Bob Kurland Oklahoma State A&M Basketball Autographed 16x20 w/JSA COA Rare

Description: This autographed 16x20 photo of Bob Kurland, signed by the Oklahoma State and Oklahoma A&M player himself, is a rare find for any basketball fan. The photo is an original, with a JSA COA to ensure its authenticity. 100% hand signed 100% JSA certified Certificate of authenticity included Rare item Beautiful 16x20 photo Uniquely numbered two of two The photos show the exact condition of the item. Please examine the photos closely. The item is in pretty good shape. This piece is a must-have for any sports memorabilia collector, with its unique combination of signature, team, and player attributes. Display it proudly in your collection today and enjoy the conversations it will spark amongst fellow basketball enthusiasts. Bob Kurland was a pioneering figure in basketball history and one of the most dominant players of his era. Born on December 23, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri, Kurland became a legend at Oklahoma State University (then known as Oklahoma A&M) during the 1940s. Standing at 7 feet tall, he was one of the first true giants of the game and is often credited with revolutionizing the center position in basketball. ### Early Life and Recruitment Bob Kurland grew up in St. Louis, where he was a standout athlete in high school. His exceptional height made him a natural fit for basketball, and he quickly drew attention for his shot-blocking ability and scoring touch around the rim. Kurland was recruited by Henry Iba, the legendary coach of Oklahoma A&M, who saw in him the potential to transform the game. ### College Career at Oklahoma A&M Kurland played for Oklahoma A&M from 1942 to 1946, during which time he became one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. His impact on the game was immediate and profound. 1. **NCAA Championships**: Kurland led Oklahoma A&M to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1945 and 1946, the first two in the school's history. These were also the first two NCAA titles ever awarded in basketball, as the tournament had only recently been established. Kurland's presence in the paint was a key factor in the Aggies' success, as he overwhelmed opponents with his size, skill, and defensive prowess. 2. **All-American Honors**: Kurland was a three-time All-American, earning this honor in 1944, 1945, and 1946. He was widely regarded as the best center in college basketball during his time, and his dominance on both ends of the court set a new standard for the position. 3. **Rule Changes**: Kurland's impact on the game was so significant that it led to changes in the rules of basketball. His ability to block shots was so effective that the NCAA introduced the goaltending rule, which prohibits a defender from blocking a shot that is on its way down toward the basket. This rule was instituted partly because of Kurland's defensive dominance. 4. **Rivalry with George Mikan**: During his college career, Kurland developed a famous rivalry with George Mikan, another towering center who played for DePaul University. Their matchups were highly anticipated, as they were the two tallest and most skilled big men in the game. This rivalry helped to popularize the center position and brought greater attention to college basketball. ### Post-College Career and Legacy After his college career, Bob Kurland chose not to pursue a professional basketball career, despite offers to play in the newly formed Basketball Association of America (which later became the NBA). Instead, he played for the Phillips 66ers, an amateur team sponsored by the Phillips Petroleum Company, which was part of the National Industrial Basketball League (NIBL). During his time with the 66ers, Kurland continued to excel and was a key player on the team. 1. **Olympic Gold Medals**: Kurland represented the United States in the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics, winning gold medals in both tournaments. His presence on the U.S. team solidified his status as one of the greatest basketball players of his time. 2. **Hall of Fame Inductions**: In recognition of his contributions to the game, Bob Kurland was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961. He was also inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 2006. 3. **Legacy in Basketball**: Kurland is remembered as one of the first true giants of basketball, a player who not only dominated his era but also helped to shape the future of the sport. His impact on the game is still felt today, particularly in the way the center position is played. Kurland's combination of size, skill, and intelligence on the court set a standard for big men that would be followed by generations of players. ### Personal Life and Later Years After retiring from basketball, Bob Kurland worked as an executive in the oil industry. He lived a relatively private life, away from the spotlight of professional sports. Kurland passed away on September 29, 2013, at the age of 88, but his legacy as a basketball pioneer and one of Oklahoma State's greatest athletes endures. Bob Kurland's influence on the game of basketball, especially his role in popularizing the center position and his contributions to the development of the sport, makes him a significant figure not only in Oklahoma State history but in the history of basketball as a whole. This item is part of the Steve Black memorabilia collection that I've been helping him part with for the last several months. This item will be shipped safely and securely from Enid, Oklahoma.

Price: 99.99 USD

Location: Enid, Oklahoma

End Time: 2024-10-28T13:12:44.000Z

Shipping Cost: 12.99 USD