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Harry Gallatin
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Harry Junior "The Horse" Gallatin (April 26, 1927 – October 7, 2015) was an American professional basketball player and coach. Gallatin played nine seasons for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1948 to 1957, as well as one season with the Detroit Pistons in the 1957–58 season. Gallatin led the NBA in rebounding and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1954. The following year, he was named to the All-NBA Second Team. For his career, Gallatin played in seven NBA All-Star Games. A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he is also a member of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, the SIU Edwardsville Athletics Hall of Fame, the Truman State University Athletics Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, two Illinois Basketball Halls of Fame, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Hall of Fame, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame, and the SIU Salukis Hall of Fame.[1]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Harry Junior "The Horse" Gallatin was born on April 26, 1927, in Roxana, Illinois, where he grew up. Gallatin had taken interest in all sports and has been quoted as saying, "Competition has always been my cup of tea."[2] His drive for competition was amplified during his first year in high school as he attended Wood River High School from 1940 to 1941. Since Roxana and some other outlying communities like Bethalto had no high school of their own at the time, all the athletes in the area attended Wood River, thus increasing the level of competition among them for varsity positions. The following year, however, Roxana got its own high school. He graduated from Roxana High School in 1944, and was granted a basketball scholarship by Northeast Missouri State Teachers' College (now known as Truman State University). But after graduating from Roxana High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served until the end of World War II.[3]

College career

[edit]

At Northeast Missouri, Gallatin averaged 12.9 points per game and lead his team to a 59–4 record and two appearances in the NAIA tournament.[1] He earned his bachelor's degree from Northeast Missouri in only two years and would later receive his master's degree in physical education from the University of Iowa in 1954.[4]

Professional basketball career

[edit]

On July 1, 1947, Gallatin was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in the 4th round of the 1947 BAA Draft.

New York Knicks (1948–1957)

[edit]

On May 10, 1948, the New York Knicks selected Gallatin in the 1948 BAA draft. "It was a dream come true. I really didn't know what to expect; it was my first plane ride, from St. Louis to New York. Here I am a boy from Wood River, a country boy, and going to the Big Apple", Gallatin explained. "All I knew was that I loved to play basketball, and the Knicks had taken me with their number one choice. So I knew that they thought I had the kind of abilities they were looking for."[2]

On March 21, 1949, Gallatin was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 2nd round (20th pick) of the 1949 BAA Draft.

In his third year in the NBA, Gallatin was selected for the first NBA All-Star Game in 1951, and from 1951 to 1957 was chosen for seven consecutive NBA All-Star games. It was in the NBA where he earned the nickname "The Horse". He played his entire career as an undersized center at 6'6" and 215 lbs., but made up for it with tremendous physical strength. He played nine seasons for the New York Knicks, from 1948 to 1957. His best statistical year was in 1954, when he led the NBA in rebounding, averaging 15.3 rebounds per game. That same year, he was also named to the All-NBA First Team. His most dominating single-game performance was on the last regular season game of the 1952–53 season. That night, against the Fort Wayne Pistons, Gallatin pulled down 33 rebounds, a Knicks record which still stands today.[2] In the six seasons he played when rebounds were recorded, he was among the leaders in the league in rebounds per game.[5] For his career, he averaged 11.9 rebounds per game. Gallatin still holds the Knick team record of consecutive games played, with 610.[6]

Detroit Pistons (1957–1958)

[edit]

After nine strong years with the Knicks, Gallatin was traded to the Detroit Pistons with Richard Atha and Nathaniel Clifton for Mel Hutchins and Charlie Tyra on April 3, 1957.[5] He played only one season for the Pistons before retiring as one of the most dominating post players of his era.[7]

Professional baseball career

[edit]

Minor leagues

[edit]

In addition to basketball, Gallatin also played baseball. He played two seasons of varsity baseball at Northeast Missouri.[1] During the off-seasons between his first three seasons in the NBA, he played for the Class B Decatur, Illinois Cubs/Commodores of the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League, which was an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs in 1949 and the Cincinnati Reds in 1950. He appeared in 46 games in those two seasons, winning 7, losing 9 and batting .227 in 75 at-bats. After the 1950 baseball season, however, he made basketball his only professional sport.[2][8]

