, Wichita Vickers
John Barnhill, Cleveland Sweeny Pipers
Carroll Williams, Seattle Buchan Bakers
1960-61
Dan Swartz, Clevealnd Pipers (MVP)
Johnny Cox, Akron Goodyears
Jack Adams, Cleveland Piepers
Horace Walker, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
Jim Francis, Akron Goodyears
Ben Warley, Cleveland Pipers (ROY)
Roger Taylor, Cleveland Pipers
Adrian Smith, Akron Goodyears
Jimmy Darrow, Akron Goodyears
Les Lane, Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers
AAU OLYMPIANS
Year Site Player AAU Team
1936 Berlin Sam Balter Hollywood Universal Pictures
Joe Fortenberry Globe Oilers
John Gibbons Globe Oilers
Francis Johnson Globe Oilers
Carl Knowles Hollywood Universal Pictures
Frank Lubin Hollywood Universal Pictures
Art Mollner Hollywood Universal Pictures
Don Piper Hollywood Universal Pictures
Jack Regland Globe Oilers
Willard Schmidt Globe Oilers
Carl Shy Hollywood Universal Pictures
Dwayne Swanson Hollywood Universal Pictures
William Wheatley Globe Oilers
1948 Helsinki Don Barksdale Oakland Bittners
Lewis Beck Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Vince Boryla Denver Nuggets
Gordon Carpenter Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Bob Kurland Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
R.C. Pitts Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Jessee Renick Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
1952 Helsinki Ron Bontemps Peoria Cats
Marcus Freiberger Peoria Cats
Wayne Glasgow Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Bob Kurland Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Frank McCabe Peoria Cats
Dan Pippin Peoria Cats
Howie Williams Peoria Cats
1956 Melbourne Dick Boushka Wichita Vickers
Chuck Darling Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Bill Evans U.S. Armed Forces
Gib Ford U.S. Armed Forces
Burdie Haldorson Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Bill Hougland Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Bob Jeangerad Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Ron Tomsic U.S. Armed Forces
Jim Walsh Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
1960 Rome Bob Boozer Peoria Cats
Burdie Haldorson Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
Allen Kelley Peoria Cats
Lester Lane Wichita Vickers
Adrian Smith U.S. Armed Forces
1964 Tokyo Larry Brown Akron Goodyear Wingfoots
Dick Davies Akron Goodyear Wingfoots
Pete McCaffrey Akron Goodyear Wingfoots
Jerry Shipp Bartlesville Phillips 66ers
George Wilson Chicago Jamaco Saints
1968 Mexico City Mike Barnett U.S. Armed Forces
John Clawson U.S. Armed Forces
Calvin Fowler Akron Goodyear Wingfoots
Jim King Akron Goodyear Wingfoots
Mike Sillman U.S. Armed Forces
1972 Munich Kenny Davis Lexington Marathon Oil
AAU YEARLY LEAGUE STANDINGS 1947-48 - 1971-72
MISSOURI VALLEY 1935-36 - 1939-40
Bartlesville Phillips 66ers 1936-37 - 1939-40
Chicago LaSalle Hotels 1938-39 - 1939-40
Colorado Springs Antlers Hotels 1936-37 - 1937-38
Denver Kansas City Life 1936-37
Denver Nuggets 1938-39 - 1939-40
Denver Safeway Stores 1935-36 - 1937-38
Hutchinson Western Transits 1935-36
Kansas City Healeys 1937-38
Kansas City Santa Fe Trails 1935-36 - 1936-37
McPherson Globe Oilers 1935-36
Monroe Brown Paper Mills 1936-37
