GRANITE CITY, Ill. – Andy Phillip, a Hall of Famer who was an All-American at Illinois and was the first NBA player to record 500 assists in a season, has died. He was 79.
Phillip died Saturday at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The cause of death was not available.
Phillip was the playmaker on Illinois' "Whiz Kids" teams in the early 1940s. The Illini won the Big Ten title in 1941 and 1942, going 35-6 in the two seasons.
Phillip was known for his quick hands and uncanny passing ability. He often was compared to Bob Cousy and Dick McGuire as the era's best playmakers.
He started his NBA career with the Chicago Stags from 1947-50.
He was an All-Star five times in 11 seasons. His 500 assists came
in 1952 while playing for both the Philadelphia Warriors and Fort
Wayne Pistons.
In 1956, Boston coach Red Auerbach persuaded Phillip not to
retire, and he helped the Celtics to their first of 16
championships, in 1957.
"His greatest value to the team was his ability to make
everybody better. He always looked for the pass. He was always
looking for the open man," remembered Ed Macauley, who played with
Phillip in the 1951 NBA All Star Game.
Phillip was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961.
Survivors include his wife Maria, son Steven and brother Robert.
His funeral will be held Saturday at Holy Family Catholic Church
in Granite City.
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ALSO SEE
Andy Phillip's career statistics
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