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Jim Pollard
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Jim Pollard
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James Clifford Pollard (July 9, 1922 – January 22, 1993) was an American professional basketball player and coach. As a player in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Pollard was considered one of the best forwards in the 1950s and was known for his leaping ability,[1] earning him the nickname "The Kangaroo Kid". A five-time NBA champion and four-time NBA All-Star, Pollard spent his entire eight-year professional career with the Minneapolis Lakers.

Key Information

Pollard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.[2] He has also been inducted into the Bay Area Hall of Fame, Stanford Hall of Fame, and Pac-12 Hall of Honor.

Early life

[edit]

Pollard attended Oakland Technical High School in his hometown of Oakland, California. He led the school's basketball team to three consecutive conference titles from 1937–38 to 1939–40. He averaged 19.8 points per game in his senior year, setting a school record.[3]

College career and military service

[edit]

Pollard was recruited to Stanford University by former Stanford star and future Hall of Famer, Hank Luisetti.[4] Pollard played for the Stanford Indians for two seasons, under head coach Everett Dean. During his sophomore season, he was a key member of the team's 1942 national championship team, but, due to illness, he did not play in the championship game.[3] At Stanford, Pollard joined the Sigma Rho chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

Pollard's college career was ended early due to World War II, and he served with the United States Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. During his service, he starred with the Coast Guard basketball team in Alameda, winning a Northern California title in 1943 and the Service League championship in 1946.[3]

Pollard went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1954.[4]

Amateur career

[edit]

After World War II, Pollard played amateur basketball for one season with the San Diego Dons of the Amateur Athletic Union. The following season, he played for the Oakland Bittners in the same league. He led the AAU in scoring and earned Most Valuable Player honors both years. His teams were runners-up in the national AAU tournament both seasons.[3]

Pollard also played amateur baseball for Jordan, Minnesota's Town Team baseball club, during his NBA career. He was reputed to be "a good pitcher and a powerful hitter." It was there that Pollard famously "hit a ball that didn't stop until it got to Chicago", because it landed in a gondola car in a freight train passing by the ballpark.[5]

Professional career

[edit]

Pollard began his professional basketball career in 1947 after signing with the Minneapolis Lakers while the team was a part of the National Basketball League. On the team, Pollard was a member of a future Hall of Fame frontcourt alongside center George Mikan and power forward Vern Mikkelsen, as well as fellow Hall of Famer Slater Martin at shooting guard. Led by coach John Kundla, this core group of players have been called the "first legacy in the history of professional basketball".[3] The Lakers won the NBL championship in 1948, the BAA championship in 1949, and four NBA championships in 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954. Pollard was a four-time NBA All-Star, and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1949 and 1950, and Second Team in 1952 and 1954.

Pollard was renowned for his tremendous leaping ability, and subsequently earned the nickname "The Kangaroo Kid". He could reportedly touch the top of the backboard and dunk from the foul line,[2] being one of the few players in his era who was capable of dunking a basketball.[4] Pollard was also known for his corner jumpshot,[3] and was a respected player and teammate.[2] In 1952, the Basketball Association of America selected Pollard as the best player of the era.[2]

Pollard retired from playing basketball after eight seasons, and finished with career averages of 13.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.[6]

Coaching career

[edit]

Pollard immediately moved into coaching after retiring, taking the head coach position at La Salle University for the Explorers men's basketball team in 1955. Over three seasons with the team, Pollard compiled a record of 48–28.[3]

Pollard was named interim head coach of the Lakers midway through the 1959–60 NBA season on January 2, 1960,[6] and recorded a 14–25 record.[7] He was named the head coach of the newly established Chicago Packers in 1961, and managed an 18–62 record in the team's first NBA season.[7]

He moved to the American Basketball Association for the league's inaugural season in 1967, and coached the Minnesota Muskies, which relocated to Miami and became the Miami Floridians the following season. He was fired by the team midway through the 1969–70 season.[7]

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
 †  Won an NBA championship