Oklahoma City J.C.C. 89ers 1939-40
Oklahoma City Parks Clothiers 1937-38 - 1938-39
St. Louis Rangers 1939-40
Tulsa Fruehauf Trailers 1938-39
Wichita Gridley Chieftains 1935-36, 1937-38
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE 1945-46 - 1947-48
Bartlesville Phillips 66ers 1945-46 - 1947-48
Denver Ambrose Jellymakers 1945-46
Denver Nuggets 1946-47 - 1947-48
Hollywood 20th Century Fox 1945-46 - 1946-47
Kansas City M & O Cigarmen 1945-46 - 1946-47
Los Angeles Carroll Shamrocks 1945-46 - 1946-47
Oakland Bittners 1947-48
Oklahoma City Continental Airlines 1946-47
Phoenix Nick's Constructors 1947-48
Pocatello (ID) Simplots 1946-47 - 1946-47
Salt Lake City Simplot Deserets 1945-46 - 1946-47
Sacramento Senators 1945-46 - 1947-48
San Diego Dons 1945-46
San Diego Tecate Dons 1946-47
San Francisco Dardie Dandies 1945-46
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE 1947-48 - 1960-61
Akron Goodyear Wingfoots/Akron Goodyears 1947-48 - 1960-61
Artesia REA Travelers/Artesia CVE Travelers 1951-52 - 1954-55
Bartlesville Phillips 66ers/Phillips Oilers 1948-49 - 1960-61
Cleveland Sweeny Pipers/Pipers 1959-60 - 1960-61
Dayton Air-Gems 1950-51 - 1951-52
Dayton Industrials 1949-50
Denver Central Bankers 1951-52 - 1954-55
Denver Chevvies 1948-49 - 1950-51
Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers 1956-57 - 1960-61
Fort Wayne General Electrics 1947-48
Houston Ada Oilers 1952-53 - 1954-55
Kansas City Kaycees 1957-58
Los Angeles Fibber McGee & Mollys 1951-52
Los Angeles Kirby's Shoes 1952-53
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 1947-48 - 1956-57
Milwaukee Harnischfegers 1947-48
New York Tuck Tapers 1959-60 - 1960-61
Oakland Atlas-Pacific Engineers 1951-52
Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas 1950-51
Peoria Cats 1947-48 - 1959-60
San Francisco Investors 1959-60
San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets 1950-51 - 1951-52
Santa Monica Golden Dukes 1951-52 - 1953-54
Seattle Buchan Bakers 1958-59 - 1960-61
Wichita Vickers 1955-56 - 1959-60
1945-46 ABL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 13 3 .813 ..
Denver Ambrose Jellymakers 10 6 .625 3
Hollywood (CA) 20th Century Fox 10 6 .625 3
San Francisco Dardie Dandies 8 7 .533 4.5
Los Angeles Carroll Shamrocks 8 8 .500 5
Kansas City M & O Cigarmen 7 9 .438 6
Salt Lake City Simplot Deserets 7 9 .438 6
San Diego Dons 6 10 .375 7
Sacramento Senators 2 13 .133 10.5
ABL TOURNAMENT W L Pct.
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 4 1 .800
San Francisco Dardie Dandies 3 1 .750
San Diego Dons 3 2 .600
Salt Lake City Simplot Deserets 4 3 .571
Denver Ambrose Jellymakers 1 2 .333
Hollywood (CA) 20th Century Fox 1 2 .333
Sacramento Senators 0 2 .000
Los Angeles Carroll Shamrocks 0 2 .000
1946-47 ABL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 19 1 .950 ..
Oakland Bittners 18 2 .900 1
Hollywood (CA) 20th Century Fox 11 9 .550 8
Oklahoma City Continental Air Lines 10 10 .500 9
Denver Nuggets 9 11 .450 10
Los Angeles Carroll Shamrocks 8 12 .400 11
Kansas City M & O Cigarmen 8 12 .400 11
Pocatello (ID) Simplots 8 12 .400 11
Salt Lake City Simplot Deserets 8 12 .400 11
Sacramento Senators 6 14 .300 13
San Diego Tecate Dons 5 15 .250 14
ABL TOURNAMENT W L Pct.