Coaching career

[edit]

Southern Illinois (1958–1962)

[edit]

After his retirement from playing in 1958, Gallatin became the head coach of the Southern Illinois University Salukis. In four seasons there, he led his teams to a 69–35 record and post-season tournament appearances every year. The 1961–62 team made it to the NCAA Small College (now Division II) Tournament semifinals before barely losing to eventual champion Mount St. Mary's College 58–57, then took third place by beating Nebraska Wesleyan University 98–81.[9]

St. Louis Hawks (1962–1965)

[edit]

Gallatin returned to the NBA in 1962 as coach of the St. Louis Hawks. In his first season, he led the Hawks to the division finals and was named NBA Coach of the Year. The 1963–64 season saw the Hawks again advance to the division finals. The eighth coach since the franchise's arrival in St. Louis in 1955, he was fired on December 28, 1964, despite the Hawks being in second place in the NBA Western Division. He was replaced by Richie Guerin.[10]

New York Knicks (1965–1966)

[edit]

Gallatin returned to New York to coach the Knicks which were developing into a championship team, but the pieces were not yet all in place and Gallatin left the Knicks and the NBA midway through the 1965–66 season.[11]

SIU Edwardsville (1967–1970)

[edit]

Gallatin became Assistant Dean of Students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1966, then the first athletic director and basketball coach in 1967. He remained at SIUE until his retirement in 1992, where he also taught in the physical education department and was the SIUE Cougars's men's golf coach for 24 years, leading that team to NCAA Division II championships 19 times and finishing in the top 10 six times.[12]

After his retirement from coaching, Gallatin remained active and enthusiastic, while continuing to live in Edwardsville, Illinois.[2] He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991,[13] and was also named to nine other Halls of Fame. In 2011, the New York Knicks honored him in their second "Legends Night Awards" along with other former Knicks stars Dick Barnett, Earl Monroe, Mark Jackson, John Starks and Allan Houston,[14] and in May 2015, the Knicks added him to Madison Square Garden's Walk of Fame.[15]

Death

[edit]

Harry Gallatin died on October 7, 2015, following surgery. He was survived by Beverly Hull Gallatin, his wife since 1949; their sons, Steve, Jim, and Bill; his sister, Eileen Palmer; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.[16]

Legacy

[edit]

On June 24, 2013, Gallatin took part as the SIUE athletics department broke ground for a new golf training facility. Following approval by the SIU Board of Trustees, it was officially named the Harry Gallatin Golf Training Facility.[17] The facility, initially proposed as an on-campus venue, was moved when Sunset Hills Country Club (SHCC) in Edwardsville.offered to partner in the endeavor. The approximately $500,000, 1,840-square-foot facility was opened to SIUE students and SHCC members on December 10, 2019.[18]

BAA/NBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 *  Led the league

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1948–49 New York 52 – .328 .710 – 1.2 8.3
1949–50 New York 68 – .396 .757 – 0.8 11.8
1950–51 New York 66 – .416 .732 12.1 2.7 12.8
1951–52 New York 66 29.3 .442 .806 10.0 3.4 11.2
1952–53 New York 70 33.3 .444 .700 13.1 1.8 12.4
1953–54 New York 72 37.4 .404 .784 15.3* 2.1 13.2
1954–55 New York 72 35.4 .384 .814 13.8 2.4 14.6
1955–56 New York 72 33.0 .386 .787 10.3 2.3 13.9
1956–57 New York 72 27.0 .406 .800 10.1 1.2 15.0
1957–58 Detroit 72 27.6 .379 .787 10.4 1.2 14.9
Career 682 31.9 .398 .773 11.9 1.8 13.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1949 New York 6 – .357 .821 – 1.7 12.0
1950 New York 5 – .385 .781 – 1.2 13.0
1951 New York 14 – .350 .770 11.6 1.9 11.8
1952 New York 14 33.6 .410 .773 9.6 1.4 10.8
1953 New York 11 27.5 .419 .746 10.9 1.4 10.5
1954 New York 4 37.8 .457 .710 15.3 1.5 13.5
1955 New York 3 36.0 .452 .773 14.7 2.3 18.3
1958 Detroit 7 26.0 .368 .703 10.0 1.6 12.9
Career 64 31.2 .390 .761 11.2 1.6 12.0