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1948–49† Minneapolis 53 – .396 .687 – 2.7 14.8
1949–50† Minneapolis 66 – .346 .764 – 3.8 14.7
1950–51 Minneapolis 54 – .352 .750 9.0 3.4 11.6
1951–52† Minneapolis 65 39.2 .356 .704 9.1 3.6 15.5
1952–53† Minneapolis 66 36.4 .357 .769 6.8 3.5 13.0
1953–54† Minneapolis 71 35.0 .370 .778 7.0 3.0 11.7
1954–55 Minneapolis 63 31.1 .354 .812 7.3 2.5 10.8
Career 438 35.4 .360 .750 7.8 3.2 13.2
All-Star 4 24.3 .304 .750 5.5 3.3 12.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1949† Minneapolis 10 – .293 .710 – 3.9 13.0
1950† Minneapolis 12 – .286 .710 – 4.7 12.0
1951 Minneapolis 7 – .324 .833 8.9 3.9 13.6
1952† Minneapolis 11 42.6 .405 .740 6.3 3.0 16.1
1953† Minneapolis 12 37.9 .371 .774 7.2 4.1 14.3
1954† Minneapolis 13 41.8 .361 .800 8.5 3.2 12.3
1955 Minneapolis 7 36.7 .317 .717 11.1 2.0 14.1
Career 72 40.1 .339 .750 8.1 3.6 13.6

Head coaching record

[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
Minneapolis 1959–60 39 14 25 .359 3rd in Western 9 5 4 .556 Lost in Conference finals
Chicago 1961–62 80 18 62 .225 5th in Western — — — — Missed Playoffs
Minnesota 1967–68 78 50 28 .641 2nd in ABA Eastern Division 10 4 6 .400 Lost in Conference finals
Miami 1968–69 78 43 35 .551 2nd in ABA Eastern Division 12 5 7 .417 Lost in Conference finals
Miami 1969–70 20 5 15 .250 (fired) — — — — —
Total 295 130 165 .441 31 14 17 .452

See also

[edit]

References

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

Jim Pollard

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
James Clifford Pollard (July 9, 1922 – January 22, 1993) was an American player renowned for his tenure as a with the Lakers, where he contributed to five NBA championships over an eight-season career from 1947 to 1955. Nicknamed the "Kangaroo Kid" for his exceptional leaping ability and defensive prowess, Pollard was a four-time NBA and earned All-NBA First Team honors in 1949 and 1950 along with Second Team selections in 1952 and 1954. His smooth shooting and finesse made him a key complement to center , helping establish the Lakers as a dominant force in early . Born in Oakland, California, Pollard excelled in multiple sports during his youth, later starring in both basketball and football at Stanford University, where he played forward for the Cardinal basketball team in the early 1940s. Selected in the seventh round of the 1947 BAA Draft by the Chicago Stags, he instead joined the Minneapolis Lakers for the 1947–48 season, quickly becoming a versatile contributor on offense and defense. Over his career, Pollard averaged 13.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in an era before modern scoring paces, with notable performances including a 32-point high and consistent double-digit scoring in playoff runs. His championships came in the 1948–49, 1949–50, 1951–52, 1952–53, and 1953–54 seasons, solidifying his role in one of the league's most successful dynasties. After retiring as a player, Pollard transitioned to coaching, leading the team from 1955 to 1958 with a record of 48–28, including rankings as high as No. 18 in 1955–56. Later in life, he worked as a teacher in , passing away in Stockton at age 70 from natural causes. Pollard's legacy as a Hall of Famer, inducted in 1978, underscores his impact on the sport's foundational years, particularly for his athleticism and team-oriented play.

Early life and high school

Early life

James Clifford Pollard was born on July 9, 1922, in . He was the youngest of four children in a family where his father, Gus Pollard, had roots in New York and his mother was born in . Pollard stood out as the only athletic sibling among his brothers and sisters. Growing up in Oakland during the and , Pollard developed an early interest in , initially favoring over other activities. His introduction to came at Lafayette Elementary School, where he first tried out for the team and began honing his skills on local courts. This exposure laid the groundwork for his later pursuits in the sport. Prior to high school, Pollard attended various local schools in the Oakland area, immersing himself in the community's athletic environment.

High school career

Jim Pollard attended in , from 1937 to 1940. At , Pollard quickly emerged as a standout player, leading the Bulldogs to three consecutive conference championships from 1937 to 1940. As a senior in the 1939–40 season, he averaged 19.8 points per game across seven contests, shattering the school's scoring record with 139 total points and earning All-Northern California honors. His performance also included All-City and All-County recognition as the team's for two years, highlighting his dominance in the paint. During his high school years, Pollard honed his athletic skills, displaying early signs of the exceptional leaping ability that would define his career and earn him the nickname "The Kangaroo Kid." This physical prowess, combined with his versatility on the court, set the stage for his future success in .

