Hal Lear

NBA player[23]

What is Hal Lear known for?

Born on January 31, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hal Lear was an accomplished professional basketball player. He spent his high school years honing his skills at Overbrook High School in his hometown of Philadelphia. After high school, Lear furthered his education and basketball career at Temple University.

During his years at Temple, Lear earned the title of NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1956 after leading his team to the Final Four. Unfortunately, Temple was defeated by the University of Iowa. Post-college, Lear was selected by the Philadelphia Warriors as the seventh overall pick in the 1956 NBA draft. His NBA career, however, was brief, appearing in just three games during the 1956–57 NBA season and scoring four points.

Lear's career wasn't confined to the NBA though. He played for the Easton Madisons of the Eastern Professional Basketball League (EPBL) and earned the league's Most Valuable Player title in 1957. He was a four-time selection to the All-EPBL First Team and two-time selection to the Second Team. Even in his retirement, he was remembered and celebrated; Temple retired his No. 6 jersey in 2013.

Hal Lear passed away on June 25, 2016, in White Plains, New York, after fighting a long-term illness.

In terms of stats, during the 1956-57 NBA season, Lear played 3 games, averaging 4.7 minutes, with a field goal percentage of .333. He averaged .3 rebounds, .3 assists, and 1.3 points per game. His stat overview can be found here and here.

Hal Lear's life and career demonstrate not only his talent and hard work but also his resilience and versatility, finding success across different teams and leagues. His journey is an inspiration to many, and his legacy lives on in the world of basketball.