Too many times, today’s players, officials and fans neglect the history of the game.
Sure, they may know the Red Auerbachs, Wilt Chamberlains, John Havliceks, et cetera, et cetera.
But what about pioneers like Al Cervi, a former basketball star for Syracuse who once played for the National Basketball League, and was actually MVP in 1947.
He coached the Syracuse Nationals to a title in 1955.
To the sadness of many, he passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 92, in New York.
Too many times, we don’t learn of a game’s pioneers until they have passed. It’s shameful, and I admit I have been guilty of it as well.
Lately, I’ve been reading, reading, reading … studying, studying, studying … about the people who made basketball what it is.
People like Danny Biasone, the inventor of the 24-second shot clock who is a pioneer in the true sense of the word, setting forth a movement that sped up the game and made it the artistic grace it is today.
There are plenty of agents, owners, coaches and players who initiated the movement to make the NBA what it is today.
Cervi is definitely in that class, and there is no doubting the crucial effect he had upon Syracuse basketball.
Part of my mission for HoopScribe was glorifying all aspects of basketball, past, current and future. It’s unfortunate that it took a death for me to make this post and bring this concept to light, but better late than never.
Rest in peace, Al Cervi. People may not know you, but the game sure does.
H O O P S C R I B E 