Bob Cousy

Bob Cousy: The Creative Playmaker Who Defined the Boston Celtics

Bob Cousy pioneered creative ball handling and passing skills that revolutionized point guard play in the NBA. His flair defined the championship Boston Celtics dynasty.

Early Life and High School

Robert Cousy was born in 1928 in New York City but raised in Queens. At Andrew Jackson High School, he starred on the basketball team but initially drew little recruiting interest. Eventually, Cousy earned a scholarship to College of the Holy Cross.

Holy Cross College Stardom

At Holy Cross, Cousy excelled thanks to his advanced ball handling and passing. He led Holy Cross to the 1947 NCAA title and won NCAA Most Outstanding Player honors despite being just a sophomore.

Cousy averaged 15.2 points per game over his three seasons at Holy Cross, leading the nation in assists in both 1947 and 1948. The Tri-City Blackhawks drafted Cousy in the 1950 NBA draft.

Celtics Career and Legacy

The Blackhawks traded Cousy to the Boston Celtics where he spent his entire 13-year career. Cousy led the league in assists for eight straight seasons, pioneering creative moves like the behind-the-back dribble.

Teaming up with Bill Russell, Cousy won six NBA championships with Boston. He made 13 All-Star teams while averaging 18.4 points and 7.5 assists per game over his career.

Post-Playing Accomplishments

After retiring from the NBA in 1963, Cousy became head coach at Boston College from 1963-1969, leading the team to several 20-win seasons. He then coached in the NBA with the Cincinnati Royals and Kansas City-Omaha Kings.

Cousy entered the Hall of Fame as a player in 1971 and had his No. 14 jersey retired by Boston. Now 94 years old, his creative style made him the prototype for modern point guards.

2023 Update on Cousy

In 2023, Bob Cousy maintains limited public visibility at age 94, though he has made occasional appearances at Celtics reunions. The Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation’s best point guard, honors his legacy.

Cousy’s status as a revolutionary, creative playmaker who defined the Celtics dynasty remains intact decades later. The “Houdini of the Hardwood” introduced a level of flair never before seen.