Ray Kuka
American basketball player (1922–1990)
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Raphael Eugene "Ray" Kuka (February 17, 1922 – March 27, 1990) was an American professional basketball player.[1] He played in the Basketball Association of America for the New York Knicks during the 1947–48 season and part of the 1948–49 season.[1] Kuka also served briefly as the Knicks' interim head coach for a few games in February 1949.[2] Joe Lapchick, the regular head coach, was hospitalized to treat a stomach disorder.[2] Kuka had also previously served as a team scout.[2]
Kuka in 1948 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 17, 1922 Havre, Montana, U.S. |
| Died | March 27, 1990 (aged 68) Havre, Montana, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Havre (Havre, Montana) |
| College |
|
| BAA draft | 1947: undrafted |
| Position | Forward |
| Number | 12 |
| Career history | |
Playing | |
| 1947–1949 | New York Knicks |
Coaching | |
| 1949 | New York Knicks (interim HC) |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Kuka played in college for Notre Dame before being drafted into the United States Air Force for World War II.[3] After World War II he returned home and played for Montana State, where he earned all-conference honors.[3]
Following his playing career, Kuka returned to hos hometown of Havre, Montana, where he was a successful high school coach and teacher.[4]
BAA career statistics
| Legend | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Games played | FG% | Field-goal percentage | ||
| FT% | Free-throw percentage | APG | Assists per game | ||
| PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high | ||
