9/15/54, Syracuse- Nine Changes In Nats’ Schedule
Nine changes in the home schedule of the Syracuse Nationals basketball
team have been approved by National Basketball Association officials. First
alteration comes Nov.18, when the single game with Boston is replaced by a twin
bill in which Syracuse will face Fort Wayne following a clash between the New
York Knicks and Philadelphia Warriors. The twin bill originally slated for Jan.
27, now settles into a single game with Fort Wayne. Other changes: Nov. 21,
Nats vs. Boston instead of New York; Nov. 28,
Nats vs. New York instead of Rochester. Dec. 2, Nats vs. Rochester
instead of Minneapolis. Feb. 13, Nats vs. Philadelphia instead of Rochester;
Feb. 17, Nats vs. Boston instead of Philadelphia; Feb. 24, Nats vs. Rochester
instead of Fort Wayne.
9/19/54, Syracuse- Nats Basketeers Will Report Sept. 30
6 Rookies To Receive Hoop Tests; Schayes, Gabor Outside Fold
Six unsigned rookies have been invited to attend opening practice of
the Syracuse Nationals basketball team Sept. 30 at Manlius School gymnasium.
Coach Al Cervi will assemble the 1954 Nat aggregation at noon for a short talk,
to be followed by a clambake with stockholders before settling down to actual
drills. The six candidates invited to participate in the drills on a look-see
basis are: Dan Solinsky, ex-St. Bonaventure teammate of Bill Kenville; Jack
Davidson of California U.; Fletcher Johnson, Duquesne; Bobby Myers, Chicago;
Bill Hoffer, west Virginia, and Rudy Valenzi of Utica. They will join with
signed rookies Johnny Kerr and Dick Farley of Illinois, and Ken McBride,
recently released from the Army. Regulars already under contract and due to
report for the initial season include: Paul Seymour, George King, Wally
Osterkorn, Jim Neal, Al Masino and Kenville. Dolph Schayes, Bill Gabor and Earl
Lloyd are presently listed as holdouts. If they have not agreed to terms by the
opening session they will not be allowed to drill with the squad. Schayes and
Gabor are due for conferences with Leo Ferris, general manager, this week.
Lloyd has been in telephone negotiations with Ferris.
9/23/54, Syracuse- Billy Gabor In Nats Fold
Only three players remained outside the Syracuse Nationals fold today
following the club’s announcement that Billy Gabor had signed a contract for
the 1954-55 season. Holdouts are Dolph Schayes, Earl Lloyd and Bob Lavoy. The
latter, however, said last season he planned retiring from the sport. Gabor,
32, will mark his seventh campaign with the Nats. He tallied 623 points last
season. The club also expects to have Lloyd’s signed contract before the end of
the week. The big fellow lives in Washington, D.C. Some Nats have been working
out at the Manlius School and along with them, a newcomer, Bill Daley of Mississippi
State. Daley was sent here by George King and has looked impressive in recent
workouts. The 6 foot cager has been working out against Billy Hassett and Wally
Osterkorn.
9/26/54, Syracuse- ‘Red’ Rocha Is Returning To Nationals
The Syracuse Nationals basketball squad has been bolstered by the
return of Ephraim “Red” Rocha, 30, to the pro cage sport. Rocha informed the
Nats officials he would accept terms, but would be forced to report to practice
a week late on Oct. 7. Coach Al Cervi and general manager Leo Ferris was
delighted at the Rocha decision. Several times last year the manager attempted
to persuade Rocha to quit retirement. His signing gives the Nats strength in
the height department that could match most clubs in the loop. Rookie John Kerr,
Wally Osterkorn and Jim Neal are under contract while Dolph Schayes and Earl
Lloyd are holdouts but expected to agree to terms before the season starts.
Rocha told Ferris in the telephone conversation that he had been working out
for a week in gymnasiums in his hometown, Silver Springs, Md., and would
continue the drills until he leaves for Syracuse.
