This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/9/2007.
The 1956 NCAA tournament was the first in which the four regionals were given distinct names, although the concept of four regional winners advancing to a single site for the "Final Four" had been introduced in 1952. The San Francisco Dons, led by future HOFer Bill Russell, defeated the Iowa's "Fabulous Five" to capture the title. By defeating Iowa, 83-71, San Francisco became the first tournament champion to make it through the entire regular season and tournament without a loss. Phil Woolpert's Dons finished 29-0 to complete a record 55-game winning streak over two seasons. Former opponents Bill Russell and Iowa's Bill Logan have finally teamed up on this spectacular basketball which was game-used in that long ago game. This incredible piece of history is a Wilson Official NBA (Kennedy) HZ basketball is painted in black and yellow "NCAA Championship Game 1956, San Francisco 83, Iowa 71." The ball has been signed and inscribed on the score panel in black ink "To Jim, Bill Logan" and in gold ink "Bill Russell." Ball shows great use with several abrasions, signatures grade an overall 8. Also included is an EXMT November 2002 issue of Iowa Banking Magazine with Russell and Logan on the cover and story inside. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication.