This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
The Pan American Games, an athletic competition held every four years, features nations from the Americas. Debuting in 1951, the “Pan Am Games” were first held in Buenos Aires as Argentina played host to 21 competing nations. Three competitions later, in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1963, the undefeated (6-0) Team USA Men’s Basketball Team took home the gold medal by defeating host Brazil, 78-66, on May 3. It marked the American men’s fourth Pan Am basketball title in as many tournaments. American players from the ‘63 team that went on to play in the NBA included Willis Reed, Lucious Jackson, Don Kojis, Gary Bradds, Mel Gibson and Mel Peterson.
This lot features the actual trophy that Team USA was awarded that day. The three-tier, wooden award measures 26 inches tall and boasts a golden washed metallic basketball on top. The second tier boasts a pair of men’s basketball player statuettes in mid-shot poses flanking a gold engraved plaque that reads: "IV JOGOS PAN AMERICANOS 1963 SAN PAULO, BRASIL GOLD MEDAL TEAM USA.”
Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.