Don Anielak

Don Anielak was an American professional basketball player who had a brief career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played just one game for the New York Knicks in the 1954-55 season before being waived in November 1954.

After his playing career, he became a successful high school basketball coach in Illinois and Missouri.

Player Profile

Donald Robert Anielak was born on November 1, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri. He stood 203 cm tall and played as a forward. He passed away on November 19, 1995.

High School and College Career

Anielak began his collegiate career at Moberly Area Community College, where he played for two seasons. He originally signed with Bradley but left the school before the first game of the 1951 season. He then transferred to Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), where he played from 1952 to 1954.

He was an MIAA All-Conference selection in 1953 after leading the conference in scoring with 21.9 points per game.

Career

Anielak was selected by the New York Knicks in the third round (26th overall) of the 1954 NBA Draft and signed with the team in August 1954.

His NBA career was brief, consisting of just one regular season game for the Knicks in which he scored three points and grabbed two rebounds before being waived in November 1954.

After retiring as a player, Anielak began coaching high school basketball.

He started at St. Peter's High in St. Charles, then moved to Ramsey Illinois where he achieved a strong 56-18 record over three seasons. His success continued at Williamsville, where he led teams to a 134-55 record during his nine-year tenure.

He later coached at Koshkonong High School in Missouri in 1972 before taking a position at North Boone High School in Illinois in 1974.

Career Highlights

• 1953 - NAIA Tournament Champion
• 1953 - NAIA All-Tournament Team
• 1953 - MIAA All-Conference Selection