Gus Williams had a very solid career in the NBA highlighted by being a member of back to back NBA finalists in Seattle. “The Wizard” as he was known, teamed with Hall of famer Dennis Johnson in the Sonic backcourt.  Williams was not just a key member of the team that won a title in ‘79, he was the catalyst.  He averaged 28.6 points a game in the final to lead Seattle to an upset over the Washington Bullets. 

Larry Foust, a 6'9" Center from LaSalle, has a strong case for induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, despite being largely forgotten today. Foust was drafted fifth overall by the Chicago Stags in 1950, but the team folded before he could play for them. He was then picked up by the Fort Wayne Pistons in the Dispersal Draft, where he quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league.

Foust averaged a double-double in his first five NBA seasons and was an All-Star in his first six. He was also an exceptional rebounder, finishing in the top ten in rebounds six times. Foust was twice named an All-NBA selection and led the league in shooting percentage in 1954-55.

In 1957, Foust was traded to the Minneapolis Lakers, where he earned his seventh and eighth All-Star selections and helped the team reach the 1959 Finals. He was then traded to the St. Louis Hawks during the 1959-60 season, where he finished his career after two years.

Despite his impressive resume, Foust has yet to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, making him the only player with eight All-Star selections to be snubbed by the Hall.

Bill Laimbeer is arguably the least popular player in the history of the NBA.  Part of the infamous Bad Boys teams that won back to back titles for Detroit in the late 80s, Laimbeer reputation as a physical and some called dirty player have superseded his on court accomplishments. Still, Laimbeer was one of the best centers of his generation making 4 All-Star teams and becoming only the 19th player to accumulate 10,000 points and rebounds in a career.  A superb long range shooter for a big man, Laimbeer was as important to the success of the Pistons as any other member.  His ability to bang down low on defense and grab rebounds (he actually led the league in rebounding in 85-86), allowed the Piston machine to roll and his teammates to do the bulk of the scoring. 

How many other players can say they are one of the top 50 all time scorers as well as top 25 all time in assists. And how many of these are shooting guards?  Well the answer would be two.  Jerry West is one of them.  Yes, that Jerry West, the image behind the NBA emblem for the last 30 years. And the other guy?  Well that would be none other than one Reggie Theus.  I am pretty sure Mr. West got into the hall in his first year of eligibility.  As for Mr. Theus?  Well he’s still waiting.  Why you may ask?