9/30/54, Syracuse- Nats Launch Drills At Manlius Court
Although the baseball season is still in the spotlight and football is
only shifting into full gear, the Syracuse Nationals basketball team today
started practice sessions at Manlius School gymnasium. The Nats under the
direction of Coach Al Cervi, are one of the last clubs in the circuit to start
drills. Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Minneapolis and Milwaukee have been at
work since Monday. Cervi has one of the largest squads in many seasons to
inspect. “This may be my last look at a completely healthy squad,” the Nats
coach remarked. He was remembering last spring when he piloted a battered squad
into the playoffs. Tall men occupied principal in the first drill. Cervi was
anxious to observe John Kerr, six foot, nine-inch rookie in action since the
Illinois graduate has been touted one of the most promising rookies in the
N.B.A. another youngster who earned more than a passing look was Sidney Dawson,
233 pound six foot eight inch lad from Romulus, Mich. Dawson did not play
college ball. Other new candidates out for the initial drill were Dick Farley,
Ken McBride, Jack Davidson, Bob Mayes and Rudy Valenzi. Holdovers from last
season under contract included Al Masino, Wally Osterkorn, Earl Lloyd, Bill
Gabor, Jim Neal, George King, Paul Seymour and Bill Kenville. Red Rocha, a
veteran of two years ago will join the squad next week while Dolph Schayes
remains a holdout.
10/1/54, Syracuse- Schayes Is Still Outside Nats Tepee
Pruning time is fast approaching for several of the 18 basketeers
assembled at the training camp of the Syracuse nationals and indications are
that five men will be released after drills tomorrow. Coach Al Cervi wasted no
time in starting arduous drills. He scrimmaged the squad for 2½ hours yesterday
and had two drills today at Manlius. Dick Farley, John Kerr and Ken McBride
appeared to be the most likely looking prospects among the rookie contingent on
hand yesterday. Veterans, with the exception of Red Rocha and Dolph Schayes
were on hand. Rocha will arrive Oct. 6, and Schayes is still a holdout. Dolph
and Cervi were together on a fishing jaunt Wednesday and Schayes met with
general manager Leo Ferris for nearly an hour yesterday, but they still failed
to agree on terms. Cervi remained a bit on the pessimistic side in pre-season
predictions at the clambake for stockholders last night, but Ferris predicted a
first or second place finish for the Syracusans.
10/2/54, Syracuse- 4 Dropped By Nationals
After two workouts Coach Al Cervi has released Jack Davidson of
U.C.L.A., Don Solinsky of St. Bonaventure, Bob Mayes of Chicago, and Bill
Bailey of Mississippi State, players trying out with basketball Nationals.
Rookies remaining are Sid Dawson of Michigan, Fletcher Johnson of Duquesne,
Dick Farley of Indiana, Ken McBride of Maryland Teachers, John Kerr of
Illinois, along with holdovers Jim Neal, Wally Osterkorn, Earl Lloyd, George
King, Paul Seymour, Bill Gabor, Al Masino and Bill Kendall are working out at
Manlius. Dolph Schayes is still a holdout. Red Rocha will report Oct. 7.
10/4/54, Syracuse- Rocha Will Join Nats Thursday
Still minus the services of Red Rocha and Dolph Schayes, the Syracuse
Nationals 13-man squad has a drill scheduled tonight at the Manlius School
gymnasium. Coach Al Cervi indicated that at least one and possibly two men
would be dropped following the session. Eight members of last year’s squad,
with rookies John Kerr, Dick Farley, Ken McBride, Sid Dawson and Fletcher
Johnson remain. Kerr, McBride and Farley have been most impressive of the
newcomers. Rocha will join the squad on Thursday while Schayes continues a
holdout.
