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Sometimes a player’s name is remembered in circles but their accomplishments are not; thus is the case of Tom Gola. Most fans know the name but do not know what he did because his accomplishments are outweighed by those of his teammates Paul Arizin and Wilt Chamberlain.
Gola was a star at both high school and college for LaSalle. He first played at LaSalle College High school than at LaSalle College. After a fantastic college career he entered the NBA draft and was a territorial pick of the Philadelphia Warriors teaming him up with Paul Arizin.
His rookie year was a solid one. He averaged 11 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists as the Warriors won the 1956 NBA title. Gola than joined the military for two years missing the following season of NBA basketball.
Gola came back to the Warriors in 58-59 but the team had a disastrous season going 32-40. Gola did average 14 points, 11 rebounds and 5 ½ assists per game. After the losing season the Warriors added Wilt Chamberlain.
Gola played a key roll on some very solid Warriors teams who would make the NBA finals only to lose to the Boston Celtics who were in the mist of winning 11 titles in 13 years.
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