Alex Hannum was an American basketball coach and player who had a long and successful career. He was born in 1924 in Pennsylvania and began playing basketball in high school. After graduating, he attended college at the University of Oregon, where he was a four-year starter and two-time All-American. After college, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors of the NBA and played for them for two seasons.

Hannum then began his coaching career, first as an assistant at the University of Oregon and then as the head coach of the San Francisco Warriors. He led the team to the NBA Finals in 1964, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. He then moved on to the St. Louis Hawks, where he won the NBA championship in 1958.

Hannum then moved on to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he coached the team to the NBA championship in 1967. He was also named NBA Coach of the Year in 1968. He then moved on to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he coached the team to the NBA championship in 1972.

Hannum was known for his innovative coaching style, which included the use of the fast break and the zone defense. He was also known for his ability to motivate his players and get the most out of them. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.

Throughout his career, Hannum was a successful coach and player. He won three NBA championships and was named NBA Coach of the Year. He was also known for his innovative coaching style and ability to motivate his players. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in basketball history.

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