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Photo of Frank Keaney

Frank W. Keaney

Known as the architect of modern run-and-shoot basketball, Frank Keaney’s uptempo style made use of a fast-breaking offense and a full-court defense. Keaney’s innovative tactics enabled his 1939 Rhode Island club to become the first college team to score better than 50 points per game. In 1943, Rhode Island averaged over two points a minute (80.7 points per game), earning them the nickname, “The Firehouse Gang.” In 27 seasons at the University of Rhode Island, Keaney had only one losing record, led the Rams to four NIT appearances, and finished with a career record of 401-124.Namesake for the University of Rhode Island Frank W. Keaney Gymnasium-Armory. Opposing coaches hated the fast-breaking style of Keaney-led teams but the results showed the future of basketball. Keaney preached speed at all times, urging his boys on to higher and higher scores from the sidelines. When Keaney decided to enter the professional leagues, he became the first coach ever to be signed by the Boston Celtics.

Enshrined

1960

Born

June 05, 1886 Boston, MA

Died

October 10, 1967

College

Rhode Island

Career Stats

4 NIT TOURNAMENT
APPEARANCES
1953 URI GYMNASIUM
DEDICATED IN HIS HONOR
1st COACH SIGNED BY
BOSTON CELTICS
KNOWN AS THE ARCHITECT
OF MODERN RUN-AND-SHOOT
BASKETBALL
80.7 PPG FOR URI
IN 1943
27 SEASONS COACHED AT
RHODE ISLAND WITH ONLY
1 LOSING SEASON