SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Fall Premier Auction 2019

Wed, Nov 27, 2019 09:00PM EST - Sun, Dec 15, 2019 08:34AM EST
Lot 275

RED HOLZMAN'S 1963-67 PONCE LEONES (BSN) COLLECTION OF PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES, 1964 TEAM SIGNED GAME BALL & OTHER ITEMS FROM HIS CO

Sold for
$145.20
Sold Price includes BP

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
Like baseball, the island of Puerto Rico enjoys a long history of hosting a professional off-season basketball league known to locals as Baloncesto Superior Nacional, or simply the BSN. Young American players honing their skills played alongside native-born players, coached by some of the best talent the NBA had to offer. One of those coaches who made the journey south year after year was Hall of Fame coach Red Holzman. During the 1960s Holzman coached the BSNs most dominant team, Leones de Ponce (Ponce Lions), sharpening the leadership skills he would unleash when he guided the New York Knicks to two World Championships in the 1970s. Holzman later told a young Phil Jackson that one of the best places to coach is Puerto Rico. Its a game and a place where the energy is so intense, the language skills are different. Its just basketball in its rawest form, and you learn to coach off the seat of your pants. This collection of Puerto Rican objects was saved by Holzman in memory of his years spent coaching on the island.The first item is a game ball signed by the 1964 BSN champion Leones team. Over 14 members have signed the ball in strong black marker, including legendary point guard Juan Pachin Vicens who starred at Kansas State before leading his club and country to much great success. There are three trophies that were presented to Holzman as coach of the champion Leones in 1964 and 1965 (they would three-peat in 66). A typewritten note to Holzman from one of his championship teams has been signed by 17 members, Vicens included, thanking him for leading them to victory. This touching piece has been framed for display. The final pieces in this lot are a trio of Spanish-language Puerto Rican basketball programs dating to 1962, 1964 and 1965. A very unique lot that highlights a little-known part of early basketballs Puerto Rican connection. Includes LOA from the Holzman family.

Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.