Tony Lavelli was one of college basketball’s early stars, a silky forward who suited up for Yale from 1945 to 1949. Lavelli’s go-to move was a languid one-handed hook shot that he parlayed into 1,964 points in New Haven, making him college basketball’s fourth highest scorer at the time of his graduation. Lavelli, a first-team All-American in 1949, was drafted fourth overall in the 1949 BAA Draft by the Boston Celtics, with a provision in his contract granting him an extra $125 per game to play his accordion at halftime for the fans. Lavelli, whose cousin Dante is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, played four seasons in the NBA with the Celtics and New York Knicks before retiring after the 1951 season. Later on in the 1950’s, Lavelli suited up for the College All-Stars, the frequent foil for the Harlem Globetrotters. It was with the College All-Stars that Lavelli likely wore this uniform.

The jersey is blue, with “ALL-AMERICAN 46-49” sewn on the chest in red tackle twill. Seven white tackle twill stars are sewn on the chest of the jersey. The back of the jersey has Lavelli’s number “8” sewn on in red tackle twill with six white tackle twill stars. An Athletic Supply size “42” tag is sewn on the back inside collar of the jersey. The shorts, made of red and white striped satin, are also made by Athletic Supply. The size “36” shorts have an attached belt. This uniform is an incredible artifact from the post-war era of basketball!

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