Nat Hickey
Providence Steamrollers Player-Coach | Oldest Player in NBA History | BAA Coach
Nat Hickey was born on January 30, 1902, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He spent many years in professional basketball as a player and coach before joining the Providence Steamrollers of the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
Hickey became head coach of the Steamrollers during the 1947-1948 season. He coached 29 games and finished with a 4-25 record.
While coaching Providence, Hickey activated himself as a player for 2 games. At 45 years and 363 days old, he became the oldest player to appear in a BAA/NBA game, a record that still stands.
Coach Hickey passed away on September 16, 1979, at the age of 77.
- Overall Coaching Record: 4-25
Coaching Career
Nat Hickey took over the Providence Steamrollers after Albert Soar went 2-17 to start the 1947-1948 season.
Hickey went 4-25 over the final 29 games. Providence finished with a 6-42 record, placed fourth in the Eastern Division, and missed the playoffs.
During the season, Hickey activated himself as a player. He appeared in games on January 27 and January 28, 1948, becoming the oldest player in BAA/NBA history at 45 years and 363 days old.
The Providence coaching job became Hickey’s only head coaching position in the BAA or NBA.
Notable Players Coached
- Ernie Calverley
- 1947 All-BAA Second Team
- 1947 BAA Assists Leader