R.I.P Mpls. Laker and jump shot innovator Whitey Skoog

[spflakers]

Whitey died in Minnesota today at the age of 92. Played six seasons for the Minneapolis Lakers after starring at the University of Minnesota. An early jump shot pioneer, kicked his legs back on his J. Other Laker jump shooters of the era included Dick Garmaker and Chuck Mencel.

Whitey went on to become a college hoops and golf coach in Minnesota. Definitely a bit of a forgotten name but no franchise has a history like the Lakers -- sorry, Boston -- and it's always good to remember guys like Whitey who are part of that, especially since he was ahead of his time with the jumper.

I do have to add, Whitey didn't "invent" the jump shot. Lots of Minnesotans like to claim Whitey as the inventor of it but it's just not true. Doesn't lessen his impact on the game, though, or the fact he was a true pioneer. But I once had a guy email me from the bookstore to say he was going to buy my book about the history of the jump shot but only if I said Whitey invented it. (he'd been a student under Whitey). I had to explain that he didn't, no one did, but he was still an innovator, etc. Convinced him because he said he bought it, though I should have demanded receipt.

[JUST-MING]

I’d like to add that Whitey Skoog was the only member of that championship team who could not dunk a basketball.

[pio2u]

RIP WS

http://www.startribune.com/gophers-lakers-gusties-great-whitey-skoog-dies-at-92/508108192/

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/basketball/4594734-minnesotan-whitey-skoog-early-adopter-jump-shot-and-lakers-star-dies

[Dr. Laker]

RIP, Whitey!
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[Aeneas Hunter]

Interesting. There's a Kindle edition of your book, so I may have to check it out.