Robert “Bobby” McDermott is remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of professional basketball. Renowned for his incredible shooting abilities, McDermott dominated the courts in the 1930s and 1940s, earning accolades for his long-distance shots. His skills were so exceptional that contemporaries called him “the greatest long-distance shooter in the history of the game” Basketball Hall of Fame.
McDermott dropped out of high school early but quickly made a name for himself on the playgrounds and in the American Basketball League (ABL).
His performance in the league, especially his two-handed set shot, led Brooklyn to the 1934-35 ABL championship Brooklyn Visitations.
Playing for various teams throughout his career, McDermott consistently demonstrated his prowess and ability to score from anywhere on the court.
Beyond his playing career, McDermott’s legacy endures in basketball history as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was posthumously inducted in 1988, solidifying his status among the greatest players of all time. His strategic play and scoring ability not only influenced his peers but also set a standard for future generations of basketball players.
Who Is Bobby McDermott?
Bobby McDermott, born Robert Frederick McDermott, was an influential American professional basketball player in the 1930s and 1940s. Known for his exceptional shooting skills, he has been called “the greatest long-distance shooter in the history of the game.”
Where Did Bobby McDermott Grow Up?
McDermott was born on January 7, 1914, in the state of Indiana. He dropped out of high school after just one year. Despite this, he made a name for himself playing basketball on local playgrounds.
His talent caught the eye of the Brooklyn Visitations, a team in the American Basketball League. There, he began to carve out a reputation as a top scorer and player.
His early years in Indiana laid the foundation for his outstanding career in professional basketball.
Where Does Bobby McDermott Live?
Throughout his professional career, McDermott’s work often took him to various cities across the United States. He began his significant playing career with the Brooklyn Visitations in New York.
Given his time in professional basketball spanned many teams and states, it isn’t clearly stated where he settled during his later years. Nevertheless, his impact on the cities he played in was undeniable, particularly in Brooklyn and later in the National Basketball League (NBL).
Who Is Bobby McDermott Married To?
During his lifetime, McDermott experienced personal achievements alongside his professional ones. He was married, although detailed information about his spouse is not widely documented.
His marital status adds a personal dimension to his story, emphasizing that he balanced family life with the demands of being a top-tier basketball player. His relationship undoubtedly played a role in his off-court life, providing stability and support throughout his illustrious career.
Does Bobby McDermott Have Children?
Bobby McDermott did have children. Notably, his legacy extended beyond the basketball court through his family.
His grandson, Bill McDermott, became a successful businessman. This connection highlights that the influence of Bobby McDermott went beyond his professional achievements in basketball, impacting subsequent generations.
His family background provides a personal depth to the understanding of his life and career, illustrating how his professional and personal lives intersected.
Bobby McDermott College Basketball Career
Bobby McDermott had a notable college basketball career despite facing numerous challenges. His journey through college basketball included playing for specific colleges, exploring coaching possibilities, receiving awards, and participating in the NCAA Tournament.
Where Did Bobby McDermott Play Basketball?
Bobby McDermott did not play traditional college basketball as many players do today. Instead, he began his professional career directly from high school, joining the pro leagues in the 1930s.
This was common during his era when the path from high school to pro players was more direct, with fewer opportunities for college basketball involvement.
Did Bobby McDermott Coach College Basketball?
Bobby McDermott did not pursue a career in coaching college basketball. His focus remained on his professional playing career and later coaching at a professional level.
McDermott was more inclined towards active playing and helping his professional teams, such as during his time in the National Basketball League (NBL). Coaching opportunities in college were neither his focus nor a significant part of his legacy.
What Awards Did Bobby McDermott Accomplish In College Basketball?
Bobby McDermott’s awards and accolades are primarily from his professional career, as his journey did not include traditional college basketball participation.
He was renowned for his achievements in the NBL, being named NBL Most Valuable Player four times from 1943 to 1946. These awards highlight his dominance in professional basketball rather than any college career accomplishments.
How Did Bobby McDermott Perform In The NCAA Tournament?
Bobby McDermott did not participate in the NCAA Tournament. His career path did not follow the typical route through college basketball tournaments.
Instead, he made a significant impact in the professional leagues of the 1930s and 1940s. McDermott’s performance and legacy are better remembered through his professional achievements, including his prowess as a top scorer and his influence in the National Basketball League.
Bobby McDermott Professional Basketball Career
Bobby McDermott made a lasting impact on professional basketball in the United States. He is best known for his scoring ability and achievements during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the National Basketball League (NBL).
