This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2013
Tony Lavelli was a four-year All-American at Yale whose cousin was Pro Football Hall of Famer Dante Lavelli. He averaged 6.9 points per game during his two-year NBA career (1949–51), while also providing half-time entertainment with his accordion performances. This amazing full uniform is likely from a College All-Star contest featuring the top collegiate players of the day. Lavelli was one of of Yale's all-time greatest players. A 6-3 forward with an accurate one-handed hook shot, he scored 1,964 points in four years and graduated as the fourth highest-scorer in college basketball history, earning four All-American team selections and one Player of the Year award during his college career. Upon graduating, he was selected as the first overall pick of the Boston Celtics in the 1949 BAA Draft. After his pro career, Lavelli played with the College All-Stars during the 1950's, who primarily served as opponents to the Harlem Globetrotters, and his accordion performances became a fixture of the Globetrotters’ halftime shows much as he had done in his two-years as a pro. This Size 42 uniform has Athletic Supply tagging on the collar, with white tackle twill stars front and back, "All American 46-49" on the front and his No. 8 on the reverse. All elements appear to be superior condition, largely as-issued and problem-free, with only the barest of whispers of any fraying of the stitching on letters or numbers. The Size 36 Atheltic Supply-tagged satin shorts are no less impressive, showing even more noticeable game use, likely from the condition-sensitive white satin panels. Truly and incredible artifact from an important figure in postwar college basketball and early NBA history.