Oakland Bittners 3 0 1.000
Denver Nuggets 3 1 .750
Hollywood (CA) 20th Century Fox 2 1 .667
Oklahoma City Continental Air Lines 1 1 .500
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 1 1 .500
Sacramento Senators 2 2 .500
Kansas City M & O Cigarmen 2 2 .500
Salt Lake City Simplot Deserets 1 2 .333
San Diego Tecate Dons 1 2 .333
Pocatello (ID) Simplots 0 2 .000
Los Angeles Carroll Shamrocks 0 2 .000
1947-48 ABL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 19 3 .864 ..
Denver Nuggets 15 8 .652 4.5
Oakland Bittners 11 11 .500 8
Sacramento Senators 4 15 .211 13.5
Phoenix Nick's Contractors 1 13 .072 20
1947-48 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Milwaukee Harnischfegers 8 0 1.000 ..
Peoria (IL) Cats 5 3 .625 3
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 4 4 .500 4
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 3 5 .375 5
Fort Wayne (IN) General Electrics 0 8 .000 8
1948-49 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 15 1 .938 ..
Denver Chevvies 11 5 .688 4
Peoria (IL) Cats 8 8 .500 7
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 4 12 .250 11
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 2 14 .125 13
1949-50 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 9 1 .900 ..
Peoria (IL) Cats 7 3 .700 2
Denver Chevvies 5 5 .500 4
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 3 7 .300 6
Dayton (OH) Industrials 3 7 .300 6
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 3 7 .300 6
1950-51 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 22 3 .888 ..
Oakland Blue 'n Gold Atlas 11 6 .647 7
San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets 12 8 .600 7.5
Peoria (IL) Cats 15 13 .538 8.5
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 5 8 .385 11
Dayton (OH) Air-Gems 5 12 .294 13
Denver Chevvies 5 14 .263 14
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 1 12 .077 15
1951-52 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 17 5 .773 ..
Oakland Atlas-Pacific Engineers 16 6 .727 1
San Francisco Stewart Chevrolets 16 6 .727 1
Peoria (IL) Cats 13 9 .591 4
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 12 10 .545 5
Los Angeles Fibber McGee & Mollys 9 13 .409 8
Artesia REA Travelers 9 13 .409 8
Denver Central Bankers 8 14 .364 9
Santa Maria Golden Dukes 8 14 .364 9
Dayton (OH) Air-Gems 7 15 .318 10
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 5 17 .227 12
1952-53 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 13 3 .812 ..
Peoria (IL) Cats 12 4 .750 1
Santa Maria Golden Dukes 10 6 .625 3
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 9 7 .562 4
Houston Ada Oilers 8 8 .500 5
Los Angeles Kirby's Shoes 7 9 .438 6
Denver Central Bankers 6 10 .375 7
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 5 11 .312 8
Artesia REA Travelers 2 14 .125 11
1953-54 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 10 4 .714 ..
Peoria (IL) Cats 10 4 .714 ..
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 9 5 .643 1
Denver Central Bankers 9 5 .643 1
Santa Maria Golden Dukes 7 7 .500 3
Artesia CVE Travelers 4 10 .286 6
Houston Ada Oilers 4 10 .286 6
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 3 11 .214 7
1954-55 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 19 5 .792 ..
Peoria (IL) Cats 16 8 .667 3
Denver Central Bankers 12 12 .500 7
Houston Ada Oilers 12 12 .500 7
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 10 14 .417 9
Artesia CVE Travelers 8 16 .333 11
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 7 17 .292 12
1955-56 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 16 8 .667 ..
Peoria (IL) Cats 15 9 .625 1
Wichita (KS) Vickers 15 9 .625 1
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 9 15 .375 7
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 5 19 .208 11
1956-57 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 13 7 .650 ..
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 11 9 .550 2
Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers 11 9 .550 2
Peoria (IL) Cats 11 9 .550 2
Wichita (KS) Vickers 11 9 .550 2
Milwaukee Allen-Bradleys 3 17 .150 10
1957-58 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 21 9 .700 ..
