A dominant power forward who played alongside George Mikan on the Minneapolis Lakers, winning four NBA championships and earning seven All-Star selections. Known for his tenacious rebounding and defensive skills.
Vern Mikkelsen, a pioneering power forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA), is renowned for his unyielding defensive prowess and impressive resilience on the court. With a remarkable career spanning over a decade, Mikkelsen etched his name in the annals of basketball history as a six-time NBA All-Star and four-time Second Team All-Pro.
Born on October 21, 1928, in Parlier, California, Mikkelsen grew up in the Danish-American community of Askov, Minnesota. His father, Michael, a Lutheran pastor from Denmark, instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication. Mikkelsen's basketball skills flourished at Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he earned a scholarship at the tender age of 16. During his senior year, he led NCAA Division II in field goal percentage, guiding Hamline to win the 1949 NAIA Division I men's basketball tournament and earning himself an All-American title.
Mikkelsen's professional career took off in 1949 when he joined the Minneapolis Lakers, playing alongside George Mikan and Jim Pollard in the frontcourt. This formidable trio led the Lakers to four NBA championships during Mikkelsen's tenure. He earned six NBA All-Star Game appearances and four All-NBA Second Team selections, cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Mikkelsen's durability and reliability earned him the nickname "Ironman." He played in an astonishing 699 out of a possible 704 regular-season games, an testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport. Mikkelsen's rugged playing style, which included leading the NBA in personal fouls and fouling out of games for three consecutive seasons, only added to his legend.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Mikkelsen was inducted into the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995. He also received a master's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota, demonstrating his dedication to personal growth and development.
Born in 1924
Dominant center who pioneered the NBA's early years with his powerful play and led the Minneapolis Lakers to five championships. Known as "Mr. Basketball" for his impressive career.
Born in 1922
A pioneering basketball player and coach who led the Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA championships and was a four-time NBA All-Star, known for his dominant playing style and innovative coaching techniques.
97 Years Old
Hall of Fame center who dominated college basketball, winning three NCAA championships, and went on to play professionally in the NBA. He's a legendary figure in the sport's history.
98 Years Old
Hall of Fame point guard and coach who revolutionized the game with his flashy ball-handling and behind-the-back dribbling, leading the Celtics to six NBA championships.
Born in 1926
Legendary basketball player and coach who won multiple championships as a player and coach, including four NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers.
92 Years Old
Legendary basketball player, coach, and sportscaster known for his charismatic commentary and 8 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.
93 Years Old
A dominant force in the NBA during the 1950s and 1960s, known for his versatile playing style and leading the St. Louis Hawks to an NBA championship in 1958. He was a 2-time NBA MVP and 11-time All-Star.
98 Years Old
A Hall of Fame center who dominated the NBA in the 1940s and 1950s, known for his unstoppable one-handed set shot and 15-year streak of consecutive free throws made.
