EP, right on. In the early sixties, Jim McDermott had a Christmas Tournament for many of the NYC Catholic Schools. I remember the Power team with Lou Alcindor. Fordham Prep with Donnie Walsh, who went on to North Carolina and later was president of the Knicks. Manhattan Prep with Dearie and Slattery, and St. Ann's with Donnie Burks and Willie Hall. St. Ann's, I believe, was coached by Lou Carnesceca, but not sure when (what years). All great players, but only one All Time great. I was reminded about LA, when I watched an interview with him, this morning on ESPN.
ic59, two good friends of mine went up against LA in high school during the ‘64/‘65 season. Dick Licini from Iona Prep and Joe Dennison from Stepinac. You’ll be happy to know they were both Eastchester guys like you (and Guy) lol
I agree with '59 that the greatest High School player was Lew Alcindor. However, for youngsters such as yourself who did not see him, the greatest college player to play in O'Connell was indeed Warren Isaac - Little Joe. (I have too much time on my hands, and I don't want to disappoint Greg.)
Because of Richie Guerin it's close when it comes to O’ Connell gym for college players.
Again for the benefit of youngsters such as Greg, I frame Little Joe's college career with the following:
1. There was nine teams in the NBA in 1965, the year he graduated.
2. The most games he played in any one season was 23.
3. Freshmen were not eligible so he could only play three seasons.
4. There was no 3 point basket.
5. Dunking was not allowed.
Now for some of the numbers. He is Iona’s all-time career rebounding leader with an average of 18.1 RPG, and a game high of 33. In the Iona single season rebounding records, he was #1 his senior season, #2 his junior season, and #9 his sophomore year. And that is ranking all time against such studs as Jeff Ruland
He is Iona’s all-time career PPG leader with 21.9, and a game high of 50. Remember, there was no 3 Pointer. His career FG% is over 50%. That 50%+ is even more impressive when you consider that he did not play the Post. He actually played all 5 positions.
Where do you not see his name in the Iona record-book? Turnovers, Disqualifications.
Even though he knew how to stay on the floor, he had tremendous flair. He brought the ball up behind his back – not a crossover but behind his back. When opponents succumbed the the obvious steal temptation, the ball was either in the other hand, or he was gone. To get a feel for his handle, go outside and dribble a basketball, bring the ball behind your back and rotate your hand 180%, switch the ball from hand to hand without bringing the ball in front of you. Like a matador, opponents could not resist the temptation.
To get a feel for his “balls” on the court, look up his 30+ foot winning buzzer beater on the back page of The Daily News in MSG against Duquesne. Warren had 30 points that night and only 16 rebounds.
“Isaac broke Richie Guerin's record when he scored 50 points during a December 18, 1964 game against Bates, broken down into 21 field goals (also a new record) and 8 free throws, to which he added 27 rebounds.[3] That record performance (still current record for Iona single game highs in points and field goals) is one of nine 30+ points efforts by Isaac,[2] including one against Duquesne on January 7, 1965 that saw him score one basket from at least 35-feet with five seconds left to win the game for Iona, as he passed the 1,000 career points mark.[4][5]” [Wikipedia]
Last Edit: Apr 5, 2020 15:55:30 GMT -5 by St. Louis Gael
I agree with '59 that the greatest High School player was Lew Alcindor. However, for youngsters such as yourself who did not see him, the greatest college player to play in O'Connell was indeed Warren Isaac - Little Joe. (I have too much time on my hands, and I don't want to disappoint Greg.)
Because of Richie Guerin it's close when it comes to O’ Connell gym for college players.
Again for the benefit of youngsters such as Greg, I frame Little Joe's college career with the following:
1. There was nine teams in the NBA in 1965, the year he graduated.
2. The most games he played in any one season was 23.
3. Freshmen were not eligible so he could only play three seasons.
4. There was no 3 point basket.
5. Dunking was not allowed.
Now for some of the numbers. He is Iona’s all-time career rebounding leader with an average of 18.1 RPG, and a game high of 33. In the Iona single season rebounding records, he was #1 his senior season, #2 his junior season, and #9 his sophomore year. And that is ranking all time against such studs as Jeff Ruland
He is Iona’s all-time career PPG leader with 21.9, and a game high of 50. Remember, there was no 3 Pointer. His career FG% is over 50%. That 50%+ is even more impressive when you consider that he did not play the Post. He actually played all 5 positions.
Where do you not see his name in the Iona record-book? Turnovers, Disqualifications.
Even though he knew how to stay on the floor, he had tremendous flair. He brought the ball up behind his back – not a crossover but behind his back. When opponents succumbed the the obvious steal temptation, the ball was either in the other hand, or he was gone. To get a feel for his handle, go outside and dribble a basketball, bring the ball behind your back and rotate your hand 180%, switch the ball from hand to hand without bringing the ball in front of you. Like a matador, opponents could not resist the temptation.
To get a feel for his “balls” on the court, look up his 30+ foot winning buzzer beater on the back page of The Daily News in MSG against Duquesne. Warren had 30 points that night and only 16 rebounds.
“Isaac broke Richie Guerin's record when he scored 50 points during a December 18, 1964 game against Bates, broken down into 21 field goals (also a new record) and 8 free throws, to which he added 27 rebounds.[3] That record performance (still current record for Iona single game highs in points and field goals) is one of nine 30+ points efforts by Isaac,[2] including one against Duquesne on January 7, 1965 that saw him score one basket from at least 35-feet with five seconds left to win the game for Iona, as he passed the 1,000 career points mark.[4][5]” [Wikipedia]
Was he drafted by the NBA? Did he get a look? Perhaps he was too early for the ABA?