Wichita (KS) Vickers 21 9 .700 ..
Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers 16 14 .533 5
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 15 15 .500 6
Peoria (IL) Cats 15 15 .500 6
Kansas City Kaycees 2 28 .064 19
1958-59 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers 21 9 .700 ..
Wichita (KS) Vickers 19 11 .633 2
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 15 15 .500 6
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots 13 17 .433 8
Peoria (IL) Cats 12 18 .400 9
Seattle Buchan Bakers 10 20 .333 11
1959-60 NIBL W L Pct. GB
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 24 8 .750 ..
Wichita (KS) Vickers 22 10 .688 2
Akron (OH) Goodyears 18 14 .563 6
Cleveland Sweeny Pipers 16 16 .500 8
Peoria (IL) Cats 16 16 .500 8
San Francisco Investors 15 17 .469 9
Seattle Buchan Bakers 14 18 .438 10
Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers 12 20 .375 12
New York Tuck Tapers 7 25 .219 17
1960-61 NIBL
EASTERN DIVISION W L Pct. GB
Cleveland Pipers 24 10 .706 ..
Akron (OH) Goodyears 15 19 .441 9
New York Tuck Tapers 15 19 .441 9
WESTERN DIVISION W L Pct. GB
Denver Denver-Chicago Truckers 22 12 .647 ..
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 16 18 .471 6
Seattle Buchan Bakers 10 24 .294 12
NIBL PLAYOFFS
Championship Game - Cleveland 136, Denver 100
Consolation Game - Bartlesville 114, Akron 112
NATIONAL AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION BASKETBALL LEAGUE 1966-67 - 1972-73
Akron Goodyear Tires 1966-67 - 1969-70
Bartlesville Phillips 66ers 1966-67 - 1967-68
Brownstown Marion-Kay Vanilla 1971-72 - 1972-73
Chicago Jamaco Saints 1966-67
Cincinnati ABA Schlitz 1972-73
Cincinnati Strohs 1972-73
Cincinnati Sweeney Chevrolet 1970-71 - 1971-72
Cincinnati U.S. Capital Loan 1970-71 - 1971-72
Cleveland Airmatic Valves 1966-67
Columbus Jacobs & Sons Movers 1968-69 - 1971-72
Dayton Goldmans 1972-73
Dayton Sanders Stone 1970-71 - 1971-72
Dayton Utopians 1972-73
Indianapolis Burger Chef 1968-69 - 1969-70
Indianapolis Circle Leasing 1970-71
Knoxville Allied Chemical 1971-72
Lexington Jerry's Restaurants 1968-69 - 1969-70
Lexington Marathon Oil 1970-71 - 1972-73
Milwaukee National Zip Codes 1967-68
Nacomb Dairy 1967-68
1966-67 NABL W L Pct. GB
Akron (OH) Goodyear Tires 9 3 .750 ..
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 8 4 .667 1
Chicago Jamaco Saints 5 7 .417 4
Cleveland Airmatic Valves 2 10 .167 7
1967-68 NABL W L Pct. GB
Akron (OH) Goodyear Tires 10 2 .833 ..
Bartlesville (OK) Phillips 66ers 9 3 .750 1
Milwaukee National Zip Codes 4 8 .333 6
Nacomb (IL) Dairy 1 11 .083 9
1968-69 NABL W L Pct. GB
Akron (OH) Goodyear Tires ?? ?? ??? ??
Columbus (OH) Jacobs & Sons Movers ?? ?? ??? ??
Indianapolis Burger Chef ?? ?? ??? ??
Lexington (KY) Jerry's Restaurants ?? ?? ??? ??
1969-70 NABL W L Pct. GB
Akron (OH) Goodyear Wingfoots ?? ?? ??? ??
Columbus (OH) Jacobs & Sons Movers ?? ?? ??? ??
Dayton (OH) Sanders Stones ?? ?? ??? ??