10/5/54, Syracuse- Schayes Drilling Daily At Y.M.C.A. Gymnasium
Although the Syracuse Nationals and Dolph Schayes are seemingly far
apart in contract negotiations, the big fellow is conditioning at the Y.M.C.A.
daily. Leo Ferris, Nats general manager, asserts Schayes has been given a final
offer and the club has no intention of revising his contract. Ferris said:
“Schayes’ demands are unreasonable and beyond the limits of the financial
structure of the Nats organization as well as beyond the limits in comparison
with other teams within the National Basketball Association.” Dolph admits
there is “quite a difference in our salary view-points,” but feels he is not
unfair in his demands. Schayes, explaining the daily drills at the Y.M.C.A.
said: “I know I’m usually in poor shape in early season and need plenty of
work, so I have set myself a schedule which calls for at least two and
sometimes three workouts a day.”
10/7/54, Syracuse- Expect Red Rocha For Friday Drill
Red Rocha, a two-year veteran with the Syracuse Nationals, was expected
to work out with the local pros for the first time tomorrow. Rocha, 30, is
making a comeback after a year’s retirement. He was a standout performer in two
seasons of play at Syracuse. The Nationals announced the release of Sid Dawson
of Romulus, Mich. His departure reduces the “rookie” field to three with John
Kerr, Ken McBride and Dick Farley still on hand.
10/9/54, Syracuse- Nats Players Are Injured
The injury plagued Syracuse Nationals, reports the visage of bumps and
bruises still haunts the local N.B.A. club. The famed “bandage brigade,” in
pre-season drills at the Manlius School, announced that yearling Billy “the
kid” Kenville, and rookies Johnny Kerr and Fletcher Johnson, were injured in
yesterday’s scrimmage. It was believed Kenville sustained a broken nose in a
jump-ball play with Bill Gabor. He was to report for X-ray examination. Kerr,
nursing a badly strained back, was having difficulty straightening up, while
Johnson, the 6 foot 6 inch rebounder from Duquesne received two stitches under
his chin, after a board battle for a rebound.
10/10/54, Syracuse- Nats Oppose Knicks At Poughkeepsie
Pro Court Foes Play Early Tilt; 7 Exhibitions For Syracusans
Seven pre-season exhibition games have been booked by the Syracuse
Nationals basketball team, the first against the New York Knicks at Poughkeepsie
Saturday. Only one of the exhibitions is carded at the War Memorial. Two weeks
from today the Cervi-men will oppose the College All-Americans to usher in the
home campaign. Another nearby exhibition game will be staged at Oneida on Oct.
21. The league issued its complete schedule last night and it finds the Nats in
action for three televised games on foreign courts during the season.
Milwaukee, Rochester and Boston will be Syracuse TV rivals on the road, with
Milwaukee and Fort Wayne due to appear in video games originating in Syracuse.
Initial loop action for the Syracusans is at Baltimore, Oct. 30. The following
night the Minneapolis Lakers invade the War Memorial for the first NBA game
here. In all, the Syracusans will compete in 72 scheduled frays, 32 at the War
Memorial and 40 on the road. The squad will participate in eight double-headers
away from home. Games are scheduled on neutral floors with Baltimore at
Richmond, Va. and with Fort Wayne at Elkhart, Ind. Prior to opening the
campaign, the Nats will play three games with New York, two with Philadelphia
and one with Baltimore in addition to the clash with the All-Americans. The
Baltimore exhibition has been booked at Jim Neal’s home town in Spartansburg,
S.C. Thanksgiving Day, Milwaukee is scheduled to play in Syracuse while on
Christmas the Nats face New York in Madison Square Garden.
10/12/54, Syracuse- Besdin Joins All-Stars To Oppose Nats
The Syracuse Nationals training camp roster has been reduced to 12 men
with the exhibition schedule slated to open Saturday at Poughkeepsie. If, and
when Dolph Schayes signs a pact, three of the squad must be dropped or traded.