Head coaching record

[edit]

NBA

[edit]
Legend
Regular season G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win–loss %
Playoffs PG Playoff games PW Playoff wins PL Playoff losses PW–L % Playoff win–loss %
Team Year G W L W–L% Finish PG PW PL PW–L% Result
St. Louis Hawks 1962–63 80 48 32 .600 2nd in West 11 6 5 .545 Lost in Division finals
St. Louis Hawks 1963–64 80 46 34 .575 2nd in West 12 6 6 .500 Lost in Division finals
St. Louis Hawks 1964–65 33 17 16 .515 - - - - - -
New York Knicks 1964–65 42 19 23 .452 - - - - - -
New York Knicks 1965–66 21 6 15 .286 — — — — — —
Career total 256 136 120 .531 23 12 11 .511

College

[edit]
Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Southern Illinois Salukis (Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) (1958–1962)
1958–59 Southern Illinois 17–10 9–3 2nd NCAA College Division Regional Third Place
1959–60 Southern Illinois 20–9 9–3 T–1st NAIA First Round
1960–61 Southern Illinois 21–6 12–0 1st NCAA College Division Regional Runner-up
1961–62 Southern Illinois 21–10 9–3 1st NCAA College Division Third Place
Southern Illinois: 79–35 39–9
SIU Edwardsville Cougars (NCAA College Division independent) (1967–1970)
1967–68 SIU Edwardsville 5–5
1968–69 SIU Edwardsville 7–10
1969–70 SIU Edwardsville 7–16
SIU Edwardsville: 19–31
Total: 58–40

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Harry Gallatin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Harry Gallatin (April 26, 1927 – October 7, 2015) was an American professional player, coach, and athletic administrator, renowned for his durability, rebounding prowess, and contributions to the sport both on and off the court. Born in , Illinois, Gallatin developed a passion for in his youth and became a standout high school player at Roxana High School, graduating in 1944 despite being undersized for the position. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now ), where he played from 1946 to 1948, averaging 13 points per game over two seasons on teams considered among the school's best. Gallatin entered professional basketball with the in 1948, following his selection in the second round (19th overall) of the , and played nine seasons with the team through 1957 before finishing his career with one season for the in 1957–58. Over 682 games—setting an NBA record for consecutive appearances at the time—he averaged 13.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, achieving a in points and rebounds for nine seasons and leading the league in rebounding in 1954 while ranking in the top 10 eight times. Nicknamed "" by teammates for his rugged play and iron-man stamina, he earned seven NBA selections (1951–1957), All-NBA First Team honors in 1954, All-NBA Second Team in 1955, and finished eighth in MVP voting in 1957. After retiring as a player, Gallatin began a coaching career that included stints at (1958–1962), in the NBA with the St. Louis Hawks and (1962–1966), and at (SIUE), where he served as the first Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and coached men's for three seasons while leading the men's golf team for 24 seasons and qualifying for the NCAA Championships 18 times and developing multiple All-Americans. His legacy was honored with induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 1991, the SIUE Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Hall of Fame in 1984, among other recognitions for his impact on and collegiate athletics.

Early life and education

Early life

Harry Gallatin was born on April 26, 1927, in , , a small industrial town near the known for its oil refineries and working-class community. He was the son of Harry E. Gallatin and Cecile (née Hartmann) Gallatin, who raised him in modest circumstances amid the town's blue-collar environment. From a young age, Gallatin developed a passion for , often practicing by shooting hoops in local alleys, driveways, and front yards in nearby Wood River and . Gallatin attended Wood River High School for his freshman year before transferring to Roxana High School, from which he graduated in 1944. There, he emerged as a standout player, excelling as an undersized forward despite his relatively modest for the position. His tenacity and skill helped lead the team to regional success, earning him recognition as one of ' premier high school talents. Following graduation, Gallatin enlisted in the United States and served for 15 months during the final stages of , from 1944 to 1946, primarily in non-combat roles that included basic training. This period instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and physical resilience, qualities that would define his later athletic career. Upon his honorable discharge, he transitioned to at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now ).

