Curly Armstrong
Fort Wayne Pistons Player-Coach | NBA Player & Coach | Indiana Basketball
Curly Armstrong was born on November 1, 1918, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He played college basketball at Indiana University before beginning his professional basketball career.
Armstrong played for the Fort Wayne Pistons and became the team’s player-coach during the 1948-1949 Basketball Association of America season.
Armstrong coached 54 games and finished with a 22-32 record. His time with Fort Wayne became his only BAA/NBA head coaching stint.
Coach Armstrong passed away on June 6, 1983, at the age of 64.
- Overall Coaching Record: 22-32
Coaching Career
Curly Armstrong played for the Fort Wayne Pistons when the franchise entered the Basketball Association of America for the 1948-1949 season.
The Pistons started the season under Carl Bennett, who went 0-6 before Armstrong took over as player-coach.
Armstrong went 22-32 over the final 54 games. Fort Wayne finished with a 22-38 record, placed fifth in the Western Division and missed the playoffs.
Armstrong also remained an active player during the season. The year became his only BAA/NBA head coaching season.
Notable Players Coached
- Bruce Hale
- Future BAA/NBA Head Coach
- Jack Smiley
- Future Waterloo Hawks Player-Coach