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Tom Gola: A quick biography

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TOM GOLA

Born: Jan. 13, 1933. Age 80

Birthplace: Philadelphia

High school: La Salle

College: La Salle (1951-55). Led Explorers to 1954 NCAA national championship and runner-up finish in 1955. National player of the year in 1954 and UPI player of year in 1955. Most Outstanding Player in 1954 Final Four. Three-time All-America. NIT co-MVP in 1952, as Explorers took NIT title

College stats: Gola was a 6-6 forward. He averaged 20.9 points and 19.0 rebounds. Had 2,201 career rebounds, still an NCAA record

PRO BASKETBALL CAREER:

* Drafted by Philadelphia Warriors in 1955 as a territorial pick

* Warriors: 1955-62; Knicks: 1962-66

* NBA champion in 1956 with Warriors

* 5-time NBA All-Star

* Stats: Points 7,871 (11.3 ppg); rebounds 5,417 (7.8 rpg); assists 2,962 (4.2 apg)

COACHING CAREER:

* 1968-70 at La Salle, 37-13 record.

HONORS:

* Tom Gola Arena opened in February 1998 on La Salle's campus

* 1976, inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

* 1986, inducted into Big 5 Hall of Fame in coaches category; 2000 inducted as a pre-Big 5 inductee

* 1961, inducted into La Sall Hall of Athletes

* Uniform number 15 retired by La Salle

POLITICAL CAREER:

* Philadelphia City Controller: Jan. 5, 1970–Jan. 7, 1974

* Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 170th District: Jan. 7, 1969–Jan. 5, 1970

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