Fletcher Johnson, basketeer from Duquesne who was released, headed for
Baltimore to report as a free agent. Veterans Jim Neal and Al Masino along with
rookies John Kerr, Dick Farley and Ken McBride are battling for two open posts
on the club. Red Rocha, Billy Kenville, Wally Osterkorn, Earl Lloyd, Paul
Seymour, George King and Bill Gabor seemed assured of retention. The probable array
of All-Americans to face the Nats Oct. 24 may be chosen from the following:
Togo Palazzi, Holy Cross; Frank Ramsey and Cliff Hagan, Kentucky; Dick Rosenthal,
Notre Dame; Tom Marshall, Western Kentucky; Frank Selvy, Furman; Bob Pettit,
L.S.U.; Kerr; Mel Besdin, Syracuse, and Billy Jenkins, LeMoyne. They have
received special invitations to participate. Besdin became the first to accept
a bid. Selvy, Pettit, Ramsey, Palazzi, Hagan, Marshall, Rosenthal and Kerr are
regarded as practical certainties since they have agreed to compete in a twin
bill against the New York Knicks the day before the Syracuse game. Jenkins is
in service and is seeking leave to participate under the coaching of his former
mentor, Tom Niland of LeMoyne who accepted the coaching job.
10/13/54, Syracuse- Schayes Huffs And Puffs At Inaugural Workout
Dolph Schayes today realizes more than ever that he must work to catch
up in conditioning with the rest of the Syracuse Nationals training squad
following his initial drill with the team. The Nats, through President Dan
Biasone, and Schayes came to a “mutual agreement” over terms to end the lanky
Syracusan’s extended holdout. Principals appeared to be satisfied with terms.
Schayes had been seeking an increase to $15,000 after drawing $12,500 last
year. In the inaugural drill Schayes was by far the slowest man on the floor
and twice asked for breathing spells during the scrimmage session ordered by
Coach Al Cervi. He missed nine practices before coming to terms. A total of 13
men participated in the Manlius School workout, with Earl Lloyd missing due to
a stomach ailment. A surprise candidate was Ralph Moore of LaSalle, who
reported to the Nats for a trial. George King and Al Masino were among the
outstanding stars in the scrimmage. King set up several neat plays and sank
corner shots with regularity. Masino netted five of the team’s 10 baskets.
10/14/54, Syracuse- Jenkins And Costello Join Collegians Against Nats
Kerr, Besdin And Palazzi to Perform; Syracuse Pros To Play Saturday
Billy Jenkins, former LeMoyne College basketball star, and Larry
“Ronnie” Costello, Niagara University ace, today were added to the roster of
the College All-Americans who will oppose the Syracuse Nationals Sunday night,
Oct. 24, on the War Memorial court. Jenkins and Costello join an All-American
array that will include John Kerr of Illinois, Togo Palazzi, former Holy Cross
cage captain, and Mel Besdin, ex-Syracuse University leader. Billy is a former
Lemoyne captain and has the second highest scoring record as a Dolphin, with
1,062 points. Now on Army duty in Fort Dix, N.J., he will fly here for the
game, as will Besdin, also in service at Fort Benning, Ga. Coach Tom Niland of
the All-American also obtained Costello after Eddie Gottlieb, coach and owner
of the Philadelphia Warriors, announced that “Ronnie,” a Minoa boy, had joined
forces with the Quakertown N.B.A. representatives. Costello is the holder of
the all-time scoring record at Niagara. Coach Al Cervi’s Nationals worked out
this afternoon at the Manlius School training site after being honored at the
“Welcome Nats” luncheon tendered by the Exchange Club in the Onondaga Hotel
ballroom this noon. The Nats first exhibition game will be against the New York
Knickerbockers Saturday night in Poughkeepsie.
10/15/54, Syracuse- Nats Invade Poughkeepsie For Opener
Coach Al Cervi led his Syracuse Nationals cagers through another long
workout at the Manlius School gymnasium today as the squad prepared for its
first exhibition encounter of the season against New York at Poughkeepsie
tomorrow night. Most of the Nats appeared in good physical condition and Cervi
intends to use all players during the pre-season games. He is particularly
anxious to test some of the rookies under fire for h must cut four men prior to
the season opener. Cervi told an Exchange Club luncheon gathering he thinks the
club has a good chance to win the championship. Minor changes in rules were
explained by President Dan Biasone which will reduce the penalty for a seventh
personal foul during any quarter, and which will allow defensive players to
knock the ball out of bounds without giving the attacking team a full 24
seconds to take a new shot. The Nats today revealed Bob Pettit, ex-Louisiana
State scoring champion, had agreed to join the college stars for the test
against the Nats Oct. 24. Others in the fold include Togo Palazzi, John Kerr,
Cliff Hagan, Frank Ramsey, Larry Costello, Mel Besdin and Billy Jenkins.
