Emil Liston Hall of Fame NBA

Emil Liston was a visionary administrator and coach who revolutionized collegiate athletics by founding the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). While his career predated the modern NBA, his work established the framework for national postseason tournaments, providing a stage for "small college" stars who would eventually populate the professional ranks. A close personal friend of Dr.

James Naismith, Liston spearheaded the creation of the NAIB Tournament in 1937, the first-ever national championship for college basketball. He was a champion of equality, leading the NAIA to become the first national organization to offer postseason opportunities to student-athletes of color in 1948.

For his "sheer initiative, drive, and foresight," he was posthumously inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 1975.

Liston's Awards & Honors

• Created NAIB/NAIA Tournament (1937)
• First NAIA Executive Director (1940–1949)
• 2× Kansas Conference Basketball Champion (1930, 1937)
• National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)
• Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1961)
• Liston Stadium Named in His Honor (Baker University)

NBA Teams

Michigan Mines (1916–1918)
Wesleyan (1918–1920)
Baker (1930-1946)