College career

Following his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Harry Gallatin attended from 1946 to 1948, where he majored in education at the institution originally established to train teachers. He completed his in just two years. During his two seasons on the Bulldogs team, Gallatin emerged as a standout player, averaging 12.9 points per game and totaling 816 career points while earning two-time All-Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors. He helped lead the team to an impressive 59–4 overall record, including undefeated regular seasons that propelled them to back-to-back appearances in the NAIA national tournament, reaching the in 1947 and the first round in 1948. Despite standing at 6 feet 6 inches—a height considered modest for a —Gallatin distinguished himself through tremendous physical strength, relentless hard work, and prowess in rebounding and defensive intensity, often dominating the boards in key games. Beyond basketball, Gallatin participated in campus athletics by playing two seasons of varsity , showcasing his versatility and early interest in multifaceted athletic involvement that foreshadowed his later coaching pursuits. His high school success at Roxana High School in had prepared him well for this collegiate emergence as a star.

Professional playing career

Basketball career

Harry Gallatin entered professional basketball after being selected by the in the second round (20th overall) of the . He made his debut in the 1948–49 season, the final year of the (BAA) before its merger with the National Basketball League to form the NBA in 1949–50. Gallatin's career spanned 10 seasons from 1948 to 1958, during which he established himself as a durable forward known for his rebounding prowess. Gallatin spent nine seasons with the Knicks from 1948 to 1957, appearing in all 610 regular-season games during that stretch, a franchise record that underscored his ironman reputation. He helped the Knicks secure six playoff berths, including three consecutive appearances from 1951 to 1953, though the team lost each series. During his Knicks tenure, Gallatin earned seven consecutive selections from 1951 to 1957 and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1954 after leading the league in rebounding with 15.3 rebounds per game that season. He also made the All-NBA Second Team in 1955. His scoring peaked at 15.0 points per game in the 1956–57 season. On April 3, 1957, Gallatin was traded to the in exchange for forward Dick McGuire. In his final season of 1957–58 with , he averaged 14.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game over 72 appearances, maintaining his production. Gallatin retired after that year at age 31, concluding a career marked by unwavering consistency. Gallatin's playing style emphasized defensive rebounding and relentless hustle, earning him the nickname for his physicality and endurance; he played in 682 consecutive regular-season games across his entire career, an NBA record at the time. He ranked in the top 10 in rebounding six times, showcasing his tenacity on the boards despite standing at 6 feet 6 inches. Over 682 regular-season games, Gallatin accumulated 8,843 points (13.0 per game), 6,684 rebounds (11.9 per game from 1950–51 onward, when official rebounding statistics began), and 1,208 assists (1.8 per game).

Baseball career

Gallatin entered in 1949, signing with the Cubs organization while simultaneously playing forward for the in the NBA. He pursued this multi-sport path during the NBA off-season to supplement his earnings, as early NBA salaries were modest at around $4,500 per season. That summer, Gallatin pitched for the Cubs' Class B affiliate, the Decatur Cubs, in the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League. In 32 appearances, he compiled a 7–9 record with a 4.28 over 166 innings, allowing 171 hits and 85 walks while striking out 78 batters. As a part-time batter, he appeared in 33 games, hitting .230 with 14 hits and 5 RBI. In 1950, Gallatin returned to Decatur, this time with the , the Class B affiliate of the , appearing in 12 games and pitching fewer than 45 innings. He batted .214 in 13 games, collecting 3 hits and 2 RBI. Over his two minor league seasons, Gallatin finished with an overall 7–9 pitching record and a .227 in limited at-bats. The scheduling demands of the NBA season restricted Gallatin's commitments, confining his play to off-season periods and preventing further advancement to higher levels or the major leagues. He trained and competed in as a secondary pursuit alongside his primary career, ultimately ending his professional pitching after 1950.

