Personal information | |
---|---|
Born |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
February 13, 1916
Died | July 30, 2004 Toledo, Ohio |
(aged 88)
Nationality | American |
Listed height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
Listed weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
Career information | |
High school | South (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
College | Duquesne (1938–1941) |
Playing career | 1946–1947 |
Position | Guard |
Career history | |
As player: | |
1941 | Saratoga Indians |
1941–1942 | New York Celtics |
1946–1947 | Pittsburgh Ironmen |
As coach: | |
1947–1953 | St. Bonaventure |
1954–1965 | Toledo |
Career highlights and awards | |
As player:
As coach:
|
|
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
As player:
As coach:
Edward H. "Bebbers" Melvin (February 13, 1916 – July 30, 2004), born Edward H. Milkovich, was an American professional basketball player of Serbian origin. He played in the Basketball Association of America for the Pittsburgh Ironmen during the 1946–47 season.
After his playing career, Melvin coached the St. Bonavanture Bonnies and Toledo Rockets men's basketball teams between 1947 and 1965. In his 17 years as a NCAA Division I head coach, Melvin compiled an overall record of 222–179, including three consecutive conference regular season championships from 1950 to 1952.
He was a southpaw; Eddie Beachler of The Pittsburgh Press described his left-handed dribble and push-shot as "deceptive", while Dan McGibbeny of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette several years after Bebbers' retirement from playing recounted how he was "a sprightly lad with a rare ability to dribble left-handed for a full game."
He legally changed his last name from Milkovich to Melvin in late 1951.