College and military service

career

Jim Pollard enrolled at Stanford University in 1940 after a standout high school career in Oakland, California, where his skills drew recruitment interest from the program, including assistance from Stanford alumnus and basketball pioneer Hank Luisetti. As a freshman during the 1940–41 season, Pollard competed on the freshman squad, honing his abilities ahead of varsity play. In his sophomore year of 1941–42, he emerged as a starting forward for the Stanford Indians under head coach Everett Dean, leading the team in scoring with 10.5 points per game across 23 contests. Pollard's contributions were pivotal to Stanford's successful campaign, which finished with a 28–4 record and clinched the program's only NCAA men's . In the NCAA , he ranked among the event's top scorers, amassing 43 points over two games: 26 against in the West Regional semifinal (a 53–47 victory) and 17 versus in the national semifinal (a 46–35 win). Although illness sidelined him for the final—a 53–38 triumph over Dartmouth—Pollard earned All-Tournament honors and First-Team All-American recognition for his tournament and season impact.

Military service

Pollard enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1942, interrupting his career at . He served from 1942 to 1946 during , contributing to the Coast Guard's wartime operations, which included , , and support for naval efforts along the . Stationed in , Pollard balanced his military duties with , starring for the Coast Guard's team known as the Sealions. In 1943, he helped the team win the championship, showcasing his athletic prowess in high-stakes service competitions. By 1946, Pollard led the Sealions to the Service League championship, further establishing his reputation as a dominant forward in military leagues. His service honed Pollard's skills and physical conditioning amid the rigors of wartime demands, facilitating a seamless return to competitive upon discharge in 1946. This period not only preserved his passion for the sport but also prepared him for professional success in the post-war era.

Amateur career

San Diego Dons

Following his discharge from military service in 1946, Jim Pollard transitioned to civilian amateur by joining the Dons of the (AAU). During the 1945–46 season, Pollard emerged as the Dons' leading scorer and a dominant force at forward, averaging high outputs that propelled the team through regional play. For his contributions, Pollard earned AAU honors that year and was named an AAU All-American, recognizing his role in elevating the Dons to national prominence. In the AAU national tournament held in , the Dons advanced to the championship game but fell to the Phillips 66ers, 45–34, with Pollard's athleticism and rebounding unable to overcome the Oilers' defensive stand. This runner-up finish highlighted Pollard's immediate impact on the circuit, where his leaping ability and versatility foreshadowed his professional success.

Oakland Bittners

Following his successful tenure with the San Diego Dons, Jim Pollard joined the Oakland Bittners of the (AAU) for the 1946–47 season, returning to a Bay Area-based team. With the Bittners, Pollard replicated his scoring dominance from the prior year, leading the AAU's in points with an average of 16.0 per game. His versatile forward play, including sharp shooting and rebounding, made him a standout on the roster, contributing to the team's competitive run despite falling short in the championship game. Pollard was awarded the AAU Most Valuable Player honor for the second straight season, recognizing his pivotal role in elevating the Bittners' offense. He also earned selection to the AAU All-American team, underscoring his elite status among amateur players. These accomplishments with the Bittners honed Pollard's professional readiness, as his consistent high-level production and athleticism drew attention from basketball scouts, paving the way for his pro debut.

