Newmark, Dave

David L. Newmark

The tallest Jew in the history of the NBA, Newmark was a 7-foot center who was an All-America center at Columbia University before playing professionally in the NBA and ABA. In 1968, he led Columbia to the NCAA tournament, the last time the school played in the postseason.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Sept. 11, 1946

Career Highlights:
A graduate of Lincoln High School in New York City, Newmark was a three-year star at Columbia University in the 1960s. A 7'0" center, Newmark had an immediate impact on the Lions' fortunes as a sophomore in 1966 when he led the Ivy League in rebounding average (13.3 -- 186 rebounds in 14 games), also scoring 22.4 points per game, second in the conference. Named All-America and first team All-Ivy League (along with teammate, senior guard Stan Felsinger), Newmark helped the Lions reach second place in the conference with a record of 10-4 (18-6 overall). During the season, Newmark also made 100 of 134 free throws in Ivy League competition, ranking him 14th in conference history in free throws made.

In 1967, Newmark and his Columbia team struggled to a fifth place finish in the conference with a 6-8 record (11-14 overall). As a senior the following year, however, Newmark was again dominant and was named All-Ivy League as he led Columbia (21-4) to a 12-2 record and a tie for first with Princeton. In the playoff game to determine the conference champion, Newmark scored eight points and the Lions won the game, 92-74. Their Ivy League title propelled Columbia, ranked No. 7 in the country (they reached No. 6 earlier in the year), into the NCAA tournament.

In the first round of the East Region, the Lions defeated LaSalle, 83-69, as Newmark scored 13 points, snatched seven rebounds, and had one assist. In the East Regional Semifinal, Newmark scored a remarkable game-high 19 points (he also had nine rebounds and two assists), but Columbia lost to Davidson, 61-59, in overtime. In the East consolation game, Newmark was outstanding again, scoring 16 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and passing for one assist. Although Newmark fouled out of the game, Columbia defeated St. Bonaventure, 95-75, to officially finish third overall in the Region.

After his collegiate career ended in 1968, Newmark was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the third round of the NBA draft (33rd overall); he was highest Ivy League player selected that year. During the 1968-69 season, Newmark appeared in 81 of 82 games and averaged 5.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. The Bulls finished the season with a record of 33-49 and did not make the playoffs. Newmark then moved to the Atlanta Hawks for the 1969-70 season, and helped contribute to their first place finish in the Western Division with a record of 48-34 (he appeared in 64 games and averaged 4.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game). In the 1970 playoffs, Dave played in six games, scored 34 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and passed for two assists. The Hawks made it to the Western Conference Finals, where they were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers, 4-0. The Lakers were led by Hall of Famers, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain.

In 1970-71, his final season of professional basketball, Newmark switched leagues and joined the Carolina Cougars of the ABA (American Basketball Association). That season, Carolina finished with a 34-50 record and missed the playoffs. Newmark played in 31 games, scored 234 points (7.5), and grabbed 157 rebounds (5.1). He retired from professional basketball following the season.

Origin:
unknown

Career Dates:
Newmark played center at Columbia from 1966-1968. He played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls in 1968-69, with the Atlanta Hawks from 1969-70, and in the ABA for the Carolina Cougars, 1970-71.

Physical description:
7'0", 250 pounds

Career Statistics:
In the NBA:
Games: 145
Points: 769
Points Per Game: 5.3

Field Goals Made: 312
Field Goals Attempted: 771
Field Goal Percentage: .405

Free Throws Made: 145
Free Throws Attempted: 216
Free Throw Percentage: .671

Rebounds: 521
Rebounds Per Game: 3.6
Assists: 100
Assists Per Game: 0.7

Personal Fouls: 333
Disqualifications: 10

NBA playoffs:
Games: 6
Points: 34
Points Per Game: 5.7

Field Goals Made: 15
Field Goals Attempted: 33
Field Goal Percentage: .455

Free Throws Made: 4
Free Throws Attempted: 4
Free Throw Percentage: 1.000

Rebounds: 12
Rebounds Per Game: 2.0
Assists: 2
Assists Per Game: 0.3

Personal Fouls: 8
Disqualifications: 0

In the ABA:
Games: 31
Points: 234
Points Per Game: 7.5

Field Goals Made: 100
Field Goals Attempted: 209
Field Goal Percentage: .478

Free Throws Made: 34
Free Throws Attempted: 60
Free Throw Percentage: .567

Rebounds: 157
Rebounds Per Game: 5.1
Assists: 28
Assists Per Game: 0.9

Personal Fouls: 84
Disqualifications: not available

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