Buddy Jeannette
Inducted:
1994
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born
September 15, 1917
New Kensington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died
March 11, 1998
Nashua, New Hampshire, U.S.
Position
Guard
College
Washington & Jefferson (1934–1938)
Harry "Buddy" Jeannette was one of the most significant "bridge" figures in the transition from early professional barnstorming to the modern NBA. A 5'11" guard known for his blistering speed, dexterous passing, and "heady" playmaking, Jeannette was widely considered the premier backcourt player in the world between 1938 and 1948.
His legacy is defined by his versatility and leadership. In 1948, as a member of the Baltimore Bullets, he became the first player-coach in history to win a professional championship in the BAA (the league that would become the NBA a year later). He was a four-time All-NBL First Team selection and won five professional titles across three different leagues. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
Jeannette's Awards and Records
- BAA champion (1948)
- All-BAA Second Team (1948)
- 3× NBL champion (1943–1945)
- 4× All-NBL First Team (1941, 1944–1946)
- All-NBL Second Team (1943)
- 4× WPBT champion (1941, 1944–1946)
- All-Time Pro Stars Second Team (1945)
- NBL All-Time Team
NBA Teams
Baltimore Bullets (1947–1950)
Number Worn
26, 6, 14
NBA Stats
Seasons played:
3 (1947–1950)
Games played:
139
Points:
997
Assist:
287 ( 2.1 APG)
Field Goal(%):
34.1
Free Throw(%):
78.1
Points Per Game:
7.2