Professional playing career

Minneapolis Lakers tenure

Pollard signed with the Minneapolis Lakers of the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1947, following his standout performances in with teams like the Dons and Oakland Bittners. As a versatile forward, he formed a formidable frontcourt alongside center and Vern , contributing to the team's dominance through his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. Nicknamed "The Kangaroo Kid" for his exceptional leaping prowess—which allowed him to touch the top of the backboard and execute dunks from the foul line—Pollard brought athleticism and finesse to the Lakers' lineup, complementing Mikan's post presence with dynamic drives and jump shots. In the 1947–48 NBL season, Pollard's rookie year, he averaged 12.9 points per game while helping the Lakers establish themselves as contenders with a balanced attack led by Mikan's interior scoring and Pollard's perimeter threats. The following 1948–49 season marked the Lakers' transition to the (BAA), where Pollard elevated his production to 14.8 points per game, adapting to the league's evolving style by facilitating plays for his teammates amid the merger's challenges. Entering the newly formed (NBA) in 1949–50, he maintained a scoring average of 14.7 points per game, showcasing his leaping ability in key matchups, such as a 32-point performance against the Baltimore Bullets. Throughout the early 1950s NBA seasons, Pollard's role evolved as a reliable secondary option, averaging 11.6 in 1950–51, a career-high 15.5 in 1951–52, 13.0 in 1952–53, and 11.7 in 1953–54, while grabbing 7–9 rebounds and dishing around 3 assists per contest to support the Lakers' fast-break opportunities and defensive rotations. His career totals reflected this consistent impact, with overall averages of 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds (partially tracked from 1950–51 onward), and 3.2 assists per game over 438 BAA/NBA appearances, emphasizing team-oriented play in an era defined by physicality and strategic depth. Pollard retired after the 1954–55 season, concluding his eight professional seasons with the Lakers.

Championships and accolades

During his professional career with the Minneapolis Lakers, Jim Pollard contributed to six league championships, spanning the transition from the National Basketball League (NBL) to the (BAA) and the early (NBA). The Lakers captured the 1948 NBL title, followed by the 1949 BAA championship, and then NBA crowns in 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954. Pollard was named to the All-NBL Second Team in 1948 and the All-BAA First Team in 1949. He earned four NBA All-Star selections in 1951, 1952, 1954, and 1955, showcasing his versatility as a forward. He was also honored with All-NBA First Team recognition in 1950 and Second Team placements in 1952 and 1954. As the team's inaugural captain, Pollard provided leadership on the court during these successful years. In 1952, Pollard was named the of the by the BAA/NBA, reflecting his impact amid the league's evolution. His dynamic partnership with center was instrumental in building the Lakers' dynasty, forming a formidable frontcourt that complemented Mikan's dominance with Pollard's rebounding, passing, and athleticism—highlighted by his renowned leaping ability in key games.

Career statistics

Regular season

Pollard's regular-season career spanned the National Basketball League (NBL), (BAA), and (NBA), where he established himself as a versatile forward for the Lakers from 1947 to 1955. Over 438 games in the BAA and NBA, he amassed 5,762 points at an average of 13.2 , 2,487 rebounds at 7.8 per game, and 1,417 assists at 3.2 per game. His performance evolved with the league's growing emphasis on rebounding after official tracking began in the 1950–51 season, reflecting the era's focus on physical play and fast breaks in the early NBA. Pollard's consistent double-digit scoring and rebounding contributed to the Lakers' strong regular-season records during his tenure.

Regular Season Statistics

SeasonTmLgGPTSTRBASTPTS/GTRB/GAST/G
1947-48MNNNBL5976012.9
1948-49MNLBAA5378414214.82.7
1949-50MNLNBA6697325214.73.8
1950-51MNLNBA5462948418411.69.03.4
1951-52MNLNBA65100559323415.59.13.6
1952-53MNLNBA6685945223113.06.83.5
1953-54MNLNBA7183150021411.77.03.0
1954-55MNLNBA6368145816010.87.32.5
Career4976,5222,4871,41713.17.83.2
Notes: Rebounds and assists were not officially tracked in the NBL or prior BAA seasons; totals and averages for those categories reflect BAA/NBA play only (319 games for rebounds, 438 for assists). NBL data sourced from Basketball-Reference NBL player page.

Breakdown by League

  • NBL (1947–48): Pollard appeared in 59 games for the Minneapolis Lakers, scoring 760 points at 12.9 per game, showcasing his early scoring prowess in a league with lower scoring norms.
  • BAA (1948–49): In 53 games, he averaged 14.8 points and 2.7 assists, adapting quickly to the professional level with efficient playmaking.
  • NBA (1949–55): Across 385 games over six seasons, Pollard totaled 4,978 points (12.9 PPG), 2,487 rebounds (7.8 RPG in tracked years), and 1,275 assists (3.3 APG), with his peak scoring in 1951–52 at 15.5 points per game highlighting his all-around impact.

