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George King Obituary
King died in Naples, Fla., on Thursday, Purdue University announced on its athletic Web site.
King was born in Charleston, attended Stonewall Jackson High and starred at Morris Harvey College. The 6-foot guard played six seasons with the NBA's Syracuse Nationals and Cincinnati Royals.
In Game 7 of the 1955 NBA Finals between Syracuse and Fort Wayne, King made the go-ahead free throw with 12 seconds left, then stole the ball to preserve the title, the first of the shot-clock era.
King was head coach at his alma mater for the 1956-57 season, became an assistant coach at West Virginia University the following year and took the head coaching job when Fred Schaus followed WVU standout Jerry West to the Los Angeles Lakers.
King was credited with integrating WVU's basketball team. He compiled a 102-43 record in five seasons as WVU coach, earning two Southern Conference titles and three NCAA tournament bids.
The two-time state amateur athlete of the year was inducted into athletic halls of fame at Purdue and the University of Charleston, the successor to Morris Harvey College.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
15 Entries
Steve Martin
December 15, 2014
I went to George Kings Sports Camp in 1963 and 1964. I enjoyed those summers very much.
Kasey Hirsty
May 5, 2009
Bapa,
I miss you more than anything. I have never stopped loving grandpa!
Hal McGlathery
January 17, 2009
My dad ushered every Morris Harvey basketball game for many years, including those years that George played. On my dad's 80th birthday in 1985 George King sent him a birthday greeting, which was a very special gesture appreciated by both my dad and me. I was in elementary school in South Charleston during George's Morris Harvey career. He was such a great team player and my first sports hero. I recall that in spite of his high scoring average many times on fast breaks he would be fed the ball by teammates for another lay-in, and he would pass the ball back to his teammate for the score, rather than adding to his totals.
I recall that he was the first collegiate player to average 30 points per game for a season in history. I also recall his return to MH with the Syracuse Nationals NBA team with Wally Osterkorn, Dolph Shayes, Al Bianca, Red Rocha, Paul Seymour, etc. I recall that going into his final game his senior year, he trailed a player named Nate Delong by 100 points for either season scoring honors or career scoring record. In his last game of his MH career, George King scored 63 points against Tiffin College. The visiting Tiffin coach offerred to play another game the next day to give George a shot at passing Delong. MH declined the offer, which was consistent with the ethics of the man, George King. His career at MH, Syracuse, WVU and Purdue and those memories are among my best sports and life memories. I think of him often, and offer by condolences to his family.
Hal McGlathery
WALLY OSTERKORN
October 7, 2008
You were the greatest George. You could be playing now as you were always in shape. God BLess you and yours. Love, Wally Ox Osterkorn
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Tom Ahlfeld
October 3, 2008
God Bless you and all your family. I am the nephew of Wally Osterkorn "OX" he told me how good you were and what a good man you were. I hope the family has found peace and know that his experience in life reached many many people. God Bless you all.
alexandria scoggins
June 7, 2007
the lord will always be with you.
Dick Clarke
November 24, 2006
I was an 8-year-old in Syracuse and George was my hero. I wrote number three on my shirt and wore a thigh wrap like he often did. The day he won the NBA championship, my dad and I came to the War Memorial late in the game and got to go in the locker room. What a memory. I never forgot George and extend my sympathy to his family.
Mike Angelo
November 18, 2006
I grew up in Charleston, where my Mom, Barbara Wagner Angelo went to Morris Harvey with George. I went to Purdue, Class of '84, and, although I only met AD King once, it was enough to convince me that he was a great man. He'll be sorely missed. We'll see ya' later.
Paul W. Ferguson
October 9, 2006
I watched him play for Morris Harvey when I was a kid growing up, and then followed his career with Syracuse. They played the Globetrotters in Charleston, and King showed up some of those pros with his ball handling and playmaking. He is one of my favtorite memories of Charleston.
Randy Thompson
October 8, 2006
I was coached by Coach King for four years at Purdue and respected him greatly. He befriended me in some subtle but noticed ways and I've always been appreciative of what he gave to me. Thanks again, Coach. Peace to your family.
tequila gowdy
October 6, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mark Edwin Scoggins Sr.- Purdue Alumni/ Class '85
October 6, 2006
Condolences to the King Family for your loss
Sincerely,
Mark Sr., Johnnye (wife), Ariana, Alexandria,Montana, Mark Jr. & Jason
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