Statements from La Salle University administrators
Brother Michael J. McGinniss, F.S.C., President, La Salle University
"It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing on Sunday of Tom Gola.
Tom was a Philadelphia icon whose name is synonymous with basketball. The National Basketball Hall of Famer earned his place in basketball history as a great player and coach. His legacy will live on at La Salle forever and in the University's Tom Gola Arena.
A four-time college All-American and former National Player of the Year, Tom went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA. Following his college and NBA careers, Tom was head coach of the La Salle Explorers and coached what is considered by some to be the best team in Philadelphia Big 5 history.
He went on to a successful career of public service in the Pennsylvania State House representing Northeast Philadelphia and then became Philadelphia City Controller. In addition, he also served on many city and government committees.
Most importantly, Tom was a great man who, in true Lasallian spirit, did great things for the University and for others. La Salle University was very lucky to have him as part of our family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Caroline and his family. We wish him eternal peace".
Dr. Tom Brennan, Director of Athletics
"Tom Gola was a Philadelphia icon and a treasure for La Salle. His contributions as a player and coach provided La Salle with a true national profile. Tom's athletic accomplishments and athletic career were second to none. Tom also went on to a long career serving others following his athletic career which was a testament to his Lasallian roots. Tom touched the lives of so many and will be remembered with great fondness. Tom and also his wife, Caroline, have meant so much to the La Salle community. Tom will be sorely missed by all those who love La Salle. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife Caroline."
Dr. John Giannini, Head Men's Basketball Coach
"Tom Gola is known by all as a truly great player and coach but it was the man that was most cherished at La Salle. Every person connected with La Salle basketball for over a 60 year span has held his friendship and leadership as a blessing they could always count on. Our deepest sympathies go to Caroline. Our community will forever hold the Gola name as synonymous with greatness."
PHILADELPHIA - La Salle University legend Tom Gola '55, a four-time All-American, 1955 National Player of the Year and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2014. He was 81.
He is the NCAA's all-time leading rebounder, pulling down 2,201 in his four-year career and led the Explorers to the 1952 NIT Championship and 1954 NCAA Championship, earning the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player award in both years. The team also was the 1955 NCAA runner-up.
Gola was the first player in NCAA history to score 2,000 points and grab 2,000 rebounds and is one of only two players to ever achieve the feat. The 6-6 forward is the third all-time scorer at La Salle, pouring in 2,461 points in his career. La Salle compiled a 102-19 record during Gola's playing career.
La Salle University's on-campus basketball facility was named Tom Gola Arena on November 21, 1998.
He played 11 seasons in the NBA with Philadelphia Warriors, San Francisco Warriors and New York Knicks, winning the 1956 NBA Championship as a rookie with the Warriors. Gola was a five-time NBA all-star and is one of two players to win a NIT, NCAA and NBA title.
He compiled a 37-13 record as head coach at La Salle from 1968–70, including a 23-1 mark during the 1968-69 season, considered by some to be the best team in Philadelphia Big 5 history.
A member of the inaugural class of the La Salle Hall of Athletes, his #15 jersey is retired and hangs from the rafters.
Gola was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., in 1975 and is also a member of the Big 5 Basketball Hall of Fame, the Helms College Basketball Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Madison Square Garden Hall of Fame.
A Philadelphia native, Gola led La Salle High School to a Philadelphia Catholic League Championship during his prep career.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline, a son, Thomas Christopher; four sisters, Wanda Lucas, Joan Wozniak, Catherine Eile and Claire Kerrigan; two brothers, John and Paul, and two grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass Thursday 11 A.M. in St. Albert the Great Church, 212 Welsh Rd., Huntingdon Valley, Pa. 19006. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory to St. Joseph's Manor, 1616 Huntingdon Pike, Meadowbrook, Pa. 19046.
