Henry Clifford Carlson
Inducted:
1959
Stats
5 ft 9 in (1.75m)
Born
July 4, 1894
Murray City, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
November 1, 1964
Ligonier, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
University of Pittsburgh (1914–1918)
Henry Clifford “Doc” Carlson was one of the most influential coaches of the early 20th century and a pioneering figure in college basketball. He served as the head basketball coach at the University of Pittsburgh from 1922 to 1953,leading the Panthers for 31 seasons.
Carlson developed the innovative “Figure 8” offense in 1922 and guided Pittsburgh to two Helms Foundation national championships, including a perfect 21–0 season in 1928. Carlson compiled a remarkable 367–248 record and guided the Panthers to two Helms Foundation national championships, in 1928 and 1930.
He also led Pitt to the 1941 NCAA Final Four and became the first Eastern coach to take his team to the West. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959 as a coach.
Carlson's Awards and Honors
- 2× Helms Foundation National Champion (1928, 1930)
- 4× Eastern Intercollegiate Conference Champion
- 1941 NCAA Final Four
- Created the innovative Figure 8 offense in 1922
- NABC Most Contributions to the Game Award (1948)
- Helms Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame (1949)
NBA Position
Pittsburgh Panthers (1922–1953)
NBA Stats
Coaching Seasons:
31 (1922–1953)
Games Coached:
615
Coaching Record:
367–248
Winning Percentage:
.597
Helms Foundation National Championships:
2
NCAA Final Four:
1 (1941)