Joseph F. "Joe" Fulks

One of the modern game's first scoring sensations and one of the top players in the NBA's early years, "Jumpin" Joe Fulks' switch from the two-handed to the one-handed shot revolutionized shooting and scoring in professional basketball. The 6-foot-5-inch whippet shot his jump shot a little from the side, leading some to call it "the ear shot" because he seemed to be tossing if off his right ear. A 1943 NAIA All-America at Murray State, Fulks moved on in 1946 to a highlight-filled professional career with the Philadelphia Warriors of the BAA-NBA. As a rookie, Jumpin' Joe led the BAA in scoring, averaging over 23 points per game while his nearest competitor was seven points behind. His scoring prowess helped the Warriors win the BAA title in 1947. In 1949, The Sporting News called Fulks "the greatest basketball player in the country." On February 10, 1949, Fulks scored a then-NBA record of 63 points against the Indianapolis Jets. In 1970, Fulks was named to the NBA's 25th Anniversary All Star team.