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Paul Birch

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PositionShooting guard
Height / weight1.85 m / 86 kg
Born4 Jan 1910 (72 years)
NationalityUnited States flagUnited States
NicknamePolly

Paul Birch was an American professional basketball player and coach who played in the National Basketball League and later coached in the Basketball Association of America and National Basketball Association.

Player Profile

Paul Vincent "Polly" Birch was born on January 10, 1910, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, and passed away on June 5, 1982, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He stood 185 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 86 kg. He played guard throughout his career.

High School and College Career

Birch attended Homestead High School in Homestead, Pennsylvania. He then played college basketball at Duquesne University from 1932 to 1935.

Professional Career

Birch began his professional playing career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1938-1939, earning All-NBL First Team honors. He later played for the Fort Wayne Pistons from 1941 to 1945, winning two NBL championships in 1944 and 1945.

He finished his playing career with the Youngstown Bears and Youngstown Cubs before transitioning to coaching.

As a coach, he led the Pittsburgh Ironmen in the BAA during the 1946-1947 season and later coached the Fort Wayne Pistons in the NBA from 1951 to 1954.

Career Highlights:

  • 1944, 1945 - NBL Champion (Fort Wayne Pistons)
  • 1939 - All-NBL First Team

Paul Birch FAQ

What teams did Paul Birch coach?

Paul Birch coached the Youngstown Bears (1945-1946), Pittsburgh Ironmen (1946-1947), and Fort Wayne Pistons (1951-1954).

How many championships did Paul Birch win as a player?

He won two NBL championships with the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1944 and 1945.

When and where was Paul Birch born?

He was born on January 10, 1910, in Homestead, Pennsylvania.