Robert E. "Bob" Davies

Honored as the Sixth Greatest Player in the First Half Century by Sport magazine in 1970, Bob Davies stunned and amazed opponents with his deceptive slight-of-hand ball handling. Nicknamed the “Harrisburg Houdini,” Davies made the extraordinary look simple. He often used behind-the-back, through-the-legs, and over-the-head ball maneuvers not to show off but to produce results. With his exciting repertoire of moves, Davies led Seton Hall to 43 consecutive victories from 1939 to 1941. After a stint in the military, Davies brought his magic touch to the professional level, playing two seasons in the American Basketball League before embarking on a ten-year career with the Rochester Royals of the National Basketball League, the Basketball Association of America, and then the NBA, where he captured two titles in 1946 and 1951. Davies is considered one of the finest guards in basketball history, an innovative playmaker and floor general.