Seiden Steers Johnnies to NIT Crown

Flanked by HoF coaches Joe Lapchick and Lou Carnesecca (adjacent photo), Alan Seiden (#33) led Cinderella-story St. John's to the National Invitation Tournament championship in 1959. At the time, the tourney was just as prestigious as the NCAA’s. The team captain was known for his quick first step and fine all-around game. A consensus All-American his senior year, the 5’ 10” point guard would play a few years of pro-ball, most notably for the Pittsburgh Rens of the short-lived yet influential American Basketball League. Seiden (1937-2008) was enshrined into the New York City Hall of Fame and the Jewish Hall of Fame in 1995 and 2011, respectively.