Al Cervi
Inducted:
1985
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
170 lb (77 kg)
Born
February 12, 1917
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Died
November 9, 2009
Rochester, New York, U.S.
Position
Power Forward
Guard
College
NA
Al Cervi was a tough, defense-first guard who played four seasons in the NBA with the Syracuse Nationals from 1949 to 1953. Known for his leadership and gritty style, Cervi helped guide the Nationals during the league’s early years. Though not a high scorer, he controlled the tempo, handled the ball well, and played strong perimeter defense.
Cervi’s career spanned the critical transition from the NBL to the NBA; he was a superstar for the Rochester Royals, leading them to the 1946 NBL title and winning the league's scoring title in 1947.
He was selected to the All-NBA First Team in 1950 and earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 1952. Cervi’s value went beyond numbers, as he set the tone for team play and discipline. Cervi was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.
Cervi's Awards & Records
- All-NBA Second Team (1950)
- NBL champion (1946)
- 3× All-NBL First Team (1947–1949)
- All-NBL Second Team (1946)
- NBL scoring champion (1947)
- NBA Champion (as coach, 1955)
NBA Teams
Syracuse Nationals (1948–1953)
Number Worn
15
NBA Stats
Seasons:
4 (1949-1953)
Game played:
202
Points:
1,591 (7.9 ppg)
Rebounds:
261 (1.8 rpg)
Assists:
648 (3.2 apg)
Field Goal(%):
35.9
Free Throw(%):
83.9