Robert Cumings
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Sport:
Basketball |
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Year
Graduated: 1959 |
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Year
Inducted: 1982 |
Bob Cumings was a co-captain on Boston University's 1959
NCAA basketball team. Cumings, along with Hall of Fame member
Jack Leaman, led the Terriers to its best basketball season
ever. Finishing the regular season with an 18-6 record, the
Terriers gained a berth in the 1959 NCAA Tournament. Behind
the 15 points by co-captains Cumings and Leaman, the Terriers
defeated Connecticut, 60-58, to advance to the East semifinals.
Against Navy, Cumings scored 15 points, along with center
Ed Washington, leading Boston University to a 62-55 overtime
victory and a berth in the East finals, one win away from
the Final Four.
A West Virginia squad led by Jerry West defeated the "Back
Bay Kids," 86-82, despite a 22-point effort by Cumings.
Cumings and Leaman were named to the All-Tournament team.
A three-year starter and a sixth round draft choice by the
Boston Celtics, Cumings finished second on the team in scoring
(13.2) to Leaman and second to Washington in rebounding (8.3)
his senior year. His junior year, he led the Terriers in both
categories averaging 15.1 points and 7.2 rebounds. The 6-6
forward averaged 9.0 points and 5.9 rebounds his sophomore
year.
A Marine Corps veteran, Cumings' achievements were heightened
by the fact he was married and father of two.
"Bob Cumings was a leader of the 1959 team, not only
by word, but also by deed," said his head coach Matt
Zunic. "Being a married man with children, Bob had to
make great sacrifices both on and off the court. To his credit,
he overcame many hardships to attain great success, not only
personal but also for his team."
A native of Wellesley, MA, Cumings turned down an offer from
Red Auerbach and the Celtics. He was president of Greater
Boston Convention and Tourist Bureau. Prior to that appointment,
Cumings worked at his alma mater as Director of Alumni Affairs.
Cumings graduated from Noble and Greenough School and holds
a bachelor's degree from the School of Management. He also
is the former president of Fast Break Club, the booster club
of the Boston University basketball program.
