Gitlitz, Peter

Gitlitz was a key member of Yale's basketball team in the early 1920s, during an era when basketball was played at a slower pace. With no shot clock, no ten-second rule (to cross midcourt), a center jump following every basket, and a running clock (causing countless minutes to run off the game clock), stalling was common and scores tended to be in the 20s or 30s as teams would work for the perfect shot.

The position an individual played also was indicative of their contribution to the team. While a center's position was basically to win the center jump and then get out of the way, forwards were expected to be the primary scorers and guards were the defensive stoppers. In this era of low scoring, some players proved their worth through their leadership and defensive work rather than putting the ball in the basket.

During the 1923 season, Gitlitz, at guard, was a perfect example of this on-court strategy. He was named second team All-Eastern Conference (Ivy League) despite scoring only four points during the ten-game conference season (41st in the conference). In fact, Peter did not score a point until the eighth game of competition.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
Gitlitz was an important member of Yale's basketball team in 1923, and was named second team All-Ivy League. With fellow All-Ivy Leaguer Samuel Pite, Gitlitz led Yale to the Ivy League title with a conference record of 7-3 (16-3 overall). Gitlitz scored four points during the year.

Origin:
unknown

Career Dates:
Gitlitz played guard at Yale University from 1922-1923.

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