Butch van Breda Kolff was a professional basketball player and coach who had a successful career in the sport. He played college basketball at Princeton University, where he was a standout player and earned All-American honors. After college, he played professionally in the NBA for several teams, including the New York Knicks, where he was a key player on the team that won the NBA championship in 1953.

After his playing career ended, van Breda Kolff became a coach, and he had a successful career in that role as well. He coached at several colleges, including Lafayette, Hofstra, and Princeton, where he had previously played. He also coached in the NBA, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals in 1969, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in a closely contested series.

Van Breda Kolff was known for his innovative coaching style, which emphasized a fast-paced, up-tempo style of play. He was also known for his ability to develop young players and get the most out of his teams. He was a demanding coach who expected a lot from his players, but he was also respected and admired by those who played for him.

Throughout his career, van Breda Kolff was recognized for his contributions to the sport of basketball. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981, and he was also named to the All-Ivy League team in 1949 and 1950. He was a pioneer in the sport, helping to shape the way the game is played today.

Overall, Butch van Breda Kolff had a long and successful career in basketball, both as a player and a coach. He was a true innovator in the sport, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.

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