Donald Bielke
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| Position | Center |
| Height / weight | 2.01 m / 109 kg |
| Born | 10 May 1932 (90 years) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Nickname | Don |
Donald Bielke was an American former professional basketball player who played briefly in the National Basketball Association for the Fort Wayne Pistons before becoming a successful college basketball coach.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Donald Paul Bielke was born on May 10, 1932, in Minnesota, the United States of America. He passed away at age 90 on February 2, 2023.He stood 201 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 109 kg. He shot right and played center throughout his career.
High School and College Career
Bielke attended Wilson High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He then played college basketball at Valparaiso University from 1951 to 1953.During his collegiate career, he was named the 1952-1953 Indiana Collegiate Conference Most Valuable Player and became one of the top rebounders in school history.
He was also a standout track and field athlete, earning Little All-American honors in his sophomore and junior seasons, setting a school record in the shot put and tying the existing record in the 120-yard high hurdles.
Professional Career
Selected 67th overall by the Fort Wayne Pistons in the 1954 NBA Draft, Bielke made his NBA debut on November 5, 1955.His professional career was brief, consisting of just 7 games with the Pistons during the 1955-56 season.
Coaching and Post-Playing Career
After his playing career, Bielke became a basketball coach at California Concordia College in Oakland, California, where he coached for 16 years.He then became the head basketball coach at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California, where he coached for 10 more seasons from 1973 to 19826.
Over his coaching career, he accumulated over 550 wins and was named Coach of the Year several times.
Bielke spent over 27 years in California Lutheran University's Athletic Department, serving as an adjunct professor and acting department chair of kinesiology.
Outside of his university duties, he served as a board member with the YMCA, on the advisory board of the Boy Scouts, as president of the Kiwanis Club, as Grand Marshall of the Conejo Valley Days, and as a Special Olympics coordinator.
Career Highlights:
- 1952-1953 - Indiana Collegiate Conference MVP
- 1990 - NAIA District III Leadership Award
Donald P Bielke FAQ
When Was Donald Paul Bielke Drafted into the NBA?
Donald Paul Bielke was drafted in 1954, 8th round, 67th overall pick by the Fort Wayne Pistons.
How many NBA Teams did Donald Paul Bielke Play in the NBA?
He played for one NBA team: the Fort Wayne Pistons (1955-1956).
When and where was Donald Paul Bielke born?
He was born on May 10, 1932, in Minnesota.