GOLA SNUBBED
The list of the 15 greatest players in the 75 years of MARCH MAdness does not include the ailing LaSalle legend.
GOLA SNUBBED
Frank Fitzpatrick, Inquirer Sports Columnist
I know. Tom Gola wore shiny short-shorts and played in an era when set-shots and center jumps were still integral parts pf the game.
But that's no reason to forget about the LaSalle legend.
The NCAA today released its final listing of the 15 greatest players in NCAA Tournament history. Gola wasn't on it. Here, in alphabetical order, are the deserving members:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Larry Bird
Bill Bradley
Patrick Ewing
Grant Hill
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Michael Jordan
Christian Laettner
Jerry Lucas
Danny Manning
Hakeem Olajuwon
Oscar Robertson
Bill Russell
Bill Walton
Jerry West
Gola clearly belongs near the head of that list.
He played in 10 NCAA games over two seasons. His teams won nine of them. LaSalle was the NCAA champion in 1954, the runner-ups to the great Bill Russell-K.C. Jones San Francisco team in 1955.
Gola averaged 22.9 points a game and nearly as many rebounds. He was the MVP of the '54 tournament and the runner-up in '55.
The numbers, like the man himself, are worthy of honor.
E-mail Frank here or follow him on Twitter. Reach Frank at ffitzpatrick@phillynews.com.
