This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/5/2024
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.
Offered is a college basketball All American Game jersey which was worn by Larry Hennessy of Villanova for the 1953 edition of the game. The exhibition game was played on October 23rd, 1953 at Chicago Stadium. The College All Stars played the Minneapolis Lakers. The Lakers won, 70-65, and Mikan scored 12 points.
Blue durene body shell with white/red piping. 7 white stars form a semi-circle above the red serifed 14, with the design repeating itself on reverse. Wilson and size 40 tags sewn to tail while number 14 is sewn to the front and back of the blue durene jersey along with an array of stars. Heavy wear. May be the only known example. Direct from the family estate of Larry Hennessy.
(85J0368)
(MEARS Auction LOA)