1955–56 San Francisco Dons men's basketball team

1955–56 San Francisco Dons men's basketball
California Basketball Association champions
Conference California Basketball Association
Ranking
Coaches #1
AP #1
1955–56 record 29-0 (14-0 CBA)
Head coach Phil Woolpert
Assistant coach Ross Giudice

The 1955–56 San Francisco Dons men's basketball team represented the University of San Francisco. The Dons ended the season undefeated, becoming the first NCAA tournament champion to record a perfect season.

Season Summary

San Francisco won two straight NCAA titles behind a punishing defense led by Bill Russell, who turned shot blocking into an art form. He was also better scorer than history gives him credit for, averaging more than 20 points in both championship seasons. In 1956, Russell had support from guard K.C. Jones and a balanced lineup; besides Russell, five other players averaged between 7.1 and 9.8 points per game.

Roster

Name [1] Number
Hal Payne 3
K. C. Jones 4
Bill Russell 6
John Koljian 7
Bill Bush 8
Steve Balchios 10
Warren Baxter 11
Bill Mallen 12
Vince Boyle 14
Gene Brown 15
Tom Nelson 16
Mike Farmer 17
Mike Preaseau 18
Carl Boldt 19
Jack King 21
Hal Perry 23

NCAA basketball tournament

[2]

Awards and honors

Team players drafted into the NBA

Round Pick Player NBA Club
1 2 Bill Russell Boston Celtics
2 1 KC Jones Boston Celtics

[3]

References

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