Indianapolis Burger Chef ?? ?? ??? ??
Lexington (Ky) Jerry's Restaurants ?? ?? ??? ??
1970-71 NABL W L Pct. GB
Lexington (KY) Marathon Oil 11 5 .687 ..
Dayton (OH) Sanders Stone 9 6 .600 1.5
Cincinnati U.S. Capital Loan 9 6 .600 1.5
Columbus (OH) Jacobs & Sons Movers 6 10 .375 5
Indianapolis Circle Leasing 4 12 .250 7
1971-72 NABL W L Pct. GB
Dayton (OH) Sanders Stone 15 5 .750 ..
Lexington (KY) Marathon Oil 14 6 .700 1
Brownstown Marion-Kay Vanilla 14 6 .700 1
Columbus (OH) Jacobs & Sons Movers 10 9 .526 4.5
Cincinnati U.S. Capital Loan 4 15 .444 9.5
Cincinnati Sweeney Chevrolet 2 18 .100 12
1972-73 NABL W L Pct. GB
Dayton (OH) Utopians 16 3 .842 ??
Lexington (KY) Marathon Oil 14 5 .737 ??
Brownstown Marion-Kay Vanilla ?? ?? ??? ??
Cincinnati ABA Schlitz ?? ?? ??? ??
Cincinnati Strohs ?? ?? ??? ??
Dayton (OH) Goldmans ?? ?? ??? ??
THE NIBL HISTORY OF THE BARTLESVILLE PHILLIPS 66ERS
The Phillips 66ers were formed in 1920, when warehouse worker K.S. Adams
recruited six other co-workers to form a company team. The 66ers as they were
later called, won 11 National AAU Championships, two Olympic playoffs and 11
consecutive National Industrial Basketball League titles.
HOME COURT
Phillips Gymnasium (seating capacity 2,600; 3,000 with bleachers)
UNIFORM COLORS
Home - White with red and black trim
Road - Black with red and white trim
NIBL RECORD Total Pnts Avg. Pnts
Year Finish GP W L Pct. 66ers Opp 66ers Opp Coach
1948-49 1st 16 15 1 .938 1032 722 64.5 45.1 Jesse Renick
1949-50 1st 10 9 1 .900 649 502 64.9 50.2 Jesse Renick
1950-51 1st 25 22 3 .888 1600 1287 64.0 51.5 Jesse Renick
1951-52 1st 22 17 5 .773 1339 1137 61.0 51.6 Jesse Renick
1952-53 1st 16 13 3 .812 1319 1043 82.4 65.1 Tom Scott
1953-54 1st-T 14 10 4 .714 1022 918 73.0 65.6 Bud Browning
1954-55 1st 24 19 5 .792 1506 1334 75.3 66.7 Gerald Tucker
1955-56 1st 24 16 8 .667 2164 1970 90.1 82.1 Gerald Tucker
1956-57 1st 20 13 7 .650 1742 1541 87.1 77.0 Gerald Tucker
1957-58 1st-T 30 21 9 .700 2907 2782 96.9 92.7 Gerald Tucker
1958-59 3rd 30 15 15 .500 2856 2859 95.3 95.3 Bud Browning
1959-60 1st 32 24 8 .750 3374 3002 105.4 93.8 Bud Browning
1960-61 2nd 34 16 18 .471 3359 3383 98.8 99.5 Bud Browning
NABL RECORD
Year Finish GP W L Pct. Coach
1966-67 2nd 12 8 4 .667 Gary Thompson
1967-68 2nd 12 9 3 .750 ???
