Joe Lapchick was a legendary basketball player and coach who had a long and successful career in the sport. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1900 and began playing basketball at a young age. He attended St. John's University and was a member of the school's basketball team. He was a star player, leading the team to two National Invitational Tournament championships in 1926 and 1936.

After college, Lapchick joined the Original Celtics, a professional basketball team. He was a key member of the team, helping them to win three championships in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He was also named to the All-American team in 1929 and 1930.

After his playing career, Lapchick moved into coaching. He was the head coach of the New York Knicks from 1947 to 1956, leading them to six division titles and one NBA championship in 1951. He was also the head coach of the St. John's University basketball team from 1942 to 1965. During his time at St. John's, he won three National Invitational Tournament championships and was named the National Coach of the Year in 1952.

Lapchick was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1966. He was also named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1996. He is remembered as one of the greatest players and coaches in basketball history and his legacy lives on in the sport today.

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