| Ray Kuka | |
| Height Ft: | 6 |
| Height In: | 3 |
| Weight Lb: | 200 |
| Birth Date: | 17 February 1922 |
| Birth Place: | Havre, Montana |
| Death Place: | Havre, Montana |
| Nationality: | American |
| High School: | Havre (Havre, Montana) |
| College: |
|
| Draft League: | BAA |
| Draft Year: | 1947 |
| Career Number: | 12 |
| Career Position: | Forward |
| Years1: | 1947–1949 |
| Team1: | New York Knicks |
| Cyears1: | 1949 |
| Cteam1: | New York Knicks (interim HC) |
| Bbr: | kukara01 |
Raphael Eugene "Ray" Kuka (February 17, 1922 – March 27, 1990) was an American professional basketball player.[1] He played in the Basketball Association of America for the New York Knicks during the 1947–48 season and part of the 1948–49 season.[1] Kuka also served briefly as the Knicks' interim head coach for a few games in February 1949.[2] Joe Lapchick, the regular head coach, was hospitalized to treat a stomach disorder.[2] Kuka had also previously served as a team scout.[2]
Kuka played in college for Notre Dame before being drafted into the United States Air Force for World War II.[3] After World War II he returned home and played for Montana State, where he earned all-conference honors.[3]
Following his playing career, Kuka returned to hos hometown of Havre, Montana, where he was a successful high school coach and teacher.[4]
| Legend | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Games played | FG% | Field-goal percentage | ||
| FT% | Free-throw percentage | APG | Assists per game | ||
| PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high | ||
| Year | Team | GP | FG% | FT% | APG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947–48 | New York | 44 | .326 | .595 | .6 | 5.2 |
| 1948–49 | New York | 8 | .278 | .556 | 1.4 | 3.1 |
| Career | 52 | .320 | .591 | .7 | 4.9 | |
| Year | Team | GP | FG% | FT% | APG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | New York | 3 | .300 | 1.000 | .0 | 2.7 |
| Career | 3 | .300 | 1.000 | .0 | 2.7 | |