A Look at La Salle Alumni Drafted by the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have developed their roster through various strategies, with the NBA draft standing out as a particularly effective method. Over the years, many of the franchise's most skilled players have been acquired either through direct selections in the draft or by trades made on draft night. While numerous prominent athletes have joined the Warriors from a wide array of colleges, today we focus specifically on those from La Salle University.

Starting with Jim Phelan, the guard was selected in the 8th round of the 1951 NBA Draft, chosen as the 78th overall pick. His time at La Salle remains undocumented, but he played one season with the Warriors. Newt Jones, another guard, was drafted in the 6th round of the 1952 NBA Draft but did not make the final roster after completing three seasons at La Salle.

Jack George, who also played the guard position, was picked in the 3rd round of the 1953 draft after spending a single season at La Salle; he went on to contribute for six seasons with the Warriors. Fred Iehle, a forward drafted in the same year, did not make the team despite three seasons at La Salle. Norm Grekin, another forward from La Salle, was selected in the 3rd round of the 1953 draft and played one season with the Warriors.

Tom Gola, a notable wing from La Salle, was the Warriors' 1st round pick (3rd overall) in the 1955 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a successful career, playing seven seasons with the team and earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. Alonzo Lewis, a guard, was selected in the 6th round of the 1957 draft but did not play for the Warriors after three seasons at La Salle.

In the 1975 NBA Draft, the Warriors chose Joe Bryant in the 1st round as the 14th overall pick, but like some of his predecessors, he also did not make an impact with the team. Kurt Kanaskie, a guard, was selected in the 8th round of the 1980 draft, yet he too was unable to secure a place on the roster after four years at La Salle. The Warriors have a long history of scouting talent from various colleges, and La Salle’s contributions reflect this trend.