HAVLICEK, JOHN

born April 8, 1940, Martins Ferry, Ohio, U.S. byname Hondo American collegiate and professional basketball player who led the National Basketball Association (NBA) Boston Celtics' fast break offense and set a league record for the most 1,000-point seasons (16, 196378). In 1980 he was named to the NBA all-time team. At Ohio State University (Columbus) Havlicek led his team to the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship in 1960, making nearly 60 percent of his shots. After graduation he signed with the professional National Football League Cleveland Browns but joined the Celtics in 1962. At 6 feet 5 inches, he played both forward and guard on the Celtics team that won eight NBA championships (196366, 196869, 1974, 1976). He was noted for his endurance and for steals and scoring in crucial games. When he retired in 1978 he held the NBA record for most games played (1,270).