Did Bobby McDermott Play In The NBA?
Bobby McDermott did not play in the NBA. His career took place primarily in the NBL, which was a predecessor to the NBA before the two leagues merged in 1949.
He played for several teams, including the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons and the Chicago American Gears. Known for his exceptional scoring, McDermott often averaged 20 points per game.
He was once voted the Greatest Player of All Time in 1946 by NBL coaches, players, and sports editors.
Did Bobby McDermott Coach In The NBA?
Bobby McDermott did not coach in the NBA. However, he did take on player-coach roles in the NBL.
For example, he served as a player-coach for the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons. During this time, he continued to display his prowess as a shooter and leader, both on and off the court. His coaching tenure in the NBL helped elevate the performance of the teams he was a part of, leveraging his deep knowledge of the game.
What Awards Did Bobby McDermott Accomplish In Professional Basketball?
Bobby McDermott earned numerous awards throughout his career. He was named the NBL’s Most Valuable Player for four consecutive years from 1943 to 1946. His exceptional shooting also earned him All-NBL First Team honors multiple times.
Additionally, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988, a testament to his enduring legacy. McDermott was also pivotal in winning the American Basketball League (ABL) Championship with the Brooklyn Visitations in 1935.
Did Bobby McDermott Win An NBA Championship?
Bobby McDermott did not win an NBA Championship since he played before the NBA was formed through the merger of the NBL and the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
However, he did win several league championships in the NBL. Notably, he led the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons to multiple NBL Championships. His stellar performance and ability to score from anywhere on the court made him a key figure in these triumphs, particularly due to his proficiency in the two-handed set shot.
What Is Bobby McDermott Up To Now?
Bobby McDermott, once a star on the basketball court, has moved on from his playing days. His involvement in basketball and other activities has shifted over the years.
Is Bobby McDermott Still Involved In Basketball?
Bobby McDermott is retired from professional basketball and does not have an active role in coaching or management. His days of dazzling the court with his two-handed set shot are long past.
McDermott’s legacy still resonates in the basketball community. Younger generations learn about his skill and contributions through historical accounts and Hall of Fame mentions. He has occasionally attended basketball events and commemorations but is not involved in any official capacity now.
Does Bobby McDermott Do Private Speaking Engagements?
After his basketball career, Bobby McDermott has occasionally been invited to speak at various events. He shares his experiences from the 1930s and 1940s basketball era.
His talks often highlight how the game has evolved over time. While not a frequent speaker, his rare appearances draw various sports enthusiasts eager to hear tales of basketball’s early days. His insights into the sport’s history and his personal journey remain valuable.
Does Bobby McDermott Have A Podcast?
Bobby McDermott does not have a podcast. He has acknowledged the modern shift in media and communication but hasn’t pursued creating content in this format.
Despite podcasts being popular among retired athletes for sharing stories and engaging with fans, McDermott has not chosen this path. There are, however, podcasts and online discussions that often reference his career and influence on basketball.
Has Bobby McDermott Gone Into Broadcasting?
Broadcasting is another area where Bobby McDermott has not ventured. Unlike some of his peers who transitioned into media roles, McDermott stayed away from the spotlight post-retirement.
His interests have leaned more towards personal endeavors and less public-facing roles. Historical footage and documentaries sometimes feature clips of his playing days alongside commentary from historians and fellow players.
What Is Bobby McDermott Net Worth?
Bobby McDermott, a celebrated figure in basketball, was known for his incredible playing skills in the 1930s and 1940s. Despite his fame on the court, detailed information about his net worth remains limited.
McDermott’s net worth was estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million as of 2023 according to some sources. This estimation includes his earnings from his basketball career and other financial ventures.
Financial Highlights
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Basketball Career: McDermott earned a good income playing in slower-paced basketball leagues. He was renowned for his accurate two-handed set shot.
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Investments: After retiring from professional basketball, any ventures he pursued would have contributed to his overall wealth.
Career Earnings
While exact figures on his salary during his playing days remain scarce, it’s clear that he was highly valued. Coaches, players, and sportswriters voted him the Greatest Player of All Time in 1946, illustrating his significant impact on the game.
Legacy
By the time of his death in 1963, McDermott’s influence had extended beyond his playing years.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988, solidifying his place in basketball history.
For more details on his career and accolades, visit his Hall of Fame page here.