10/17/54, Syracuse- Nats Humble Knicks 80-69 In Opener
Poughkeepsie- The Syracuse National basketeers continued to exercise
mastery over the New York Knickerbockers by beating the Knicks, 80 to 69, in
the opening exhibition game of the year for both clubs at the I.B.M. club here
last night. Dolph Schayes spearheaded the Nats third period which saw the close
fray break wide open. Syracuse led by only a point at 33-32 at intermission,
but by the end of the third quarter the Nats were in front, 64-46. Schayes also
topped game scorers with 17 points, 13 of them in the big period. Both squads
used rookies extensively. Dick Farley and Ken McBride appeared the best of the
Syracusans despite Kerr’s 13-point production, but it was obvious the Nats
received a big boost from the play of Red Rocha who sank his first two shots in
the initial period. Jack Turner, Western Kentucky graduate, was the leading
Knick newcomer. The turnout of 1,500 spectators appeared pleased with the new
rule forcing a team to shoot quickly. The 24-second offensive shot violation
was detected just once with New York the violator. The Knicks also exceeded the
six personal fouls per quarter rule once in the third period while the Nats
were a violator three times in the final session as the New York regulars
closed the gap.
SYRACUSE: Schayes (6-5-17), Gabor (1-1-3), Lloyd (1-1-3), McBride
(4-0-8), Kerr (5-3-13), Neal (0-1-1), Rocha (3-2-8), Farley (1-3-5), Seymour
(2-0-4), King (3-0-6), Masino (0-0-0), Moore (2-2-6), Osterkorn (1-0-2),
Kenville (1-2-4) TOTALS (30-20-80). NEW YORK: Ackerman (10-02), Anielak
(1-1-3), Baechtold (4-1-9), Braun (2-0-4), Christ (1-3-5), Clifton (3-4-10),
Cook (3-0-6), Gallatin (2-6-10), Grigsby (1-0-2), McGuire (1-4-6), Peterson
(2-1-5), Rhone (0-2-2), Smith (0-0-0), Sugrue (0-0-0), Turner (3-1-7) TOTALS
(23-23-69).
Score at half time- Syracuse 33, New York 32. Referee- Nichols. Umpire-
Drucker.
10/19/54, Syracuse- Nats To Drop Two Players Off Roster
Two players will be dropped from the Nats roster this week, although
Coach Al Cervi dislikes letting any of the rookie crop depart. “Our four
newcomers looked better than Joe Lapchick’s rookies,” said Cervi. “If I cut any
of them, I’m sure Joe will take them, and it may hurt us. Personally, I’d
rather make a deal with Baltimore or Milwaukee and help to strength the weaker
than give some club like New York a boost.” In reviewing the play of his first
year men against the Knicks, Cervi commented: “Johnny Kerr showed me he is
great on offense, but his defense was not effective against the outside
shooter. He plays tall men well, but is not good against small players. Dick
Farley appeared to be the steadiest of the lot and by far the best on defense.
However, he needs more work on offense. Jackie Moore can rebound with the best
of them and has a tremendous shot. I hope we can give them all a bit more time.
Their major fault is mainly to concentrate.” The Nats mentor also praised the
24 second rule, but criticized the regulation limiting teams to six personal
fouls per quarter. He believes the limit should be raised to eight. Among the
Knick newcomers Cervi was most impressed by Chuck Grigsby, a six-foot,
five-inch graduate of Dayton. Jack Turner appeared next best. He believes the
Knicks will again be formidable, particularly after Ray Felix is signed and
gets in condition. The college All-American squad which will face the Nats here
Sunday was completed today with the addition of Frank Selvy of Furman, the
nation’s top collegiate scorer last year. The others are Frank Ramsey and Cliff
Hagan, Kentucky; John Kerr, Illinois; Bob Pettit, L.S.U.; Tom Marshall, Western
Kentucky; Togo Palazzi, Holy Cross; Dick Rosenthal, Notre Dame; Ronnie Costello,
Niagara; Billy Jenkins, LeMoyne and Selvy.
