Grekin, Norm

Norman Grekin

A member of the LaSalle University Athletic Hall of Fame, Grekin was co-MVP of the NIT (National Invitational Tournamen) and led LaSalle to the championship in 1952. In 2002, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 22, 1930 - d. Sept. 29, 1981

Career Highlights:
A 6'5" center, Grekin began his college career at LaSalle in 1951 as a sophomore. That season, he scored 13.2 points per game (368 points) and helped lead LaSalle to a 22-6 record. Located in Philadelphia, LaSalle captured its second consecutive Metropolitan title and made an appearance in the NIT. They lost 73-61 to St. Louis in the first round with Grekin scoring four points in the game.

In 1952, the Explorers finished the regular season with a 21-7 record and were ranked No. 17 by UPI heading into the NIT. They defeated Seton Hall 80-76 in the first round, St. John's 51-45 in the second round, and Duquesne in the semifinal to reach the NIT Final. Grekin scored 15 points in the championship game and LaSalle defeated Dayton 75-64 to win the title; he was named co-MVP of the tournament (along with the great Tom Gola), averaging 15 points per game.

In 1953, Grekin returned to LaSalle, which that year was considered one of the best teams in the country. LaSalle finished the regular season with a record of 25-2, was ranked No. 4 in the UPI poll (No. 6 AP), and returned to the NIT. Any hopes of back-to-back titles were dashed in the first round, however, as the Explorers lost 75-74 to St. John's in a closely fought game (Grekin scored 15 points). He finished his three-year career with 1,243 points, becoming only the third player in school history to pass the 1,000-point mark. He also averaged 9.5 rebounds per game during his career, a record that remains No. 10 in school history (as of December 2001); he had 832 rebounds, sixth all-time. In 1967, Grekin was inducted into the LaSalle Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1953, Grekin was selected by the Philadelphia Warriors in the NBA draft as a territorial pick. During the 1953-54 season, he played in one game for Philadelphia (29-43) and had one personal foul.

Origin:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Career Dates:
Grekin played at LaSalle University from 1951-1953. He played in the NBA for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1953-54.

Physical description:
6'5", 180 pounds

Career Statistics:
In the NBA:
Games: 1
Points: 0
Points Per Game: 0.0

Field Goals Made: 0
Field Goals Attempted: 0
Field Goal Percentage: 0.000

Free Throws Made: 0
Free Throws Attempted: 0
Free Throw Percentage: 0.000

Rebounds: 0
Rebounds Per Game: 0.0
Assists: 0
Assists Per Game: 0.0

Personal Fouls: 1
Disqualifications: 0

< Previous |  Next >