John Killilea
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 28, 1928 |
| Died | January 27, 1996 (aged 67) Denver, Colorado |
| Nationality | American |
| Career information | |
| College | Boston University (1949–1952) |
| NBA draft | 1952 / Undrafted |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
| 1953–1972 | High schools |
| 1972–1978 | Boston Celtics (assistant) |
| 1977–1984 | Milwaukee Bucks (assistant) |
| 1983–1986 | New Jersey Nets (assistant) |
| 1986–1988 | Topeka Sizzlers |
| 1989–1994 | Houston Rockets (assistant) |
John P. Killilea (June 19, 1928 – January 27, 1996) was an American basketball coach and scout. He served as the assistant coach to four National Basketball Association (NBA) team; the Boston Celtics (1972–77), the Milwaukee Bucks (1977–1983), the New Jersey Nets (1983–85), the Houston Rockets (1989–1993). Killilea was hired by the Topeka Sizzlers of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) as their head coach in 1986 and served in that capacity until he was fired in January 1988 after being called for 14 technical fouls and ejected from three games.
During his early career, Killiea was head coach of the Melrose High School basketball team. He was inducted into the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame in 1976.
Killilea was the first person in the Boston Celtics organization to scout Larry Bird. According to Killilea, Bird was "the best passing forward since Rick Barry."
In 1977 Don Nelson was hired as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Nelson at first suggested his former assistant coach with the Celtics, John Killilea, for the job. When the Bucks insisted they wanted Nelson at the head coach position he brought Killilea on as his assistant. United Press International reporter Michael V. Uschan wrote an article on March 20, 1981 titled "Nelson matures as Bucks coach". It noted that, "Nelson depends on Killilea more than most other NBA coaches depend on their assistants".
...
Wikipedia