10/20/54, Syracuse- Johnny Kerr Joins Stars At Chicago
John Kerr, rookie center of the Syracuse Nats, will not be with the
team for its exhibition with the New York Knicks at Oneida tomorrow night, and
will oppose his Syracuse teammates when the College All-Americans invade the
War Memorial Sunday night. Kerr is in Chicago with the College All-Stars for
the game against the championship Minneapolis Lakers in the Windy City tonight.
Tomorrow he plays against the Lakers at Minneapolis. The collegians will be
kept busy flying to New York to oppose the Knicks in an afternoon-night
double-header Saturday, then coming on to Syracuse to face the Nats Sunday
night and winding up their tour at Boston against the Celtics Monday. Most
members of the College All-Star squad are candidates for teams within the
N.B.A. indications are the Nats are attempting to place Al Masino with the
Baltimore Bullets or Milwaukee Hawks.
10/22/54, Syracuse- Nats’ Coach May Be Set On Top ‘11’
Coach Al Cervi today is believed settled on his top 11 men following
the 102-93 victory over the New York Knicks at Oneida last night. There will be
no further cuts in the squad until after Sunday night’s game here against the
College All-Stars. Rookie Dick Farley appears to have clinched the 10th
spot and Jackie Moore the 11th, while veteran Jim Neal faces a
battle to retain a post with the club. For three periods Coach Joe Lapchick of
the Knicks and Cervi experimented with various combinations of rookies and
regulars, but with the score tied at 74-all at the opening of the final
session, Lapchick sent his regulars, Nat Clifton, Carl Braun, Harry Gallitan,
Dick McGuire and Jim Baechtold into action. Cervi countered with Red Rocha,
Paul Seymour, George King, Ken McBride and Wally Osterkorn. Farley replaced
McBride midway during the period as the Nats spurted for 28 points and victory.
The Knicks built up a 33-18 first quarter lead while Dolph Schayes, McBride,
Jim Neal, Seymour and Moore were on the floor for the Nats, but Syracuse closed
the gap while Knick rookies were in service during the second quarter. The new
24 second rule for offensive play met with fans approval, but there was
considerable criticism of the extra foul shots permitted after teams used up their
six personal per period quota. Jim Turner and Bob Cook of the Knicks’ rookie
crop appeared best. Turner sank eight first quarter points while being guarded
by McBride.
SYRACUSE: Schayes, f (6-4-16), McBride, f (2-0-4), Rocha, f (4-4-12),
Osterkorn, f (3-0-6), Neal, c (1-1-3), Lloyd, c (3-7-13), Seymour, g (4-3-11),
Moore, g (1-4-6), Gabor, g (3-5-11), Farley, g (2-0-4), King, g (6-3-15),
Kenville, g (0-1-1) TOTALS (35-32-102). NEW YORK: Baechtold, f (4-2-10),
Gallatin, F (7-6-20), Anielak, f (1-0-2), Braun, f (1-5-7), Smith, f (1-1-3),
Clifton, c (5-3-13), Grigsby, c (0-2-2), Cooke, g (1-2-4), Turner, g (5-0-10),
Ackman, g (3-0-6), Christ, g (2-3-7), McGuire, g (2-0-4), Sugrue, g (2-1-5)
TOTALS (34-25-93).
Score at half-time- New York 50, Syracuse
44. Free throws missed- Syracuse (10)- Gabor, McBride, Lloyd, King 2, Neal,
Seymour, Moore, Kenville, Osterkorn. New York (5)- Baechtold 2, Clifton,
McGuire, Sugrue. Officials- DiStaola and Slive.
