Early 1950s Ron Bontemps Peoria Caterpillars Game-Used Road Uniform with Program

The Legacy of the N.I.B.L. and the Peoria Cats

A Flourishing Era in Basketball History

The National Industrial Basketball League (N.I.B.L.) holds a significant place in the annals of basketball history. In 1952, while the NBA was contracting, the N.I.B.L. was thriving, expanding to eleven teams. This league offered players guaranteed year-round employment with reputable companies such as Goodyear, Caterpillar, and Phillips Petroleum. Unlike their NBA counterparts, who had to find off-season jobs, N.I.B.L. players enjoyed stability and a competitive environment that was nearly on par with professional standards.

Hall of Fame coach Alex Hannum, who coached both in the industrial league and the NBA, famously remarked, “if you took a scale of ten as the caliber of the NBA you’d put college ball at about a five and the NIBL at an eight or nine.” This statement underscores the high level of play and talent present in the N.I.B.L.

The Peoria Cats: A Dominant Force

The Peoria Cats, an industrial league team sponsored by Caterpillar, Inc., were a powerhouse in the 1950s. They clinched five AAU national tournament championships between 1952 and 1960. The Cats were instrumental in sending numerous players to the U.S. Olympic teams during that era. Notably, they represented the United States in the second FIBA World Championship in 1954 and emerged victorious.

• Championship Titles: Five AAU national tournament championships from 1952-1960.
• Olympic Contributions: Numerous players contributed to U.S. Olympic teams.
• World Champions: Victorious in the 1954 FIBA World Championship.

Ron Bontemps: A Basketball Legend

Among the illustrious players of the Peoria Cats, Ron Bontemps stands out as a true legend. He was pivotal in leading the team to national titles in 1952, 1953, and 1954. Bontemps was named AAU All-American in 1953 and 1954 and served as a key member and captain of the 1952 Olympic basketball team, which secured a Gold Medal with a remarkable victory over Russia.

The uniform attributed to Ron Bontemps is a testament to his legacy. The jersey, featuring “CATERILLAR” across the front and the number “15” on both the front and back, is crafted in yellow tackle twill. It includes a crotch piece with buttons and is accompanied by a pair of satin shorts. This uniform shows tremendous game-use and remains unaltered, accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Ron Bontemps himself.

A Unique Opportunity for Collectors

This remarkable piece of basketball memorabilia is not just a uniform; it is a piece of history that encapsulates the spirit and achievements of the N.I.B.L. and the Peoria Cats. The inclusion of a 1956-1957 Peoria Cats program in near mint condition further enhances its value and appeal to collectors.

For those interested in acquiring or consigning sports memorabilia, this is an unparalleled opportunity to own a fragment of basketball history. Explore more about our sports memorabilia auctions and discover the stories behind each artifact. Whether you are looking to sell game-worn items or expand your collection, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a gateway to the world of legendary sports artifacts.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.