John Postley (May 30, 1940 – July 31, 1970) was an American basketball player. Despite not playing high school or college basketball, he played professionally for several years.[1]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 30, 1940 |
| Died | July 31, 1970 (aged 30) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Benjamin Franklin (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Playing career | 1953–1970 |
| Position | Forward / center |
| Career history | |
| 1963–1964 | Williamsport Billies |
| 1967 | Pittsburgh Pipers |
| 1967–1970 | Wilkes-Barre Barons |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Career EBA statistics | |
| Points | 1,008 (9.8 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,155 (11.2 rpg) |
| Games | 406 |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Playing career
editPostley was discovered by John Chaney, and signed him with his team, the Williamsport Billies in the Eastern Basketball Association, in 1963.[1][2] In 1964, he signed with the Camden Bullets[3] but did not end up playing for the team. In September 1966, while a member of the Allentown Jets, Postley was stabbed by brothers Richard and Joseph L. Thomas at the Liberty Bell Park Racetrack.[4]
In 1967, Postley signed with the New Jersey Americans of the American Basketball Association (ABA) but was released before the start of the season.[5] He later joined the Pittsburgh Pipers of the ABA where he appeared in one game before returning to the EBL and joining the Wilkes-Barre Barons. Prior to the 1968–1969 season, he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers[6] but was cut before the start of the season.[7]
He rejoined the Barrons and in 1968–69, he was one of the league leaders in rebounds and assists. The following season, Postley led the league in rebounds.[1]
Boxing career
editPostley was an amateur boxer and won 37 fights without a loss between 1960 and 1963.[1]
Death
editPostley collapsed and died from a heart attack in a pro-am league game on July 31, 1970, in Philadelphia at age 30.[1][8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e "Barons' star collapses, dies during cage game". Scrantonian Tribune. August 2, 1970. p. 58. Retrieved January 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "John Postley". Stats Crew. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
- ^ "Rookies will find it tough to crack Eastern pro ranks". Standard-Speaker. 28 October 1964. p. 20. Retrieved 27 January 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Allentown Pro Cager stabbed at Liberty". Standard-Speaker. 21 September 1966. p. 26. Retrieved 27 January 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Americans shuffle basketball roster". The Courier-News. Associated Press. 3 October 1967. p. 8. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ "Ex-Baron on 76ers squad". Times Leader. 17 September 1968. p. 23. Retrieved 29 March 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "John Postley among 3 dropped by 76ers". Times Leader. 23 September 1969. p. 17. Retrieved 29 March 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Heart attack claims Barons John Postley, Philadelphia". Times Leader. 3 August 1970. p. 15. Retrieved 29 March 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
External links
edit- Career statistics from Basketball Reference
- EBL statistics at statscrew.com
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