Leon Blevins

Leon Blevins was an American basketball player and coach whose career spanned collegiate and professional basketball, followed by decades as a high school and college coach. He was drafted into the National Basketball Association by the Indianapolis Olympians.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Leon Gravette Blevins was born on June 25, 1926, in Black Oak, Arkansas, the United States.

He stood 188 cm tall and weighed 73 kg during his playing career. Blevins played as a guard and was known for his shooting ability and leadership on the court.

After retiring from coaching in 1979, Leon Blevins continued to live in Phoenix until his passing in September 1987.

Blevins passed away on September 2, 1987, at the age of 61 after a long illness.

High School and College Career

After graduating from Phoenix Union High School in Phoenix, Arizona, Blevins served in the United States Navy during World War II.

Following his military service, he attended Phoenix College before transferring to the University of Arizona.

In his senior year, he was named team MVP and included on the NCAA All-District VI team as well as Collier's Magazine's All-Star team.

Professional Career

Blevins was selected by the Indianapolis Olympians in the seventh round of the 1950 NBA Draft.

He played two games for the Olympians during the 1950-51 season before being waived in November. Shortly after, he joined the Grand Rapids Hornets of the National Professional Basketball League (NPBL), where he played until the team folded later that year.

Following his brief professional career, Blevins returned to Arizona to play for Funk Jewelers in the Phoenix Metropolitan Division.

Blevins transitioned into coaching in 1951 when he became head coach at Yuma High School in Arizona.

He later coached at South Mountain High School in Phoenix from 1953 to 1963 before taking over as head coach at Phoenix College in 1964.

Over his 15-year tenure at Phoenix College, Blevins developed numerous players and contributed significantly to basketball development in Arizona.

Career Highlights:

• 1949, 1950 - All-Border Conference Team
• 1949, 1950 - NCAA All-District VI Team
• 1949, 1950 - Collier's Magazine All-Star Team

• Phoenix College Scoring Record Holder