Playoffs

Jim Pollard appeared in the playoffs in all eight of his professional seasons with the Lakers, contributing to five NBA championships in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954, plus the 1948 NBL championship. Over 72 NBA/BAA postseason games, he totaled 977 points (13.6 per game), 407 rebounds (8.1 per game in 50 tracked games starting 1950–51), and 259 assists (3.6 per game), demonstrating reliability in high-stakes matchups. In the 1947–48 NBL playoffs (10 games), he averaged 12.3 points. Pollard's performance elevated in several championship series, particularly the against the , where he averaged 16.4 points and 6.4 rebounds over the five games he played in the seven-game series. In the versus the (six games), he posted 12.7 points per game; the against the Syracuse Nationals (six games) saw 13.7 points and 3.0 assists; the 1953 Finals against the Knicks (five games) featured 14.4 points; and the 1954 Finals rematch with the Nationals (seven games) included 10.9 points and 7.0 rebounds, highlighting his rebounding prowess late in his career. These efforts exemplified his consistency under pressure, often complementing George Mikan's dominance while providing scoring and playmaking support.
SeasonTeamGMPFGFGAFG%FTFTAFT%TRBASTPTS
1948-49MNL104.314.7.2934.46.2.7103.913.0
1949-50MNL124.214.6.2863.75.2.7104.712.0
1950-51MNL75.015.4.3243.64.3.8338.93.913.6
1951-52MNL1142.66.415.7.4053.44.5.7406.53.016.1
1952-53MNL1237.95.213.9.3714.05.2.7747.24.114.3
1953-54MNL1341.84.311.9.3613.74.6.8008.53.212.3
1954-55MNL736.74.714.9.3174.76.6.71711.12.014.1
Career724.814.3.3383.95.3.7458.13.613.6

Coaching career

College coaching

Upon retiring from his playing career with the Minneapolis Lakers in 1955, Jim Pollard assumed the role of head coach for the team. Pollard's tenure at La Salle spanned three seasons from 1955 to 1958, during which he compiled an overall record of 48–28, achieving a of .632. In his inaugural 1955–56 campaign, the Explorers, competing as an independent program, posted a 15–10 record, marking a solid start with an average of 68.2 points scored and 63.7 allowed per game. The team showed improvement in 1956–57, finishing 17–9 while increasing their offensive output to 75.8 points per game, reflecting Pollard's emphasis on balanced play and player growth in a rebuilding phase. The 1957–58 season saw the Explorers maintain momentum with a 16–9 mark, scoring 74.0 and demonstrating defensive resilience by holding opponents to 72.1 points on average. Although the program did not qualify for postseason play during Pollard's time, his leadership fostered consistent above-.500 finishes, contributing to the development of young talent in Philadelphia's competitive landscape, including participation in local rivalries like the Big 5 series. Pollard left La Salle after the 1957–58 season to pursue opportunities in professional coaching.

Professional coaching

Pollard's professional coaching career began in the NBA when he was appointed interim head coach of the Lakers on January 2, 1960, replacing John Castellani midway through the 1959–60 season. Under Pollard, the Lakers finished the regular season with a 14–25 record, contributing to the team's overall 25–50 mark and third-place finish in the Western Division. In the , his squad advanced to the division finals but lost to the Hawks 4–3, with Pollard posting a 5–4 postseason record. In 1961, Pollard was hired as the first of the Chicago Packers, the NBA's newest expansion franchise following the league's 1961 . The team struggled in its inaugural season, compiling an 18–62 record and finishing fifth in the Western Division amid challenges typical of an , including a roster built from limited draft picks and facing established opponents like the Warriors led by . Pollard was fired at the end of the season on June 12, 1962. Pollard returned to coaching in 1967 as the inaugural head coach of the Minnesota Muskies, one of the 11 charter franchises in the newly formed (ABA). The Muskies enjoyed a strong debut under Pollard, finishing the 1967–68 season with a 50–28 record and second place in the Eastern Division, though they fell to the Pittsburgh Pipers in the division finals 1–4 after defeating the 4–1 in the semifinals. The franchise relocated to Miami and rebranded as the prior to the 1968–69 season due to financial difficulties in , where the team had folded after one year. Pollard continued as coach, leading the Floridians to a 43–35 record and another second-place Eastern Division finish, advancing to the division finals before losing to the Pacers 2–4. However, the 1969–70 season started poorly at 5–15, prompting the Floridians to fire Pollard on November 29, 1969, amid ongoing league and team transition issues in the upstart ABA.

