1955 Steve Balchios San Francisco Dons NCAA Championship Award Plaque

The 1955 NCAA Championship Plaque: A Testament to Basketball Glory

An Unforgettable Season for the San Francisco Dons

The 1954-55 San Francisco Dons basketball team etched their name in history with an extraordinary season, culminating in their first NCAA Championship victory. Under the leadership of future Hall of Famers Bill Russell and K.C. Jones, the Dons entered the 1955 NCAA Tournament as the top-ranked team, boasting an impressive 28-1 regular season record. Their journey through the tournament was marked by dominant performances, including a thrilling one-point victory over the Oregon State Beavers in the Elite Eight.

Triumphant Path to the Championship

In the Final Four, the Dons faced the Colorado Buffaloes, whom they dispatched with ease, setting the stage for a showdown against the defending champions, the La Salle Explorers. In the championship game, Russell and Jones delivered a masterclass in basketball, combining for 47 points and leading the Dons to a resounding 14-point victory. This triumph marked the beginning of back-to-back titles for the University of San Francisco, solidifying their legacy in college basketball.

A Unique Piece of Basketball Memorabilia

This exquisite wooden award plaque, measuring 9” x 13” and weighing 3 lbs, was presented to Steve Balchios following the Dons’ historic victory in the 17th Annual NCAA Basketball Championship. The plaque is adorned with a brass basketball player and the words “NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP” in relief. Below, a brass plaque reads “17TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT ‘55 – FIRST PLACE,” accompanied by the casted image of the official NCAA seal. This remarkable piece is in NRMT condition and comes with a Letter of Authenticity from Steve Balchios.

• Historical Significance: Commemorates the University of San Francisco’s first NCAA Championship win.
• Iconic Players: Celebrates the contributions of basketball legends Bill Russell and K.C. Jones.
• Exquisite Craftsmanship: Features detailed brass elements and the official NCAA seal.
• Provenance: Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Steve Balchios.

Explore More Basketball Memorabilia

For enthusiasts and collectors, this plaque represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. Discover more basketball memorabilia and explore our extensive collection of sports memorabilia at Grey Flannel Auctions. Whether you’re looking to consign sports memorabilia or appraise your collection, our experts are here to assist you.

Embrace the legacy of the 1955 San Francisco Dons and celebrate their remarkable achievements with this exceptional award plaque. A true testament to the spirit of competition and excellence in college basketball.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.