Frank Ramsey (basketball)

Frank Vernon Ramsey, Jr. (born July 13, 1931 in Corydon, Kentucky) is a former professional basketball player and coach. A 6-3 guard, he played his entire nine-year (1954-1964) NBA career with the Boston Celtics and played a major role in the early part of their dynasty, winning seven championship rings. Ramsey was also a head coach for the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA during the 1970-1971 season.

The NBA's First "Sixth Man"

Ramsey's coach, Red Auerbach, is often credited throughout basketball creating the sixth man. Though Ramsey was one of the Celtics' best players, he felt more comfortable coming off the bench and Auerbach wanted him fresh and in the lineup at the end of close games. Ramsey

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was the first in a series of sixth men who won championship rings with the Celtics. In the championships the Celtics won after Ramsey's retirement, they have had successful sixth men such as Havlicek, Paul Silas, Kevin McHale and Bill Walton.

Related Topics:
Paul Silas - Kevin McHale - Bill Walton

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