Head coaching record

Jim Pollard's head coaching career spanned and , with tenures in the NCAA at and in the NBA with the Minneapolis Lakers and Chicago Packers, as well as the ABA with the Minnesota Muskies and . His overall regular-season record was 178–193 (.480) across 371 games.

College Coaching Record (NCAA)

Pollard's college record at from 1955 to 1958 in the independent conference was 48–28 (.632) over 76 games.
SeasonTeamLeagueGWLW-L%Notes
1955-56La SalleInd.251510.600
1956-57La SalleInd.26179.654
1957-58La SalleInd.25169.640

NBA Regular Season and Playoff Record

In the NBA, Pollard coached 119 regular-season games with a 32–87 (.269) record and appeared in 9 playoff games with a 5–4 (.556) mark.
SeasonTeamGWLW-L%FinishPlayoffs (G-W-L)
1959-60Minneapolis Lakers391425.3593rd of 8 (Western)9–5–4 (Western Division playoffs)
1961-62Chicago Packers801862.2255th of 5 (Western)Did not qualify

ABA Regular Season and Playoff Record

In the ABA, Pollard coached 176 regular-season games with a 98–78 (.557) record and 22 playoff games with a 11–12 (.478) mark.
SeasonTeamGWLW-L%FinishPlayoffs (G-W-L)
1967-68Minnesota Muskies785028.6412nd of 4 (Eastern)10–5–5 (Division Finals)
1968-69784335.5512nd of 5 (Eastern)13–6–7 (Division Finals)
1969-7020515.250(Fired November 29)Did not qualify

Personal life and legacy

Personal life and family

Jim Pollard married Arilee Hansen on June 24, 1944, in Oakland, California. The couple shared a marriage that lasted nearly 49 years, marked by frequent relocations due to Pollard's professional commitments. The Pollards had three children: sons Jack and Jeff, and daughter Jeanne. Family remained central to their lives, with Arilee providing steadfast support during the extensive travels required by Pollard's career, including moves across the country for coaching positions. In 1979, the family relocated to , where Pollard and Arilee settled for the remainder of his life. There, Pollard contributed to the local community by serving as a teacher, counselor, and coach in the Lodi Unified School District, including roles at Senior Elementary School and Delta Sierra Middle School. Arilee was deeply involved in community activities, working as an educator from preschool to high school levels—teaching , science, and elementary subjects—and participating in PTA organizations, Clubs, Newcomers Clubs, Scout/Indian Guide leadership, sports fundraisers, swim meets, and church groups such as St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lodi. She retired from teaching at Fremont Middle School in Stockton in 1990 and later assisted in distributing awards at local youth basketball tournaments alongside daughter Jeanne. Arilee died on February 8, 2001. Outside of , Pollard enjoyed and was noted for his skills as a . The family maintained a collection of photo albums and mementos documenting their shared experiences, which Arilee preserved as a way to honor their life together.

Death

Jim Pollard died on January 22, 1993, in , at the age of 70. He had been residing in nearby Lodi after retiring from coaching. The cause of death was natural causes, as confirmed by a spokesman from the in Lodi. Pollard was survived by his wife, Arilee E. Pollard, sons Jack and , and daughter Jeanne Carol Pollard; no specific family reactions were publicly detailed at the time. Funeral arrangements were handled through a Lodi , and Pollard was buried at Lodi Memorial Park and Cemetery in Lodi, , in the Devotion Niche G-4 plot. Contemporary tributes from the basketball community highlighted Pollard's legacy as a key figure in the sport's early professional era, with obituaries in major publications noting his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978 and his contributions to championship teams.

Honors and awards

Jim Pollard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978 as a player, recognizing his contributions to professional , including his role in multiple championships and his versatile forward play. During his professional career, Pollard earned four NBA selections in 1951, 1952, 1954, and 1955, highlighting his consistent performance alongside stars like on the Minneapolis Lakers. He also received four All-NBA honors: first-team selections in 1949 (BAA) and 1950, and second-team nods in 1952 and 1954. In 1952, he was named the best player of the era by the , underscoring his impact during the league's early years. Prior to the NBA, Pollard was named AAU All-America twice after , while playing for teams like the Dons and Oakland Bittners, where he led the league in scoring during the 1947–48 season. Pollard received several posthumous honors for his college and regional achievements. He was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame in 1954, shortly after his playing days, for his key role in the 1942 NCAA championship team. In 1989, he entered the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his roots as an Oakland native and his professional success. Additionally, in 2009, Pollard was selected for the Pac-12 Men's Hall of Honor, acknowledging his legacy in conference play. He was also inducted into the National Collegiate Hall of Fame in 2006. No major new recognitions have been awarded as of 2025.

