Maurice Stokes
Inducted:
2004
Player Stats
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
232 lb (105 kg)
Born
June 17, 1933
Rankin, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died
April 6, 1970
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Position
Power forward
Center
College
Saint Francis (PA) (1951–1955)
Maurice Stokes was one of the NBA’s most versatile and talented big men of the 1950s, redefining what a forward could do on the court. Playing his entire career with the Rochester/Cincinnati Royals, Stokes combined size, strength, and exceptional passing ability. He was a dominant rebounder, a reliable scorer, and one of the league’s first true point-forwards. Stokes quickly became a star, earning multiple All-Star selections and setting standards for all-around play.
His career was tragically cut short after a severe brain injury following the 1957–58 season, ending one of the most promising runs in NBA history. Despite a brief career, his impact on the game remained profound, influencing future generations of multi-skilled forwards. In recognition of his talent, innovation, and lasting legacy, Maurice Stokes was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004.
Stokes's Awards and Records
- 12 retired by Sacramento Kings
- First-team All-American – Look (1955)
- Second-team All-American – NEA (1955)
- 26 retired by Saint Francis Red Flash
- NIT Most Valuable Player (1955)
NBA Records
- 3× NBA All-Star (1956–1958)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (1956–1958)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1956)
- NBA rebounding leader (1957)
NBA Team
Rochester / Cincinnati Royals (1955–1958)
NBA Draft
1955: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Rochester Royals
Number Worn
12
NBA Stats
Seasons:
3 (1955–1958)
Games Played:
202
Points:
3,315
Rebounds:
3,492
Assists:
1,062
Field Goal %:
.351
Points Per Game:
16.4
Triple-Doubles:
12
All-Star Selections:
3 (Every year he played)
Rookie of the Year:
1956