Richie GuerinBirth Chart

Richie Guerin is a former American professional basketball player and coach, best known for his career in the 1950s and 1960s. As the starting point guard for the New York Knicks, he was noted for his offensive repertoire—long-range shooting, drives to the basket and playmaking—and for standout statistics: several seasons averaging more than 20 points per game, team leader in assists for five consecutive seasons and six appearances in the All‑Star Game. In 1959 he scored 57 points in a single game, a franchise record that stood for decades.

Traded in 1963 to the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks franchise, he also took on coaching duties while still an active player, guiding the team to nine consecutive playoff appearances. He was named the NBA Coach of the Year in 1967–68, cementing his reputation for leadership and team management both on the court and from the bench.

A college graduate of Iona College and a military veteran, Guerin left a legacy as one of the leading guards of his generation, remembered for his scoring, passing and competitiveness. His career was honored by induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.