Leon Blevins
Leon Gravette Blevins (June 25, 1926 – September 2, 1987) was an American basketball player and coach.[1][2]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 25, 1926 Black Oak, Arkansas |
| Died | September 2, 1987 (aged 61) |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 160 lb (73 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Phoenix Union (Phoenix, Arizona) |
| College |
|
| NBA draft | 1950: 7th round, 81st overall pick |
| Selected by the Indianapolis Olympians | |
| Playing career | 1950–1951 |
| Position | Guard |
| Number | 9 |
| Coaching career | 1951–1979 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1950 | Indianapolis Olympians |
| 1950 | Grand Rapids Hornets |
| As coach: | |
| 1964–1979 | Phoenix College |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
College career
He played collegiately for the University of Arizona[3] after two seasons at Phoenix College, where he scored over 1000 points.[4][5]
Professional career
He was selected by the Indianapolis Olympians in the 7th round of the 1950 NBA draft and signed with them during the summer.[6]
He played for the Olympians (1950–51) in the NBA for 2 games before being waived by the club in middle of November. On November 23, he signed with the Grand Rapids Hornets of the National Professional Basketball League and played 13 games with the team until it folded in late December. Later, he played with Funk Jewelers in the Phoenix Metropolitan Division.[7][8]
Coaching career
In 1951, Blevins started his coaching career after being hired as the head coach of Yuma High School.[9]
Career statistics
NBA
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
Source[10]
Regular season
| Year | Team | GP | FG% | FT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950–51 | Indianapolis | 2 | .250 | .000 | 1.0 | .5 | 1.0 |
References
- "Blevins dies". The Courier. Prescott Newspapers Inc. September 3, 1987. p. 6A. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Google News Archives.
- Dick Smith (January 31, 1966). "Leon Blevin's life is basketball". The Arizona Republic. p. 28. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Leon Blevins named Loop's 'Most Valuable'". The Arizona Republic. March 8, 1950. p. 28. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Cat hopes ride on Leon Blevins". Prescott Evening Courier. January 10, 1950. Retrieved February 24, 2013 – via Google News Archives.
- "Cat's leading scorer almost alone in poll". Arizona Daily Star. March 8, 1950. p. 16. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- Warren Wilson (June 22, 1950). "Leon Blevins signs pro contract with Indianapolis court club". The Arizona Republic. p. 30. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Blevins leads club to metro cage title". The Arizona Republic. March 8, 1951. p. 7. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
- "Pinal All-Stars, Funk's Jewelers staging Polio benefit game wed". Casa Grande Dispatch. January 14, 1954. p. 9. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Leon Blevins reported Yuma basketball coach". The Arizona Republic. June 10, 1951. p. 5. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Leon Blevins NBA stats". Basketball Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved June 28, 2023.