An explosive jump shooter, George Yardley was highly capable of turning a sure defeat into victory for his team. After a highly successful college career at Stanford, he helped the Fort Wayne Pistons of the NBA win two straight Western Division Titles in 1954-55, 1955-56 during his second and third pro seasons. The 6-ft, 5-inches forward was an excellent outside shooter and by 1956-57 was averaging over 20 points per game.
When Pistons owner Fred Zollner moved the team to Detroit in 1957-1958 George Yardley responded and led the entire NBA in all of the following categories - 27.8 points per game, set a NBA record with 2,001 points, 1,624 FGA, 655 free throws made, 808 FTA.
George Yardley was chosen as a second team All-Star in 1956-57 and a first team All-Star in 1957-58. Although his teams never won a NBA Championship, Yardley helped his teams reach the NBA playoffs 7 times, and he averaged 20.3 ppg in 46 playoff games.
George Yardley career stats: 19.2 ppg, 9,063 points, 3193 FGM, 7572 FGA, .422 pct, 2677 FTM, 34534 FTA, .780 pct, 4220 rebounds, 8.9 rpg, 815 assists,1.7 apg , 1426 fouls in 472 games. Playoffs: 933 points, 457 rebounds, 112 assists in 46 games. Drafted: the 7th pick in the 1st round of 1950 NBA draft.
George Yardley was voted inti the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1996 |