Coaching career

College basketball coaching

After retiring from professional basketball, Harry Gallatin transitioned to college coaching as the head coach of the from 1958 to 1962, where he compiled an overall record of 79–35 over four seasons. His teams demonstrated consistent success within the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, including an undefeated 12–0 conference mark in 1960–61 and first-place finishes in 1960–61 and 1961–62. Gallatin's emphasis on rebounding, drawn from his own storied career as an NBA rebounding leader, contributed to strong interior play, exemplified by forward Ed Spila, who averaged 14.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game during the 1961–62 season. Gallatin guided the Salukis to postseason appearances in each of his four years, highlighting the program's rapid elevation under his leadership. The pinnacle came in 1962, when advanced to the Tournament (now Division II), defeating , Evansville, and Northeastern Illinois before falling to Mount St. Mary's in the semifinals; they secured third place with a consolation victory over Nebraska Wesleyan. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the program, underscoring Gallatin's ability to develop competitive teams through a focus on defensive fundamentals and player conditioning. In 1967, Gallatin took on the role of inaugural and for the newly established men's basketball program, serving through 1970 with a record of 19–31 in NAIA competition across three seasons. The 1968–69 and 1969–70 seasons each ended at 7–10 and 7–16, respectively, reflecting the difficulties of building a Division I-level program from the ground up amid limited resources and facilities. Despite the modest win total, Gallatin laid foundational elements for the program's growth, prioritizing player development and basic skills training influenced by his professional experience. Gallatin's overall coaching philosophy at the level centered on defense, rebounding dominance, and sound fundamentals, principles honed during his playing days as a seven-time NBA known for durability and tenacity. He recruited local talent and instilled a that emphasized team-oriented play, fostering long-term program stability even in nascent environments like SIU Edwardsville.

NBA coaching

Gallatin began his NBA coaching career with the Hawks in 1962, succeeding Paul Seymour midway through the 1961-62 season but taking full control for the 1962-63 campaign. Over three partial seasons, he compiled a regular-season record of 111-82, guiding the team to second-place finishes in the Western Division in both 1963 and 1964. In the 1962-63 playoffs, the Hawks advanced to the Western Division finals, defeating the before falling to the in seven games. His success that year earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award, recognizing his ability to unify a talented roster featuring stars like , who averaged 28.4 points and 15.1 rebounds per game. Gallatin emphasized conditioning, fundamentals, and team chemistry through intense practices, which helped instill motivation and cohesion among players such as and . In January 1965, following his midseason dismissal from the Hawks, Gallatin returned to the New York Knicks as interim head coach, replacing Dick McGuire amid front-office restructuring that promoted Eddie Donovan to general manager. He coached the Knicks for the remainder of the 1964-65 season and into the early part of 1965-66, posting a 25-38 regular-season record as the team focused on rebuilding with emerging players. Despite efforts to develop the squad, Gallatin resigned on November 29, 1965, after a 6-15 start to the season, marking the end of his Knicks tenure after less than two full seasons. Gallatin's overall NBA coaching record stood at 136-120 across his stints with the Hawks and Knicks, reflecting his transition from at to professional management. His approach prioritized player motivation through team-building and rigorous drills focused on fundamentals like rebounding, drawing from his own renowned career as an NBA rebounding leader. This style contributed to short-term successes, including divisional contention, though organizational changes limited longer-term impact.

Other coaching roles

In 1967, Harry Gallatin became the first at (SIUE), serving until 1973 and overseeing the establishment of the university's intercollegiate athletics program from its inception. During his tenure, he hired the initial coaching staff and secured essential facilities to launch competitive sports, laying the foundation for SIUE's athletic department as it transitioned to Division II competition. His administrative approach, informed by his prior experience as an NBA coach, emphasized building robust programs across multiple sports. Gallatin also initiated and led SIUE's men's program as from 1967 to 1992, spanning 24 seasons and transforming it into a national powerhouse. Under his direction, the team qualified for the Championships 18 times, achieving top-10 finishes on six occasions, while producing multiple All-Americans. His success in golf highlighted a strategic focus on player development and competitive excellence, distinct from his basketball background. Beyond direct , Gallatin's administrative legacy at SIUE included of athletes across various during his time as a physical education professor until retirement in 1992. This broader influence contributed to the enduring impact of SIUE's athletics, evidenced by the naming of the Harry Gallatin Training Facility in his honor.