Niland High On All-Star Court Array
Coach Tom Niland of LeMoyne College, who will be mentor of the College
All-Stars when they face the Syracuse Nats Sunday night in the War Memorial
court, is enthusiastic about the boys he’ll have under his command here. Niland
will be in charge of Frank Selvy of Furman, the country’s top collegiate scorer
last season; Dick Rosenthal of Notre Dame; Togo Palazzi of Holy Cross; Cliff
Hagan and Frank Ramsey of Kentucky; Bob Pettit of L.S.U.; Tom Marshall, Western
Kentucky; John Kerr of Illinois; Billy Jenkins, LeMoyne product, and Ron
Costello from Niagara. “I’ve seen them all play in college except Selvy,” said
Niland, and they make up quite a squad. I think Selvy’s record speaks for
itself. Coach Al Cervi of the Nats declared that the College All-Stars “represent
the best such group I’ve seen in years. When they beat Minneapolis the other
night in Chicago, it gave an idea of their ability.” Coach Joe Lapchick of the New York Knicks agreed yesterday. President Daniel Biasone, General Manager Leo Ferris and Public Relations Director Bob Sexton of the Nats said they were
awaiting with interest the introduction of the 24-second rule for shooting in
Sunday’s game here, at a press, radio and TV gathering at the Onondaga Hotel.
Billy Hassett, former Notre Dame star, will be in charge of two 24-second
clocks which will be at the ends of the court Sunday night.
10/24/54, Syracuse- Nats Face College All-Stars Tonight
Syracuse Pros Meet Youngsters; Niland In Charge Of Visiting Cast
Many of the most promising rookies within the National Basketball
Association will appear as teammates at the War Memorial tonight as the newest
edition of the Syracuse Nationals open the cage season by playing the College
All-Americans. Tom Niland, LeMoyne College mentor, who has the enviable task of
directing the All-Americans, has named his starting lineup to include Cliff
Hagan, Kentucky; Togo Palazzi, Holy Cross; John Kerr, Illinois; Frank Selvy,
Furman and Ronnie Costello of Niagara. In reserve Niland will have the services
of Bob Pettit, L.S.U.; Bill Jenkins, LeMoyne; Dick Rosenthal, Notre Dame; Tom
Marshall, Western Kentucky, and Frank Ramsey of Kentucky. All of the
All-Americans with the exception of Jenkins will appear with N.B.A. clubs this
season. Coach Al Cervi will experience the unique opportunity of checking one
of his rookie candidates in action against the Syracusans. Kerr, the No. 1
draft choice of the Nats, is vying for the center post with Jim Neal. They
likely will be pitted against one another tonight in a showdown battle. Cervi
will open with his regulars who formed the famed bandage brigade in last year’s
playoffs. Paul Seymour, George King, Earl Lloyd, Wally Osterkorn and Dolph
Schayes will be starters, and for a change all are in healthy condition. Three
Nats rookies and returnee Red Rocha will also see their action at the War
Memorial. Rocha is expected to bolster the Nats defenses while first year men
Dick Farley, Jack Moore and Ken McBride will all be given the opportunity to
show their value. Bill Kenville and Billy Gabor round out the Nats squad.
Spectators will also be given their first look at the new rules. One calls for
the offensive team to take a legitimate
shot at the basket within 24 seconds after obtaining ball possession. Another
limits each team to six personal fouls per period. As yet untested as to
enforcement is a regulation stipulating that “a player may not talk to an
official at any time during the course of a game except to request a time out.”
Captains on the other hand are allowed to talk to an arbiter twice during the game
without incurring a charged time-out. Except as above, a captain may talk to an
official only during a time-out called by and charged to his team. Perhaps the
most famous of the All-Americans are Selvy and Pettit. Selvy was the nation’s
leading collegiate scorer last season while Pettit was runner up. Rosenthal and
Ramsey led the All-Americans in scoring in their two games against the
Minneapolis Lakers with the Collegians grabbing the duke in the first encounter
and the second going to the Lakers. Of the All-Americans, all but Jenkins are
candidates for N.B.A. clubs this season. Billy is in service but has obtained
leave for the local fray. Ramsey, Hagan and Palazzi are with the Boston
Celtics; Costello with Philadelphia and Selvy with Baltimore. Rosenthal is
expected to star for Fort Wayne while Pettit has made the grade at Milwaukee.
