Greenspan, Jerry

Gerald Greenspan

In the 1960s, Greenspan was a star at the University of Maryland before playing two seasons in the NBA.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Nov. 22, 1941

Career Highlights:
Greenspan was a powerful forward with the Maryland Terrapins in the early 1960s before playing in the NBA. In 1961, the Terps had a record of 14-12 (6-8 in conference). The following year, they finished 8-17 (3-11 in conference) and Greenspan led the team in scoring (380 points and 15.2 average) and rebounding (235 rebounds and 9.4 average). In 1963, he repeated as leading scorer (365 points and 17.4), and rebounder (184 rebounds and 8.8 average), and also led the team with a .749 free throw percentage. That season, Jerry was named All-America honorable mention, and All-ACC second team despite Maryland's poor 8-13 record. He finished his career with 501 rebounds, which is 30th all-time in Maryland history.
In 1963, Greenspan was selected by the Syracuse Nationals in the third round of the NBA draft (25th overall). In 1963-64, the Nats moved to Philadelphia, became the 76ers (in honor of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia) and finished the season with a record of 34-46. In the playoffs, they lost to the Cincinnati Royals, 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The following year, the 76ers finished 40-40 and lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Boston Celtics, 4-3. Greenspan did not play in the playoffs either year and retired following the 1964-65 season.

Origin:
Newark, New Jersey

Career Dates:
Greenspan played forward at the University of Maryland, 1961-1963. He played in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1963-1965.

Physical description:
6'6", 220 pounds

Career Statistics:
In the NBA:
Games: 25
Points: 122
Points Per Game: 4.9
Field Goals Made: 40
Field Goals Attempted: 103
Field Goal Percentage: .388
Free Throws Made: 42
Free Throws Attempted: 58
Free Throw Percentage: .724
Rebounds: 83
Rebounds Per Game: 3.3
Assists: 11
Assists Per Game: 0.4
Personal Fouls: 66
Disqualifications: 0

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References:
encyclopedia of JEWS in sports, by Bernard Postal, Jesse Silver, and Roy Silver (New York: Bloch Publishing Co., 1965)
The Official NBA Encyclopedia: Third Edition, edited by Jan Hubbard (New York: Doubleday, 2000)
Ronald Encyclopedia of Basketball, edited by William G. Mokray (Ronald Press: 1962)