1961

Rookie Oscar Robertson becomes the youngest All-Star MVP in NBA history (at 22 years and 54 days), when he finishes with 23 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds as the Eastern Conference defeats the West 153-131. In addition to Robertson, fellow rookie Jerry West also made his All-Star debut. The game is also notable as the only NBA All-Star Game to take place in Syracuse, New York, as the host Nationals re-located to Philadelphia two years later.

1949

The Associated Press (AP) releases its first ever college basketball poll, ranking the nation’s top 20 teams. Saint Louis is ranked #1 while the season’s eventual national champion, Kentucky, is ranked #2.

1955

Steve Javie is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While attending La Salle College High School, he was named All-League in basketball and baseball and opted to initially pursue a pro career in the latter, spending one season in the Orioles’ minor league system before retiring due to an injury.

1962

Jerry West becomes just the fifth player in NBA history to score 60 or more points in a game (following Joe Fulks, George Mikan, Elgin Baylor, and Wilt Chamberlain), finishing with 63 in a 129-121 Lakers win over the Knicks.

1982

Dwyane Wade is born in Chicago, Illinois.

1988

Junior Bridgeman has his jersey #41 retired by the Bucks. He spent 10 seasons with the team and retired as their all-time leader in games played.

1989

Just minutes before tip-off of a scheduled Heat home game against the Suns, the Miami Police Department intervenes and force a postponement, due to nearby civil unrest in response to the police murder of Clement Lloyd. The game is eventually re-scheduled for April 19.