Murray Joseph Mendenhall Jr. (October 22, 1925 – February 7, 2014) was an American professional basketball player and coach[1] from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Murray Mendenhall Jr.
Personal information
Born(1925-10-22)October 22, 1925
Fort Wayne, Indiana
DiedFebruary 7, 2014(2014-02-07) (aged 88)
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Listed height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Career information
High schoolCentral (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
College
BAA draft1948: undrafted
Playing career1948–1949
PositionGuard
Number5
Career history
1948–1949Anderson Packers
Career highlights and awards

He graduated from Fort Wayne's Central High School in 1944 and enrolled at Rice University playing one season, where he helped the Owls win the 1945 Southwest Conference championship; after a two-year stint in the United States Navy, he enrolled at Indiana University, completing his collegiate eligibility. He was then re-united with his father Murray Mendenhall, playing one season with the Anderson Packers of the National Basketball League. After his playing career ended, he went on to coach at five different high schools and served as athletic director at Indiana Tech. In 1996, Mendenhall Jr was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Personal life

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He was the son of Murray Mendenhall, a well-known coach in Indiana. Murray Mendenhall Sr was the first coach of the Fort Wayne Pistons which lasted from 1949 to 1951, and he was also inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Mendenhall Jr died at the age of 88 in February 2014. He was survived by his wife, Miriam, of 63 years and their three children.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Murray Mendenhall Jr - Basketball Hall of Fame". Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  2. ^ "Central hoops legend, 88, dies Mendenhall Jr. led Tigers to state title in 1943". Journal Gazette. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
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