Personal life and death

Family and later years

Gallatin married his college sweetheart, Beverly A. Hull, on September 25, 1949, in . The couple remained together for over 66 years, celebrating their anniversary shortly before his death. They raised three sons—Steven (of ), James (of ), and William (of )—and were later joined by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Following his retirement from in 1992, where he had served in various athletic roles, Gallatin settled in , and stayed deeply involved in local affairs. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Edwardsville and served as past president of the Edwardsville Rotary Club. Gallatin also contributed to the community through his position on the for First Cloverleaf Bank and as a long-time member of the Sunset Hills Country Club. In his later years, Gallatin maintained an interest in , a he had coached at the collegiate level for nearly two decades, leading teams to multiple appearances. He faced challenges stemming from his physically demanding playing career but remained enthusiastic about sports and community life until his passing.

Death

Harry Gallatin died on October 7, 2015, at the age of 88, at Eden Village Care Center in Glen Carbon, , near his home in Edwardsville. His death followed surgery, as confirmed by his wife, Beverly. A visitation was held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2015, at Weber & Rodney Home in Edwardsville, followed by a service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, at First Presbyterian Church in Edwardsville. He was interred at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Glen Carbon.

Legacy and honors

Awards and recognitions

Harry Gallatin was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991 as a player, recognizing his contributions as a durable forward known for his rebounding prowess during his NBA career. During his professional playing days, primarily with the , Gallatin earned seven NBA selections from 1951 to 1957, participating in the league's inaugural in 1951 and continuing as a consistent honoree through the mid-1950s. He was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1954, the same season he led the league in rebounding with an average of 15.3 per game. As a coach, Gallatin received the NBA Coach of the Year award in 1963 for his work with the Hawks, guiding the team to a 48-32 record and a second-place finish in the Western Division during his first season at the helm. Gallatin's college achievements were also honored through several inductions. He was elected to the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1957 for his standout performance at what is now , where he helped lead the team to a 59-4 record over two seasons. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1974. Gallatin was inducted into the Truman State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984, with his 1946-47 team following in 2007. He received induction into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. He was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Additionally, he received induction into the SIU Edwardsville Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005, acknowledging his foundational role as the school's first men's basketball coach and longtime golf coach, and the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Posthumous tributes

Following his death on October 7, 2015, Harry Gallatin received widespread recognition from the community, including detailed obituaries in major outlets that highlighted his enduring contributions as a , and administrator. published an obituary on October 8, 2015, describing him as a "rugged and durable Hall of Famer" who exemplified toughness during the Knicks' formative years in the 1950s. Similarly, ESPN's October 7, 2015, coverage noted his seven NBA selections and his pivotal role in establishing programs at (SIUE). The issued an official statement that day, honoring him as a "legendary member of the family" and acknowledging his place in the Walk of Fame. At SIUE, where Gallatin served as the inaugural and long-time golf coach, tributes focused on his foundational impact. In November 2015, the university produced a remembrance video featuring testimonials from colleagues and former players, emphasizing his vision for Cougars athletics. This legacy extended to infrastructure when the Harry Gallatin Golf Practice Facility opened on December 10, 2019, at ; the 1,840-square-foot indoor venue, equipped with hitting bays, a putting surface, and video analysis tools, fulfilled Gallatin's pre-death advocacy for elite training resources and is regarded as one of the top facilities in golf. Annual awards in his name further perpetuate his influence, with the Gallatin Prep Players of the Year Awards—renamed in April 2018 to honor top high school talents in the Metro-East region—continuing as a key youth development initiative; the 78th banquet occurred on March 23, 2025. In his hometown of Edwardsville and nearby , community memorials underscored Gallatin's local roots. On December 2, 2023, Roxana High School dedicated its court in Larry Milazzo Gym as Harry Gallatin Court during a ceremony attended by family and alumni, ensuring his high school origins as a 1944 All-State player remain central to the program's identity. A March 16, 2025, feature in The Telegraph revisited his SIUE tenure, spotlighting five key facts about his Hall of Fame career and administrative achievements to inspire current student-athletes. These efforts, including youth awards programs, reflect ongoing commitments to scholarships and development in his name, building on earlier fundraising initiatives from his lifetime.

