On this day: Connie Simmons, Brady Walker, John Janisch, Jabari Parker born; Coty Clarke debut
On this day in Boston Celtics history, former Celtics center Cornelius "Connie" Leo Simmons was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1925. Simmons did not play college ball, instead making the leap directly from New York City's Flushing High School to the Celtics in Boston's inaugural season of 1946-47. It would also be the very first season of the Basketball Association of America (BAA -- a precursor league of the NBA), of which Boston was a founding member. Simmons would play parts of two seasons for the Celtics, having been traded midway through the 1947-48 season to the (now defunct) Baltimore Bullets. The Newark native would average 9.4 points per game with Boston.
It is also the birthday of former Boston big man Brady Walker, born this day in Provo, Utah in 1921. Walker would play collegiately at Brigham Young University before being drafted by the (now defunct) Providence Steamrollers in the 1948 BAA draft.
He would in turn be taken from the Providence Steam Rollers in the dispersal draft following the shuttering of that franchise in 1949. Walker would play parts of two seasons with the Celtics between that year and 1950 when he would be dealt with Kenny Sailors to the (defunct) Bullets for Dick Mehen.
It is also the birthday of Boston forward Jabari Parker, born today in 1995 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of former NBAer Sonny Parker. The younger Parker played at Duke at the NCAA level before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. Parker played for that organization, the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings before joining the Celtics after being waived by the Kings in 2021. He'd play in 22 games over 2 seasons with Boston, averaging 5.3 and 2.9 rebounds over that span.
These three share their birthday with forward John Janisch, who came into this world in 1920 in Indiana (the city of his birth is unclear). A product of Valparaiso, Janisch joined the (now defunct) Detroit Falcons in the BAA's premier season and was drafted by Boston in the dispersal draft in 1947. He'd play just three games for the Celtics, averaging just a point per game over that stretch.
Finally, today is also the anniversary of forward Coty Clarke's debut with the team in 2016. It came in a 103-98 road loss to the Indiana Pacers and saw the Arkansas alum put up 3 points and a rebound in just over 3 minutes of playing time for a solid if unremarkable first game in the NBA.
Listen to the "Celtics Lab" podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Celtics Connie Simmons, Walker, Janisch, Parker born
-
'It Was A Bit Stressful': Former Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten Reacts To Boston Trade, Taking On Former Team In Bruins Debut
Minten made his Providence debut against the Marlies on Wednesday night in Toronto.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Scotland's Clarke 75% sure he will leave after 2026 World Cup
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says there is a 75% chance he will not renew his contract after the 2026 World Cup.BBC News - 3d -
Noel Clarke aims to create ‘moral equivalence’ between himself and accusers, court hears
On third day of cross-examination, the actor claimed accusers voluntarily engaged in sexual conversation. Noel Clarke is trying to create “moral equivalence” between his alleged sexual misconduct ...The Guardian - 2d -
Wyndham Clark is the fourth player to withdraw from 2025 Players Championship
Clark made the decision after nine holes Friday.Yahoo Sports - 19h -
Josiah Allick makes professional debut in New Zealand
A former Nebraska basketball standout made his professional debut last week. Josiah Allick helped the Southland Sharks to victory.Yahoo Sports - 7h -
On this day: Boston first team to 61 wins; Scott dealt for Silas
On this day, the Celtics became the first team to a 61-win season, and Boston traded Charlie Scott to the Suns for Paul Silas.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Brooklyn Nets jersey history No. 10 - Ben Simmons (2022-25)
During his time suiting up for the Nets, Simmons wore only jersey No. 10 and put up 6.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.Yahoo Sports - 14h -
Justin Simmons landing spots: Safety says Eagles, Commanders 'high on the list' in 2025 NFL free agency
Simmons spent 2024 with the FalconsCBS Sports - 3d -
Ukraine agrees to U.S. proposal for 30-day ceasefire with Russia
NBC News Chief International Correspondent Keir Simmons reports from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as U.S. and Ukrainian officials reach an agreement on a 30-day ceasefire.NBC News - 3d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Villanova fires coach Kyle Neptune after 3 years and no NCAA Tournament appearances, AP source says
Villanova fired Kyle Neptune after a three-year run where he succeeded Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright and failed to ever make the NCAA Tournament, a person familiar with the decision told The ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Villanova fires coach Kyle Neptune after 3 years and no NCAA Tournament appearances, AP source says
Villanova fired Kyle Neptune after a three-year run where he succeeded Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright and failed to ever make the NCAA Tournament, a person familiar with the decision told The ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Watch Jamal Murray sink dagger into Lakers; Nuggets hold on for win at home
No LeBron or Luka for Los Angeles, but Austin Reaves had 37 and the Lakers were feisty.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Watch Jamal Murray sink dagger into Lakers; Nuggets hold on for win at home
No LeBron or Luka for Los Angeles, but Austin Reaves had 37 and the Lakers were feisty.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Italy v Ireland LIVE: Score and updates from Six Nations as visitors snatch lead
A win is a must for the visitors after their grand slam hopes were ended by FranceYahoo Sports - 22m
More in Sports
-
Team-by-team preview: Can Orlando repeat as champions?
With the National Women's Soccer League returning to action this weekend, we take a look at where the 14 clubs stands and how close each is to winning the NWSL championship.ESPN - 12m -
One down, three to go: Chelsea on course for quadruple after League Cup win
Chelsea's bid to win four trophies was kickstarted with a 2-1 win over Man City in the League Cup final.ESPN - 14m -
One down, three to go: Chelsea on course for quadruple after League Cup win
Chelsea's bid to win four trophies was kickstarted with a 2-1 win over Man City in the League Cup final.ESPN - 14m -
Villanova fires coach Kyle Neptune after 3 years and no NCAA Tournament appearances, AP source says
Villanova fired Kyle Neptune after a three-year run where he succeeded Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright and failed to ever make the NCAA Tournament, a person familiar with the decision told The ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Villanova fires coach Kyle Neptune after 3 years and no NCAA Tournament appearances, AP source says
Villanova fired Kyle Neptune after a three-year run where he succeeded Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright and failed to ever make the NCAA Tournament, a person familiar with the decision told The ...Yahoo Sports - 17m