Hall of Fame Basketball Figure. Known as the "Godfather of scouting", he served as Director of Scouting for the NBA for 35 years. His recognition for discovering talent from lesser prestigious collegiate programs led to the careers of many great players whom might have otherwise been overlooked. The son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, he was raised in the Northeastern Pennsylvania town of Wyoming and following a period of service with the United States Army, he attended Wilkes College. After graduation, he acquired experience working at various capacities with such teams as the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers. Additionally, Blake served in public relations and handled the career of legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson and the Harlem Globetrotters. He served as general manager of the NBA's Hawks franchise (1954 to 1970) and remained at that capacity after they relocated from Milwaukee to St. Louis and later Atlanta. As general manager, he played a significant role in acquiring the players needed to capture the 1957-1958 NBA Title. Among one of the key transactions during his tenure was the trading of the rights of Hall of Fame player Bill Russell to the Boston Celtics for Hall of Fame player Ed Macauley. Blake's innovative contributions reached beyond personnel decision making as he was among the first to realize how halftime during a game could be utilized for entertainment purposes and billed such acts as the Stan Kenton Orchestra and Duke Ellington. He served as Director of Scouting for the NBA from 1976 until 2011. Blake was acknowledged by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as the recipient of the John Bunn Award in 2005.
Hall of Fame Basketball Figure. Known as the "Godfather of scouting", he served as Director of Scouting for the NBA for 35 years. His recognition for discovering talent from lesser prestigious collegiate programs led to the careers of many great players whom might have otherwise been overlooked. The son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, he was raised in the Northeastern Pennsylvania town of Wyoming and following a period of service with the United States Army, he attended Wilkes College. After graduation, he acquired experience working at various capacities with such teams as the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers. Additionally, Blake served in public relations and handled the career of legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson and the Harlem Globetrotters. He served as general manager of the NBA's Hawks franchise (1954 to 1970) and remained at that capacity after they relocated from Milwaukee to St. Louis and later Atlanta. As general manager, he played a significant role in acquiring the players needed to capture the 1957-1958 NBA Title. Among one of the key transactions during his tenure was the trading of the rights of Hall of Fame player Bill Russell to the Boston Celtics for Hall of Fame player Ed Macauley. Blake's innovative contributions reached beyond personnel decision making as he was among the first to realize how halftime during a game could be utilized for entertainment purposes and billed such acts as the Stan Kenton Orchestra and Duke Ellington. He served as Director of Scouting for the NBA from 1976 until 2011. Blake was acknowledged by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as the recipient of the John Bunn Award in 2005.
Bio by: C.S.
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