NBA Stats Legend Harvey Pollack Dies at 93
June 24, 2015 (The Sports Network) — Longtime Philadelphia 76ers director of statistical information Harvey Pollack died on Tuesday.
He was 93.
Pollack, who graduated from Temple University, was with the NBA since its inception, starting as the assistant publicity director for the Philadelphia Warriors in the league’s inaugural 1946-47 season. He became the team’s head of media relations in 1952-53, and held a number of different positions during his distinguished career in public relations and statistics.
He was instrumental in leading the NBA’s statistical movement and was credited with bringing a number of stats to the mainstream, including blocked shots, separating offensive and defensive rebounds and technical fouls. Pollack kept those stats, among others, for Philadelphia long before the rest of the league adopted them.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of a true NBA legend, Harvey Pollack,” said Philadelphia 76ers Chief Executive Officer Scott O’Neil. “He may never have laced up his sneakers, but few have done more to advance the game, in the NBA or Philadelphia basketball, than Harvey. He did what he loved until the end, and shared that love of statistics and basketball with his family, who we remember at this difficult time. We count ourselves incredibly lucky to have had his wealth of knowledge, indomitable spirit, passionate drive and love for our sport with us here in Philadelphia and with the Sixers for so many years. He will be missed while his legacy will endure.”
Pollack was in Hershey on March 2, 1962, and was the scorekeeper for Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game. Pollack was the one who wrote the sign that Chamberlain held up in his famous postgame photo.
In 1968, he began publishing a Statistical Yearbook that took an in-depth look at the previous NBA season. Many coaches, media members and basketball fans have enjoyed the publication as a resource annually since then.
In 2002, Pollack became the 30th recipient of the John Bunn Award, the highest honor bestowed to an individual by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame outside of actual enshrinement.
[SportsNetwork.com]