Career statistics and records

NBA player statistics

Harry Gallatin played his entire 10-season NBA career from to 1958, primarily with the before finishing with the , appearing in all 682 regular-season games during that span. His per-game averages across those seasons highlight his evolution as a rebounding specialist and consistent scorer, peaking in rebounding during the mid-1950s. The following table summarizes Gallatin's regular-season per-game statistics by season, including games played (G), points (PTS), total rebounds (TRB; not officially tracked in the BAA prior to 1950–51), and assists (AST).
SeasonTeamGPTSTRBAST
1948–49NYK528.3—1.2
1949–50NYK6811.8—0.8
1950–51NYK6612.812.12.7
1951–52NYK6611.210.01.7
1952–53NYK7012.413.11.8
1953–54NYK7213.215.32.1
1954–55NYK7214.613.82.4
1955–56NYK7213.910.32.3
1956–57NYK7215.010.11.2
1957–58DET7214.910.41.2
Note: Rebound statistics were not officially recorded in the NBA until the 1950–51 season; career rebounds and related averages reflect data from 1950–51 onward. Career totals include 8,843 points, 6,684 rebounds (from the 1950–51 season onward), and 1,208 assists over 682 games with the Knicks and . He averaged 13.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game overall. Gallatin appeared in the in eight postseasons, playing 64 games with career averages of 12.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game (rebounds tracked from 1950–51 onward). In the against the Rochester Royals, he averaged 10.9 points and 10.0 rebounds across seven games. During the 1954 Eastern Division Semifinals round-robin series versus the Syracuse Nationals, Gallatin posted 15.5 points and a series-high 16.5 rebounds per game over two contests. Among his notable records, Gallatin holds the NBA mark for 682 consecutive from 1948 to 1958, reflecting his renowned durability. He also finished in the top 10 for league rebounding six times, including leading the NBA with 15.3 rebounds per game in 1953–54.

Coaching records

Harry Gallatin compiled impressive records during his head coaching stints at the college and professional levels. At (SIU), he guided the Salukis to a 79–35 regular season mark (.693 win percentage) from 1958 to 1962, the highest winning percentage among the program's early head coaches. His teams qualified for postseason play each season, culminating in a third-place finish at the 1962 Tournament after reaching the . At SIU Edwardsville, Gallatin posted a 19–31 record (.380 win percentage) over three seasons from 1967 to 1970. His combined college record stood at 99–67 overall (.596 win percentage), including postseason. In the NBA, Gallatin's teams achieved a 136–120 regular-season record (.532 win percentage), highlighted by back-to-back Western Division finals appearances with the St. Louis Hawks. He earned the 1963 NBA Coach of the Year award after leading the Hawks to 48 wins and a division-second finish in his debut season.

College Coaching Records

SeasonTeamRegular SeasonPostseasonOverall
1958–59Southern Illinois17–10None17–10
1959–60Southern Illinois20–9None20–9
1960–61Southern Illinois21–6None21–6
1961–62Southern Illinois21–10NCAA College Division (3rd)22–11
TotalSouthern Illinois79–351–180–36
1967–68SIU Edwardsville5–5None5–5
1968–69SIU Edwardsville7–10None7–10
1969–70SIU Edwardsville7–16None7–16
TotalSIU Edwardsville19–31None19–31
CareerCollege98–661–199–67
Note: Postseason record for Southern Illinois reflects the 1962 NCAA College Division third-place game win over Evansville (71–56) after a semifinal loss to Mount St. Mary's (61–57). Season-by-season breakdowns derived from official university records.

NBA Coaching Records

SeasonTeamRegular SeasonFinishPlayoffs
1962–63St. Louis Hawks48–32 (.600)2nd (Western)Won West Semifinals (3–1 vs. Pistons); Lost West Finals (3–4 vs. Lakers); 6–5 overall
1963–64St. Louis Hawks46–34 (.575)2nd (Western)Won West Semifinals (3–2 vs. Lakers); Lost West Finals (3–4 vs. Warriors); 6–6 overall
1964–65St. Louis Hawks17–16 (.515)— (fired midseason)None
1964–65New York Knicks19–23 (.452)4th (Eastern)None
1965–66New York Knicks6–15 (.286)— (fired early)None
CareerNBA136–120—12–11
Note: Playoff records reflect games coached by Gallatin. He was fired from the Hawks on December 27, 1964, and joined the Knicks midseason; from the Knicks on November 29, 1965. Hawks regular-season totals under Gallatin: 111–82 (.575).

