Professional Basketball Player. For six seasons (1951 to 1957), he played at the forward and center positions in the National Basketball Association with the Minneapolis Lakers, Milwaukee Hawks, Rochester Royals and Philadelphia Warriors. Born Lewis Rufus Hitch, he played collegiate basketball at Kansas State University where he distinguished himself in his senior year, as he earned All-Big Seven status. He was a key member of the Wildcats' squad who went on an impressive run during the 1951 NCAA Tournament with wins over Arizona, BYU, Oklahoma A&M, culminating with a 68 to 58 defeat to Kentucky in the championship game. Many believe this was the greatest team in Kansas State's history. Selected by Minneapolis during the 2nd round of the 1951 NBA Draft, Hitch became a part of the league's first dynasty franchise which consisted of Hall of Fame players George Mikan, Vern Mikkelsen, Slater Martin and Jim Pollard. He experienced two consecutive world championships as the Lakers captured the NBA Title in 1952 and 1953. In 414 regular season games, he compiled 2,075 points with 2,183 rebounds. Following his playing career, he worked as a teacher and coach.
Professional Basketball Player. For six seasons (1951 to 1957), he played at the forward and center positions in the National Basketball Association with the Minneapolis Lakers, Milwaukee Hawks, Rochester Royals and Philadelphia Warriors. Born Lewis Rufus Hitch, he played collegiate basketball at Kansas State University where he distinguished himself in his senior year, as he earned All-Big Seven status. He was a key member of the Wildcats' squad who went on an impressive run during the 1951 NCAA Tournament with wins over Arizona, BYU, Oklahoma A&M, culminating with a 68 to 58 defeat to Kentucky in the championship game. Many believe this was the greatest team in Kansas State's history. Selected by Minneapolis during the 2nd round of the 1951 NBA Draft, Hitch became a part of the league's first dynasty franchise which consisted of Hall of Fame players George Mikan, Vern Mikkelsen, Slater Martin and Jim Pollard. He experienced two consecutive world championships as the Lakers captured the NBA Title in 1952 and 1953. In 414 regular season games, he compiled 2,075 points with 2,183 rebounds. Following his playing career, he worked as a teacher and coach.
Bio by: C.S.
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