Marshall is with the Rochester Royals. Actually the Collegians stand to make
more cash in tonight’s encounter than any of the Nats. The All-Star assemblage
is guaranteed $100 per man plus expenses for the one-night stand while the Nats
themselves are still on the $7 per diem preseason rate.
10/25/54, Syracuse- Nats Open Exhibition Tour After Victory
Collegians Are Humbled
The Syracuse Nationals are looking forward to three exhibitions this
week before opening the National Basketball Association pennant chase in
Baltimore Saturday night following a decisive 104-93 triumph over the College
All-Americans before 3,804 at the War Memorial last night. Tomorrow the Nats
face Philadelphia at Williamsport, Pa., then fly to White Plains for an
engagement with the New York Knicks Wednesday. Thursday the Nats play Baltimore
in Spartansburg, S.C. and then return to the Bullets’ lair for the Saturday
loop opener. The Nationals face Minneapolis here Sunday. Rookies Jack Moore,
Ken McBride, Dick Farley and John Kerr displayed ability, while Jim Neal played
one of his better Syracuse games in the Sabbath exhibitions. Kerr, playing with
the All-Americans led game scorers with 17 points, many in the final three
minutes of play. Moore was top point producer among the Nat rookies with 13,
but he failed to have an assist while Farley, who netted eight points had six
assists. McBride played 15 minutes and tallied nine points. Leading Syracuse
was Dolph Schayes with 16 points. He sank five of 10 shots from the floor and
his “rainmaker” set astounded Bob Pettit who was assigned to guard the lanky
Syracusan. The Nats never trailed after shooting off to a 31-21 first quarter
lead as Schayes, Paul Seymour, George King, Earl Lloyd and Farley headed the
attack. The lone All-American bid came in the second quarter when the margin
was sliced to 48-44 but then the Nats spurted to take a safe 57-47 advantage. No
Nat played more than 24 minutes and Seymour was used only in the first period.
Among the All-Americans it appears that Rochester’s Tom Marshall, Dick
Rosenthal of Fort Wayne, Pettit of Milwaukee, Frank Ramsey of Boston and Ronnie
Costello of Philadelphia are capable of performing in the pro loop. The new
rules were well received and indicated higher scoring games are in prospect
this season. The clubs totaled 215 shots in the 48-minute fray compared to an
average of 151 shots per game by NBA teams last season. The foul regulation
which allows only six per period failed to reduce the number of violations. A
total of 55 personal were detected while the overall average last season was
less than 53 per game. League president Maurice Podoloff remarked after the fray,
“it was an apathetic crowd and an apathetic game. Just one thing pleased me. It
appears that the 24-second rule has solved our stalling problem.”
SYRACUSE: Schayes, f (5-6-16), Gabor (2-0-4), McBride (4-1-9), Moore
(4-5-13), Lloyd, c (1-2-4), Neal (3-1-7), Rocha (3-2-8), Seymour, g (4-2-10),
King (3-3-9), Farley (4-0-8), Osterkorn (4-1-9), Kenville (3-1-7) TOTALS
(40-24-104). COLLEGE ALL-STARS: Rosenthal, f (6-3-15), Palazzi (2-2-6),
Marshall (6-3-15), Costello (3-3-9), Kerr, c (6-5-17), Pettit (6-2-14), Ramsey
(1-5-7), Selvy (0-2-2), Hagan (1-0-2), Jenkins (3-0-6) TOTALS (34-25-93).
Score at half time- Nats 57, All-Stars 47. Free throws missed- Syracuse
(12): Schayes 3, Moore 4, Rocha 1, Lloyd 1, Neal, Osterkorn 2. All-Stars (17):
Rosenthal 2, Palazzi 2, Marshall 2, Kerr 4, Pettit 4, Costello 1, Ramsey 1,
Jenkins 1. Officials Rudolph and Nichol.
