This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2013
1948 Olympics Gold Medal winning USA basketball uniform worn by Kentucky star Ralph Beard during the games. Beard was a member of Adolph Rupp's "Fabulous Five", the nickname applied to the five starters on the 1947-1948 University of Kentucky men's basketball team. That team went 36-3 and won the NCAA National Championship. That summer, all five starters along with their coach, Adolph Rupp, were part of the gold medal winning United States Olympic team at the 1948 Summer Olympics. That team finished a perfect 8-0 to take the gold. Beard was also a starter for the 1948-1949 University of Kentucky men's basketball team. That team went 32-2 and also won the NCAA National Championship. Beard was taken in the second round of the 1949 NBA draft and played two seasons with the Indianapolis Olympians, averaging 15.9 points and 4.4 assists per game. After the 1951 season, Beard and former teammate Alex Groza were banned from the NBA for life after admitting to shaving points while both were at the University of Kentucky.
Dark blue Wilson jersey, trimmed in red and white, exhibits extensive game use and is well worn. Number "12" in red and white present on both front and back with a colorful Olympic patch to the right on the front. About a half dozen small holes are visible. Wilson size 34 trunks, also trimmed in red and white, show extensive game use. Another colorful Olympic patch on lower left front. Belt buckle has tarnished. Includes a copy of a photo of the USA Olympic Basketball Team showing Beard wearing the uniform.
Incredible piece of Olympic Basketball History!
Includes a LOA from Ralph Beard.