John Havlicek Inducted to His Now Second Hall of Fame Induction

This November, the College Basketball Hall of Fame will add several new members to its select group, among them John Havlicek. Havlicek, who played for Ohio State where he was a two time All American, will be inducted alongside Rolando Blackman of Kansas State, Quinn Buckner of Indiana, Ed Ratleff of Long Beach State and Charlie Scott of North Carolina.

About John Havlicek

Havlicek played for Ohio State from 1959 to 1962. During that time he played alongside another future star in Jerry Lucas, and had the famous Bobby Knight as a reserve player on that team. Because of his outstanding play, Havlicek was selected as an alternate to the 1960 Olympic Games U.S Team. He also helped lead his team to an NCAA title in 1960.

Havlicek was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1962, and ended up playing his entire 16 year career there. During that time he won the NBA Championship 8 times, was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1974, was selected as an NBA All Star 13 times, and as All-NBA First Team 4 times. He also set the record for most points scored as a Boston Celtic, a record which still holds to this day.

At the start of his career, Havlicek excelled at being the 6^th man, but eventually became known for his ability to play both guard and forward, along with his work ethic on both sides of the ball. He was a player that was skilled in all aspects of the game, and seemed to never tire out while he was on the court. When the Celtics needed a clutch performance, it was Havlicek that they turned to.

Havlicek was such a large part of the Boston Celtic’s organization, that after he retired, his number 17 was immediately raised to the rafters, never to be worn by another player. At the time of his retirement, he was the NBA leader in games played, and third in points behind only Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.

Expected to be in attendance at the CHOF ceremony is John Havlicek’s son Chris Havlicek, who also played college basketball at the University of Virginia.

About the CHOF

This class of inductees will be entered into the hall in a ceremony on November 20 at the Arvest Bank Theater at the Midland in Kansas City.  Havlicek is not the only outstanding player to be entering this year however.

Blackman was named the Big-8 Player of the Year at Kansas State, and went on to play 13 seasons in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks.

Buckner played on the unbeaten Indiana team in 75-76, the last team to go undefeated. He is also one of only 3 players to win a championship at the high school level, college, NBA and Olympics.

Ratleff was a two time All American, and was a member of the controversial 1972 U.S Olympic team, which won the silver medal against the Soviet Team, but refused to accept their medals.

Lastly, Scott was the first African-American scholarship athlete for the Tar Heels. After helping UNC reach the Final Four in both 1968 and 1969, he went on to play in the ABA and NBA, where he helped the Celtics win a championship in 1976.

Havlicek’s Legacy

Havlicek was one of the greatest players that ever suited up in not only the NBA, but for college basketball. For that reason he is being inducted into the CHOF this November, an honor he definitely deserves.