References

  1. https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/harry-gallatin/
  2. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gallaha01.html
  3. https://ovcsports.com/news/2015/12/11/remembering-siues-harry-the-horse-gallatin-former-nba-all-star-1927-2015.aspx?path=blog
  4. https://trumanbulldogs.com/honors/hall-of-fame/harry-gallatin/81
  5. https://www.nba.com/player/76773/harry-gallatin
  6. https://siuecougars.com/honors/hall-of-fame/harry-gallatin/7
  7. https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/harry-gallatin-siue-basketball-naismith-hall-nba-20224100.php
  8. https://www.advantagenews.com/sports/remembering-harry-the-horse-gallatin/article_2d9efc98-951a-54db-bb67-90f6504bc839.html
  9. https://mosportshalloffame.com/inductees/harry-gallatin/
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/08/sports/harry-gallatin-knicks-stalwart-in-50s-dies-at-88.html
  11. https://www.nba.com/knicks/nyk70-1948-harry-gallatin-begins-franchise-record-streak
  12. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/harry-gallatin-most-points-per-game-in-a-season
  13. https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/trb_per_g_career.html
  14. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Harry_Gallatin
  15. https://hofbbplayers.com/harry-gallatin/
  16. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gallat001har
  17. https://nypost.com/2020/05/16/harry-gallatin-was-only-knick-to-ever-lead-league-in-rebounding/
  18. https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/siusalukis.com/documents/2021/12/17/2021_Record_Bookrevised.pdf
  19. https://siuecougars.com/sports/2021/5/20/sports-m-baskbl-archive-coaching-html.aspx
  20. https://www.siue.edu/news/2015/10/HarryGallatin19272015.shtml
  21. https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/gallaha01c.html
  22. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/STL/1963.html
  23. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/STL/1964.html
  24. https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1963.html
  25. https://www.stlshof.com/harry-gallatin-2/
  26. https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/04/archives/knicks-name-gallatin-as-coach-and-promote-donovan-to-general.html
  27. https://themiaa.com/hof.aspx?hof=17
  28. https://www.weberfuneralhome.com/obituary/Harry-Gallatin
  29. https://www.riverbender.com/obits/details/harry-j-gallatin-edwardsville-obituary-10966.cfm
  30. https://thesouthern.com/news/local/visitation-services-for-harry-gallatin-announced/article_c5e41a2e-7ccd-5282-92a2-c6116e037d2a.html
  31. https://www.siue.edu/news/obituaries/2015/gallatin-harry.shtml
  32. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/harry-gallatin-obituary?pid=176045959
  33. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/153389393/harry-gallatin
  34. https://www.nba.com/knicks/history/harry-gallatin-nbas-original-iron-man
  35. https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/awards/by-type/Coach-of-the-Year/9001/1963
  36. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13832393/hall-fame-basketball-player-harry-gallatin-dies
  37. https://www.nba.com/knicks/history/harry-gallatin-passes-away-88
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLaVgAV_MPU
  39. https://www.siue.edu/news/2019/12/SIUE-SunsetHills-CountryClub-Open-Gallatin-Indoor-Facility.shtml
  40. https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/PREP-BASKETBALL-Annual-awards-honoring-12851703.php
  41. https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/gallatin-basketball-players-of-the-year-awards-fete-set-march-23-2025-80593.cfm
  42. https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/roxana-high-dedicates-harry-gallatin-court-larry-18529087.php
  43. https://www.landofbasketball.com/nba_players_stats/harry_gallatin_tot.htm
  44. https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1951-nba-finals-knicks-vs-royals.html
  45. https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1954-nba-eastern-division-round-robin-knicks-vs-nationals.html
  46. http://www.kronishsports.com/SE/NCAAbb/History/1960-69.htm
  47. https://siuecougars.com/sports/2021/5/20/sports-m-baskbl-archive-coaching.aspx
  48. https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1963.html#coy
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