Jim Pollard

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James Clifford "Jim" Pollard (b. July 9, 1922 in Oakland, California – d. January 22, 1993 in Stockton, California) was a former pro basketball player.

In college, Pollard played for Stanford and was a key member of Stanford's 1942 national championship team (though due to illness, he did not play in the final game). In the NBA, Pollard was considered one of the best forwards in the 50s and was known for his leaping ability, earning him the nickname "The Kangaroo Kid". According to "The Official NBA Basketball Encyclopedia" (2nd ed, p. 49), Pollard would occasionally dunk from the free throw line during warmups.

In 1952, players who had performed in the NBA since its inception (originally known as the BAA) selected Pollard as the best player of the period[1]. Pollard teamed with George Mikan and Vern Mikkelsen for the Minneapolis Lakers, forming one of the best frontcourts in basketball history. The Lakers won five NBA titles between 1949 and 1954. Pollard ended his career after seven seasons in the NBA in 1955.

He went on to coach La Salle University men's basketball for three seasons from 1955-1958, compiling a record of 48-28.

[edit] See also

• List of National Basketball Association players with most championship rings

Preceded by John Castellani	Minneapolis Lakers Head Coach 1960	Succeeded by Fred Schaus
Preceded by Initial coach	Chicago Packers Head Coach 1961–1962	Succeeded by Jack McMahon
Preceded by Initial coach	Minnesota Muskies/Miami Floridians Head Coach 1967–1969	Succeeded by Harold Blitman

[edit] External links

• BasketballReference.com: Jim Pollard (as player)
• BasketballReference.com: Jim Pollard (as coach)
• Basketball Hall of Fame: Jim Pollard