January 1: Happy Birthday! Horace “Bones” McKinney

Horace (Bones) McKinney

Horace Albert “Bones” McKinney was born January 1, 1919 in North Carolina. He played basketball as a 6’6″ forward-center for North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina. He played six years in the NBA, for the Washington Capitols and the Boston Celtics.

McKinney graduated from Southeastern Seminary, was ordained as a Baptist minister, and preached for a while in Raleigh, NC.

McKinney coached the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons from 1958 to 1965. While at Wake Forest, he became known for his sideline “restlessness,” which led to his special seat-belted bench, shown in the 1964 photograph.

McKinney also coached the Carolina Cougars of the American Basketball Association from 1969 through 1971. During the 1970-71 season, McKinney provided color commentary for the television broadcast of the 1971 ABA All Star Game. He is a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library, Winston-Salem, NC.

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