Blaine Denning Explained

Blaine Denning
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lb:175
Birth Date:19 September 1930
Birth Place:Fulton, Kentucky, U.S.
Death Place:Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
High School:Northern (Detroit, Michigan)
College:
Draft Year:1952
Draft Round:4
Draft Team:Baltimore Bullets
Career Position:Point guard
Years1:1952
Team1:Harlem Globetrotters
Years2:1952–1953
Team2:Elmira Colonels
Team3:Baltimore Bullets
Highlights:
  • No. 14 retired by Lawrence Tech
Stats League:NBA
Stat1label:Points
Stat1value:5 (5.0 ppg)
Stat2label:Rebounds
Stat2value:4 (4.0 rpg)

Blaine Denning Sr. (born Blaine Mitchell Jr.;[1] September 19, 1930January 25, 2016[2]) was an American professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Lawrence Technological University and was inducted into their athletic hall of fame. He played professionally for the Harlem Globetrotters, Elmira Colonels of the American Basketball League, and Baltimore Bullets of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

High school career

Denning attended Northern High School in Detroit, Michigan,[3] where he was an All-State second team player in 1948.[4]

College career

Denning played college basketball for the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils[5] from 1949 to 1952. He was the team's leading scorer during the 1950–51 season. Denning had his best season in 1951–52 as a senior, when he scored 589 points in 28 games, averaging 21 points per game. He helped lead the Blue Devils to the semifinals of the 1952 NAIA tournament. He was inducted into the Lawrence Tech Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011, and his number 14 was retired by the team.[6] [7]

Professional career

In April 1952, Denning played for the Harlem Globetrotters.[8] Later in the same month, he was selected in the 1952 NBA draft by the Baltimore Bullets.[9] [10] He was unable to showcase his skills beyond a few exhibition games.[11] Although he was waived by the Bullets two days before the opening of their 1952–53 season,[12] Denning was reinstated to their negotiation list after going unclaimed.[13] He played for the Elmira Colonels of the American Basketball League until he was recalled by the Bullets.[14] He played just one game for the Bullets in December 1952; he scored five points and grabbed four rebounds.[9] [15]

In September 1953, Denning was invited to tryout for the Bullets,[16] but in beginning of October, he was released along with nine other players.[17]

Career statistics

NBA

Source[9]

Regular season

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Tom. Markowski. Former Globetrotter, Detroit prep and Lawrence Tech star dies. January 27, 2016. State Champs! Sports Network. March 27, 2022.
  2. Web site: Blaine Denning, Sr. . Swanson Funeral Homes . September 17, 2021.
  3. News: . Dennig's shooting defies defiance . 16 March 2022 . . 12 February 1952 . 18. Newspapers.com.
  4. News: Hal Schram . Jackson, Saginaw stars top selections for '48 All-State squad . 16 March 2022 . . 14 March 1948 . C3. Newspapers.com.
  5. News: . Even Denning, maybe best in U.S. - Blue Devil Cagers unbeaten --- and unsung . 15 March 2022 . . 18 December 1951 . 22. Newspapers.com.
  6. Web site: Blaine Denning Hall of Fame . Lawrence Technological University . September 17, 2021.
  7. Web site: LTU REVIVES BASKETBALL TRADITION. November 1, 2012. Southfield City Centre. April 8, 2022.
  8. News: Denning to play with pro Trotters . 15 March 2022 . . 10 April 1952 . 25. Newspapers.com.
  9. Web site: Blaine Denning NBA stats. Basketball Reference. Sports Reference, LLC. 22 August 2023.
  10. News: Bullets sign Detroit cager . March 27, 2022 . . July 18, 1952 . 14. Newspapers.com.
  11. News: Bullets Recall Denning. December 5, 1952. The Evening Sun. 44. March 27, 2022. Newspapers.com.
  12. News: Bullets Cut Dunning. October 30, 1952. The Evening Sun. 44. March 27, 2022. Newspapers.com.
  13. News: Decision Due On Lumpp. December 2, 1952. The Evening Sun. 36. Newspapers.com. March 27, 2022.
  14. News: Scranton Bows To Manchester. December 6, 1952. Wilkes-Barre Record. 17. March 26, 2022. Newspapers.com.
  15. Book: Hudson, David L.. Basketball's Most Wanted™ II: The Top 10 Book of More Hotshot Hoopsters, Double Dribbles, and Roundball Oddities. They Played in One Pro Game. https://books.google.com/books?id=PgOQ24qegdQC&dq=%22Blaine%20Denning%22%20bullets&pg=PT268. Potomac Book. 2005. 9781612340401. March 27, 2022. Google Books.
  16. News: Coach greets Bullets here . 15 March 2022 . . 20 September 1953 . 46. Newspapers.com.
  17. News: Bullets drop 10 basketers . . 5 October 1953 . 17. Newspapers.com.