Larry Costello

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Larry Costello

Inducted:
2022

Larry Costello NBA Hall of Fame

Player Stats

6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
186 lb (84 kg)

Born:
July 2, 1931
Minoa, New York, U.S.

Died:
December 13, 2001
Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.

Position:
Contributor
Point guard
Coach

College: 
Niagara (1951–1954)

Larry Costello was a steady and respected figure in the NBA as both a player and a coach. He played as a point guard from 1954 to 1969, spending most of his career with the Syracuse Nationals and later the Philadelphia 76ers.

Known for his court vision and leadership, Costello was a six-time All-Star and played a key role in the 76ers’ 1967 championship team, one of the greatest squads in league history.

After retiring, he made history as the first head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, guiding them to an NBA title in 1971 with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. Costello was also among the last players to use the two-handed set shot.

His impact on the game spans across two decades as a player and coach, earning lasting respect for his basketball IQ, calm demeanor, and team-first attitude.

Costello's Awards and Records

    • NBA champion (1967)
    • 6× NBA All-Star (1958–1962, 1965)
    • 69 retired by Niagara Purple Eagles
    • All-NBA Second Team (1961)
    • 2× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1971, 1974)
    • NBA Champion (1967 – Philadelphia 76ers)
    • NBA Champion as Head Coach (1971 – Milwaukee Bucks)
    • First head coach in Milwaukee Bucks history
    • Known for using the two-handed set shot into the late 1960s
    • Coached Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson to a title
    • One of the few to win NBA titles as both player and head coach

    NBA Teams

    As Player
    Philadelphia Warriors 1954–57, 1963-68
    Syracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers 1957–1963

    As Coach
    Milwaukee Bucks 1968–1976
    Chicago Bulls 1978–1979
    Milwaukee Does 1979–1980
    Utica College 1980–1987

    NBA draft: 

    1954: 2nd round, 12th overall pick
    Philadelphia Warriors

    Numbers Worn:
    5, 18, 15, 6, 21

    NBA  Stats

    As Player
    Games Played:
    706
    Points:
    8,622 (12.2 PPG)
    Assists:
    3,215 (4.6 APG)
    Rebounds:
    2,085 (3.0 RPG)
    Field Goal %:
    43.2%
    Free Throw %:
    83.2%

    As Coach
    Game Coached
    730
    Win
    430
    Lose
    300
    Win %
    .589