NIBL ALL-STARS
Year Pos Hgt Player College
1950-51 G 6-2 A.L. Bennett Oklahoma
C 7-0 Bob Kurland Oklahoma A&M
1951-52 F 6-3 Wayne Glasgow Oklahoma
C 7-0 Bob Kurland Oklahoma A&M
1952-53 C 6-9 Chuck Darling Iowa
F 6-3 Wayne Glasgow Oklahoma
C 6-9 Clyde Lovellette Kansas
1953-54 C 6-9 Chuck Darling Iowa
1954-55 C 6-9 Chuck Darling Iowa
C 6-9 Burdie Haldorson Colorado
G 6-3 Arnold Short Oklahoma City
1955-56 C 6-9 Chuck Darling Iowa
G 6-3 Arnold Short Oklahoma City
G 6-4 Jim Walsh Stanford
1956-57 C 6-9 Chuck Darling Iowa
C 6-9 Burdie Halderson Colorado
1957-58 G 6-2 Joe Dean Louisiana State
C 6-9 Burdie Haldorson Colorado
1958-59 C 6-9 Burdie Haldorson Colorado
1959-60 C 6-9 Burdie Haldorson Colorado
NIBL MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS
Year Pos Hgt Player College
1953-54 C 6-9 Chuck Darling Iowa
1954-55 C 6-9 Chuck Darling Iowa
1957-58 C 6-9 Burdie Haldorson Colorado
1958-59 C 6-9 Burdie Haldorson Colorado
1951-52 C 7-0 Bob Kurland Oklahoma
THE CAREER OF BOB 'FOOTHILLS' KURLAND
Bob Kurland's basketball career rivaled that of George Mikan. The two took
different paths after the conclusion of their college careers as Mikan signed
with the Chicago American Gears of the National Basketball League and later
moved on to the National Basketball Association winning championship after
championship. Kurland took a job with Phillips Petroleum, becoming perhaps the
greatest player in AAU history.
1942-46 Played college basketball at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State). Named
NCAA consensus first team All-American in 1944, 1945 and 1946. Named
Outstanding player of 1945 and 1946 NCAA Tournaments. Named Helms
college player of the year in 1946.
1946 Signed with Phillips 66ers, rejecting numerous pro offers
1946-52 Played six season with Phillips 66ers, leading the team in scoring
each year as he was named AAU All-American each year, finishing his
career with 4,092 career points, with the team winning three AAU
National Championships and compiling a 369-26 record. Played on 1948
and 1952 Olympic teams winning two gold medals, retiring as a player
after the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
1946-81 Had a 35-year career as an executive with the Phillips Petroleum Co.
THE CAREERS OF ROBERT 'ACE" GRUENIG AND JACK McCRACKEN
If Bob Kurland wasn't the greatest player in AAU history, it was probably Ace
Gruenig or Jack McCracken, teammates in Denver from 1935 to 1945.
McCracken starred in college for Maryville State Teachers College from 1930 to
1933, leading them to a perfect 31-0 record in 1930 and 43 straight victories
before joining The Denver Safeway-Piggly Wigglys. In 1931 Gruenig joined the
Rosenburg-Avery AAU after graduating from high school, and and played with the
Lifscultz Fast Freight team in Chicago until 1935 when he joined the Safeway-Piggly
Wigglys. Gruenig was known for his hook shot and at 6'8" was one of the first
skilled big men in basketball.
Denver enjoyed immediate success in the pairing of Gruenig and McCrackin, with
Gruenig named an AAU All-star 10 times as a center and McCracken eight times at
forward and guard (as well as being named the greatest player of all time by the
AAU in 1939). The team produced three AAU championships in 1937, 1939 and 1942
AAU champions and finishing second in 1938, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 and 1948.
Gruenig's amateur career ended in 1948 when the Denver Nuggets joined the National
Basketball League, and his playing career ended following the conlusion of the
1948-49 season. McCracken was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1962,
Gruenig, who became a high school coach after retiring as a player, was elected to
the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1963.
DENVER NUGGETS AAU BASKETBALL HISTORY 1935 - 1947-48
1935 Denver Safeway-Piggly Wigglys
1936-38 Denver Safeway Stores
1939-40 Denver Nuggets
1941-44 Denver American Legion
1945-46 Denver Ambrose Jellymakers
1947-48 Denver Nuggets