This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/5/2024
“1956 NBA World Champion Larry Hennessy Philadelphia Warriors Champions Belt Buckle "Only Known Example, 1:1"
Larry Hennessy (May 20, 1929 – August 20, 2008) is a 6’4” forwarded heralding from Blessed Sacrament High School in New Rochelle, NY.
Hennessey played his college ball for Villanova University where he finished with 1,737 points and was named to the 1951-1952 sophomore All-American first team. His No. 14 jersey was retired by the Wildcats.
Hennessy was one of the most prolific scorers in Wildcat basketball history and his 1,737 career points in three varsity seasons from 1950-53 still ranks 11th in school history. Known for one of the nation's most accurate set shots, Hennessy averaged 23.2 points in 75 career games on the Main Line playing for coach Al Severance.
On Feb. 14, 1953, he scored 45 points against Boston College ten days after scoring 44 points against Canisius. Only two Wildcats, Paul Arizin and Bob Schafer, have scored more points in a single game for Villanova.
An excellent passer, rebounder, and outside shooter, Hennessy went onto play professionally for the Philadelphia Warriors and was a member of the 1956 World Champion team. He finished his pro career with the Syracuse Nationals during the 1956-1957 season.
In 1957, he became the head coach at Neptune High School and built that school into a powerhouse in the Shore Conference. Using a fast-break, full-court style, Hennessy led Neptune to consecutive Shore Conference championships from 1961-67 and titles in 1972 and 1976. Neptune also captured 18 divisional titles and six New Jersey state sectional crowns.
Hennessy later went on to coach at Brookdale Community College and added four more Shore Conference divisional titles at Mater Dei High School, where he posted an 87-18 record. He completed his coaching career at Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, Va., with more than 600 lifetime victories to his credit.
Larry Hennessy was a proud member of the 1956 World Champion Philadelphia Warriors where the team finished the season with a 46-26 record to finish 1st in the East. He was coached by George Senesky and played along side Jack George, Paul Arzin, Neil Johnston, Tom Gola, and Joe Graborski.
The Warriors rolled over the Ft Wayne Pistons 4-1 to become World Champions.
Originating from the family collection of Larry Hennessy is the belt buckle he was awarded as being a member of the 1956 Philadelphia Warriors World Champion team. Described in our catalog as, “1956 NBA World Champion Larry Hennessy Philadelphia Warriors Champions Belt Buckle "Only Known Example, 1:1"
The buckle measures 1.75”x2” and is plated. It’s three layer design is top by an inverted triangle. The center is a squared design featuring two fully detailed basketball players during the tip off. The main image is nestled on two laurel wreaths adorned with berries which is of ancient roman origin and is the symbol of victory. Below is a box which is simply printed “CHAMPIONS”.
Per our research, this is only the 2nd 1950s NBA Championship Buckle known to the hobby. A 1957 Fort Wayne example has previously entered the hobby. Rare opportunity to own a piece of early NBA Championship history. Direct from the family estate.
(85J0370)