Ike Duffey
Anderson Packers Owner | NBA Head Coach | Professional Basketball Executive
Ike Duffey was born on May 31, 1906, in Lagro, Indiana. He became involved in professional basketball in Anderson, Indiana, where he helped build the organization that became the Anderson Packers.
The Packers joined the NBA for the 1949-1950 season after previously playing in the National Basketball League. During the season, Duffey briefly took over as head coach and coached 3 games, finishing with a 1-2 record.
The Anderson Packers finished the season with a 37-27 record and reached the NBA Semifinals in what became their only season in the NBA.
Coach Duffey passed away on April 4, 1967, at the age of 60.
- Overall Coaching Record: 1-2
Coaching Career
Ike Duffey entered the 1949-1950 NBA season as one of the leading figures behind the Anderson Packers organization.
The Packers started the season with Howie Schultz as head coach. After Schultz went 21-14, Duffey briefly took over the team and coached 3 games, finishing with a 1-2 record.
Doxie Moore replaced Duffey and went 15-11 to finish the regular season. Anderson ended the year with a 37-27 record and finished second in the Western Division.
The Packers defeated the Tri-Cities Blackhawks and Indianapolis Olympians in the playoffs before losing to the Minneapolis Lakers in the NBA Semifinals. The 1949-1950 season became Anderson’s only season in the NBA.
Notable Players Coached
- Frankie Brian
- 2× NBA All-Star (1951, 1952)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (1950, 1951)