Legacy

Jim Pollard is remembered as a pivotal figure in the early development of professional , particularly for his role in establishing the Lakers as a dominant dynasty in the late 1940s and early 1950s. As a forward, he contributed to six championships across three leagues: the 1948 National Basketball League title, the 1949 championship, and NBA titles in 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954. His versatility and athleticism helped form one of the league's most formidable frontcourts alongside and forward Vern , setting a standard for team play and physical dominance that influenced the NBA's foundational years. Pollard's NBA career averages of 13.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game over 438 games underscored his consistent impact as a scorer and facilitator. Pollard's playing style, characterized by exceptional leaping ability and a smooth jump shot, earned him the nickname "The Kangaroo Kid" and positioned him as a pioneer of high-flying decades before it became commonplace. Standing at 6-foot-5, he could touch the top of the backboard and dunk from the foul line, feats that teammate Mikkelsen later compared to the finesse of and . In 1952, the named him the best player of his , highlighting his ball-handling, driving shots, and corner prowess. His athletic displays, such as hitting the rim with his elbow, were described as "30 years too soon," foreshadowing the aerial acrobatics that would define later NBA eras. Beyond his on-court achievements, Pollard's legacy endures through his induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 1978, recognizing his contributions to the sport's growth during its formative professional phase. He was a four-time NBA and earned All-NBA First Team honors in 1949 and 1950, as well as Second Team selections in 1952 and 1954. While his post-playing coaching career, including stints at and with the Lakers and ABA teams, added to his involvement, it is his innovative athleticism and championship pedigree that cement his place in history as a trailblazer for forward play.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pollaji01.html
  2. https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/jim-pollard/
  3. https://www.nba.com/player/77867/jim-pollard
  4. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/coaches/jim-pollard-1.html
  5. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-24-sp-2588-story.html
  6. https://from-way-downtown.com/2021/08/13/jim-pollard-in-mikans-shadow-1951/
  7. https://www.lodinews.com/article_45568271-3411-5f3b-b53b-c5b41a483013.html
  8. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pollard-james-clifford-jim
  9. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/25/sports/jim-pollard-a-star-in-nba-in-50-s-ex-laker-was-70.html
  10. https://static.gostanford.com/custompages/halloffame/profile-jpollard.html
  11. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jim-pollard-1.html
  12. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/stanford/men/1942.html
  13. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2020-05-27/1942-ncaa-tournament-bracket-scores-stats-records
  14. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jim-pollard-1/gamelog/1942
  15. https://www.thegoldnuggett.com/post/jim-pollard
  16. https://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/jim-pollard/
  17. https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=LAECN19460223.1.9
  18. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1987/11/15/phillips-66ers-headline-long-list-of-aau-powers/62671185007/
  19. https://www.nba.com/lakers/history/alumni/jim-pollard
  20. https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/all_league_by_player.html
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/24/sports/jim-pollard-70-a-star-forward-on-lakers-championship-teams.html
  22. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-11-sp-3373-story.html
  23. https://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/p/pollaja01n.html
  24. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/la-salle/men/1956.html
  25. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/la-salle/men/1957.html
  26. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/la-salle/men/1958.html
  27. https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/pollaji01c.html
  28. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MNL/1960.html
  29. https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1961_expansion.html
  30. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHP/1962.html
  31. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MNM/1968.html
  32. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MMF/1970.html
  33. https://www.lodifuneralhome.com/obituaries/Arilee-Pollard-Pollard?obId=32900244
  34. https://www.recordnet.com/story/sports/2001/02/10/a-fun-hectic-life/50800373007/
  35. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132017390/james-clifford-pollard
  36. https://gostanford.com/sports/hall-of-fame/roster/season/1954/player/jim-pollard
  37. https://bashof.org/inductee/jim-pollard/
  38. https://www.paloaltoonline.com/sports/2009/01/09/former-stanford-star-among-pac-10-hall-of-fame-mens-basketball-inductees/
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