Cotler, Al

Alan K. Cotler

A 6'5" swingman, Cotler played at the University of Pennsylvania from 1970-1972 and was a member of three consecutive Ivy League championship teams. In 1972, he was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 12th round of the NBA Draft, but did not play in the NBA.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
A member of the University of Pennsylvania Quakers, Cotler began his college career in 1970 as a sophomore. That season, Penn went undefeated in Ivy League play (14-0). They finished the regular season with an overall record of 25-2, and were ranked No. 13 in the country (they reached No. 7 earlier in the year). As conference champions, the Quakers received an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, where they played Niagara in the first round. Despite 22 points from All-Ivy performer Steve Bilsky, the Quakers were defeated, 79-69. Cotler scored seven points and grabbed two rebounds in the game.

In 1971, Penn had one of the greatest seasons in school history. They went undefeated during the regular season with a 26-0 record (14-0 in conference) and won the Ivy League title for the second consecutive year. Ranked No. 3 in the nation, they returned to the NCAA tournament and defeated Duquesne in the first round, 70-65 (Cotler did not play in the game). In the East Regional semifinal, Al played and scored one point as the Quakers defeated South Carolina, 79-74. Then, in an All-Philadelphia East Regional final, Penn played rival Villanova. Cotler scored four points and added two rebounds, but the Quakers fell to the Wildcats, 90-47.

As a senior in 1972, Cotler became a starter for Penn. Named the team's Most Improved Player, he helped the Quakers capture their third consecutive Ivy League title with a 13-1 league record. Ranked as high as No. 2 in the country, they finished the regular season No. 3 in the AP poll with a 25-3 record. Penn played in the NCAA tournament for the third consecutive year and defeated Providence in the first round of the East Region as Cotler scored six points and added six assists. In the East semifinal against Villanova, the Quakers avenged the previous year's defeat and won the game, 78-67. Cotler scored nine points, grabbed one rebound, and added six assists. In the East Final against North Carolina, Al scored ten points and had three assists and one rebound, but the Quakers lost to the Bob McAdoo-led Tar Heels, 73-59.

Origin:
Queens, New York

Career Dates:
Cotler played guard at the University of Pennsylvania from 1970-1972.

Physical description:
6'5"

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