14 January 1955

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats Seek Help After Ending Court Slump

Pistons Are Humbled

Now that the club has shaken a mid-season slump, evidenced by the
100-83 triumph over Fort Wayne, Syracuse Nats officials today cast about for
help to relieve a manpower situation. President Danny Biasone and Coach Al Cervi
will meet with Jim Tucker in Hershey Wednesday in an effort to persuade the
star to join pro ranks for the balance of the season. He was signed to a
contract in late November, but was not to report until after completing his
career at Duquesne University. He is not playing for the school, his
eligibility having been used up. With Connie Simmons apparently lost for the
season the Nats are down to eight men. Bill Gabor and Wally Osterkorn are
unlikely to rejoin the squad and the team physician has advised Simmons to quit
basketball rather than risk further injury with a spinal disc location.
Temporary relief has been offered for tomorrow night’s exhibition game at
Lenox, Mass., with Billy Hassett and Al Cervi ready to don livery for the
exhibition. They definitely will not compete in loop games. One bright ray is
the return to form of George King. He was credited with nine assists and 11
points as the Nats fast break functioned for the first time in several starts
against the Zollners. The Nats remain two percentage points behind the Boston
Celtics who downed New York in Philadelphia. In defeating Fort Wayne for the
third straight time this season, Syracuse hit on 47 percent of its field tries
with 39 baskets on 82 attempts. A turnout of 2,572 saw the Nats break out of a
9-9 tie after six minutes on two baskets by Earl Lloyd and another pair by
Dolph Schayes along with a foul point by George King to take an 18-9 advantage.
The Zollners never threatened again. Six of the eight Syracusans were in double
figures paced by Red Rocha who tossed in a basket for his 19th point
and the Nats 100th just one second before the final horn. He played
only 27 minutes. Charlie Eckman’s squad was also down to eight men. Bob Walther
left the team after learning that his three-month-old son had died suddenly.
Don Meineke’s sister suffered a cerebral hemorrhage Wednesday and he was given
time to visit her at Dayton where she is reported in critical condition.
Maurice Podoloff, N.B.A. president, who witnessed the game, did not realize
fines had been levied by officials in the apparently smooth-moving game. Dolph
Schayes and George King were irate over the action. King was fined $15 for
remarking: “How many steps can I take?” when Brian appeared to be walking. A
$20 levy was charged to Schayes for complaining he was fouled on a layup
attempt. The game was played over ice. Spectators were comfortable but players
complained of cold air. Seymour and Rocha didn’t realize ice was under the flooring
when they asked Coach Cervi to get some heat in the building.

SYRACUSE: Schayes (5-5-15), Rocha (8-3-19), Lloyd (6-1-13), Kerr
(6-3-15), Seymour (6-3-15), King (4-3-11), Kenville (2-3-7), Farley (2-1-5)
TOTALS (39-22-100). FORT WAYNE: Hutchins (3-1-7), Yardley (4-4-12), Rosenthal
(3-1-7), Foust (5-2-12), Houbregs (6-2-14), Phillip (4-4-12), Zaslofsky
(3-6-12), Brian (3-1-7) TOTALS (31-21-83).