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Neil Johnston

2008

Neil Johnston

  • Neil Johnston

Birthdate: February 4, 1929
Birthplace: Chillicothe, Ohio
High School: Chillicothe High School (1946)
College: Ohio State University
Died: September 28, 1978
Year Inducted: 2008

An all-state selection at Chillicothe High School, Neil Johnston played two seasons at Ohio State (1946-48) before signing a baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. But it was in the NBA where he made his mark. Known for his sweeping hook shot, he played eight seasons (1951-59) for the Philadelphia Warriors, winning the scoring title three straight years (1952-55) and was a six-time all-star. He was a first-teamer in 1956 when the Warriors won the NBA title. Neil Johnston averaged 19.4 points and 11.3 rebounds in 516 pro games. He then coached the Warriors for the first two seasons of Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA career. Neil Johnston died on Sept. 28, 1978 at the age of 49. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 1990.

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